A Journey Through Time: Historical Perspectives on Your Human Soul
Hi, I’m Holly, founder of MediSoul Wellness and MediSoul Institute, and I’m so excited to share this next step in our journey to discover who you are on a soul level! This is the second post in my series about why connecting with your soul purpose is so important. Today, you’re going on a trip back in time to see how people long ago thought about the human soul. Knowing these historical soul beliefs helps you understand why your soul matters and inspires you to grow spiritually. Let’s dive into the past with an open heart.
Ancient Beliefs About Your Soul
Way back around 3000 BCE, ancient Egyptians believed your soul had different parts. They called one the “Ka,” the life force that keeps you alive, and another the “Ba,” your personality that could travel to a starry realm after death. They thought your soul came from a divine source and needed care to return home. This idea of your eternal soul sparks your journey toward spiritual soul growth.
In ancient Greece, around 500 BCE, thinkers like Plato and Socrates had big ideas about your soul. Plato said your soul is immortal, living in a perfect world before you were born and continuing after you pass. He believed your life is a chance for your soul to learn and grow wiser. Socrates agreed, saying caring for your soul with truth and kindness is the key to a happy life. These ideas encourage you to seek your soul purpose today.
Soul Beliefs in Ancient Religions
Different cultures saw your soul in unique ways. In Hinduism, over 3000 years old, your soul is called the “Atman,” a piece of the universal spirit, Brahman. Hindus believe your soul is reborn through reincarnation, learning lessons in each life to grow closer to divine unity. This view reminds you that life’s challenges help your soul grow stronger.
Buddhism, starting around 500 BCE, teaches there’s no fixed soul but a stream of consciousness that flows from one life to the next. Your actions, or karma, shape this energy, guiding you toward enlightenment. This idea encourages you to live mindfully, knowing your choices fuel your spiritual growth.
In ancient China, around 400 BCE, Taoists believed your soul had two parts: the “Hun,” a spiritual soul that could connect with the universe, and the “Po,” tied to your body. After death, your Hun might join the cosmos. This connection to nature’s flow inspires you to find peace in your soul’s energy.
How Soul Views Changed Over Time
As time passed, ideas about your soul evolved. In the Middle Ages (500–1500 CE), Christian thinkers like St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas said your soul is a gift from God, giving you life, reason, and a link to eternity. They believed your soul is immortal, heading to heaven or hell based on your choices. This focus on your soul’s forever journey motivates you to live with purpose.
In Jewish tradition, your soul, or “Neshama,” is divine light breathed into you by God. Ancient texts like the Torah urge you to live kindly to honor this spark. This connects to seeing yourself as a soul, not just a human, inspiring you to act with love.
By the Renaissance (1400–1600 CE), thinkers like Descartes said your soul is separate from your body, tied to your mind, making you special. This idea started debates about soul versus body, leading to modern questions about consciousness and your spiritual soul growth.
Why These Old Ideas Matter to You Now
These historical soul beliefs show you that your soul is more than just what keeps your body going. Whether it’s your Egyptian Ba soaring to the stars, your Hindu Atman seeking unity, or your Christian soul aiming for heaven, they all point to one truth: Your soul is your eternal essence, here to learn, grow, and find its purpose. They invite you to look past everyday struggles—like stress or feeling stuck—and ask, “Who am I as a soul?”
I get it—life can feel heavy. Like I shared in my first post, I faced trauma, toxic people, and health issues like IBS and eczema. Learning about my soul’s energy helped me heal and find my path. These ancient views aren’t just old stories—they’re a call for you to remember you’re a soul with a unique purpose, connected to something bigger.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Sign up for the MediSoul Wellness newsletter to keep up with this series on discovering your human soul and spiritual growth. You’re on an incredible journey to remembering your true self—keep shining!
