The subtle body's role in holistic transformations

Feeling the fears, burdens, experiencing karma, or pain from past life times is very real. It has been through my own healing experience that after I tried every modern day solution to get to the root of my health concerns, that I realized the root of my issues–the reasons for their manifestations were actually developing from a place that was much deeper. On a journey to understand why I was facing chronic sickness, mental health challenges and a pattern of karmic relationships, I set out to understand the underlying reasons for why it felt like I was set up for hardships.

From very young I could connect to inner fears, past-life traumas and limiting beliefs that I felt were travelling everywhere with me-like sentimental memories that I couldn’t consciously recall. It wasn’t until I decided to start working with spiritual mentors, healers and teachers, that I was able to see the truth of where they were stored.

what is the subtle body?

it is what comprises your aura… have you heard of the auric field?

The subtle body is actively being studied; by philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists and yogis alike. It’s not seen as just a concept or theory, but a way to deeply understand ourselves and our connection to the greater universe. You can experience it directly through focused self-examination (feeling/sensing) and reflection (training the naked eye to perceive it in the mirror).

The concept of the subtle body is deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy along with Eastern cultures. It is depicted as an energetic aura, that possesses all the information about your being. The subtle body encompasses the ego, mind, memories, unconscious, subconscious, and supra-conscious aspects of all that you are.

To conceptualize it, you can visualize the subtle body as a dynamic, flowing, bubble of energy that is constructed of different layers which are also connected to each other and anchored to your physical body.

the historical roots & connection to the East

Contrary to the prevalent dualistic approach in the Western world where the mind is often treated as being separate from the body; the subtle body concept embraces a holistic approach to viewing our entire existence. It integrates the physical body with the metaphysical aspects of our being; an approach that opens us up to receiving ancient knowledge and resonates amongst holistic healers and modern spiritual seekers alike.

In the pages of “Religion and the Subtle Body in Asia and the West: Between Mind and Body” by Geoffrey Samuel and Jay Johnston, it shares the first discoveries in human history of this system being utilized in ancient cultures. The book shares how it first is seen in the East, as early as 6th century BCE. In Asia (specifically China), it was discovered in Taoist texts that were found inside the ancient Mawangdui tombs. This text revealed spiritual practices and rituals that were created to connect with the subtle body, for the intention of reaching a higher level of enlightenment.

it originates back circa 4th century BCE

It was first formerly written through Indian thought, at a time that predates the Common Era. The “Taittiriya Upanishad”, a Sanskrit text originating from the Vedic era, serves as the first written testament to the early embrace of the subtle body in Indian philosophy. In the book, “The Roots of Yoga” by James Mallinson and Mark Singleton it shares that the subtle body consisted of five Koshas or sheaths. Each of these were subtle energy layers that were interwoven through chakras (energy points) which conducted the flow of energy through channels (the meridians) to guide the natural flow of a person’s life force energy.

it's our quantum connection

before anything happens in the physical, it happens in the spiritual

Once you begin to question and explore the complexities of our existence, there is a profound revelation – we are not solely physical beings only experiencing a 3D existence. In our essence, we are metaphysical beings simultaneously navigating many different realities. Like those vivid dreams you experience at night? That’s your astral body moving through the astral realm. Everything is happening at once, everywhere. Trippy, right? Time (and space) is a structure we have in this 3D world that serves us as a guide, one that formalizes our perception. As we observe reality, events in the time/space continuum appear to happen in a sequential order. Since we experience life in our physical body, we are obligated to perceive it through the lens of space and time. Even though at a higher level, our life doesn’t happen in such a structured way. To fully embrace the concept of the subtle body means acknowledging the outer layers of our being (subtle layers) are always present while simultaneous communicating and accessing other planes of existence.

A pivotal realization is that 95% of our conscious living is dictated by our subconscious mind. (You can learn more about discoveries made on this by checking out this article which interviews a professor of neuroscience from Stanford.) The fascinating part of this discovery is that since your subconscious works through the imagination, it can’t separate a true memory or lived in experience, from an imagined one… I’m not going to dive in to how our thoughts shape our reality-but this phenomenon is important to understand because it has a powerful impact on our decisions, actions and consequently the quality of our life. To initiate profound change, you have to imagine a different potential or possibility and so, healing becomes connected to utilize the subconscious mind to visualize a new reality, one that is first created through the quantum field. This process of manifestation is done through the mental body that projects the desire into reality.

the structure of the subtle body

the seven layers

every layer of the subtle body is connected to an energy centre; the colour corresponds to the chakra
the first three layers of the aura are perceived on the physical plane; the body, emotions and thought-forms we are aware of
the fourth, fifth and sixth layers of the aura are perceived through the spiritual plane and accessed through psychic or intuitive techniques; unconscious, subconscious, collective mind, genetic information and karmic patterns
the seventh layer and above are galactic and has information before conception; connects you directly to Source (the Divine), shares your soul contract, access to all events you’ve experienced previous to current lifetime

aura, chakras & meridians

The subtle body consists of these three components; the aura (field around the physical body), chakras (energy centres we perceive as in the body) and the meridians (like invisible veins, how energy circulates). In a subtle body graphic, you will notice how each layer of the auric field correlates to a certain chakra and shares the same, attributed colour. Some of the auric layers can be perceived with the naked eye, while others can only be seen by a practiced clairvoyant. The energy from each chakra centre circulates through pathways or channels, known as meridians.

