“Oh, why do I endure such awful karma?” or “Why is the universe constantly challenging me?” or “Is there divine punishment in my life?” Such questions are frequently posed by clients encountering difficulties in their lives.

Over many readings throughout the years, Spirit has continually revealed to me that we each have an “architectural blueprint” that we craft prior to our incarnation in this life. This soul plan maps out the lessons we are meant to learn and the experiences we are destined to encounter.

This spiritual principle is recognized by various labels (depending on the framework or belief system), such as our spiritual blueprint, life design, divine plan, life narrative, soul contract, predetermined path, and similar terms.

I favor the term “architectural blueprint” as it evokes the careful, precise planning an architect engages in when creating a new design, long before the actual onsite construction begins.

Similar to architects, we calmly and clearly formulate a plan for our life’s journey prior to our incarnation. It is only when we inhabit this physical realm to manifest our plan that we come to fully experience the intensity and myriad dangers and hurdles encountered on our chosen journey, including all the fear, love, pain, hardship, joy, suffering, and everything in between.

Indeed, it can be challenging to accept that we willingly opt to confront challenges and hardships in our lives. However, various spiritual practices and esoteric views indicate that our soul’s journey is predetermined or planned before we are born, or at least that we have available free will choices and options along the way.

What adds to the complexity is that some individuals elect particularly difficult paths filled with profound emotional, mental, or physical challenges. These circumstances can sometimes appear unbearable, yet they are integral to the lessons we are here to master and the difficult experiences we opt to encounter as spiritual entities manifesting in human form.

From the perspective of the soul, no occurrence or action is deemed “bad.” Everything is merely experience, and each experience offers teachings and opportunities for growth ~ Robert Schwartz

As we navigate through life, we may ponder when the difficulties will cease. It can feel like a relentless struggle or a steep ascent, particularly when we observe others and assume they have their lives figured out across the board. However, more often than not, this perception is misleading. The majority of people conceal their struggles, pain, and anxiety behind a carefully constructed facade that suggests all is well. Social media has worsened this illusion with its constant “highlight reels.”

When I broach this topic with friends or clients, I frequently hear comments like, “There’s no way I would have agreed to this kind of suffering!” Yet, the reality is that we cannot fully comprehend anything nor glean genuine wisdom from it until we have lived through it. We cannot fully appreciate the depth and significance of a lesson until we’ve experienced the pain, joy, or victory it brings. It is through these profound experiences that we develop and progress spiritually.

The notion of an “architectural blueprint,” or a preordained soul plan for one’s life, can be found in numerous esoteric and spiritual teachings, each presented through distinct cultural, philosophical, and metaphysical viewpoints. Below are illustrations from various traditions and philosophies that resonate with this concept:

Shamanism and Soul Contract

Numerous indigenous cultures hold that each person possesses a preordained purpose or mission. In shamanic practices, consulting ancestors or spirit guides to uncover one’s “soul contract” or life purpose is commonplace. The Lakota tribe, for instance, embraces the concept of wolakota, which signifies peace, balance, and unity, and is perceived as a journey towards harmony and fulfillment established by Wakan Tanka, the Creator or Great Spirit.

Hinduism and Karma

Hindu doctrine elucidates the notion of karma and how the incidents and conditions of one’s life are shaped by previous actions, both in this life and in those prior. Karma is often boiled down in contemporary society to “what goes around comes around,” insinuating immediate moral repercussions. Yet, in classical Hinduism, karma represents a deep spiritual matter tied to the soul’s voyage across lifetimes, guiding its growth and evolution.

The Bhagavad Gita underscores the notion that our life path, known as dharma, is intertwined with our spiritual evolution. The harmony of karma and dharma aligns with the soul plan idea, wherein we are all born into situations that provide chances to settle karmic debts and absorb lessons.

Buddhism and Samsara

Buddhism expounds on samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Every existence grants chances for growth, aiming for the ultimate liberation known as nirvana. The idea of intentional rebirth aligns with the soul plan or life narrative. Bodhisattvas, for instance, are understood to make conscious choices regarding their rebirths to assist others while fulfilling their spiritual calling.

Kabbalah and Soul Purpose

Kabbalistic teachings state that the soul descends into the material world with a divine mission termed tikkun olam (“repairing the world”). Each soul carries a distinct purpose shaped by its previous lives and the divine design bestowed upon it. This life agenda is regarded as a pathway for refining the soul and drawing nearer to God’s essence, illustrated through the Tree of Life.

