All about Identical Twins!

Born an identical twin. There were two sets of identical twins in my family, and we were the younger set.

What are Identical Twins?

Identical twins develop from a single egg/sperm combination that splits a few days after conception. Their DNA originates from a single source, thus their genetic makeup is the same and the characteristics that are determined by genetics will be similar. Identical (Monozygotic) twins are always of the same gender.

One of biology's toughest questions is: How do environmental influences, such as exposure to pollutants, consumption of certain foods, or perhaps even powerful emotional experiences, produce lasting and potentially life-altering changes in a person's DNA? Oh boy, to me that is answered by the study of metaphysics, and perhaps this will bring about the intertwining of science and spirituality.

While identical twins form with the same set of genes, human development is not just genetic. This fact begins with how they are carried within the womb. They can be wrapped, one fetus behind the other, like hugging, they can have hearts crossed, forming an X, they can be head to toe, curled into each other, like the sign of yin-yang, or they can be facing each other, almost like combat.

The environment also has an impact. So, beginning in the early environment of the womb, external influences can change the appearance of twins. For example, some identical twins share a placenta. One twin may have a more advantageous connection to the placenta, receiving the first run of nutrients. This situation can cause a size discrepancy between the babies, a physical difference that continues as they grow up.

My older sisters were crossed hearts, like an X and shared the same placenta, in the same sac. They were born two minutes apart and were very close, even establishing their own language, which they carried into adulthood. Although it was thought that Claramay was born first, Nancy was the strongest, both physically and emotionally. It was as if Nancy was Claramay’s teacher in many ways. However, they walked in harmony, agreed on most things, sang together beautifully, one of the sixteen pair of Toni Twins in the early black and white TV commercials, and became fairly well known.

Priscilla and I faced each other, and were truly combative twins. We were extreme opposites, did not agree or get along, and not only had to compete with each other, but our older sisters as well. There has not been much scientific study of the second set of identical twins, and the natural burdens that are established before birth, are a heavy karma to bear.

Elizabeth discusses several incidents regarding her life as an identical twin, with examples.