THE AURA

The Subtle Bodies

The vast majority of the worldRs religions have recognised that man is
more than just a physical body that will die and whose essential
essence will just disappear.

Each person is really a spirit  with a body and soul on a journey of
learning experiences which will ultimately lead to a complete merger
with the God. There are thought to be many, many planes of experience
which each spirit may undergo on this journey, including other worlds
and periods spent learning in the Spirit realms. To experience all
these realms, the spirit may require different coverings that are
compatible with that environment.

To incarnate on the Earth plane, the spirit needs to be re-born in a
shell that we know of as the physical body..

The soul is usually regarded as also having three QbodiesR of its own,
that of mind, emotion and the dense physical matter. The mastering of
these different levels to bring them under the souls control is the
main concern of much occult theory. Much of this has involved physical
and mental controls, often of a harsh and purgatory nature.

The total number of subtle bodies apart from the physical varies in
different traditions from at least three to sometimes ten or more
(seven being quoted commonly). The exact number is not really
important as often the terms used, represent attributes rather than
actual realities. There is also a great deal of overlap and inter-
penetration between the different QbodiesR.

These QbodiesR are thought to vibrate at different rates, the physical
body being the slowest and densest. To move towards the higher
spiritual realms the spirit needs to quicken its vibration which may
be impossible or only possible for a short period until it is ready
for a permanent change due to its spiritual development.

The soul is produced from the fusion of spirit and matter. It has
always been referred to in terms of light and radiance. Indian
teachings speak of it like a lotus blossom containing a central point
of energy directly connected to the spirit by a fine thread, the
silver cord, also called the sutratma, upon which the permanent atoms
are strung Qlike pearls on a necklaceR. The central point of light is
called the QJewel in the Heart of the LotusR.

The soul arises out of the interaction of spirit with the matter of
the abstract levels of the mental plane, producing a series of whorls
or vortices. The soul having been established as the vehicle of
manifestation for the spirit must in its turn create a series of forms
that will enable it to gain experience in the lower and denser levels
of matter and consciousness.

The action of coming into physical incarnation involves the soul in a
process similar to that carried out by the spirit. It activates the
mental, astral and physical QseedR atoms; they then draw around
themselves matter from the lower mental, astral and etheric and
physical planes, forming bodies on each of these levels of
consciousness, which are held together as a functional unit by the
higher power of the soul.

If the soul does not hold a precise thought-form, if its attention
wavers from the task of building the vehicles of the lower-self, then
a stillbirth  may occur, because the soul has withdrawn its
consciousness to its own level. If a deep, clearly sustained thought-
form is held then a child is born.

At about 7 years of age the physical form is securely anchored to
earth, and the pineal gland, related to the expression of the
spiritual will-to-be atrophies. At about 14 puberty occurs and this
event signals the soulRs grasp upon the astral body, which in many
cases produces a crisis of some sort in the life of that child. At
this point the thymus gland starts to atrophy. By 21 the mental body
has been appropriated by the soul, an action which can in turn produce
a soul-searching crisis. At 28 work goes forward that prepares the way
for the work of the soul in later years and so on in roughly 7 year
cycles. At 42 the soulRs purpose for that life should have been
recognised, even if unconsciously, and the process of carrying out the
work implemented.

The mental body is formed from the matter of the mental plane. This
mechanism is used for rational, discriminative and intellectual
thinking processes. To clairvoyant sight it appears as an ovoid field,
the size of which depends on the mental capacity of the individual.
Through a process of refinement, ultimately the mental body becomes so
clear and potent that it will attract only good thoughts and repel
automatically those which are destructive.

The astral body is derived from the coarser matter of the astral
plane. In this body the individual experiences the interplay of
emotions and feels the pleasures and pains of life. The astral body
connects the mind by way of the etheric body to the external world;
and through this connection sensations arising in the physical world
are transmitted to the mind. The astral body of an undeveloped
individual is coarse in texture and dull in colour, its outlines ill-
defined. It is through the astral body that we sense the mood of
another person or the QatmosphereR in a room or location. So sensitive
is this body that some individuals can detect events that may have
occurred hundreds of years ago.

