II. THE MAGNETIC AURA & THE CHAKRAS

As mentioned in previous postings the etheric or vital body is the higher counterpart of the physical body. Interpenetrating the physical, it extends as a more subtle aspect of that body. This vital body, as it sometimes called, provides the physical counterpart with all types of energy which fuel the movements and activities on the physical plane. Every physical form is imbued with an etheric body, the total of which comprises the etheric body of the planet. This vast network of etheric substance stretches throughout the solar system and is the means of communication, in terms of energy, between planets within the solar system and beyond. This network of interconnecting filaments of energy is a great receptacle and transmitter of energies pouring in and out from many sources that are near, far, and wide.

The planetary etheric network is therefore the medium through which all relationships become possible. Through this network, thought currents, emotional impressions, and instincts must pass in order to make an impact upon the human brain. It is said that the closer the individual etheric body is interwoven with the physical body the clearer will be the impressions received.

The seven major chakras which we have heard so much about in recent decades are located within the individual etheric body, and when enlivened they play a major role in the daily life expression. Each centre is related to a particular type of incoming energy, and when it grows sensitive to the impact of energy pouring in upon it, it vibrates in response and develops as a controlling factor or quality in the life of the man on the physical plane.

It is useful to remember that the chakras are points of entrance and exit for those energies that play continually within the planetary etheric network. The sphere of activity of the sacral centre (the second lowest chakra), for example, concerns the physical being, the appetites, the comforts and discomforts of the physical body. Energies that are magnetised by the sacral centre, work down through the aura of the sacral centre and are purely instinctual in nature; there is little or no thought involved. The range of sensitivity therefore, in terms of impression, for a person living within such a magnetic aura would naturally be quite small.

Those who work primarily through the solar plexus centre (situated above the sacral centre in the abdominal region), are empowered by energies pouring in from the emotional body. Many distorted impressions are received from the emotional or astral plane in the form of glamour through the solar plexus centre, and much time must be spent in the purification of the emotional body before any real semblance of truth can be registered. Right knowledge and emotional steadiness are required before any progress can be made in the correct receptivity of higher impressions. In course of time and right effort, the energies of the solar plexus are steadily transmuted through a process of purification and are then transferred to the heart centre situated above the diaphragm. The heart centre, when awakened, is ever the recipient of soul energy which is expressed as true love and wisdom. This awakening of the heart chakra requires time and intelligent effort, but it is certainly time and effort well-directed.

Within the etheric body is another centre or point of entry at the level of the throat. In Sanskrit language it is called Vishuddha chakra which means 'great purity', hence purity of mental impression and expression. The throat chakra is steadily activated by the use of the mind. With the control of thought it becomes a powerful magnetic centre, attracting the energies of the lower sacral centre and transmuting them into a higher form of creativity. It is said that the throat centre is particularly related to humanity at this point in time and how important it is to understand that we cannot build the bridge to superior dimensions if our thoughts and feelings are undisciplined.

Individuals who are able to use the throat centre as a recipient for higher impressions and as a means of true creative expression on the physical plane, are those who have made contact in varying degrees with the Light body (the soul) on the higher mental plane, and are therefore receptive to more intuitive impressions which influence their activities in the physical world. There are many artists today working through the solar plexus centre which is mostly activated by impressions coming from the astral plane, and there are few indeed who respond to higher impressions that are registered through the throat chakra. The true artist is recognised by the beauty of his/her work and by the uplifting quality ever inherent in true artistic expression. The same applies to all other fields of human endeavour.

The centre in the etheric body that is fully receptive to higher impressions – when activated – is the head centre; it becomes the central magnetic point of entry of those who have transcended permanently the lower influences which keep the life in throes of constant struggle for enlightenment. These impressions are of a most clarifying nature and reveal to those who are thus awakened, the Plan and Purpose of the One in Whom we live, move and have our being. Only as the soul illumines fully the mind and heart through a steady and natural activation of the major centres above the diaphragm, will true understanding dawn like the morning sun within the consciousness.

Before we travel from one point to another in time and space, we must first secure a map which reveals the way. (NB: the words time and space refer here not only to physical time and space, but also to those inner dimensions which extend far beyond the physical, which, for some, are already within reach and experience). The inner map which illumines the Way has been, and is, revealed by Those who have taken the journey already. Having found the map, we would do well to study it intelligently. If there is deep-seated longing to follow the trail which leads beyond, we must then decide for ourselves whether or not to embark upon the journey. The choice is ever ours:  Do we move towards the unknown point, or do we stand still?

This is the question.