What’s the Difference Between Soul and Spirit in Spiritism?

In everyday conversation, the words “soul” and “spirit” are often used interchangeably. But in The Spirits’ Book, Allan Kardec and the communicating spirits make an important distinction between the two terms—one that sheds light on the nature of our being, our existence beyond death, and our relationship with the physical and spiritual worlds.

Let’s explore how Spiritism defines soul and spirit, and why understanding this difference matters for our personal and spiritual growth.

Defining the Spirit

In Spiritism, the spirit is the immortal and intelligent principle of the universe. It is:

• Created by God as a simple and ignorant being with the potential to evolve
• The source of thought, memory, will, and moral consciousness
• Independent of the physical body, though it may be temporarily connected to one during a lifetime
• The true self—our eternal identity across multiple incarnations

In short, you are a spirit, currently inhabiting a body, and you existed before your birth and will continue after your death.

Defining the Soul

So what is the soul, then?

According to Kardec:

“The soul is the spirit incarnated.”

This means the soul is not a separate entity from the spirit, but rather a state or condition of the spirit while it is united with a physical body.

• The spirit, when living in the material world, is referred to as a soul.
• When it is free from the body—before birth or after death—it is simply called a spirit again.

This subtle distinction reflects the dual reality of human life: we are spiritual beings having a material experience.

The Perispirit: The Bridge Between Matter and Spirit

Spiritism also introduces the concept of the perispirit, which is crucial in understanding the connection between soul, spirit, and body.

The perispirit is:

• A semi-material envelope that connects the spirit to the body
• What allows the spirit to act on the physical world
• What retains the appearance, identity, and memories of the spirit across incarnations

When we are incarnated:

• Spirit (our core being)
  • Perispirit (our spiritual body)
  • Physical body
    = Human being (soul)

Upon death, the physical body is left behind, while the spirit and perispirit continue their journey in the spiritual world.

Why This Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between soul and spirit clarifies several important ideas in Spiritism:

1. We Are Not Our Bodies

By recognizing ourselves as spirits, we become more aware of our eternal nature. The body is temporary, a tool for learning—not our true identity.

This leads to:

• Less fear of death
• A deeper sense of purpose
• More compassionate and responsible living

2. Incarnation Has a Purpose

The spirit becomes a soul to experience physical life, face challenges, and grow through interactions in the material world.

Each incarnation is:

• Chosen (in many cases) by the spirit itself
• An opportunity for moral refinement and spiritual elevation

3. Death Is Not the End

When the body dies, the soul is no longer “a soul”—it returns to being a spirit, retaining all its memories, identity, and acquired virtues (or flaws).

Understanding this helps us face grief with hope, and inspires us to live each day meaningfully.

Misconceptions Cleared Up

Here are a few common misconceptions addressed by this distinction:

• “The soul dies with the body.” → False. The spirit (our essence) survives death.
• “The soul and spirit are two different beings.” → False. They are different terms for the same being in different states.
• “We become spirits after death.” → Partly true. We return to the spirit state—we’ve always been spirits.

A Unified Vision of Human Nature

Spiritism provides a beautifully integrated view of what it means to be human:

• Spirit is who we are eternally.
• Soul is who we are during our earthly missions.
• Perispirit is our bridge between the spiritual and material planes.
• Body is our temporary tool for experience.

This holistic perspective encourages us to take care of all parts of ourselves:

• Nourishing the spirit with knowledge and moral growth
• Honoring the body with healthy habits and service
• Respecting the soul’s journey with love, patience, and purpose

Final Reflection: One Being, Many Dimensions

In Spiritism, the journey of the soul is the journey of the spirit in action. By understanding that the soul is the spirit incarnated, we come to realize the sacredness of life, the importance of every experience, and the eternity of our being.

You are not just a body.
You are not even just a soul.
You are a spirit in evolution, passing through stages, learning through lives, growing through love.