Between the astral and physical bodies lies the etheric body. This
vehicle is frequently referred to as the etheric double, because its
shape is similar to the physical form. The etheric body is composed of
material drawn from the Qfour ethersR, the subtle aspect of the
physical plane; it underlies and interpenetrates every atom, molecule
and cell of the physical body and is directly related to the nervous
system which it feeds, controls and prompts into action.

To clairvoyant sight it appears as a fine network or web of energy
streams. The etheric body has three basic functions, which are all
closely related. It acts as a receiver, assimilator and transmitter of
prana. This is the universal life force that vitalises all forms in
all kingdoms of nature. These energies streaming in from the sun are
absorbed by the etheric body through a series of small force centres
and then passed to the spleen, where the vital essence of the sun is
subjected to a process of intensification or devitalization, according
to the condition of the subject, before being circulated to vitalise
the physical body.

The powers of thought and feeling and movement do not reside in the
etheric or physical bodies but are activities of the soul working
through these bodies by the force of prana as it runs along the
nerveways.

When observed clairvoyantly, three main currents of energy are seen
circulating in the etheric body. One runs vertically along the spine;
this induces other currents of energy which appear to circulate
horizontally and these in turn induce yet more currents to circulate,
once more vertically (unseen forces like a magnet!). The vertical flow
relates to autonomic regulation and the horizontal current absorbs and
carries vitality from the atmosphere and disposes of etheric waste
products.

The Aura

The word aura comes from the Greek avra, which means breeze. The auric
fields of the astral and etheric bodies extend much further from the
physical body than that of the etheric, which stands out no more than
a 1/2T or so. The undulating flow and rhythmically shimmering colour
of the mental and astral fields do give the impression that they are
moved by a breeze. The sun has always symbolised the soul in man, and
the earth his lower bodies of manifestation. In a human being, when
the activity of the soul is intensified, perhaps during prayer or
meditation or in moments of intense spiritual inspiration, the
energies of the soul (or solar angel as it sometimes called) or
through the fields of the mental, astral and etheric bodies,
increasing their size and the brilliance of their colours.

Psychics that can QseeR Spirit are usually observing the etheric
body, which is vibrating at higher level than the physical shell, but
especially in the case of the higher orders of spirits is a lot slower
than their normal rate. Many cultures such as the Egyptians, Chinese
and Christians use the halo above a persons head to indicate someone
of advanced spiritual development.

It may be a surprise, but the ultimate God force that animates all of
us, is also within all animate and inanimate objects. The etheric body
forms their soul, sometimes referred to as their ideal energy
blueprint. This blueprint is complete with nothing missing, damaged or
diseased.

In human beings on the Earth plane, the physical and etheric bodies
are joined by a Qsilver cordR extending from the back of the crown of
the head to the other. This remains intact (and can sometimes be
observed during astral travelling) until physical death parts it.

This etheric body animates the physical body. Running through the
etheric body are a complete series of energy lines, which link to the
seven (some systems allow for more) chakras (the Sanskrit word for
wheel) which are located at the crown of the head, brow, throat,
heart, solar plexus, spleen and base of the spine. Finer energies are
absorbed by these energy centres.

The etheric body surrounds the physical and appears psychically as an
aura. It may appear as a colour or vague light. Kirlian photography
can show this affect around living objects. It stretches out for about
4 - 6 inches from the physical form in a normal person (who is fairly
happy and well).

Many colours may be seen within this field and whilst some will remain
constant, others will vary according to the state of that persons
mood, state of health etc. The chakras will be seen as QwheelsR of
colours, spinning fast or slow. The energy lines, interact and
intersect with the chakras.

Rudolf Steiner thought than man consisted of four components: body,
etheric body, astral body and ego body. The etheric body, more
commonly called the aura, interpenetrates the physical body and may be
regarded as its architect. He says: QAll the physical organs are
maintained in their form and shape by the currents and movements of
the etheric bodyR.

