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1. Introduction to the Council of Elders and the NDE
Among the most interesting and mysterious aspect of near-death experiences (NDEs) is the encounter with a Council of Elders – a gathering of wise and loving beings who oversee the soul’s life review and future destiny. Across NDE testimonies, NDErs describe being brought before a semicircle or council of light beings, often numbering twelve, whose love and authority transcend earthly understanding. These Elders appear as divine mentors – beings who help souls evaluate how well they have expressed love and fulfilled their mission.
Many NDErs sense that these Elders represent archetypal or astrological principles – the “divine intelligences” behind creation itself. In some testimonies, such as those of Dannion Brinkley, Lynnclaire Dennis, and Edgar Cayce, the Council of Twelve corresponds symbolically to the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve apostles, or the twelve rays of divine light that structure both the universe and the human soul. Others, such as Betty Eadie and Dr. Michael Newton’s regression subjects, describe the Council as spirit guides who assist souls between incarnations – reviewing lessons learned and preparing the next stage of growth. Still others, from Native American NDErs like Black Elk to modern experiencers at NDERF, encounter similar councils of light beings.
Many of the NDE testimonies referenced in this article are drawn from firsthand accounts generously shared on the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (NDERF.org) website. I gratefully acknowledge NDERF and its founders, Dr. Jeffrey Long and Jody Long, for their decades of dedication to collecting, preserving, and publishing the world’s most comprehensive archives of NDE testimonies. Their ongoing research and stewardship of these testimonies make it possible for readers, researchers, and NDErs alike to deepen their understanding of the profound insights reported during NDEs.
2. Dannion Brinkley, the Being of Light, and Twelve Other Beings
Dannion Brinkley was led to a heavenly cathedral by a Being of Light. There he met twelve more Beings of Light representing the zodiac:
“I was able to count the beings as they stood behind the podium. There were thirteen of them, standing shoulder to shoulder and stretched across the stage. I was aware of other things about them, too, probably through some form of telepathy. Each one of them represented a different emotional and psychological characteristic that all humans have. For example, one of these beings was intense and passionate, while another was artistic and emotional. One was bold and energetic, yet another possessive and loyal. In human terms, it was as though each one represented a different sign of the zodiac. In spiritual terms, these beings went far beyond the signs of the zodiac. They emanated these emotions in such a way that I could feel them.” (Dannion Brinkley)
3. Betty Eadie and the Council of Twelve Elders
Jesus led Betty Eadie before a Council of men who decided to reveal to Betty her mission in order to convince her to return to Earth:
“I was led to a room, which was exquisitely built and appointed. I entered and saw a group of men seated around the long side of a kidney-shaped table. I was led to stand in front of them within the indented portion of the table. One thing struck me almost immediately; there were twelve men here – men – but no women. The men radiated love for me, and I felt instantly at peace with them. They leaned together to consult with each other. Then one of them spoke to me. He said that I had died prematurely and must return to Earth. I felt them saying it was important that I return to Earth, that I had a mission to fulfill, but I resisted it in my heart. This was my home, and I felt that nothing they could say would ever convince me to leave it. The men conferred again and asked me if I wanted to review my life … I felt the love of the council come over me.” (Betty Eadie)
4. Sylvia Browne and the Council of Elders
Through her NDE and subsequent psychic abilities, Sylvia Browne learned that upon death, most people go through a heavenly process before entering into heaven. Part of that process is going before a Council of Elders:
“Another beautiful structure is the Hall of Justice where people go before a Council of Elders who are highly advanced spokespersons of God who help us decide how we are to progress further into the spirit realm. At some point, people recognize the need for even further advancement and therefore choose to return to Earth to gain this spiritual advancement. With the help of a spirit guide, they decide on an incarnation which will meet their goals. They then proceed to the Hall of Justice where they meet once again with the Council of Elders. Here, the Council prepares people for their next incarnation. When they are ready to incarnate, their family and friends are gathered together to bid farewell.” (Sylvia Browne)
5. Lynnclaire Dennis and the Circle of Twelve Elders
During Lynnclaire Dennis’ NDE, she entered into the Light of the “Universal Life Source” whom she knew to be God. In the light, she saw what she understood to be the “Pattern” of all life and was told that she was assigned to communicate to the world the message behind the Pattern. During her life review, Lynnclaire was guided by a “Circle of Twelve Elders,” a council of light beings seated in a perfect ring around her who radiated unconditional love and knowledge. The Elders reviewed her life with profound empathy and affirmed her role as a catalyst for love and connection in the physical world. After her NDE, the Pattern eventually caught the eye of quantum physicists because of its compatibility with the knotted pattern of 10-dimensional space in Superstring physics and its possible solution to the so-called Theory of Everything – the holy grail of all physics. The Pattern consists of twelve pieces of light surrounded by an unbroken line creating seven bridges within it. The mathematical name for it is a Fourier Trefoil knot. Lynnclaire worked with The Gorbachev Foundation and found doors opening to diplomatic circles in many countries. She views the metaphysical meaning behind the Pattern as a potential tool for negotiation. World-renowned University of Illinois mathematician Dr. Louis Kauffman had this to say about the unifying principle and algorithm behind the Pattern:
“The fact that you can see many different forms in it as you turn it around makes it very beautiful for teaching purposes. You can say to people, ‘Here is something that if you look at it one way shows you the Star of David, and if you turn it another way shows you the Yin-Yang, and if you turn it again you see the crescents sacred to Islam, the symbol for infinity, and the conventional image of an atom. And they’re really all the same thing.’ Mathematics is slowly teasing out those kinds of patternings by stepping carefully and slowly through various structures that give rise to puzzles. Those puzzles become centers of attention for people, and from them we begin to understand how everything is knitted together in the universe.” (Dr. Louis Kauffman)
Perhaps Lynnclaire’s Circle of Elders are doing more than just trying to give humanity the mathematical solution to the Grand Unified Theory to the Theory of Everything. Perhaps they are also trying to give us the religious, cultural, political and metaphysical proof that we are indeed connected, one, and the same.
