I think the interest is a blend of gtinhs. The woo woo of esoteric. The idea we have a hidden past. And the idea that the past may explain the oddness of the present. So to a large extend its simple curiosity. But sometimes people may seek meaning in the past. Like Ariel, I simply started to remember stuff that gradually became more complete. I didn't seek it out, though my ex was very interested. I found that it did explain a few of the curiosities of my life and the fear of death left. As Akemi observed, sometimes people can resolve deep stuff when its source is seen. When large spans of time are seen, the ebb and flow of awareness also becomes clear. But, really these are all secondary. Something can be learned. The relative truth can often be verified. But it also may simply be yet another layer to the onion of illusion.