Ancient Egypt had a complex view of the human soul. It was believed to have 5 parts

Ancient Egypt and the five elements

Ancient Egypt had a complex view of the human soul.

It was believed to have 5 parts

The Ren (name),
Ib (heart)
Sheut (shadow),
Ka (vital essence)
Ba (unique character).

The Ka leaving the body was the cause of death.

The Ka is the animating life force or spirit ( Aether); it is the Alchemical Mercury.

The Ka needed to be sustained after death, which is why food offerings were brought to tombs.

This may sound strange, as it would be clear that the food was not being consumed.

However, it was believed that all living things contained a Ka.

It was this vital essence, called Kau (plural of Ka) which was consumed.

In many African cultures, including Haiti, this practice remains.

Usually a small portion of the best harvest of the year is offered to the ancestors, or their favorite food, coffee, cigars, corn fruits.

Native Americans believe that the deaths can influence and even amplify human addictions such as sex, alcohol, etc.

To feed through them, in some really bad cases it's called possession.

The KA can be good or bad that's why it's important to do spiritual work to control the instinctive needs.

Cleansing, fasting, purification meditation can help.