Are you a deep soul who sometimes feels like you don’t fit in? Empaths and sensitive people tend to feel rejected, different, or like they don’t belong in their families, jobs, or on this planet. There are many possible reasons for this, ranging from the practical – such as early trauma – to the esoteric – such as past lives or other star system originations. Either way, I do believe the changemakers and wayshowers of society are here to BE the change as we move into a new paradigm. More about the great shift here.
In some ways, being sensitive is truly a gift. The world needs more empathy and respect all around, especially right now in the divided state in which we find ourselves. But the empath journey is intense; it is one of learning and unlearning, including how to forgive self and others, set boundaries, and make time to recharge.
I always encourage empathic people and givers to love themselves first, especially if you feel a call to help others in some way. As you begin to wade through your past, your present, your thoughts and beliefs, the truth starts to emerge. Truth — feeling it, facing it, speaking it — is what heals. For specific guidance on how to protect your energy as an empath, read this blog here. Being your authentic self can be challenging in an insensitive world.
My hope with this blog is that you feel seen and validated in your sensitivity. Additionally, there are several different empath types, and we are going to go over what defines them so you can gain insight for yourself and the people in your life.
Let’s dive a bit further into what an empath is so you can better understand and appreciate the different types. Then, you may be able to identify which one you are or most resonate with.
Empath or highly sensitive person (HSP) refers to a small percentage of the population (estimated between 1 and 20 percent) who feel a whole lot more than average. They have strong intuition, emotions, and energy fields. Empaths sense the emotions of others, and may even have supernatural abilities (beware of false prophets, however).
Because of these traits, empaths tend to find it difficult being in large groups or crowds (or spending time with certain people). They may leave gatherings early due to depleted energy levels or feel alienated from traditional establishments, belief systems, or roles. For more detail around triggers for empaths, read this blog here. In more extreme cases, the empath dissociates or energetically leaves their body due to overwhelm.
Heightened sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse, for the reasons I just touched on. But this ability to offer love and acceptance, often unconditionally, is unmatched. Knowing a sensitive person offers unique gifts, more of which I explain here.
Yes! That being said, everyone is an individual. You may be a blend of several different types, one predominantly, or none of the above.
Here are 7 common types of empaths, going roughly from most prevalent to least.
This is the classic empath. Typically, the foundation of being an empath is your increased ability to feel emotional energy – both yours and others.’ Many of us would prefer not to have this gift, as it can be quite draining. Being an emotional empath also often means you sense the repressed or unacknowledged emotions of people around you. Sometimes even of someone passing in the grocery store!
Intuitive empaths may be psychic, or simply able to pick up on unseen energies and information. You may suddenly, inexplicably “know” things via downloads or connecting energetically (also called claircognizance). You can tell when someone is lying, has good intentions, or is disingenuous.
Being a physical empath means you literally feel things in your body that are not yours. For example, you may feel someone else’s headache, anxiety, or a sensation related to a future or past event. If you have psychic or medium abilities too, you may see where symptoms reside in a person’s body, or what happened to a soul who has passed.
Animal empaths are intimately connected to animals. You may even be an animal communicator, meaning you telepathically pick up on what they feel or need, for living and/or passed animals. You have a special heart for all creatures, and may prefer them to humans as companions. (I think we all relate to that at some point!)
Being an earth empath is when you deeply feel what is going on with the earth, Gaia. You may sense natural events ahead of time or be greatly affected by them. You probably need to spend time in nature frequently in order to feel well or alive.
If you dream a lot, remember them, or connect strongly with the dreamscape and information that comes to you there, you may be a dream empath. Some dream empaths even travel to other realms during sleep. Experiment with writing your dreams down upon waking or asking questions before bedtime; both can strengthen your abilities.
Maybe you talk to plants! The suggestion to hug a tree is there for a reason. Plants and trees actually give off antimicrobial compounds called phytoncides that our bodies and souls also find therapeutic. They are relaxing and grounding in all sorts of ways. Plant empaths are usually drawn to gardening or other “green” activities like landscaping as well because they intuitively know what is needed at any given time.
Absolutely. Think of it like a pie chart for each person, where one empath type is 70 percent for example, one is 20 percent, and the other is 10 percent. Everyone is different, but these 7 categories are the most common empath types. Even if you don’t know which you are, I hope learning about them has helped you have a bit more compassion and love for yourself as a sensitive person.
Exploring your abilities and embracing your gifts is a beautiful thing. If it calls you, definitely pursue a path of study in this area, or just take a more open minded stance about it all. When empaths take back their power and learn to harness their gifts, the entire planet heals.
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