Have you met your soulmate? This term describes two beings who are destined to be together. They harmonize perfectly, each one complementing the other to create an ideal partnership. The soulmate relationship can be romantic or platonic in nature, though it is most often associated with amorous love. Most cultures recognize the concept of a soulmate and use a variety of symbols to represent the idea. In this article, let’s that a look at 18 symbols that mean soulmate or represent a soulmate connection. We’ll learn about all the values ascribed to soulmate matches, discovering what this ideal love looks like for different people across the globe.
18 symbols that mean soulmate
1. Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a well-known Celtic soulmate symbol. It features two hands clasping a heart with a crown atop it. The heart stands for love, the two hands represent friendship, and the crown symbolizes loyalty within the union. Claddagh rings are often used as wedding or engagement rings because the myth behind them is rooted in true love.
The story begins with an Irishman named Richard Joyce, who was due to be married but was captured into slavery. He was held captive for 14 years, during which he learned the art of making jewelry. Upon his release, his captors begged him to stay. Even though they promised him vast riches, he refused. Instead, Joyce returned to his long-lost love, who had remained faithful throughout his absence. Joyce created the ring to symbolize their soulmate bond, and it has remained a popular piece of jewelry ever since.
2. Two Swans
Two swans touching their beaks together is a beautiful sight. With outstretched necks of purest white, their bowed heads unite to form a shape like a heart. This is very appropriate, considering that swans mate for life. When one swan dies, its mate may even cry and mourn. These very human characteristics make the swans’ union a perfect symbol of the soulmate love that we experience.
This idea is reflected as far back as ancient Greece when the love-goddess Aphrodite was symbolized by a swan. Her Roman counterpart Venus’ animal was also a swan, and these birds were widely regarded as marital symbols. Seeing two together was a good omen. For single people, it was a sign that they would soon meet their soulmate. For those who were already engaged, it was a sign that their upcoming union would be joyous and fruitful.
3. Shatkona
The Shatkona is a six-pointed star made of two intersecting triangles. It is a vital symbol in many cultures but is especially important in Hinduism. Hindus believe that the Shatkona is a depiction of complementary energies which come together as one. The upward-facing triangle represents Shiva, the divine masculine energy. The downward-facing triangle represents Shakti, the divine feminine.
The star as a whole is a symbol of the perfection and harmony that arises from a beneficial union of masculine and feminine energy. It is a perfect representation of the soulmate bond, encouraging balance, compromise, and open-mindedness. The Shatkona is even found in the Anahata Chakra, or Heart Chakra.
4. Lock and Key
The lock and key have been a soulmate symbol for several hundred years and remain popular today. The idea began back in the 19th century when the cast-heart lock was invented. This popular lock happened to be manufactured in the shape of a heart, the organ we most strongly associate with love. But while its design may have jump-started the lock and key’s romantic symbolism, we can’t deny a deeper metaphor.
The lock represents our guard. We are hesitant to trust anyone with our heart, so we lock it up. The key represents the act of allowing another into our heart, an invitation we give only to our soulmate. Lovers often use “lock bridges” to attach a padlock and toss the key away into the water below. This symbolizes their union’s ultimate finality. Once joined, the two hearts cannot be broken apart. To have one another “under lock and key” is an extension of this. It means that we take great care to protect one another and are fully committed and confident in the union.
5. Red String of Fate
In China and Japan, many people believe that their soulmates are predetermined by fate. Though one can have many partners, there is only one perfect soulmate. Yuè Lǎo, the god of marriage, decides which people will be soulmates. He ties them together with an invisible piece of red string, which may tangle and snarl but never break. Once they manage to find each other, the two people bound together by the red string are destined to be together.
In China, lovers tie the red thread around their ankles. In Japan, the male ties a thread around his thumb and the woman ties it around her pinky. In Korea, both tie it around the pinky. Either way, the red is symbolic of romance and love. This color infuses every traditional marriage ceremony, where décor and even food might be colored red. This bright and beautiful hue honors the concept of the red string of fate, giving thanks to the god of marriage for the union.
6. Bowen Knot
The Bowen Knot features a continuous rope laid out in a square, with small loops at each of the four corners. Because it has no ending or beginning, it is not a true knot—however, the continuous design is what makes it unique. Just like the love and devotion of two soulmates has no ending, the Bowen Knot’s design continues forever.
Interestingly enough, the Bowen Knot has been found in many different places around the world, including Scandinavia, the Mississippi Delta, and North Africa. It was used as an important Heraldic symbol in Norway and is known as a “true lover’s knot” because of its associations with eternity.
7. Yin and Yang
The concept of Yin and Yang is part of ancient Chinese philosophy. The teachings dictate all things are made from a singular universal energy known as Chi. Chi is separated into Yin and Yang as it flows through different aspects of creation. Yin and Yang represent duality and are opposing and complementary forces, the Yin representing the feminine and Yang the masculine. When put together in the Yin-Yang symbol, they unite to represent the ultimate loving relationship.
The widely-popular Yin-Yang symbol shows that the Yin and Yang fit each other perfectly. They not only meld together within the circle, but Yin contains a piece of Yang, and Yang also houses a piece of Yin inside of it. Like the perfect partnership, each retains its own identity while adapting to and complementing the identity of the other. The perfect soulmate seeks not to overwhelm but to uphold and support their partner as the Yin and Yang do.
8. Kinnara and Kinnari
Kinnara and Kinnari are two of the most beautiful symbols on this list. Originating in southeast Asia and popular among both Hindus and Buddhists, the Kinnara and Kinnari are mythological beings depicted as half-human and half-bird. The Kinnara and Kinnari represent celestial music, romantic love, and the undying loyalty of soulmates.
They are madly in love with one another and said to be so devoted that they will perish upon separation. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist practitioners believed the Kinnara and Kinnari came down from the Himalayas to watch over humans during perilous times. Their artwork dates back to the 5th century and adorns many temples in various countries. The Kinnara is even thought to be one of the Buddha’s holy animal incarnations.
9. Serch Bythol
The Serch Bythol is an ancient Celtic symbol whose roots lie deep in mystery. Literally translated from Welsh as “everlasting love,” this relatively obscure knot is made by placing two Celtic Triquetra knots together. The Triquetra represents the sacred three of mind, body, and spirit within one human. When two Triquetras are placed together, it symbolizes the addition of a second person to the sacred three.
These two people will join as one in mind, body, and spirit. That partnership will birth balance, eternal love, and undying devotion. Because of the way it’s drawn, the Serch Bythol resembles a circle with wings. The circle indicates that the partnership will last for eternity, while the wings represent the divine nature of the union.
10. Osram Ne Nsoromma
The Osram Ne Nsoromma is an Adinkra symbol of love and marriage whose name translates to “moon and star.” Unlike other depictions of the moon and star, the Adinkra version has the moon lying on its back. It faces upwards like a bowl, cradling the star above it. The Osram Ne Nsoromma resembles a loving embrace, the perfect picture of emotion between soulmates.
The Adinkra people have a proverb to go along with these two amorous celestial bodies. The saying goes, “Kyekye pe aware,” meaning “The North Star loves marriage. She is always waiting up in the sky for the moon to return.” The moon and star both generate light and illumination from above. Each one helps the other shine a little brighter, illustrating the way soulmates support and uphold each other.
11. Double Infinity
The infinity symbol represents eternity and all the possibilities that come along with it. Without beginning or end, it depicts a soul’s journey through time and space. When it is combined with another infinity symbol, it represents a combination of two souls as they journey eternity together. It is a sign of everlasting dedication and ultimate commitment.
When two people fall in love and get married, they commit to one another for life. But the double infinity binds them together for a true eternity. It represents not only the physical realm but also the spiritual, where two soulmates will continue long after earthly life is over. If they are to be reincarnated, the double infinity ensures that they will find each other in their next life as well.