 But according to Steiner, a human being who consisted only of
physical body held together by the etheric body would be a vegetable.
Consciousness is also required and this is the astral body - or at
least its most important effect. Just as man shares the etheric body
in common with vegetables, so he shares the astral body in common with
animals. In man, says Steiner, there is yet another principle over and
above these. An animalRs choices are dictated by its sensations; heat
and cold, hunger and thirst, pleasure and pain. Man is able to develop
desires and wishes that go beyond these. An obvious example is
mathematics, which seems to have no possible connection with his
physical appetites. The higher level of choice man calls the ego. The
ego is a principle of continuity and attempts to provide a certain
lasting element in human life.

Yogi Ramacharaka gives seven levels of subtle bodies

1. Physical body                -       lowest
2. Astral body
3. Prana or Vital force
4. Instinctive mind
5. Intellect
6. Spiritual Mind
7. Spirit                       -       highest

Alice Bailey refers to seven planes of energy:

1. Adi                          -       highest
2. Monadic
3. Atmic
4. Buddhic                      -       Christ
principle level
5. Mental
6. Astral/Emotional
7. Physical                     -       lowest

The Mental is sub-divided into the abstract, upon which the soul of
man is found and the lower concrete from which the rational and
discriminative thought processes arise. The physical plane is
subdivided into the etheric level and the lower, dense actual physical
level.

In their philosophy these seven main planes were further divided into
a further seven planes each giving a total of 49.

Illness and the aura

Illness can both be seen in the aura and may often be a result of the
aura itself being out of balance or having tears and blockages. This
is in many cases how a healer works, by repairing and re-balancing the
auric systems.  Holes in the aura are often the result of trauma,
injury, illness or some other powerful experience. These rips and
tears can sometimes attract astral entities, a bit like astral dirt
that can cause further problems, particularly to psychics.

More about the chakras?

To clairvoyant sight they appear as wheel-like vortices of energy
containing mental, astral and etheric matter. In person of high
spiritual development they are seen to revolve at great speed, and
eventually to become spheres of radiant energy.

Most psychics talk about seven major chakras though the Tibetans speak
of six and some writings of 8, 10 or even 12. However many
channellings now refer to new chakras opening up as we approach a more
spiritual age. Alice Bailey also mentions an eighth major chakra, the
alta major just above the nose. There are also many minor chakras.

    There is a central subtle column of energy interpenetrating with
the physical body and running from the crown of the head to the
perineum (the area mid-way between the anus and the genitals). Each
chakra  has petals and a stem. The stems of the crown and root chakras
are open and are contained within the central column. The other
chakras have petals which open into the auric field at the front and
stems which open into the auric field at the back. The stems normally
stay closed but the petals are flexible, opening and closing,
vibrating and turning according to the different life situations
encountered.

A healthy chakra is a flexible chakra. Where there is dis-ease the
chakra energies become inflexible or actually blocked. Working with
chakras can thus aid physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

    Though normally closed, a healthy chakra stem is like a self-
opening valve. It allows unwanted energy or reaction to pass through.
It is part of the elimination system. These stems can be damaged by
shock or trauma, by over-use of drugs (medical or hallucinogenic), by
lengthy or too frequent anaesthesia, and by alcohol and tobacco use.
In such cases they may stay open, rendering the individual vulnerable
to outside influences of all kinds. This open state of the stems can
be healed through an understanding of colour and energies and by the
receiving of the sort of healing which can be channelled through the
hands.T Ruth White - Working with your Chakras

    Through the chakras, the major nerve plexuses, the lesser ganglia
and the intricate network of the fine nerves, man registers those
energies and forces which flow to him from a multitude of sources
throughout the universe, including the constellations of the zodiac
and the planetary bodies. Similarly energies from the mental,
emotional and etheric environment make their impress upon him, and as
his spiritual unfoldment proceeds he becomes increasingly sensitive to
the forces flowing to him from his soul, which are directed in such a
manner as to galvanize the personality into fulfilling its purpose.