6. Brian Krebs and the Twelve Beings of Knowledge
During his NDE, Brian Krebs was given information about the past, present, and future from twelve otherworldly Beings of Light who have similarities to the Elders found in Betty Andreasson’s UFO NDE and Dannion Brinkley’s Beings who represented different signs of the zodiac:
“I then went to twelve beings of greater knowledge. They were in front of me and stood in a row. They were not human. They had no feelings of anything like judgment or authority, but seemed strong in themselves. They seemed taller than me and they wore silver white robes. They had white skin, large heads and large eyes. I do not remember them having mouths. Above them was a spirit. It was like a star as we see one from Earth, but in size it appeared the same size as the heads of the beings. The spirit went to my left and hovered above the first being. I remember it was like a video of knowledge that sprung from the beings’ hands, which were held in front of them. Each being had something to relate. They opened the knowledge they had when the spirit moved above them. The last told me what I could do if I came back and the significance of it. I only remember seeing a young man with his head held back in pain as if his neck was injured. I said, ‘Oh! Aaron! My son!’ They said, ‘No, not that son.’ And I realized who they meant. (In 1978, my only other child was born, a son).” (Brian Krebs)
7. Dr. Michael Newton and the Council of Elders
Dr. Michael Newton‘s important research into hypnotic regression into past life memories led him to the discovery of memories of experiences in out-of-body dimensions between Earth lives. After a multitude of regressions, Newton realized that a process exists after death where people appear before a Council of Elders:
“After souls arrive back into their soul groups, they are summoned to appear before a Council of Elders. While the Council is not prosecutorial, they do engage in direct examination of a soul’s activities before returning them to their groups. Upon returning to Earth, one of the last requirements before embarkation for many souls is to go before the Council of Elders for the second time. The spirit world is an environment personified by order and the Elders want to reinforce the significance of a soul’s goals for the next life. Some return to their spirit group after this meeting to say goodbye while others say they leave immediately for reincarnation. Those souls getting ready for embarkation to Earth are like battle-hardened veterans girding themselves for combat. This is the last chance for souls to enjoy the omniscience of knowing just who they are before they must adapt to a new body.” (Dr. Michael Newton)
8. Miscellaneous NDEs Involving the Council of Elders
Marc M. encountered a Council of Elder’s during his NDE: “I saw a Council of Elders, dressed in white and sitting at a long table… Then the visions seemed to be of future events because I didn’t recognize the people or events that I was being shown.”
Gilles Bedard was brought before a half-circle of twelve beings: “In the blink of an eye, my vision expanded and I went into a place like a cosmos where there were twelve people standing in a half-circle. They were all pure white lights and they had no faces. Beyond them was a tunnel.”
Maureen K. encountered a council of twelve angels: “I counted that there were 12 energies as Angels on this radiant council. They assured me that I would come to accept, become, and share pure love as they had. I was worthy to receive and express radiant God love. I telepathically thanked the Council and God radiating love and gratitude to them from my Higher Heart.”
Larry M. was taught about reincarnation before a Council of Twelve Angels: “I recalled that I was made aware of past reincarnations. Also, I have at least two physical visitations from Yeshua to answer additional questions I had, and or provide clarity on what I have seen. As well as several as part of an OBEs, in which I was in s universe, just exploring, once been brought to a Council of Twelve Angels.”
