The concept of an aura is found in many spiritual and metaphysical belief systems. It is generally understood to be an energetic field that surrounds living things and inanimate objects. The aura is invisible to most people, but some believe they can perceive it with a heightened sense of vision or extrasensory perception. Understanding the meaning of aura in spirituality requires examining some key aspects.
Etymological Meaning
The word “aura” comes from the Greek word αύρα (av̱ra) meaning “breath, breeze, wind.” This suggests an aura is a subtle emanation around something or someone. Early uses of aura were secular, referring to smells or vapors. But by the 16th century, the term took on mystical associations.
Composition of the Aura
In many spiritual traditions, the aura consists of layers or subtle energy fields that surround the physical body. Each layer is said to correlate with different aspects of the person:
- Physical body
- Etheric field (health/vitality)
- Emotional field (feelings)
- Mental field (thoughts/beliefs)
- Astral field (intentions)
- Etheric template (life plan)
- Celestial field (divine essence)
Some also describe spiritual energy centers called chakras contributing to the aura. The colors and patterns in someone’s aura offer insight into their physical, mental and spiritual state.
Perceiving the Aura
Most spiritual traditions say the vast majority of people cannot perceive auras with their regular senses. However, some naturally born psychic mediums and those who develop extrasensory perception can see them. Aura vision involves subtle perception beyond the five senses. Some techniques said to help perceive auras include:
- Relaxing the eyes and gazing softly at the space around a person or object
- Training peripheral vision to detect faint emanations
- Meditating to increase sensitivity
- Using Kirlian photography to detect energy fields
With practice, one may start noticing light flashes, hues, or nebulous emanations around living things. Strong emotions and thoughts are said to cause auric fluctuations.
Interpreting the Aura
Learning to read and interpret auras is an important skill in many mystical traditions. The colors, patterns, density, and size of the aura can reveal information about someone’s:
| Aura Aspect | Meaning |
| Color | Associated with emotions, thoughts, spiritual states |
| Size & Shape | Vitality, health, expansiveness of energy field |
| Texture | Emotional calmness vs. anxiety |
| Holes or Gaps | Energy depletion, chronic illness, psychological trauma |
| Brightness | Spiritual awareness/enlightenment |
For example, a bright yellow aura may reflect optimism and intellect. A dark murky gray aura may reveal depression or ill health. Learning to work with the aura and its subtle energies is considered part of spiritual mastery.
Cleansing and Healing the Aura
Many traditions teach methods of cleansing or repairing damaged areas of the aura:
- Smudging with sage
- Burning aura-cleansing incense
- Energetic healing modalities like Reiki
- Visualization and meditation techniques
- Aura cleansing crystals like selenite
- Restoring vitality and nutrition to the physical body
Keeping the aura cleansed and vibrant is said to support optimal health, clear thoughts, stable emotions, and an overall sense of well-being. Damaged or blocked areas of the aura may contribute to mental, emotional, or physical symptoms.
Scientific Perspective
While the metaphysical nature of the aura cannot be proven by mainstream science, some research has been conducted into related phenomena:
- Kirlian photography shows coronal discharge around objects
- Gas discharge visualization detects biomagnetic fields
- Electrodermal activity measures skin conductivity
- Neuroscience shows visual cortex processes extrasensory input
So while there is no conclusive physical evidence of metaphysical energy fields, science does not rule out subtle biophysical processes that may correlate with the aura. Scientists remain open to further investigation.
Conclusion
The aura is a central concept in many spiritual traditions spanning history and geography. It is understood as a subtle energetic field surrounding living things. The colors, patterns, and qualities of the aura provide insight into mental, emotional, and spiritual states. Many believe the aura can be perceived through practice and that working with the aura supports wellbeing. While its metaphysical nature evades empirical science, the possibility of biophysical energy fields remains open for continuing study. For practitioners of spirituality around the world, the significance of the aura is an article of faith and direct experience.