That we are not just a physical body has long been recognised. Academics are becoming increasingly bold in describing man’s overarching structure – the bodies he has, which form a functional whole. These theories have long been known to esotericism, radiesthesia or other sciences that study the holistic nature of man. It also seems that having this knowledge makes our mental work more effective.
When we look at the construction of the human being as a ‘luminous’ being we can identify several components – bodies, which seems to partly resemble an onion. Each successive layer inside is shielded by and protected by the outer layer.
The physical body
Starting from the middle – man has a physical body. Man’s lowest body, a precise mechanism made of cells, although in truth, at an elementary level, of energy. It is powered by the power of energy, variously called (pran, ki). When this energy is not supplied in sufficient quantity, various kinds of dysfunctions in the physical body occur, while its absence causes the cessation of vital functions. Energy in the physical body comes not only from the food we eat. We are also energised by another ‘layer’.
The etheric body
And this is the etheric body, which provides the energy for the functioning of the physical body. It is considered to be where memory functions. It is often referred to as the inner aura, it can photograph it, it is palpable to those working with bio-energy, and it can be seen. Just as in the physical body the organs will determine the quality of its functioning, their counterparts in the etheric body are the chakras, the energetic centres of the human being. Their main task is to transform energy so as to make it useful for the etheric body.
The astral body
Our next body is the astral body, often also called the emotional body. In it all sorts of feelings and emotions will have their habitat. And since they can be both positive (pleasant memories) and negative (traumas, painful experiences) – the astral body can affect us both positively and negatively. This is why letting go, forgiveness and cherishing beautiful memories are so often recommended in esoteric teachings. Negative memories or feelings, by affecting the physical body, can be the cause of illnesses, which we refer to as psychosomatic. In Huna referred to as the subconscious.
Also others bodies. ( see picture below)