12. Solomon’s Knot
Solomon’s knot is a symbol dating back to ancient Rome, but it has been used by various cultures around the world. The Jewish people use Solomon’s knot to symbolize eternity, while Christians use it to symbolize man’s connection with the divine. In fact, nearly every major religion uses Solomon’s knot in some capacity.
Made of two interlocking rectangles or ovals, Solomon’s Knot is a highly connective symbol. As the four arms of the knot are inextricably linked together, Solomon’s knot can never be untangled. The symbol is used in marriage ceremonies, official diplomatic seals, and during important celebrations. It represents an unbreakable bond between parties, everlasting dedication, and commitment to peace and harmony within a relationship.
13. Pikorua
The Pikorua, or double-twist, is a powerful Māori symbol. The shape itself resembles the twisted fronds of the Pikopiko fern, a plant native to New Zealand. With two separate strands twisting together and joining as they rise, the Pikorua represents different people coming together to meet on common ground. It is an important sign of peace and understanding, with Māori people often giving Pikoruas to friends, family, and spouses as presents.
The separate strands represent the individuals, while the singular structure represents the relationship between the two and their sacred union. Whether platonic or romantic in nature, the relationship is a soulmate bond that cannot be broken. The two beings stay together throughout all the twists and turns of life, navigating through the world with a singular intention and purpose.
14. Turtledoves
Beautifully speckled and often depicted kissing, turtledoves are almost synonymous with romantic affection. They represent times of harmony, joy, and tranquility in a relationship. This stems back to ancient Greece, where turtledoves were held sacred by the love-goddess Aphrodite. Across the world in the ancient Aztec empire, people used turtledoves to represent their own goddess of love, Xochiquetzal.
The story of Noah’s Ark posits doves in general as harbingers of peace and calm. Turtledoves are also used in the Ba’hai faith to symbolize the close bond of marriage, and they are indeed a perfect symbol of the soulmate bond. Much like the swan, these gentle and sweet birds mate for life. Their melodic coo is soothing and soft, reminiscent of the comforting tone you’d want your lover to speak in.
15. Twin fish symbol
Just like the Yin Yang and Shatkona symbols, the twin fish symbol represents the perfect harmony and balance of energy that exists between soulmate couples.
The symbol depicts two fishes swimming in a circle which symbolizes infinite love and completeness. The center of their circular path represents the single source or soul that connects the fishes together as in case of soul mates. Also, both follow the other’s lead as if to show that they guide each other through the journey of life. In this way, this symbol represents soulmates who perfectly complete and compliment each other.
16. Taino two birds symbol
The two birds symbol depicts two birds connected by their beaks. It was an important symbol to the ancient Taino people (indigenous people of the Caribbean) as it has been found carved in various locations including caves, fields and rocks. The symbol has various interpretations but one of the most common one is that similar to the Yin Yang it represents the interconnectedness as well as balance and harmony that exists between two people who are perfect for each other.
17. Double happiness
Double happiness is an important symbol in Chinese culture. The symbol consists of two Chinese characters, one stacked on top of the other. Each character is meant to represent a portion of the joy, love and happiness that two people who are a perfect match can bring to each other’s lives. The symbol is considered auspicious and is often associated with love and marriage. It is also used as wedding decorations and in wedding gifts.
18. Double spiral
The double spiral is an ancient Celtic symbol that represents many things including interconnectedness, deep love, and soul connection that can exist between two people. The connected spirals symbolize the journey that two people take together, growing and evolving together with time. The center of each spiral represents the soul or the source. The energy emanating from one center connects to the other and vice versa. Both energies feed and compliment each other just like in case of soulmates.
Conclusion
Once felt, a soulmate bond is unmistakable. The relationship is characterized by complete certainty, unwavering commitment, and absolute faith. It is something that many people strive for, but finding a soulmate can be a lifelong search. Whether you’ve found your twin flame or are still on the hunt, these symbols can help inspire you to open your mind to romance. Bring some into your home to encourage connection, trust, and love today.
