What It Really Means to Be an Old Soul
The difference between old and new souls and how they experience the world differently
I never really understood what the phrase “old soul” meant… until I started on my spiritual journey. I used to think it just meant someone was wise beyond their years.
But I think it goes much deeper than that.
You never hear someone called a “new soul.” Why is that?
I think that is because old souls stand out. They feel deeply. They live a heart-led life instead of constantly following the next shiny thing.
I’ve heard different spiritual teachers talk about old souls and new souls. Maybe someone has once told you that YOU are an old soul.
Maybe you have felt that way about others in the past.
I feel that I am an older soul… probably, if you are reading this article, you are too! Older souls tend to be attracted to things spiritual in nature.
But what does being an older soul really mean?
Below is my take on old souls vs new souls and what that has to do with all of the divisiveness around us. Thinking of the world in this way is helping me to have more compassion and focus on living my own best life.
The Soul's Journey: Old Souls Versus New Souls
Many believe, myself included, that souls come to Earth at different stages of their development to learn various life lessons through a human experience. Lessons could include things like patience, healthy love, self-worth and joyful creation.
Many of us are old souls, who have lived numerous past lives, learned deep lessons, and carry an inner wisdom from our lived experiences into this lifetime.
Others are new souls, just beginning their soul's evolution. They have more lessons to learn- just like a newborn or toddler. And of course, there are the spectrum of soul ages in between.
One isn't better than another. They are just at different points on their soul's journey. We were all new souls once!
Here's where the big difference between old and new souls are:
Old souls often arrive with a strong sense of empathy, a desire to help or heal others, and often are awakened to their spiritual journey. They may carry wounds from past lifetimes and are actively working to heal them, most often related to self-love and self-compassion. They may work on this through different relationships- learning healthy boundaries and by honoring what TRULY brings them joy. They have already mastered how to care for others and have done this well in past lives- maybe even to their own detriment. Their heart chakra (or heart energy center) may be very large due to their lifetimes of caring for others.
New souls, on the other hand, are here TO LEARN empathy and compassion. For many new souls, empathy is a brand-new concept. They may only know to care about themselves. Their heart chakra may be small, closed, or undeveloped. And until something personal shakes them- a loss, a deep love, a true challenge- they may not be able to really understand what it means to care about another. You may notice that some people are perfectly fine when something is negatively impacting others, but it's not until they are PERSONALLY impacted do they start to care. In my opinion, that is a sign of a newer soul.
Now- being a new soul DOES NOT excuse bad or harmful behavior. I don’t think it is an excuse at all!
But it does make it easier to explain why you can't reason with someone who doesn't feel what you feel. They can’t put themselves in your shoes. Their soul is too young in its evolution to truly care.
Many newer souls literally don't care- because they aren't capable YET.
So where does that leave us?
I feel that the world is filled with a lot of newer souls and older souls at this time- seeing the world very differently. With such contrasting views- it's easy to get discouraged as an old soul- feeling like nothing will change.
Maybe even that our own caring won't make a difference in the world.
But here is the truth that I WANT to believe about old souls:
We aren't here to fix everyone.
We are here to model a way of living that holds love.
We are meant to stay open-hearted without leaking or giving away our energy.
We are meant to share our light, openly, without the need to convince anyone of anything.
We are meant to trust that by shining our light, the right souls will find us, and our light will ignite theirs.
Know this…your presence matters.
Your energy, your light, causes a ripple effect that increases the collective vibration of the world.
In a way, it's an old soul quiet revolution stirred by love.
A New Way to See the World
What if, instead of trying to "wake people up", we focus on staying awake ourselves?
What if, instead of falling into grief or anger, we hold ourselves in compassion and remember that everyone is on their own journey- having their own soul experience?
Even the new souls, the ones who feel cold and unkind- they are on their journey too. And somewhere, down the line, they'll learn.
Just as we did.
If You Are Tired- That's OK.
If your heart is heavy, you are not alone. But please remember:
You're not here to carry the world.
You are here to anchor your light in it. Whatever that means to you.
Maybe you anchor your light by working as a healer, or being a compassionate coworker, a loving partner, friend, child or parent. Maybe you support the well-being of the disadvantaged, the elderly, or those who struggle to support themselves.
Maybe you care for animals, nature, or are generous with your kindness and offer a smile freely without expecting anything in return.
And that is simply enough.
If this resonates with you, maybe you are indeed an old soul. Old souls tend to recognize each other. If you felt seen by this, say hello in the comments. I’d love to know you're here!
With trust in your journey,
Carole
✨ If you’re feeling the pull to release old energy or receive guidance from your team in spirit… I’d be honored to work with you.
You can book a 30- or 60-minute session through the link below — and trust that whatever you’re meant to receive will come through.