What is Soul?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
The Creative Medium of Spirit. In New Thought, the Soul of the Universe is the Universal Creative Medium through which Spirit manifests form.
Understanding Soul in New Thought
The Creative Medium of Spirit. In New Thought, the Soul of the Universe is the Universal Creative Medium through which Spirit manifests form. Troward's chapter "The Soul" in the Edinburgh Lectures describes the soul as the organism of the mind, adapted to the action of a still higher power, Spirit itself.
In New Thought, the concept of 'Soul' transcends a mere individual essence, representing the universal creative medium through which the formless Spirit actualizes all manifestation. This understanding, significantly articulated by Thomas Troward, positions the Soul as the receptive and formative principle, akin to the 'organism of the mind' that translates spiritual impulse into tangible reality. Historically, this perspective diverges from traditional dualistic interpretations by emphasizing the Soul's active role in co-creation, making it central to the New Thought doctrine of mental causation and the power of conscious thought in shaping one's experience. Its significance lies in providing a framework for understanding how individual consciousness, as a localized expression of this Universal Soul, can intentionally direct creative energy.
What the Teachers Say
Soul vs. Spirit
While Soul and Spirit are intimately connected in New Thought philosophy, they represent distinct aspects of the creative process. Spirit is the conscious, directive principle, while Soul is the receptive, creative medium that responds to Spirit's direction.
| Aspect | Soul | Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Receptive and responsive medium | Active and directive consciousness |
| Function | Creates form from mental impressions | Initiates and directs creative process |
| Consciousness | Subjective and automatic | Objective and intentional |
| Activity | Responds to mental direction | Provides conscious direction |
| Role in Creation | The how of manifestation | The what and why of manifestation |
Etymology
The term 'Soul' originates from the Old English 'sawol,' which is related to the Old German 'saiwalo' and the Gothic 'saiwala.' These terms are thought to derive from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'belonging to the sea' or 'from the sea,' possibly referring to the idea of a life-giving fluid or breath. Over time, its meaning evolved to denote the spiritual or immortal part of a living being, the seat of emotions, character, and consciousness, eventually encompassing the broader metaphysical interpretations found in traditions like New Thought.
How to Practice This
Practically, understanding the Soul as the creative medium encourages practitioners to cultivate a conscious awareness of their thoughts and feelings, recognizing these as the 'stuff' from which reality is formed. Techniques include affirmative prayer and visualization, where the individual consciously impresses desired outcomes upon this universal creative medium. By maintaining a clear mental image and an unwavering belief in its manifestation, one actively engages the Soul's formative power to bring about desired changes in their life. This involves regular meditation and self-reflection to align one's individual consciousness with the Universal Soul's creative flow.
Connection to Manifestation
The soul plays a crucial role in manifestation as the Universal Creative Medium that transforms mental impressions into physical reality. When you hold a clear mental image or feeling, the soul receives this impression and begins the process of creating corresponding conditions in your experience. This receptive nature of soul means that it responds impartially to whatever mental states you consistently maintain, whether positive or negative. Understanding the soul's automatic responsiveness empowers conscious manifestation by emphasizing the importance of maintaining aligned thoughts and feelings that match your desired outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
In New Thought, Spirit is the conscious, directive aspect of Divine Mind that initiates creation, while Soul is the receptive creative medium that responds to Spirit's direction. Spirit thinks and chooses, while Soul receives these mental impressions and creates corresponding forms through natural law.
The soul operates as the Universal Creative Medium that receives mental impressions from conscious thought and feeling, then transforms these impressions into physical conditions through natural law. It works automatically and impersonally, responding to whatever mental states are consistently maintained.
The soul is both universal and individual in New Thought philosophy. There is one Universal Soul that serves as the Creative Medium for all manifestation, but it also operates individually as each person's subjective mind. This dual nature allows for both cosmic unity and personal creative power.
While the soul itself operates automatically and cannot be directly controlled, it can be influenced through conscious direction of thoughts and feelings. By maintaining clear, consistent mental impressions aligned with desired outcomes, you can work with the soul's receptive nature to create beneficial experiences.
New Thought views the soul as a cosmic creative principle rather than an individual entity requiring salvation. Instead of focusing on moral judgment or afterlife concerns, New Thought emphasizes the soul's function as the Universal Creative Medium that responds to mental direction for practical manifestation.
In the Source Texts (12)
All that is possible in the way of greatness and soul unfoldment, of service and lofty endeavor, comes by way of getting rich; all is made possible by the use of things.…
…w of the great ~Hermetic thinkers~ of all times, as well as of those ~illumined souls~ who have reached higher planes of being, both of whom assert that the inner nature of ~THE ALL~ is ~UNKNOWABLE~. This must be so, for nau…
Of all the beautiful truths pertaining to the soul which have been restored and brought to light in this age, none is more gladdening or fruitful of divine promise and confidence than this—t…
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Used by: Troward, Luria