Nanci Danison had a life review by a Council of twelve Beings of Light: “This second Council meeting was brief and to the point. The Light Beings told me telepathically that extremely difficult times lay ahead – times that would cause me grave suffering… There were maybe a dozen Light Beings at this Council meeting”
Amy Call had a life review by beings she calls “Elders”: “I could feel how the ‘Elders’ as I will call them (these are those who are Helpers on the Other Side who have Mastered themselves in many or all ways, and help work with us.) see us and find so much humor in the way we do things. (Humor is so valued, there!!) It might seem brutally annoying to consider when we are in the midst of a great argument or drama that is playing out in our lives, that the Elders view these things very much like when a mother sees her two-year-old scream and cry and bop another child on the head with a stuffed animal.”
Carl D. had a life review by beings he calls “Elders”: “When I was HOME, those around me, along with myself, we encountered THEM. All I knew was that THEY were ancient, and I was like a small child to them, or so I felt. They ‘appeared’ like us, but instinctively you knew they weren’t. They were also sad. THEY told us how special we were. How it was becoming our time. THEY were like teachers, guardians, or elders. Again, I have no words. I keep thinking they were angels, but having never met an angel, I had nothing to compare.”
Debra J. was taken before a council of twelve beings and the Being of Light: “I was standing in front of a council of thirteen beings with the One in the middle twice as big as the six on either side of him.”
John F. had a life review involving twelve people: “I walked through the white mist and saw about a dozen people… The other twelve people were wearing white robes. The man wearing the Levis explained to me that he was my guide… This man and I communicated via thought transference as I had done with the group of twelve people.”
Natalie B. met twelve light beings: “I was then seated at a large round wooden table. It was a banquet table. I was there with several other guests all dressed in a white glow. I didn’t recognize the guests but there were approximately 12 and they made me feel overwhelming glad to be sitting with them and very welcomed… The 12 beings and the little boy had a white light, glowing, translucent, sparkly… I met 12 light beings (very mystical) at the table.”
Sam K. met twelve beings of light: “I was floating and bouncing on a harmonic circle of energy with the 12 beings of light on the perimeter.”
Brad K. had a life review with twelve beings: “I then went to 12 beings of greater knowledge. They were in front of me, and stood in a row. They were not human; they had no feelings of anything like judgment, or authority, but seemed strong in themselves.”
9. Miscellaneous NDEs Involving a Council
Virginia D. had a life review by a council: “When I crossed over I met the council and God of the Universe. I viewed my life and several events and realized that we are all one with the Universe… I sat down in the room full of the white robe beings or the 12th council.”
William Si had a life review a heavenly council: “I was also given a review of our world, our existence, from the beginning. I was there at the council in Heaven when the plan of Salvation was discussed and accepted. We all were there.”
J.M. had a life review by a council: “This time, I would need to make some changes and put my life on a different track. I was escorted by one of the members of the ‘council’ out of the clearing.”
Ron K. was given visions of the future by a heavenly Council: “Though I was aware that much of what the Council had revealed already had been blocked, I did not realize at the time that much of the knowledge I had retained from my death experience would make little sense once I returned to Earth…. During my Council, I viewed a series of chronological [future] events, like a newsreel.”
Pascal C. had a life review by a council of seven or nine beings: “The entity guided me to the center of the room and headed for what seemed to be a council… Those I now nickname, when the topic is broached, the council of the seven or the nine (I am not quite sure anymore as sometime in dreams the number appears different to me).”
Marie W. experienced a council of seven beings: “The Masters, who had me as their task, had to get divine permission from the council of 7 to intervene and alter my experience, when they considered that perhaps there was more they could do with me than to just keep me on the other side and not allow me to return.”
JK S. was given visions of the future by a Council of Nine: “Then I met with two very close spirit guides that led me to the Council of Nine, who are seekers of peace in the Universe. They arrived as energy beams on a marble platform and they formed a circle around me. They passed on messages to me: from the current state to future events.”
Julian D. had a life review by nine or twelve Great Masters of Light: “There were the Great Masters of Light (whatever you want to call them), of which there were perhaps nine or twelve, with whom we experienced the life review.”
Jeffrey C. was taught about reincarnation by a heavenly council: “The old man in the council room told me that we live and experience as many lives as we can to gain experience so that we may come closer to God. Like a child growing up so he can have an adult relationship with his father.”
Frederic M. had a life review before a council of deceased family members: “I found myself sitting by a table with a council in the company of several deceased persons of my family, which I still have difficulties to identify. My grandfather led this council. There I was shown my past life, I had access to the purpose of my life. This council was organized only with the goal to come back to Earth.”
David C. was looked over by a bank of twelve to fourteen stars: “At that point, a bank of twelve to fourteen stars appeared before me. One of the stars was yellow in color while all the others were white. The group of stars seemed to look me over, which did not take long.”
Erick M. encountered ten or twelve beings of light: “I noticed some shadowy figures that came towards me and behind them was the reflection of a light. There were ten or twelve figures and I noticed a glow around them.”
