Pioneering Work of Ian Stevenson
The concept of reincarnation has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I can't pinpoint the exact moment when it first entered my thoughts, but one event that sparked my interest was stumbling upon an article in the journal Psychiatric News. The article discussed the research conducted by the psychiatrist Ian Stevenson from the University of Virginia. Stevenson dedicated several decades of his life to studying and documenting cases of individuals who claimed to remember past lives. His research particularly focused on children. Stevenson's investigations were predominantly conducted in India, where beliefs in reincarnation are deeply rooted in the culture. By meticulously recording and analyzing the statements of young children who claimed to possess memories of previous lives, Stevenson was able to shed light on the mysteries of reincarnation. He discovered remarkable correlations, including matching memories, behaviors, and birthmarks that seemed to align with the claims of reincarnation.
Other Explorers
I came across the writings and programs of Stevenson’s colleague, Jim Tucker, also from the University of Virginia. Tucker has carried on the work initiated by Stevenson. I read one of his books (1) and listened to many interesting lectures. While Stevenson's research focused on regions such as India, Tucker has expanded the scope of the investigation to include a broader range of cultural and religious backgrounds. He has looked into cases from various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the United States.
My interest turned to the work of Brian Weiss, another psychiatrist who stumbled upon past life regression therapy while practicing psychoanalysis. One of his patients began experiencing vivid recollections of past lives, despite Weiss's initial lack of intention to explore such phenomena. Intrigued by this unexpected development, Weiss made the life-altering decision to leave behind his prosperous academic career and instead dedicate himself to helping individuals with psychiatric issues stemming from subconscious memories of past lives.
Weiss gained recognition with his book "Many Lives, Many Masters," published in 1988 (2) in which he described his life-changing experience with a patient named Catherine. After that, he developed a form of therapy called "Past-Life Regression Therapy." This therapeutic method helps individuals heal unresolved issues, gain insights, and promote personal growth by exploring the connections between past-life experiences and their current lives.
Continuing my quest for knowledge, I read the memoirs of Stanislav Grof, yet another renowned psychiatrist. In his writings, he claims that the people we encounter in our current lives may have played significant roles in our past lives. According to Grof's perspective, our interactions with others are not merely coincidental but are instead influenced by past-life connections. He provided compelling examples to support his theory, further fueling my interest in the subject. In his book "The Adventure of Self-Discovery," (3) Grof discusses various therapeutic techniques, including Holotropic Breathwork to help individuals access and integrate these experiences and promote healing and self-understanding.
Seeking Clues to Past Lives
Throughout my life, I have come across many strange things that have made me think about the idea of having lived before. I got interested in books that explore enigmatic spheres beyond what science can currently explain. I found a common idea in those books: if you feel a strong connection to a certain culture or time period, it could mean that you lived in that distinctive era or cultural milieu before. This idea really struck me, because it could explain why I've always been so fascinated by American culture, especially the atmosphere of the 1800s, which I've loved since I was young.
I remember being captivated by Western movies painting the lives of tough cowboys and battles with Native Americans. This interest wasn't just limited to movies, it also extended to the books I read. Those books took me back to a time when America was still a wild west country full of adventure.
What's also amazing is that even as a kid, I really wanted to learn and speak English fluently which led me to convince my father to enroll me in a school where I could pursue it. It might seem strange, but as I started putting the pieces together, I wondered if my strong connection to American culture and language was because of a past life that was still a part of me.
It's like fate was trying to prove me right. When I found out that my first wife had spent a whole year in the United States, I felt a strong pull toward her. I spent a lot of time talking to her about her experiences with American culture. I was genuinely captivated by the information she shared with me. I listened attentively; my undivided focus fixed on her every word. She told stories skillfully, creating colorful pictures that made me want to enter a world I yearned to be a part of. It felt as though our destinies were connected guiding us towards the United States. As life went on, we eventually ended up in that very place.
The story doesn't end there; it carries on with a narrative of how I met my present wife. Our paths first converged in the bustling corridors of the hospital where we were employed. In that fleeting moment, Tina's image caught my eye. We were merely acquaintances, never having had the chance to spend any substantial time together. Furthermore, we were both committed to different partners, rendering 1990 an inopportune time for anything more. Nonetheless, life had other plans in store for us.
Fast forward 16 years later, and our reunion occurred. It happened on a day when I was delivering a lecture, completely engrossed in my presentation. And there she was, entering the room as if stepping into a scene frozen in time. At that remarkable moment, my heart leaped with recognition, and without hesitation, I exclaimed, "I know you."
From then on, our lives became closely connected in a wonderful and undeniable manner. We found a strong bond that went beyond the boundaries of time. We easily understood each other's desires, aspirations, and worries. Our relatedness deepened with each passing day, shaping a shared history that would endure the test of time and our current existence. I believe that our attraction to each other stems from our ties in past lives.
From Monastery Walls to Pharaoh's Court
During my personal quest for understanding past lives, an unforeseen encounter unfolded at the Health and Holistic Expo in Fargo, North Dakota in 2011. Quite by accident, I found myself in the presence of an individual offering free reading. Spontaneously I grabbed this opportunity which led to intriguing insights about my supposed past life as a monk within the confines of a monastery.
According to Micara Link, my reader, several lives ago, around 5-6 incarnations back, I lived as a monk. I entered the monastery at a young age, seeking refuge from a family situation where I wasn't properly cared for.
