The Subtle Bodies

Theosophical literature states that there are three bodies aside from the physical . They are presented here not as fact, but as a sounding-board or framework we can use to think more deeply about the subject of multi-dimensional bodies.

The Etheric Body or 'The Body of Light
It is the blueprint upon which the physical body is built: the densest of the subtle bodies

It is a field of energy that exists within the same space as the physical body, and interpenetrates it.

The field is composed of many threads of energy, with light and force; the body of light.

It vitalizes the physical body. As in a web, it connects us to all parts of the universe; it connects us to higher realms.

It has three-fold action: it receives energy; it assimilates energy; it transmits energy.

The threads of energy criss-cross through our etheric body and energy centres or chakras occur where many lines cross. There are thought to be seven main ones - five along the line of the spine and two in the head - plus many minor chakras.

The Astral Body or 'Emotional Body'
There are seven sub-planes of astral matter which, in different proportions and density, form a parallel world to the physical which it interpenetrates; each type of physical matter attracts astral matter of the same density.

It is composed of very fine substance, with colours and constantly moving

It is where the feelings, emotions and passions are expressed; and acts as a bridge between the physical brain and the mind.

When a person dies, their consciousness withdraws into the astral body, and continues its journey on the astral plane. An alive person can' leave their body' temporarily, and go astral travelling'.

The aura is the manifestation of the astral body, and extends from the surface of the physical body to various degrees, from a few inches to feet, yards or further. The aura can be seen as colour, and felt.

The Mental Body
It is an ovoid mist which encloses all the other bodies, and has very fine colours.

It interacts strongly with astral matter.

It is very much affected by everything in our environment.

A person controls the fineness or the density of their mental body by the quality of their thoughts; spiritual thoughts produce higher vibrations.

Auras are an aspect of our natural selves, and of the natural world. There is nothing weird or magical about them. Some people can see and feel them and some can't; this has less to do with any special powers or perception than with our desire to experience them, and our application to that goal. There then are some ways to expand your vision and sense of touch.

The first exercise involves trying to see a phenomenon Wilhelm Reich, Austrian psychoanalyst, called 'orgone dots', and theosophical literature calls 'vitality globules' One of the best descriptions came from Jirij Moskvitin in Essay of the Origin of Thought where he talked about brilliant sparks of dancing light, describing them as having tiny 'tails'. These light particles dart through the atmosphere in all directions, and the easiest way to see them is in daylight against a light blue sky.

To see them, another way of looking is required, rather as with 'magic eye' pictures which appear at first like a disorganized but repetitive pattern of colour. To see these, the eyes are crossed, or made to focus differently, but to see the shimmering light particles, you need to get beyond normal vision, not by going-crossed eye, but instead by focusing in the distance, as if you were lokking for a spaceship in the far blue yonder.

Reference: The Fragrant Heavens: Valerie Ann Worwood