The greatest thinkers of Greece and Rome distinguished the spirits of deceased by names:
- The Anima, or pure spirit, ascending to heaven;
- The restless Umbra (earth-bound spirit), hovering about its tomb, because the attraction of matter and love of its earthly body prevailed in it and prevented its ascension to higher regions.
- Siphra Dzeniouta (The Book of Concealed Mystery) – Kabbalah
- The Popol Vuh (The Mythic and Heroic Sagas of the Kichés of Central America) – Kiche Manuscript
- Phaedrus – Plato
- Timaeus – Plato
- Aitareya Brahmanam – Vedas
