Christy from Trinity, NC, asked:
Hi Julie,
Does choosing cremation have any impact on the afterlife?
Your thoughts and guidance would mean so much to me.
Love, Light, and Blessings,
Christy
Hi Christy,
Thank you for submitting such a thoughtful question. From a spiritual perspective, the way we care for the physical body after death, whether through cremation, burial, or another practice, does not affect the soul’s journey or its experience in the afterlife. The soul is eternal, boundless, and entirely separate from the body, which serves as its temporary vessel for our earthly lives.
Historically, many religious traditions favored burial because cremation was often associated with pagan rituals. Over time, however, most spiritual teachings and religions have come to embrace the understanding that once the soul leaves the body, it transitions into a realm of love, peace, and light.
For example, during my own lifetime as a Roman Catholic, the Second Vatican Council in 1963 lifted the ban on cremation, affirming that it does not affect the soul. In alignment with this shift, my church/parish has a columbarium—a brick structure with niches to hold the cremains (ashes) of the deceased—rather than a traditional cemetery.
It’s been my experience that all souls are pure love and transition to Heaven, where they are embraced in divine light and joy. While the soul’s destination remains the same regardless of the body’s treatment, it is important for us, as the living, to honor the physical remains of our loved ones in a way that brings us comfort.
Whether it’s through a traditional funeral and burial, a cremation accompanied by a celebration of life, or even a simple moment of silence, what truly matters is choosing what feels most meaningful for you and your family. Honoring the dead is ultimately about providing solace for the living. Rest assured, your loved one’s soul is already in Heaven, radiating love and happiness.
For more information on what happens at the end of life, here’s a link to a free digital and audiobook version of my book Angelic Attendants: What Really Happens As We Transition From This Life Into the Next. Please share it with your family and friends.
Hope this information provides clarification and comfort.
Hugs,
Julie