Christianity and Divine Will

Christian teachings accentuate the importance of adhering to God’s scheme for one’s existence. This is reflected in scriptural passages such as Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jesus discussed his own mission on Earth and urged others to seek their purpose in alignment with God’s strategy. In Luke 19:10, he states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This notion that life unfolds in accordance with God’s will supports the idea of a spiritual “blueprint” divinely crafted to steer our destiny in this life.

Islam and Divine Destiny

Islamic teachings refer to qadr as divine predetermination. Muslims maintain that Allah has scripted the life plan for each individual in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz). Nonetheless, Islam underscores the significance of free will, indicating that while there exists a divine blueprint, we also possess choices within that framework, allowing for spiritual advancement and accountability.

Taoism and the Way

Taoism, or Daoism, emphasizes the Tao (or Way), viewed as the fundamental principle directing the natural order of the universe. The Tao embodies simplicity, spontaneity, and harmony. Taoist philosophies focus on harmonizing with the Tao, suggesting that by aligning one’s actions and thoughts with the universe’s natural flow, individuals can achieve clarity and fulfillment. Although Taoism doesn’t explicitly highlight pre-birth planning or predestined soul purpose, it implies that harmony and satisfaction can be attained by instinctively traversing through life in sync with the Tao.

Theosophy and the Akashic Records

Theosophy, a spiritual movement intertwining Eastern and Western concepts, posits that every soul’s life blueprint is inscribed in the Akashic Records – a metaphysical “database” containing the recorded history and master plan for each soul’s future. Accessing these records exposes the layout of one’s life, outlining lessons to be learned and karmic patterns.

Anthroposophy and Reincarnation

Anthroposophy expands upon theosophical ideas, asserting that human existence is part of a broader evolution. It investigates the connections between individuals and the spiritual realm, significantly highlighting the role of free will and spiritual progression. Each incarnation is selected with particular spiritual objectives in mind, guided by spiritual entities. The soul’s plan mirrors both historical experiences and aspirations for the future, nurturing continuous spiritual development.

Gnosticism and the Divine Spark

Gnostic traditions perceive life as a chance for the soul (the divine spark) to awaken and return to its true essence. The material world is considered a learning ground of trials, contributing to a larger cosmic scheme of spiritual evolution. This teaching aligns with the idea of a preordained journey crafted to guide the soul toward enlightenment.

I believe this lifetime is not our sole chance for spiritual growth. Many of us have undergone numerous lifetimes and gained diverse lessons. Between physical manifestations, we return to the spiritual realm, where we continue our learning in a dimension or non-physical state referred to as the School of Knowledge or Hall of Knowledge (Anthroposophy), Devachan (Theosophy), Pleroma (Gnosticism), Purgatory (Roman Catholicism), Bardo (Tibetan Buddhism), and others.

In various spiritual practices, the concept of a soul’s “blueprint” or “architectural plan” emphasizes a shared belief: life on Earth is neither random nor meaningless, but rather intentional and divinely crafted. Whether articulated as karma, destiny, soul contract, or divine will, these teachings underscore that life’s obstacles and pleasures form part of a grand design for spiritual advancement and self-awareness.

Have faith that your soul has a blueprint, and even if you cannot see the entire picture, believe that everything will unfold as it should ~ Deepak Chopra

Discovering Your Soul Plan

Our soul plan remains largely obscured during our earthly existence, as full disclosure would obstruct the essence of our journey. Nonetheless, there are methods to gain glimpses of this plan to enhance the lessons we learn and optimize our growth, aiding us in fully engaging with our life’s purpose and journey.

Various practices provide unique insights into your soul’s blueprint, empowering you to make deliberate choices and embrace your path with heightened clarity and awareness. Here are several recommended approaches to gain insight into your soul plan:

AKASHIC CHANNELING

The Akashic Records are an ethereal repository encompassing all experiences, thoughts, emotions, and intentions your soul has ever encountered. This compilation is encoded in the etheric realm and holds the entire history of humanity and the cosmos, including your soul’s evolution. A proficient channeler can navigate the Akashic Records with you and impart insights into your soul’s goals, past experiences, and how they influence your present hurdles and future directions.

DREAMWORK

Dreamwork involves interpreting dreams to reveal unconscious patterns and messages. By being attentive to recurring symbols, feelings, and situations within dreams, you can glean significant understanding of your soul’s aspirations, unresolved matters, and lessons. Techniques such as dream journaling and guided dream meditation can assist in this process.

ASTRAL PROJECTION

Astral projection refers to an out-of-body experience in which your soul journeys to various dimensions or realms. During these explorations, you can access elevated states of consciousness, engage with spirit guides, and delve into your soul’s purpose and previous lives. Practicing astral projection can yield profound realizations regarding your soul’s plan and strengthen your connection with your higher self.