Within its walls, I discovered a sense of belonging and purpose. The monastery became my true home, where I cherished the spiritual bonds and sense of brotherhood. I valued the simplicity of life and the practicality of working in the monastery garden. As a monk, I embraced a lifestyle that celebrated humility and devotion. I engaged in acts of service, tending to the physical and spiritual needs of the community.
She pointed out that in this present life, I yearned for connection and brotherhood. She was not surprised that I was on a personal spiritual path, drawing inspiration from my previous life as a monk.
Another unexpected experience played a role in shaping my beliefs, leaving me dumbfounded by the interconnectedness of our past and present lives. It was the year 2017 when I was preparing for a trip to Serbia. My wife suggested that I see Jamee Barrington, a holistic healer from Fargo, North Dakota, to clear my energy field before my travel. Intrigued by the idea, I acquiesced, ignorant of the sequence of events that would unfold.
Upon coming to Jamee's office, I patiently awaited her arrival, unsure of what to expect. As she entered the room, and without any preamble, she spontaneously started talking about my past lives.
Jamee revealed that she sensed the presence of spirits associated with my previous incarnations, specifically those related to ancient Egypt. According to her, in one of my past lives, I had walked among the pharaohs, serving as a high priest in the time of Tutankhamun. She explained that she felt compelled to share this insight, unable to contain the images and impressions flooding her senses. Furthermore, she assured me that my energy field was not only strong but also remarkably intact.
The synchronistic event that followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Just days after my encounter with Jamee, as my wife drove me to the airport for my trip to Serbia, an unexpected sight captured my attention. A passing car boasted a license plate with the name "Tutankhamun." Coincidence? Unlikely. It was surreal as if the universe was reaffirming the significance of Jamee's revelations a few days earlier.
Soul-Based Astrology
In recent times, I have developed an interest in astrology, particularly Soul-Based Astrology, which I had the privilege of learning from Barry Kerr (4). I initially encountered Barry and his wife through their association with the Center of Universal Light, a spiritual gathering place where individuals seeking spiritual growth congregated.
During the challenging period of the Covid pandemic, Barry graciously offered online teachings on astrology via Zoom, and I joined these sessions to expand my knowledge. As time went on, he emerged as more than just an instructor but also as a mentor in this interesting field of study.
In June 2020, Barry conducted a birth chart astrological reading for me. I was impressed by his mastery of the subject and his intuitive abilities, which added an extra layer of depth and understanding to the reading. Such was the impact of this experience that I wholeheartedly recommended Barry's services to numerous members of my family and even my patients, recognizing the value he could bring to their lives through his astrological expertise.
In a birth chart reading, an intuitive astrologer provides insights into the spiritual journey of the soul by uncovering the origins of our soul in past lives and understanding why our soul specifically chose this present lifetime. Soul-Based Astrology suggests that we are spiritual beings undergoing a human experience.
The soul's purpose is determined by where the North Node and South Node of the Moon are positioned in the birth chart. Based on Barry’s reading, in my past lives, I focused on understanding emotions in a family setting. I either wanted to be cared for or to care for others. My soul learned to become more emotionally aware and secure. I also had a chance to explore my unique passions and creativity. However, some of these experiences became unbalanced. I became too dependent on my family and stuck in the past. I also became arrogant and felt superior to others.
In my current life based on the position of the North Pole, my soul’s purpose is to separate from my family and create my own way in the world. Along the way, I have to learn to take responsibility for my actions and be in charge of my own life. Another aspect is to connect with others in groups, organizations, and communities. In this lifetime I am happiest when I follow my soul’s purpose of being independent, looking at emotions objectively, and feeling like I belong to a community of people.
Upon my soul's arrival in this existence, I inherited personality traits from my preceding incarnations. Throughout this lifetime, it is my task to harmonize and incorporate the accomplishments of my past lives with the overarching purpose of my present soul. This endeavor is not easy, particularly in the initial stages of this life, as I encounter numerous obstacles that serve as the most valuable instructors. Additionally, the gravitational pull of the patterns and energies carried over from my previous lives adds to the complexity of this pursuit.
Embracing the Possibilities
Studying past lives and whether reincarnation is real is a fascinating and thought-provoking project. Psychiatrists like Ian Stevenson, Jim Tucker, Brian Weiss, and Stanislav Grof have done research that shows evidence about memories from past lives and how they affect our lives today. Additionally, personal experiences and coincidences shared in this story make the exploration of past lives even more interesting and intriguing.
Thinking about past lives and reincarnation might challenge what we normally understand about time and existence, but it gives us an open-minded and inspiring viewpoint. It encourages us to consider that our souls might have lived many lives, gained wisdom, and grown over time. Exploring past lives helps us discover more about ourselves, heal unresolved problems, and understand the human experience better.
As we keep searching for knowledge and exploring the mysterious parts of life that science can't explain yet, let's stay open to the possibilities of past lives and reincarnation. Let's approach these subjects with curiosity, wonder, and respect, knowing they offer a chance for personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper connection to the mysteries of our existence. By doing this, we might find new insights, broaden our perspectives, and reach new levels in the process of self-discovery and connectedness.
1. Return to Life: Extraordinary Cases of Children Who Remember Past Lives, by Jim B. Tucker, St. Martin's Griffin, 2015.
2. Many Lives, Many Masters, by Brian L. Weiss, Fireside, 1988.
3. The Adventure of Self-Discovery, by Stanislav Grof, State Univ of New York Pr., 1988.
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