    As well as acting as receivers of energy, the chakras also
transmit energies for creative or destructive purposes. For example an
individual who is strongly polarised in his astral body and working
through an uncontrolled and highly developed solar plexus can create
havoc one way or another in the environment where he operates. On the
other hand a person who works creatively through the throat or the
heart chakras radiates peace and harmony in such a way others are
uplifted and quietly inspired by its presence. By fulfilling the law
through purification of the threefold lower-self and service to others
the centres are slowly and automatically unfolded.

    The key that will open the centres slowly and safely lies in a
steady orientation towards the soul and a responsiveness to soul
contact through service. After David Tansley - Subtle Bodies

Some writers place the chakras at the front of the body, but most at
the back near the spine but with tube-like connections to the front
and back.

The lowest is base chakra, situated at the region of the apex of the
sacrum. It externalises as the physical bodyRs adrenal glands and
governs the functioning of the kidneys and spinal column.

Above, located at the base of the lumbar spine, lies the Sacral
chakra. It externalises as the gonads and governs the activity of the
entire reproductive system.

The Solar-plexus chakra is located just below the level of the
shoulder-blades and the diaphragm. Its glandular counterpart is the
pancreas, and it governs the action of the stomach, liver, gall
bladder and certain aspects of the nervous system. This centre is
considered to be the great clearing-house for all of the energies
below the diaphragm before they are transferred to the appropriate
centres above.

The fourth centre is the Heart chakra, located between the shoulder
blades; its glandular counterpart being the thymus. It governs the
heart, blood and circulatory system and has strong influence upon the
vagus nerve. Through this centre man learns to radiate the energies of
love flowing from the soul, out into the world.

The Throat chakra is located in the region of the first dorsal
vertebra at the base of the neck. Its focal point is the thyroid
gland, and it governs the lungs, the vocal and bronchial apparatus and
the alimentary canal. Through this chakra the higher creative
faculties of man are expressed.

Of the two centres in the head, the Brow chakra is located on the
forehead and externalises as the pituitary gland. Primarily it governs
the lower brain and nervous system, ears, nose and the left eye which
is the eye of the personality or lower-self. This centre expresses
idealism and imagination. This centre is frequently related to what is
called the third or heavenly eye, and in some instances this claim is
made for the pineal gland with its rudimentary optic tissue. It would
seem that the third eye comes into being when the energy fields of the
auras of the pineal and pituitary glands blend harmoniously. When this
occurs, the soul has a direct avenue of perception into the three
worlds and is not dependent upon the often distorted feedback coming
through the five physical senses.

The Crown chakra is at the top of the head. Its glandular expression
is the pineal, the focal point for the spiritual will-to-be. It
governs the upper brain and right eye.

How is it used?

Psychics may use just one or a variety of techniques to tune in to
their sitter. Some use Tarot cards, others runes. Some may just sit
quietly and wait for guidance, others try to look at a persons hand or
aura.

Whichever technique is used, the medium is normally trying to form a
psychic link with the sitter. This is not telepathy but is (normally)
not a straight link to Spirit. The medium is using a means to try and
find out about the person sitting opposite them.

The aura is normally used in two ways:

1. to look at the colours found there. In simple terms each colour
QseenR in the aura represents a different mental or physical state,
eg. (and these interpretations sometimes seem to vary between
different psychics) Red may mean anger or upset, Green stress, Blue
healing and so on. These are usually observed around the head and may
give a quick indication of how someone is feeling.

2. to pick up psychic details about that person. A lot of information
about a person seems to be QstoredR in the aura, eg. their past and,
surprisingly, there future - or at least future possibilities. The
future is not fixed and what psychics see (sometimes well, sometimes
badly) is the most likely outcomes if a person continues down the same
track they are currently following.

A lot of mediums only really seem to operate at this level and there
evidence of spirits may be very vague. All fortune tellers work at
this level and may appear to be very impressive.

Phillip Brown  3.10.95