PSYCHIC READING

Collaborating with a skilled psychic or medium can unveil deep insights into your soul’s pathway by establishing a link with elevated realms and spiritual guides. A proficient reader can assist you in comprehending the patterns and events that either aid or obstruct your soul’s voyage. They can highlight detrimental beliefs, address lingering issues, offer comfort, and provide guidance regarding your soul’s mission, relationships, and forthcoming steps.

SOUL PLAN ANALYSIS

A Soul Plan analysis employs the numerological patterns and vibrational sounds of your birth name to reveal deeper meanings behind your life’s trials, gifts, and objectives. This reading method is based on the ancient Sefer Yetzirah, a mystical text investigating reality’s formation through sound, letters, and words. Modern channeled insights from Dr. Frank Alper and Blue Marsden have broadened this system to offer new revelations.

DIVINATION

Divination tools such as tarot cards, oracle cards, runes, pendulums, and the I Ching provide guidance from higher sources and the subconscious mind. By setting clear intentions and posing relevant questions concerning your soul’s route, you can interpret the messages these tools deliver, unveiling insights that align with your genuine destiny.

DEEP MEDITATION

Consistent meditation practice, particularly guided meditation or mindfulness, can aid you in connecting with your inner self and higher awareness. In profound meditative states, intuitive realizations frequently emerge, granting clarity about your soul’s mission and fostering a more profound understanding of your purpose.

HYPNOTHERAPY

Regression hypnotherapy, notably through past life regression, enables access to memories of previous lives or your soul’s pre-birth intentions. These sessions can unveil unresolved patterns and provide direction for your current journey, helping you align with your soul’s purpose.

AUTOMATIC WRITING

Automatic writing is a technique wherein you enter a calm, meditative state and allow spirit guides, ancestors, or angels to convey messages through the written word. Examining the insights received during automatic writing can uncover patterns, revelations, and guidance concerning your soul plan, offering clarity and wisdom about your life’s voyage.

ASTROLOGY

Engaging a skilled astrologer can yield valuable insights concerning your soul’s mission via the examination of your astrological birth chart. The positions of planets and celestial bodies during your birth provide clues to your strengths, struggles, and overall life objectives, assisting you in comprehending the cosmic plan for your journey.

JOURNALING

Journaling serves as a powerful means to connect with your inner discernment. Regularly reflecting on your life’s patterns, struggles, and synchronicities can refine your understanding of your soul’s lessons and karmic experiences. Over time, journaling unveils recurring themes tied to your soul’s plan, facilitating greater awareness and direction.

Through exploring these practices, you can enrich your understanding of your soul’s design, enhance your personal development, and navigate life with increased purpose and awareness.

Always remember, regardless of how challenging your journey may seem at times, you are on a path uniquely tailored for the enlightenment of your soul. Each obstacle contains a lesson, and every blessing serves as a testament to the beauty of the journey.

Have confidence in the divine wisdom of your soul’s plan, for even in moments of profound failure or difficulty, you are precisely where you are meant to be — evolving, learning, and manifesting the fullest expression of your authentic soul self.

Examining the Notion: Do Our Souls Shape Life Challenges?

The notion of the soul has intrigued humanity for generations. It’s often linked to our innermost essence, our authentic self, and that part of us that persists even after death. While the existence and essence of the soul are subjects of philosophical and theological discourse, some hold the belief that our souls can exert influence over the challenges we encounter in life.

To fully grasp this notion, it’s pivotal to explore the concept of the soul itself. Within various spiritual and religious traditions, the soul is perceived as eternal and interconnected with a higher power or divine essence. It is viewed as the seat of consciousness, emotions, and personal identity. It is believed that the soul undergoes several lifetimes, each presenting its distinct challenges and lessons to learn.

Proponents of the idea that our souls influence life’s challenges contend that these obstacles are not arbitrary or coincidental. Instead, they assert that our souls deliberately select specific circumstances, relationships, and experiences to foster personal growth and spiritual evolution. This perspective implies that our souls play a purposeful role in sculpting our lives, even if we may not consciously recognize or remember it.

One avenue to better understand this idea is through the concept of karma. Karma, originating from ancient Indian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, denotes the law of causation. It suggests that our past actions, intentions, and thoughts in prior lifetimes shape our present circumstances. In this framework, life’s hurdles are seen as reflections of our historical actions and serve as opportunities for learning, growth, and ultimately settling any karmic debts.

Another facet of this concept involves soul contracts. Some believe that prior to entering a new existence, our souls forge agreements with other souls to undertake specific roles or experiences. These soul contracts are thought to stem from love and with the purpose of mutual growth and learning. For instance, an individual may consent to be born into a difficult familial setting to cultivate lessons in forgiveness, compassion, or resilience.

While the notion of our souls impacting life challenges may appear abstract or challenging to substantiate, numerous people report experiencing moments of spiritual awakening or significant insights that have led them to embrace this belief. Such moments frequently arise during deep self-reflection, meditation, or through the mentorship of spiritual figures or guides.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that this notion does not have universal acceptance. Skeptics argue that attributing life challenges to the influence of the soul merely serves as a means to assign meaning or significance to trying situations. They assert that our difficulties are influenced by an array of factors, such as genetics, upbringing, social dynamics, and chance occurrences.

Ultimately, whether our souls affect life challenges remains a deeply personal and subjective conviction. This is a concept situated within the realm of spirituality and metaphysics, wherein scientific substantiation is sparse. However, for those who take comfort, guidance, and motivation from this idea, it can furnish a framework for understanding and navigating life’s complexities.

In closing, the premise that our souls may influence life challenges is an intriguing and contemplative idea. It posits that our souls actively engage in shaping our experiences, relationships, and personal development. Although this notion may not be universally accepted, it presents a distinctive viewpoint on the purpose and significance behind the challenges we face in our lives. Whether one subscribes to the notion of soul influence or not, exploring this concept can foster a deeper self-awareness and understanding of the world surrounding us. Continue reading →

As a youngster, I frequently overheard my parents’ passionate discussions. One late Saturday evening, during one of those typical “ear-to-the-door” moments, things appeared oddly less charged than usual. Instead of the usual yelling, I discerned what seemed more like a playful argument.

I distinctly heard my mother challenging my father to “join her” that Sunday evening.

Years later, I discovered the real essence of that challenge. My mother had successfully convinced my father to accompany her to a spiritualist gathering in a church in London.

Even now, I remain unsure how she managed to sway him, but it proved to be a transformative moment for my father. I suppose it also brought great relief to my mother, who finally had a companion sharing her beliefs and enthusiasm.

Brought up as a Catholic and later a committed spiritualist, my mother often faced mockery from my father, who ridiculed her faith in God and her insights about heaven and beyond.

Yet, her challenge signified the start of a noteworthy transformation for him. Although my father had never embraced formal religion or spirituality, he was on the verge of a significant spiritual awakening.

And so, off they went. By a twist of “fate,” Joseph Benjamin, a prominent spiritualist medium at the time, was among the guest speakers at the church that weekend. My father later confessed that as he bundled up in his winter coat and scarf, he secretly wished he could make a swift exit after the service and perhaps stop for a beer or two at his local pub!

The church was overflowing that evening. My parents could barely fit into a small standing space behind the last pew. As more attendees arrived, the area shrank until the doors finally closed.

One of the finest gifts you can offer to someone is a broader perspective. It’s also among the best gifts you can receive ~ C. JoyBell C.

My mother continuously implored my father to stop his disrespectful chuckling and remarks, urging him to allow the more serious participants to enjoy the service. Later, my father admitted that her persistent nudging ultimately compelled him to cease his behavior, though he struggled to suppress his laughter during the first half of the service.

Then Joseph Benjamin took the stage.

Benjamin was a British medium who rose to fame in the mid-20th century for his contributions within Spiritualist churches and gatherings. Renowned for his lively personality and East London accent, he frequently delivered inspirational platform demonstrations, connecting with spirits to convey personal messages to audience members.

He practiced mediumship at a time when Spiritualism was gaining traction in the UK, especially in the post-war years when many sought comfort and hope. His reputation as a proficient and esteemed medium is still recognized by those acquainted with Spiritualist history and practices.

Benjamin was especially celebrated in the Spiritualist community for his straightforward approach and focus on delivering solace and affirmation of life beyond death to those grieving lost loved ones. His readings typically featured highly specific and validating details, such as names, dates, and even inside jokes that deeply moved the surviving relatives of departed loved ones.

“Hooy,” Benjamin declared in his thick accent, “Yeah, I’m speaking to you in the gray coat and black scarf, right at the back.”

My mother mentioned that my father scanned the room in confusion, attempting to discern who the medium was addressing. It was only when several individuals pointed directly at him that my father realized he was now the center of attention…and immediately turned pale!

Unfazed by my father’s shock and astonishment, Benjamin calmly continued: “I’ve got an old chap ‘ere named William, and guv’nor, he’s proper fumin’ at you! He says there are some rafters in your garage where you’ve been hiding his precious tools to gather dust.”

People are not foolish. They have reasons for their beliefs. The worst way for skeptics to gain the interest of bright, inquisitive, intelligent individuals is to belittle or show arrogance toward their beliefs ~ Carl Sagan

According to my mother, my father was utterly bewildered. No one else knew about the fate of my grandfather’s cherished tools, long forgotten and concealed in the garage. It was one of his best-kept secrets, and hearing it revealed in such a manner left him speechless.

That moment marked my father’s initial step into the realm of spirituality, or as he later described it, “knowing.” The experience motivated him to invite my grandmother and other relatives over the following Sunday. As they gathered in the kitchen that evening, my father recounted his extraordinary experience at church.

My mother recounted that it seemed as if my grandfather William was present with them that night, as the kitchen lights began to flicker on and off repeatedly. This phenomenon is a common way for our loved ones in spirit to signal their presence. The collective energy of gathered loved ones creates a sort of conduit — an opening for them to connect. It’s a powerful and undeniable indication of the remarkable world of spirit.

My father’s swift transition from skeptic to believer serves as a reminder that anyone can encounter a spiritual awakening or “Damascus experience” like the Apostle Paul — at any moment, often when least anticipated!

If you have persistent or cynical family and friends who refuse to accept or mock you for your spiritual beliefs, don’t lose hope. Spirit has a way of surprising individuals, and even the most skeptical can experience a moment that completely shifts their outlook and their lives.

Just as my father’s journey altered his life, your loved ones may someday face something so profound that it transforms their understanding of this world and the next — and yours as well. Maintain faith and trust that everyone’s soul journey unfolds according to its own divine design and timing.

The Shift from Skeptic to Believer: A Journey Revealed in One Night

In a realm where skepticism frequently dominates, it’s not unusual for individuals to question the existence of the extraordinary. Yet, now and then, an incredible event arises that confronts even the staunchest skeptics, guiding them on a transformative path from doubt to belief. Such transformations may unfold over long periods, but occasionally, they occur in just one night, leaving an enduring impression on those involved.

Envision a typical skeptic, someone who has dedicated their life to relying solely on empirical evidence and logical reasoning. They have dismissed assertions of the supernatural, paranormal, or any phenomena that science cannot clarify. This individual might have ridiculed anecdotes about ghosts, dismissed the notion of miracles, and mocked those who held faith in the power of the unknown.

However, one crucial night, everything transforms. Our skeptic finds themselves in a scenario that eludes all rational explanation. It might be a personal brush with the inexplicable, witnessing an event that contests their worldview, or experiencing a profound spiritual awakening. Whatever triggers it, this single night becomes a pivotal moment in their existence.

One potential situation is a skeptic attending a séance — a gathering where individuals seek to communicate with the spirits of the departed. Initially, they enter the room with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. They observe as a medium connects with the spiritual realm, relaying messages from departed loved ones. The skeptic watches intently, seeking any signs of deception or trickery.

As the séance progresses, something extraordinary transpires. The skeptic receives a message that resonates deeply, something only their deceased loved one could have known. It becomes a moment of genuine connection, a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Doubts start to disintegrate, and faith begins to emerge.

Alternatively, our skeptic might find themselves in a secluded spot, far from the urban glow, gazing up at the starlit sky. Suddenly, a meteor shower illuminates the heavens, painting spectacular trails across the darkness. In that moment, the skeptic comprehends the vastness of the universe, the endless possibilities it harbors. They feel an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder, realizing that life encompasses more than what scientific explanation can offer.

In yet another scenario, our skeptic might undergo a deeply personal and transformative event. It could be a near-death experience, an astonishing recovery from a serious illness, or a moment of divine intervention. In that one night, their entire outlook on life is shattered, leaving them filled with a new conviction in something greater than themselves.

Regardless of the specific situation, the shift from skeptic to believer in a single night is a profound and life-altering journey. It challenges the very core of one’s beliefs and opens up a realm of possibilities previously unexplored. It serves as a reminder that there remains much in this world that science alone cannot elucidate, and at times, the most extraordinary events unravel when we least anticipate them.

The transition from skepticism to belief is not easily achieved. It requires an open mind, a readiness to question one’s own assumptions, and the bravery to embrace uncertainty. Yet for those who embark on this journey, the rewards are immeasurable. They gain a richer comprehension of the world, a renewed sense of wonder, and a connection to something greater than themselves.

So, the next time doubts about the extraordinary creep in, remember that a single night can alter everything. Stay receptive to the idea that there is more to this world than meets the eye. Embrace the metamorphosis from skeptic to believer, and allow the transformative essence of the unknown to unveil itself. Continue reading →