the etheric body

The first layer of the subtle body contains what is perceived as the blueprint for the physical body and contains the awareness for all physical aspects of life. As it is the closest layer to the physical body, it can be perceived with the naked eye. It is where the chakras and meridians are received, weaving the higher aspects of the subtle body to the physical. This layer is effected by spiritual healing techniques that treat and promote the circulation of energy through the meridians like; qi gong, acupuncture and reiki healing.

Extends up to two inches from the physical body.

This layer is connected to the root chakra centre: muladhara
It is located in the base of the spine and connects our internal energy system to the physical world. It signifies stability and strength. A healthy well-balanced root chakra promotes feelings of safety, survival, material security and feeling grounded.
For more on the root chakra, you can read this article here.

the emotional body

The emotional body is most influential when it comes to physical health. Unlike the etheric body, it includes all the aura colours and can shift depending on the emotional energy being exerted. It shares the information of a person’s inner most feelings and showcases the emotional aspects of their life. Emotional pain from arguments gets held in this layer; typically manifesting as emotional blocks which manifest as disruptions in the auric field. This layer can be perceived from the physical plane with the naked eye.

Extends up to three inches from the physical body.

This subtle body is connected to the sacral chakra: svadhishthana
It is located in the lower abdomen (below the belly button) and is connected with desire, pleasure and creativity. A healthy well-balanced sacral chakra promotes optimal emotional wellbeing.
For more on the sacral chakra, you can read this article here.

the mental body

The mental body is perceived on the physical plane and is associated with thoughts, intellect and mental processes-all that stem from the ego. A healthy, well-balanced solar plexus chakra presents a healthy ego; strong personal will, dependability, confidence, assertiveness with the right amount of aggression to achieve personal success (healthy competition). Those with a strong mental body lean into process oriented thought patterns and like linear thinking processes. In this layer, thoughts forms that are associated with feelings can change colour in the auric field and can be perceived by a trained eye.

The mental body is connected to the solar plexus chakra: manipura
It is located above the belly button (diaphragm). It is connected to will, confidence and personal power. It is where we bring our vision into reality-the lower three chakras are connected with manifestation. A healthy well-balanced chakra is reflected with the self-discipline, self-reliance on follow through and assertiveness.
For more on the solar plexus chakra, you can read this article here.

the astral body

dream space, unprocessed images and memories, the bridge to the spiritual plane

The heart chakra is seen as the bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realms. It connects the dense aspects of the auric body (lower three chakras), with the higher aspects of the self (higher chakras) that communicate in the spiritual planes. It is sometimes referred to as the heart field because of its far extension from the physical body. This layer is connected to the dream world and is used for astral projection. It is closely related to the emotional body. As we can connect to the heart and the astral body on a conscious level, it is used to experience the non-physical dimensions.

Extends from one foot, to one 1/2 feet from the physical body.

The astral body is connected to the heart chakra: anahata
It is located beside the physical heart; in the centre of the chest. This energy centre is connected to unity, unconditional love and forgiveness. A healthy well-balanced heart chakra is reflected through healthy attachments and relationships which are fuelled by compassion.
For more on the heart chakra, you can read this article here.

the etheric body

the karmic body, your physical blueprint

In yoga philosophy the subtle body is described as being 3 different bodies: the physical, the astral (chakras, subtle body) and the spiritual body (causal body). In Vedic philosophy this is translated as the five koshas. In this article, we are focusing on recognizing the seven different layers of the subtle body that are interwoven with the seven main chakras. As shown in the photo above, the lower three chakras are perceived on the physical plane (you can see it with your eye), while the top three chakras are perceived on the spiritual plane ( seen through psychic senses). The etheric body-connected to the throat chakra is the first of these higher chakras. It is otherwise described as being the first level of the soul body and contains the blueprint of the physical body, seen through the spiritual plane. This layer contains the information of karmic imprints; lessons continuing from past lifetimes. From the metaphysical perspective, this is the layer where vibration is transformed into matter (also where thoughts translate into words).

It extends up to two feet from the physical body.

The astral body is connected to the throat chakra: vishuddha
It is located in the centre of the neck; specifically by the larynx in the throat. This energy centre is connected to self-expression, purification of thoughts, honest communication and authenticity. A healthy well-balanced throat chakra is reflected through the ability to openly communicate inner thoughts and confidence with sharing your personal truth. For more on the throat chakra, you can read this article here.

the celestial body

also referred to as the angelic body

The gateway is through the heart chakra to connect with this layer. It is the higher aspect of the emotional body and is associated with intuitive feelings that provides guidance in the physical world. It maintains the connection to spiritual gifts and carries onward the spiritual initiations from previous (past) lives. As it is the connection to accessing higher consciousness, this is the focal point during meditation.