William L. encountered seven to twelve unknown beings: “There are several shapes coming to me. I realize the closest shape as my grandfather who starts laughing and telling me that, ‘All is well.’ The others people don’t allow me to see their faces. I asked who they are and why I can’t see them. All my grandfather said was that they loved me and wanted me to know that… My grandfather who died 8 years prior was leading a party of 7-12 beings to meet me.”
10. Edgar Cayce and the Twelve Apostles of the Zodiac
The following information reinforces the connection between the twelve signs of the zodiac, the twelve apostles of Jesus, and the twelve Council of Elders.
Edgar Cayce revealed through his NDE-like otherworldly journeys that the twelve apostles of Christ were representatives of the twelve signs of the zodiac. He said the stars represent soul patterns, not experiences. The twelve signs of the zodiac are twelve patterns from which the soul chooses when coming into the Earth realm. They are like races – patterns of temperament, personality, etc. The star signs of the zodiac, for instance, influence people in subtle ways: by making some people bull-headed, or some people emotional, or some people timid, or some people introspective, based on the zodiac pattern chosen. [Cayce Reading 2823-1]
In the Bible, Jesus stated that the twelve apostles would someday judge people in a heavenly tribunal (a Council?): “Jesus said to them [the twelve], “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)
Early Christians believed Jesus was the perfection of all the twelve heavenly constellations. He ruled over twelve apostles on Earth and he rules over the twelve signs of the zodiac in the heavens. The early Church leader Clement of Alexandria (150-215 A.D.), in Excerpta ex Theodota, had no hesitation in equating the twelve apostles with the twelve signs of the zodiac, with Christ as the central sun … “By such reasoning, the body of Christ, through the numinous power of the zodiac, merges with the body of man, to become a single united symbol within the church.”
11. The Apostle John’s Heavenly Encounter With the Throne of Elders
In the Book of Revelation in the Bible, John of Patmos is taken into heaven before Jesus and twenty-four Elders on thrones. Twelve of the Elders certainly must represent the twelve apostles as has already been established. The identity of the other twelve Elders could be the twelve angels mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Both references are as follows:
“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four Elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.” (Revelation 4:1-6)
During John’s experience in heaven, he was shown a vision of the future when the heavenly city comes to Earth. In his description of this city, notice the connection between the twelve apostles and the twelve angels.
“It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel … The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:12-14)
12. Black Elk’s Council of Six Grandfathers and Six Implied Fathers
During his NDE, the Native American Black Elk went before a council of six old grandfathers whom he described as “older than men can ever be – old like hills, old like stars.” Because these six beings represent grandfathers, it might be implied that there are also six fathers that go with these six grandfathers but are not mentioned. Nevertheless, Black Elk learned that this council of beings are representatives of archetypal powers:
“The oldest grandfather welcomed the boy and said, ‘Your grandfathers all over the world are having a council, and they have called you here to teach you.’ His voice was very kind, but the boy shook all over with fear now, for he knew that these were not old men, but the Powers of the World. Each grandfather gave Black Elk a power. The first grandfather gave him the power to heal. The second grandfather then gave the boy the power of cleansing. The third grandfather gave the boy the power of awakening and its peace. From the fourth grandfather the boy was given the power of growth. The fifth grandfather, the Spirit of the Sky, gave the power of transcendent vision. The sixth grandfather, a very old man, incredibly grew backwards into youth until he became the boy, Black Elk. Growing older again he said, ‘My boy, have courage, for my power shall be yours, and you shall need it, for your nation on the Earth will have great troubles.’ Then the boy hears a great Voice say, ‘Behold the circle of the nation’s hoop, for it is holy, being endless, and thus all powers shall be one power in the people without end.’ Then Black Elk, standing on the highest mountain, surveying the grand vista of the hoop of the world, said, ‘I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being.’” (Black Elk)
13. Conclusion
Across cultures, religions, and time, the NDE encounter with the Council of Elders is one of the most profound and archetypal scenes of the afterlife. Often described as twelve beings of light, the Council is a divine group who guides the soul during the life review. These councils illuminate the purpose behind every thought, word, and action, allowing the soul to view its life from the perspective of love and universal law.
From Dannion Brinkley’s zodiacal beings to Betty Eadie’s council of twelve men, from Michael Newton’s regression-based councils to Black Elk’s six grandfathers representing the “Powers of the World,” these testimonies reveal an important message: humans are part of a vast, ordered, and benevolent cosmos. Each soul’s journey is reviewed through the divine principles of love and wisdom.
Astrologically and symbolically, these councils of twelve apostles, twelve constellations, twelve beings of light, all point to a universal geometry of consciousness. The soul’s encounter with the Council of Elders is a glimpse into the cosmic order that governs evolution itself.
