Metempsychosis is the passing of the soul into a new body after death, human or animal, according to its life. The Pythagoreans and Orphics taught it, and Plato’s myths describe the choice of lives. It parallels the Indian doctrines of rebirth.
Metempsychosis
The transmigration of the soul from one body to another, taught by the Pythagoreans and Plato.
Also: transmigration