Expressions of the Oversoul

 It's worth noting that neither Jane Roberts nor Seth coined the word "oversoul". It comes into the English language via Emerson, with whose works Jane must have been familiar. Emerson's friend Noah Webster was inspired by him to include the neologism in his Dictionary, where the first definition read: Oversoul (n) "the spiritual element of the universe which is infinite and from which finite souls draw their being and support". Jane's usage, of course, is different. The oversoul becomes an individual consciousness operating beyond time and space that is at the same time the con-soul (my coinage) of a group of personalities.

– Robert Moss

“Oversoul” is a term that Jane Roberts, the innovative writer and psychic used. Think of your myriad reincarnational selves as planets in a solar system. The Oversoul is the Sun! The Oversoul exists “outside of time” and can operate in a frame-of-reference that is 5th dimensional and beyond. The Oversoul serves as the Heart-Center, maintaining contact with all the expressions of itself through time. For this reason, I like to think of the past, present, and future as Expressions of the Oversoul.

Jane and Seth (the Spirit she channeled) always stressed this basic maxim: “The Power is in the Present.” This is true with reincarnation especially, for we can only use the information we receive from reincarnational memories in our own present. Your different incarnations experience their own “presents” and in their own characteristic styles. As a Pagan artist, I like to think of each incarnation as an artwork of the Artist/Oversoul. Others may see their different incarnations as stories, each told by a Master Storyteller. Still others may find each incarnation as a game invented by a Mistress Inventor. These artworks, stories, and games often draw on each other for inspiration, and even overlap at times.

It makes no difference how you view the creative process of incarnating. The essence of the process is creativity. Creativity means learning to know the self, expressing the self, sharing the self with others, and letting go of parts of the self that are ready to be released. At its most advanced form, this process is pure, natural joy.

Time is simply a dimension (the 4th dimension), like length, width, and depth are dimensions. Through inter-dimensional interchange, different Expressions of the Oversoul can communicate and share with other Expressions of the Oversoul. I have learned that as I find out about my other incarnations, I develop relationships with them. Certain of my Expressions were “unfinished” in one way or another; and maybe in this life, if I choose, I can “finish” them in a creative way. Others seem to have resolved themselves, and those provide me with a foundation and a fountain of spiritual nourishment combined with practical knowledge...almost like having a psychic family to share their experiences with me.

Occasionally, people form an intense attraction or repulsion (or both!) to certain of their incarnations. It can become an obsession. If you find this happening to you, remember that obsessions can be turned to creative advantage. Instead of torturing your friends with constant harping on your particular penchant, you can work with that Expression in a creative union, a partnership, a collaboration.

Writing is a good way to work in such a partnership between dimensions. The two of you can create dialogues, stories, novels, and, as the threads begin to weave a pattern, you will find that you can work out any “kinks” that have echoed between your two magically-entwined lives.

Remember, always, that “love finds a way” — and DO love your Oversoul’s myriad Expressions as you love yourself! With this kind of intense relationship, you must remember not to be too hard on yourself or your partner in a destructive way. Also remember, however, that it’s good sense to work hard if you have a lot of energy to work out. Check yourself as you work to see whether your actions are resulting in something positive for you both. If not, stop and ask for guidance.

Spirit-guides are becoming known by many people, but did you know that everyone had at least ONE incarnation which is a direct-access bridge to the Oversoul? At least that’s what my guides have told me. As you discover your own incarnations, you will most likely find that a certain incarnation seems to bring the different melodies of each Expression into one big harmony. That is, you’ll have an incarnation that is so plugged into the Oversoul that a spiritual attunement can occur. Some would call it an “enlightenment.” This particular incarnation can be a great source of self-understanding, but rather than a guide, this incarnation can be more like a friend, a friend who has been through many of the same experiences that you have, one who has a “new” way of perceiving life/death/eternity, one who has “graduated” and is a beginning student in a “new school.” It is likely that this bridge-self may make mistakes from time to time, but any beginner knows that is the way to learn!

There are countless ways to use the awareness of Expressions of the Oversoul to enrich your everyday life. The way we experience the basics of food, clothing, and shelter is culturally learned, but our memories of other Expressions can bring deepened meaning into these experiences. Establishing links from your own personal Expression to other Expressions of your Oversoul can enhance the enjoyment and sharing of everyday activities—for instance, cooking!

In one of his books, Dick Sutphen (a past-life regressionist) describes how his friend, the artist Paladin, often channels other Expressions when cooking. He tells of one particular delicious dinner they shared where Paladin channeled an incarnation from ancient India. The dish included almonds. “Almonds were worth a man’s life in my time,” the Indian incarnation told them through Paladin’s lips. Ruth Montgomery, a metaphysical storyteller, writes of remembering an incarnation where, as a hermit, she cultivated and ate almost nothing but Butterbeans, for which she retains a great love, relish and respect even to this day!

If you wish to draw out a certain attribute in yourself, sometimes an article of clothing or adornment from another Expression will help—especially if that article has a special symbolism for you. For instance, I like to wear sashes and clothes that swirl when I move. This seems to harken back to a time as a dancer, and it seems to draw out a certain grace in my own movements.

Living spaces, gardens, and various environments will also call certain Expressions to the fore. You may find that you want to create spaces where you can enjoy the arts, crafts, and celebrations of a “remembered” culture or group of cultures. In fact, sensitivity to cultures other than your own can be enhanced by getting in touch with your other Expression and delving into this kind of study can bring a heightened awareness of your own culture. The more cultures you can truly appreciate, the more you can feel kinship with your brothers and sisters on the planet.

Getting in touch with “future” Expressions is a unique adventure that can be exciting! All is undiscovered, and inventions and inspirations often occur when the “future” is “remembered.” This is a fun way to work toward solutions for modern problems such as pollution, the population explosion, and war.

By expressing your Expressions, you may begin to uncover certain dominant themes that seem to run through and connect all your lives like repeating colors or patterns through an intricate tapestry. These repeating themes are your real connection to the Oversoul from your own perspective. These themes are often expressed through extremely mundane matters—food, shelter, clothing, relationships to others on the planet, etc.; but sometimes the smallest things have the deepest meaning!

Simplicity is the core of the Oversoul. As we express the Variety of our Being, the Oversoul expresses the simple Unity. To give, accept, and embody Love—this is the Oversoul’s work; and the Oversoul always works for the good of all, according to free will. Blessed Be in the Expressing!

by:  Peggy Andreas