Would You Do This to Find Your Soulmate?

The Twin Flames Universe, led by Jeff and Shaleia Divine, is an online community claiming to help people find their "twin flame," or ultimate soulmate. However, this community has faced serious allegations and controversies. While the Divines assert their organization is not a cult, some former members strongly disagree and describe it as one. Here are six lesser-known facts about this controversial group.

1. The Founders

Jeff Divine, originally named Jeff Ayan, graduated from Western Michigan University with a business degree. He later moved to Hawaii and started presenting himself as a lifestyle guru under the name Ender Ayanethos. Before meeting Shaleia, Jeff experimented with various personal growth and healing ventures, including a controversial claim of curing cancer for free.

Shaleia Divine, born Megan Plante, was living in Sedona, Arizona where she was learning from a spiritual mentor after a series of unfulfilling relationships. She met Jeff online and introduced him to numerous spiritual concepts like tarot and intuitive readings. They married, went into business together, and eventually founded Twin Flames Universe.

2. Digital Origins and Expansion

The Twin Flames Universe started with Jeff and Shaleia's YouTube videos in 2017. These videos, featuring relationship advice and spiritual teachings, attracted a large following. They also offered classes and coaching sessions through Google Hangouts and a private Facebook group, growing their community to more than 14,000 members.

3. Financial Burden on Members

Membership and participation in the Twin Flames Universe can be expensive. For instance, one member reported being pressured to sign up for a PayPal credit card to afford the $111 monthly subscription for the cheapest class. The full subscription package can cost up to $8,000.

4. The Mirror Exercise

A cornerstone of the Twin Flames Universe teachings is the Mirror Exercise, which shifts blame to oneself. This exercise encourages members to take responsibility for their experiences and emotions, often leading them to question their own reality and identity.

5. Controversial Gender and Sexual Orientation Guidance

The Twin Flames Universe has been criticized for pressuring members to reconsider their sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes encouraging members to explore same-sex relationships or to transition genders based on supposed divine guidance.

6. Continued Operations

Despite numerous allegations of coercive practices, Jeff and Shaleia continue to operate the Twin Flames Universe and the Church of Union from their Michigan home. They maintain a significant online presence and deny all claims against them, asserting they help people achieve personal and spiritual growth.

The Twin Flames Universe continues to draw both admiration and criticism. While its leaders and many members insist it is a genuine spiritual community aimed at helping people find their true love, accusations of cult-like behavior and manipulative practices suggest a more complex and potentially harmful reality.

References: "Everywhere I Went, They Went With Me, Because They Were on My Phone": Inside the Always Online, All-Consuming World of Twin Flames Universe | 'Escaping Twin Flames': Where Are Jeff and Shaleia Divine Now? | The Story Behind the Docuseries Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe