They say life is a “journey”, a “school” and is here to teach us “important lessons”. But why?
Have you ever considered the possibility that the lessons we learn and wisdom we accumulate in this life, extends into other lives? Is it perhaps possible that our life is not the only journey of experience, advancement and maturing – but the whole of conscious existence is?
Is it possible that reincarnation, also known as metempsychosis, is responsible for the tremendous range of world views, instinctual drives and essential life decisions we make?
What makes us so different from one another? What makes one person wise beyond their years, another driven by power, and another childlike, despite their age?
Regardless of whether you believe in, or entertain the possibility of reincarnation or not, you will find that the following Soul Ages theory applies to the vast variety of people in your life.
What Exactly is a “Soul Age”?
According to the Soul Age theory, man doesn’t have simply one shot at living and learning. He has multiple lifetimes in which to grow, learn and mature.
Soul Ages are based on the different levels of advancement a soul obtains throughout its reincarnational journey (inspired by the Michael’s teachings framework). As a person progresses through the hierarchy, paying off karma as he or she advances, it is said that he or she is free to return to universal and infinite consciousness at the end, achieving final liberation.
Some call this the state of “nirvana”, others “heaven” and others “paradise”.
The 5 Soul Ages
Understanding the different levels people exist on is a useful way of developing empathy, understanding and insight. Also, these are all essential keys to enhancing the connection we have with our souls through inner work.
Below are the 5 Soul Ages in order from ‘beginner’, to ‘intermediate’, and then to ‘advanced’. You’ll also discover the sixth Soul Age which transcends all others: the Elder Soul.
1. Infant Souls
Primary Focus: Being alive.
Lessons To Learn: Basic life skills, survival, mortality, physicality.
Age Comparison: 0 – 4
Key Characteristics: Raw, untamed, playful, excitable, unsophisticated, tribal, cautious, childlike, group-reliant, hunter-gatherers.
Also known as Newborn Souls, these people are often perceived by others as being ignorant, childish and innocent to the complexities of life. Possessing a very simplistic understanding of life, and a genuinely guileless approach to the world, Newborn Souls find it hard to adapt to ‘civilized society’. Instead, they prefer familiar clans, tribes and groups of people in wild, untamed environments. If this sounds like you, take the Infant Soul Test.
2. Baby Souls
Primary Focus: Belonging.
Lessons To Learn: Social structure, rules, roles, human relations.
Age Comparison: 4 – 13
Key Characteristics: Compliant, regimented, dutiful, role-defined, absolutist, disciplined, traditional, strong values.
Also known as Child Souls, these people seek to make meaning, order and stability out of the chaotic and uncertain nature of life. Perceived by other people as being clean, modest and rigid, Child Souls tend to be very conservative, religious and rule-bound. The Child Soul’s beliefs and senses of self are defined by their culture and traditional moral or religious system. If this sounds like you, take the Baby Soul Test.
3. Young Souls
Primary Focus: Independence.
Lessons To Learn: Personal-advancement, free will, personal-achievement.
Age Comparison: 13 – 29
Key Characteristics: Ambitious, competitive, innovative, material gain, enterprise, freedom, individualism, self-centered, self-expression.
Also called Teenage Souls, these people often live by the maxim “my way or the highway”. The Teenage Soul, similar to an adolescent, seeks independence, social status and material gain. Essentially, these people are agents of change and are responsible for many of the greatest advancements in the world. Driven and externally focused, Teenage Souls tend to be “workaholics”. If this sounds like you, take the Young Soul Test.
4. Mature Souls
Primary Focus: Interpersonal harmony.
Lessons To Learn: Empathy, psychological stability, interdependence, self-awareness, relationships.
Age Comparison: 29 – 55
Key Characteristics: Sensitive, inquisitive, neurotic, diplomatic, introspective, egalitarian, cooperative.
Also known as Adult Souls, these people enter life seeking interpersonal and psychological harmony. Adult Souls are often perceived as being neurotic but caring. Focusing on the inner world, these people often struggle with the complexities and subtleties of life. The mature soul is liberal, relationship-orientated and visionary. Life is no longer about survival, role-filling or material gain for the Adult Soul, but about understanding, empathy and camaraderie. If this sounds like you, take the Mature Soul Test.
5. Old Souls
Primary Focus: Spiritual fulfillment.
Lessons To Learn: Non-attachment, autonomy, wise counsel, spiritual awareness.
Age Comparison: 56+
Key Characteristics: Solitary, spiritual, detached, philosophical, humanitarian, tired, unmotivated, empathetic.
Right at the end of the reincarnational cycle comes the Old Soul. Having already experienced the previous 4 stages of existence, the Old Soul has a well-rounded knowledge of society, relationships and the world at large. At this point, the Old Soul finds day to day life very uninteresting, and little can surprise or compromise their self-assurance. Relaxed and philosophical about life, Old Souls radiate depth, calmness and wisdom. The Old Souls focus is on self-actualization and self-fulfillment. To the Old Soul, life is an interconnected tapestry – one of which they strive to become One with. If this sounds like you, take the Old Soul Test.
