Soul Contracts, Natal Charts and Pre-Incarnation Planning

Before we are born, spiritual teachings suggest we choose our life circumstances—including our relationships, challenges, and soul purpose—to foster growth. This concept of pre-incarnation planning is echoed in scripture, astrology, and metaphysical philosophy, offering clarity on suffering, wealth, karma, and the deeper meaning of our earthly journey.

Soul Contracts, Natal Charts and Pre-Incarnation Planning

Before incarnating into a physical body, many spiritual traditions teach that our souls convene with guides, teachers, and other entities to design the blueprint for our upcoming life. This process, often referred to as pre-birth planning, involves choosing our parents, children, friends, careers, and even pets. These choices are not random; they are intentional alignments meant to support our spiritual evolution.

According to metaphysical teachings, we experience many lifetimes across different timelines and realities. Each incarnation serves as a chapter in our soul’s journey toward enlightenment. The concept of soul contract agreements made before birth—helps explain why certain people and events feel destined or deeply significant.

In the Bible, this idea finds resonance in Jeremiah 1:5, where God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV). This verse suggests divine awareness and intention before physical birth, aligning with the belief that our souls are known and guided before entering the material world.

Astrology and the Natal Chart as a Spiritual Map

One of the most powerful tools for understanding our soul’s purpose is the natal chart. In astrology, your birth chart is a snapshot of the sky at the moment of your birth. It reflects the energies, challenges, and gifts you bring into this lifetime.

Astrologers often point to the North Node as the key indicator of your soul’s mission. It represents the qualities and experiences your soul came here to grow into. The South Node, directly opposite, reflects past-life patterns and ingrained behaviors that may feel familiar but can hinder growth.

Other important chart elements include:

• Midheaven (MC): Your public role and career path.

• Sun Sign: Your core identity and vitality.

• Rising Sign (Ascendant): How you approach life and embody your purpose daily.

A skilled astrologer can interpret these elements to help you understand your spiritual trajectory. Progressed charts and annual updates can reveal trends and shifts, offering guidance as you navigate your soul’s lessons.

Wealth, Poverty, and Spiritual Lessons

One of the most common questions in spiritual coaching is: “Why would I choose poverty?” or “Why do others, like Bill Gates, have wealth while I struggle?”

The answer lies in the soul’s intention. Wealth is not inherently a reward—it is often a burden. Those who incarnate into wealth may be tasked with learning responsibility, generosity, and humility. Whether they fulfill these lessons depends on free will. If they hoard wealth or act selfishly, they may accumulate karma rather than release it.

Conversely, poverty can be a profound teacher. It may foster compassion, resilience, and spiritual depth. The soul chooses these experiences not for punishment, but for growth. As Viktor Frankl wrote, “It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us”.

Years ago, I worked for a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs managing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth clients. I witnessed firsthand how wealth did not shield people from suffering. Many faced addiction, illness, legal troubles, and spiritual crises. Their path was no easier—just different. Judging them only slows your own progress. Resentment creates energetic blocks, while compassion opens the way for healing.

Children, Suffering, and Soul Volunteering

Another difficult question is: “Why do children suffer and die? Did they choose this?”

The answer is complex. In spiritual teachings, children are not expected to resolve karma. Their suffering is often part of a soul contract designed to assist others. A child may volunteer to experience illness or death to help a parent learn compassion, to inspire a doctor to pursue research, or to teach a community about love and loss.

These souls are honored in the spiritual realm. Their sacrifice is seen as noble, and they are rewarded for their service. While it is painful to witness, understanding this perspective can bring peace.

Children typically begin addressing karma around age 21. Until then, they are here to be nurtured and protected. Their suffering is not meaningless—it is a catalyst for growth in others.

Free Will and the Role of Choice

While soul contracts outline the framework of our lives, free will remains paramount. We choose how to respond to challenges. We can align with our purpose or resist it. This dynamic allows for authentic growth.

For example, someone born into wealth may choose to become a philanthropist or a recluse. Someone born into hardship may rise as a healer or remain bitter. The soul’s evolution depends on these choices.

Understanding this empowers us to take responsibility. We are not victims of fate—we are co-creators of our journey.

Karma, Ego, and the Cycle of Learning

Karma is the energetic residue of past actions ... it signifies lessons we did ot learn and experiences we did not fully complete. It is not punishment—it is a mechanism for balance. When we act with love and intention to following our journey/plan, we release karma. When we act with ego, we accumulate it.

Wealth, fame, and power often test the ego. If used wisely, they can uplift others. If abused, they create suffering. This is why spiritual teachings emphasize humility, service, and compassion.

The Bible echoes this in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This principle is central to spiritual growth. Giving releases ego, while hoarding reinforces it.

Awakening and the Path to Understanding

As we awaken spiritually, the madness of life begins to make sense. We see patterns, lessons, and divine orchestration. We stop asking “Why me?” and start asking “What am I meant to learn?”

This shift is transformative. It opens the heart, clears the mind, and aligns us with our soul’s purpose.

Spiritual awakening is not a destination—it is a process. It involves shedding illusions, healing wounds, and embracing truth. It is the journey of becoming who we were always meant to be.

Final Thoughts: You Chose This Life

You chose this life. You chose your parents, your challenges, your gifts. You chose to be here now, in this timeline, to learn, grow, and serve.

Your natal chart is your map. Your soul contract is your guide. Your experiences are your curriculum.

And yes, it’s hard. But it’s also sacred.

As Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” You are known. You are guided. You are loved.

Sources:

• Jeremiah 1:5, New International Version (NIV), BibleGateway.com

• Exploring the Connection Between Incarnation and Soul Contracts

• Soul Contracts: How These Predestined Agreements Shape Our Life

• Life Purpose in Astrology: How to Find It in Your Natal Chart