Summary

Destiny of Souls by Dr. Michael Newton offers a groundbreaking exploration of the afterlife. Published in 2000 as a follow-up to the author’s bestselling Journey of Souls, it presents 67 case studies of individuals who underwent spiritual hypnotherapy, revealing fascinating details about life between lives. Delving into various aspects of the spirit world, including soul mates and spirit guides, Destiny of Souls won the 2001 Independent Publisher Book Award in the New Age category. 

Plot

Destiny of Souls is a comprehensive exploration of the afterlife based on the author's research in spiritual hypnotherapy. Through 67 case studies of individuals undergoing deep hypnosis, Dr. Michael Newton investigates various aspects of the soul's journey between lives on Earth.

The book delves into the purpose of human existence and examines the spiritual realms where souls reside after death. Newton's subjects describe their experiences in these ethereal settings, shedding light on the soul-brain connection and the nature of soul mates. The author also explores the concept of soul travel between lives, offering insights into how spirits navigate different planes of existence.

A significant portion of the book focuses on the roles of spirit guides and how they assist souls in their spiritual development. Newton's research reveals ways in which spirits connect with and provide comfort to the living, bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. Additionally, the book examines the process by which souls select their physical bodies for upcoming incarnations.

Throughout Destiny of Souls, Newton presents detailed accounts of spiritual memories recalled by his subjects, allowing readers to explore the meaning behind their own spiritual experiences. The book builds upon Newton's previous work, Journey of Souls, but is designed to be accessible to both new readers and those familiar with his earlier research, offering a comprehensive look at life between lives and the greater purpose of human existence.

Themes

• The afterlife or life between lives

• Our purpose on Earth and spiritual growth

• Reincarnation and soul progression

• The meaning of soul mates

• Spirit guides and interaction between spirits and the living

• Spiritual realms and their struct

Setting

Destiny of Souls explores the metaphysical realm between physical incarnations on Earth. The book focuses on what Dr. Michael Newton describes as the spirit world, a non-physical dimension where souls reside between lives. It also references Earth as the physical plane where souls incarnate. Newton's research spans various time periods and cultures, with case studies featuring individuals from different eras and backgrounds. The spiritual settings described in the book are abstract and ethereal, existing outside of conventional space and time.

Newton's work primarily takes place in his hypnotherapy office, where he conducts regression sessions with clients. Through these sessions, he claims to access the memories of their experiences in the spirit world. The “setting” of the book, therefore, alternates between the physical realm of Newton's practice and the metaphysical landscapes his subjects describe while under hypnosis.

Characters

• Dr. Michael Newton: The author, a spiritual hypnotherapist who conducted the research presented in the book. He developed a unique age regression technique to explore past lives and the afterlife. Dr. Newton interviewed 67 subjects under deep hypnosis to gather information about the spirit world. His work led to the establishment of the Michael Newton Institute for Life Between Lives Hypnotherapy.

• Hypnosis Subjects: The 67 individuals who underwent spiritual hypnotherapy sessions with Dr. Newton. These subjects provided detailed accounts of their experiences between lives, offering insights into the afterlife and spiritual realms. Their testimonies form the core of the book's content, exploring various aspects of the soul's journey.

• Spirit Guides: Ethereal beings mentioned by the hypnosis subjects. Spirit guides are described as wise entities that assist souls in their spiritual development and provide guidance during their earthly lives. They play a crucial role in helping souls navigate the afterlife and prepare for future incarnations.

• Soul Mates: Spiritual entities that subjects reported encountering in the afterlife. Soul mates are described as other souls with whom individuals share deep connections across multiple lifetimes. These relationships are said to play important roles in personal growth and spiritual evolution.

Quick facts

• Destiny of Souls was published in 2000 as a follow-up to Dr. Michael Newton’s first book, Journey of Souls. 

• The book is designed to be accessible for both new and returning readers.

• Dr. Newton developed his own age regression technique for hypnotherapy.

• The Michael Newton Institute was founded in 2002 to train hypnotherapists in his methods, largely based on the success of Dr. Newton’s two books.

• Destiny of Souls covers topics such as soul mates, spirit guides, and how souls choose their bodies.

• Newton claims the case studies reveal hidden aspects of the spirit world.

• Publishers Weekly praised Destiny of Souls as a “rich volume,” but noted it may be challenging for newcomers to the subject.

About the Author

Michael Newton, PhD (1931-2016), was a renowned psychologist and hypnotherapist who pioneered research into the spiritual realm and life between lives. His groundbreaking work led to the publication of three bestselling books—Journey of Souls, Destiny of Souls, and Life Between Lives. 

Along with holding a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Newton was a certified Master Hypnotherapist and a member of the American Counseling Association. Throughout his career, he balanced his private practice in Los Angeles with teaching roles at various higher educational institutions.

Dr. Newton's contributions to the understanding of spiritual experiences garnered international recognition. He appeared on numerous national radio and TV talk shows to discuss topics such as soul mates, spirit guides, reincarnation, and everlasting life in the spirit world. Additionally, he trained other advanced hypnotherapists in his unique age regression techniques and founded the nonprofit Michael Newton Institute to continue his research.