6. Elder Souls
Elder Souls are the completion of the Soul Age cycle. An Elder Soul is an Awakened Being who has reunited with and embodied his or hers True Divine Nature. In our society, we often refer to Elder Souls as “enlightened” or “spiritual Masters.” Read more about Elder Souls.
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Although most people don’t fit strictly within each category, often overlapping others, many people tend to inhabit one Soul Age more than the other.
Which Soul Age are you? I’d love to know below!
What is a “middle soul” !
Thank you for writing this post. I know that I am an old soul. However, I was wondering if it is possible in one lifetime to grow spiritually from an old soul to an elder soul? I am also curious if a soul can become an elder soul without incarnating back onto Earth ? Lastly, I have gained so much insight and knowledge both mentally and spiritually from your website. I wish the two of you knew how much you have helped me on my spiritual path.
Thanks Jocelyn for the question. The transition from Old to Elder soul is possible in a single lifetime as it’s not a typical shift. Elder souls have experienced the completely liberation of self, full awakening/nirvana which is the dissolution and transcendence of the ego rather than a different ‘stage’ in the maturation process which still occurs within the ego.
At almost 73 years of age I am an infant soul. I’m not sure of the significance of that but I do know I’m in a Dark Night of the Soul. I find I don’t like myself right now and I have been lying to myself for so long I don’t have any concept of who I really am. I want to buy your ebooks and programs to find myself, but my financial situation keeps me from contributing. I am trying to get enough from your free materials to get myself on the right path. Over the years I have tried numerous times to reinvent myself, but seem to return to my old habits. I feel if I don’t make it this time I will die in a state of limbo. I know there is an all powerful God and I pray daily, beyond that I am lost.
Hi! :-) Whatever you want to change about yourself, just give it to your soul to solve it. Like this: “You solve it. Thank you.” And let it be. :-)
I dont think there is anything wrong with being an infant soul, or a young soul. It is just where we are at. We get caught up in trying to “advance” from infant to old so quickly… yet what is the hurry? If some people are to be believed, once you become a fully enlightened soul, then you have a choice to start all over again as an infant, for the sheer joy of living. Why hurry just for the sake of not being an infant, why place older souls on a pedestal? All old souls were young once. It is good to seek enlightenment and self improvement but you should want to become a better *you*, not try reaching for advancement for the sake of advancement. I’m 26 and it heartens me that someone at 73 can decide they want to be a better person. But “better” doesn’t necessarily mean “not an infant”. Just try to learn the lessons you’re here to learn right now. In the grand scheme of things you’ve got so much time to learn every lesson there is. Do what you can with what you’ve got, and let your soul continue to learn through your lives. If you can trust to that then you won’t end up choosing limbo when you die in the belief that you don’t deserve anything else. If you can, I also recommend trying counselling in this life as it does sound like you are depressed and despairing. If you can’t afford it, stay in communication with others. Reddit can be a wonderful place to find likeminded people. Reddit.com/r/pagan and reddit.com/r/thexeffect could be good places to start. Best of luck.
I’ve always had the traits of a baby and infant soul, but in the last year I’ve completely switched and felt emotions of calmness, clarity and motivation which resemble old/teenage souls. Not sure what to make of it. I’m 20 years old
I’ve heard it can take until your early thirties for your soul age to become more apparent. A lot of people think they are young souls when they are young. Don’t forget that each soul age corresponds to a real age–of course you will have some traits of that age when you are that age! I know I used to care about fame, was hugely into whatever was the latest tech, and wanted to move around and have this unconventional hippie vandwelling lifestyle til i was about 24. Around that time my desires completely changed and while it would be nice to be famous it’s no longer this huge goal for me, I still love computers but I don’t give a crap about the hype surrounding all the details of the newest technology anymore, and I’ve discovered I really just want to settle down with the white picket fence and the 2.5 kids etc etc. Your family and upbribging can really suppress some parts of you until you are old enough to leave them, too. So yeah, i wouldn’t stress, you’re just becoming more you. You might be interested in googling the concept of “saturn return” too.
I’m 29 , and I tick every damn box of an old soul , I have memories of previous lives , this modern world makes little sense to me and I feel more and more detached each year . I genuinely yearn for a bygone era , my day to day vocabulary even seems to reflect that of an old man . I’ve seen ghosts and experienced the supernatural my whole life , I enjoy what I can from life but also welcome death one day with open arms and hope this will be my last life . I’m an illustrator and very much live an isolated life in rural countryside , I have a small handful of friends and a good life partner . Im fully aware this sounds like the babbling of a mad man , but I thought I’d let you know that I found your articles on being an old soul most helpful . I wish I could find energy for life , I feel constantly emotionally drained these days !
I am about a fifth or sixth stage Mature Soul. I can also relate to some Old Soul qualities, more than half, and several Elder Soul qualities. The crazy thing is I’m only a sixteen year old girl. I am also a healer and an Earth Angel, so I’m quite complicated for my age. Thank you both for being wonderful, beautiful people inside and out, and for helping countless people through life.
Elder 100%.