The celestial body is connected to the third eye chakra: ajna
It is located in the centre of the forehead, slightly above the middle space between the eyebrows. This energy centre is related to perception, intuition and is the connection to higher consciousness. A healthy well-balanced third eye chakra creates space for observation, only allows highly valued thoughts to enter the mind and has the ability to perceive patterns. For more on the third eye chakra, you can read this article here.

the causal body/ketheric template

This subtle layer contains all the information of the lower subtle bodies and is the higher aspect of the mental body. It contains the awareness of being united, already an aspect of Source. Through the connection with the crown chakra, spiritual information is “downloaded” into the subtle body providing higher insight. The causal body is believe to have the information pertaining to all the soul contracts for the current life incarnation. To open the crown chakra is to initiate a spiritual awakening, resulting with expansion of awareness to other, higher realms.

It extends two to three feet away from the physical body.

This layer is connected to the crown chakra: sahasrara
It is located at the top of the head. This energy centre is connected to the ability to transcend the ego, place belief in something greater than yourself, and provides the ability to connect with your higher self. A healthy well-balanced crown chakra is reflected by a strong sense of purpose and is seen through spiritual development. For more on the crown chakra, you can read this article here.

the subtle body's role for transformation

Embarking on a holistic health and wellness journey requires work. It requires dedication. It requires the desire to connect with the intricate layers of your being; self-healing and developing awareness outside of only the physical realm. Most often, we seek self-improvement only when physical signs and symptoms (both lifestyle and health related) have already begun to impede our daily lives. Somewhere before we admit we need a transformation, we wake up and realize that it could be easier.

Perhaps we finally get tired of dragging ourselves through our everyday routines or sabotaging our health routines that we know could make us feel, like, so much better. We want to experience feeling, well, but the idea of participating in a de-stressing wellness ritual just seems completely burdensome. So, we continue to slouch and eat chocolate infront of the TV instead. Managing to find quick-fix comfort and choosing to procrastinate from facing our demons and making any challenging, sustainable, healthy change. Eventually though, the effects of delaying change begin to build up. Maybe toxic thoughts or relationship patterns finally breach the surface of newfound awareness and become impossible to ignore.

In the process of navigating the journey of transformation, it becomes very apparent that the root of inner wounds run very deep. Like, hidden, buried in the subconscious deep (cue learning about past lives, your karma and a spiritual awakening). You then learn that the root of what you have to heal is emanating from a space within you and that hurt is still being stored in the aura.

The significance lies in the repercussions of unhealed imprints within the auric field, disrupting the seamless flow of our energy. This disturbance manifests in our physical reality as chronic pain, illness, or disease. Yet, the impact extends beyond the corporeal, often infiltrating the realm of persistent mental and emotional strife.

It means that any physical illness, chronic pains or untreatable disease that we may be susceptible to, actually doesn’t exist to us on a fundamental level of quantum reality.

it can share where you're out of alignment

Each layer of the subtle body is intricately connected to a chakra centre; an energetic focal point that provides insight to our current health and influences our overall well-being. These chakras, which are best described as spinning wheels of energy, are associated with specific regions in our bodies (governing different organs) and therefore regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Through understanding the chakra system, it not only serves as a map for addressing health issues but also serves as a guide, revealing where we may be out of alignment in our lives.

If an imbalance occurs in one of these energy centres, symptoms present themselves along with it. For example, the throat chakra is associated with honest communication… If someone is living out of their authenticity and lying repeatedly throughout their life, symptoms of an imbalanced throat chakra might begin to manifest themselves until the individual clears this pattern. This would be seen as any illness to the throat area, larynx, or even lung region. Even unintentionally, if there was a traumatic event and the person felt unsafe, unable to share the truth for healing… the throat chakra can close down. Regardless, the vital need for the energy to flow throughout the energetic body would be blocked and the chakra would be impacted, manifesting physical evidence of what needs to be cleared along with it.

In another case, perhaps the throat chakra is unbalanced and instead of being blocked, it is overactive. This means that it is utilizing an excessive amount of energy (and most likely one of the adjacent chakras would be under active as a result). This would manifest as someone who talks too much, seems to love hearing themselves and has difficulty listening. What happens to your voice after you go to a concert, or you’ve been at an event that involved a lot of speaking? It tends to need to rest and disappear. Excessive energy centres tend to be the most obvious.

Each chakra corresponds to specific aspects of our existence, from our connection to others and ourselves to our ability to express and create. If there are imbalances in these energy centres, it signifies an area in our life that requires more attention and realignment.

and provide guidance for treating the underlying, sometimes hidden issue

Treatments and wellness routines that focus on the subtle layers of the aura can have a direct impact on the quality our lives. By addressing imbalances in the chakra system, we not only begin to alleviate the physical symptoms, but also confront the underlying cause as well. This is because chakra healing focuses on each energy centre, actively provided healing wherever needs to be treated. Unlike other solutions, it can surpass the density of the lower subtle layers in the auric field and offers deep healing on a quantum level.