Transpersonal hypnotherapist and philosopher Stephen Poplin has distilled forty years of practice, observation and insight into these volumes (this being volume one), sharing with the reader what he has learned about life, love, soul, death, karma, purpose and life-between-lives. Stephen has “interviewed” thousands of people who were in deep trances to discover Life's big secrets – and reasons for living, and dying. Stories of past lives and present paths are woven into fascinating descriptions of remarkable people confronted with fate, challenges, spirits, soul mates and divine contracts. Along the way, the eternal questions come front and center ... * Why am I here? Is there a divine purpose? * What about love, partners and soul-mates? * Is there an afterlife? Is there a Heaven? Or a Hell? * What role does karma play in our lives? What about Fate and Free Will?He has come to the following conclusions: “Why we are here may not be what you thought, nor what you were told. We are being influenced by our thoughts, bodies, culture and cons. Step back and view the big picture; check out the cosmic map. Along the way we will approach life, love, calling and kismet. When digging deeper, we will come across lessons, soul-searching, and payback – whether conscious or unconscious. What is this all about? There is a force animating us and this essence, this soul, has a voice and a sincere urge to communicate with us. Knowing ourselves, via this spiritual source, will make all of the difference in the world. So step in to the pages, take a stroll in the past, to forgotten places and fascinating people, to stark emotions and struggles, love won and lost, to the end of lives and beyond – for souls do not die. We are given many opportunities, and assignments. The Light shines on, for there is love, guidance, grace, lessons and options to try again. It is quite a ride, and you signed up for it.” Stephen weaves various ideas and beliefs from the world's traditions, for he wishes to share and compare inner journeys with knowledge passed on through the ages. The reader will benefit - and stretch - from these stories, anecdotes and gems of wisdom. There will be some surprises along the way … and a few ghost stories.How will this all end? You are co-creating the cosmic script. Thanks for your participation! In Inner Journeys, Cosmic Sojourns, Stephen Poplin, M.A., CCHt., takes the reader on a variety of journeys, first through the history of hypnosis stretching back to the Greeks, Romans, and the yogis of India, and then into the accounts of his clients' forays into the interior of their souls, which, in turn, stretch into the vast cosmos even further within. With his vast knowledge gained from scholarly research and practical experience, Poplin demonstrates what a trusted companion he is in guiding those under his care to examine their purposes for this lifetime. Through regression to the past in the current lifetime, past-life regression, Interlife experiences, and other "trance-personal" modalities, Poplin provides numerous opportunities for healing for those who seek his help. This book provides a remarkably thorough overview of the multi-dimensional field of hypnosis while also demonstrating how major healing is possible beyond what traditional modalities can provide. - Joseph Mancini, Jr., Ph.D., CCHt., author of The Present Power of Past Lives: The Experts Speak , and the forthcoming, Ending the Endless Conflict: Healing Narratives from Past-Life Regressions to the Civil War ☼ There are few people who speak with true authority on the subject of the soul and its journey through Eternity, both in the body and beyond. Stephen Poplin's mastery of this arcane subject consists of over three decades' work with clients, helping them via hypnosis to solve problems as well as achieve self-knowledge and insight. In addition--and this distinguishes his work from many other sources--his career path has been consistently informed by scholarly research spanning ancient and contemporary sources. This book is a valuable addition to that research and belongs in the library of anyone seeking a serious and in-depth discussion of reincarnation and of the soul's experiences when not embodied, as well as the healing potential of work in non-ordinary states of consciousness. - Jim Nourse, Ph.D., L.Ac., psychologist, acupuncturist and author of Simple Spirituality: Finding Your Own Way and Opening the Aloha Mind: Healing Self, Healing the World With Ho ʻoponopono. Stephen Poplin, M.A., CHT, spiritual hypnotherapist and transpersonal astrologer, has focused professionally upon personal and social improvement through self-awareness and spiritual understanding. His hypnotic specialties are past-life regressions, Life between Lives integration sessions, trance-personal journeys and talent enhancement. After attending six universities in the U.S. and Europe, Stephen received his B.A. in philosophy and M.A. in Humanities (comparative religions