Destiny of Souls

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY MAY 1, 2000

Newton--counselor, hypnotist and author of Journey of Souls--draws on his regressions of some 70 clients to explore the existence of souls between incarnations. The most affecting section of the book is the second chapter, where Newton turns his attention to grief and argues that between death and reincarnation, discarnate souls are able to contact loved ones and comfort them. Excerpts of his sessions with clients show people realizing that they have had one partner throughout many lives; that after previous deaths, the couple was reunited; and that after this incarnation, they will be together again. Elsewhere, Newton investigates the nonhuman manifestations of spirits on Earth, including elves, fairies and ghosts. Newton also takes on malevolent spirits; arguing that demons and the devil do not exist, he reports that after working with him, clients who initially thought they were possessed by a "malevolent spirit" usually realize they have miscommunicated with a benevolent spirit who was trying to reach them. A rich volume, chock-full of interviews and fascinating first-person narratives, this book is nonetheless not for the uninitiated; Newton sometimes fails to explain his terminology, so readers who do not know much about "lives between lives" may feel lost. More informed readers, however, will find this a feast, and Newton a charming host.