Hi Astro-Novice
For talking about this fascinating subject, we first must define our terms a little, otherwise things will tend to get confusing.
Perhaps the auras could be defined as the outer appearances of our "spiritual bodies" or what is visible thereof to a psychic or certain kinds of technological equipment (Kirlian photography etc). - Frankly, I find the term quite unclear... I prefer to talk instead about the
subtle bodies (the spiritual body being one of them). There are many different models for them; a simple one differentiates:
- etheric body (closest to and most directly controlling your physical body);
- emotonial body (where your emotions are happening);
- mental body (where your thought processes happen);
- spiritual body (transpersonal experiences, source of intuition an
guidance etc)
Again, there are many theories as to how the various subtle bodies are linked to different planets, especially by way of the chakras. The chakras themselves being seen in affinity with specific planets.
It's really hard to get clear about the matter, with so many different theories en vogue...
However, the view that the celestial bodies are sending etheric influences down to our planet in general and to us in particular is a very ancient one and was generally taken for granted in earlier cultures (including neo-Platonism). It forms the basis for astral magic and astromedicine (or iatro-chemistry) and is spoken about in their most influential texts such as the
Asclepius, the
Occulta philosophia, the
Picatrix, and the writings of Paracelsus.
In absence of hardcore scientific evidence for any subtle astral influences, in modern times many astrologers resorted to a theory that the planetary positions are merely symbolical for what is happening on our planet, or paralleling it by way of synchronicity. Arguably, this change of perspective was often motivated by a (may I say, quite useless) endeavour to approach the modern scientific outlook.
However, modern research into gravitational and electromagnetic interactions in the Solar system, and their effects on the human glandular system, etc suggest that the last word has not been spoken on the matter yet.
Personally, I think both views are valid, one representing a temporal aspect (the planets in the zodiac and houses as a giant "cosmic watch", indicating the quality of any given time), the other a spatial aspect (ether fields/rays).
AstroNovice wrote:
Thus if one is aware of their natal chart and how it effects their general mindset, then one can take appropriate steps to mitigate the effects of negative aspects on ones aura and can subsequently achieve greater spiritual and even physical health.
I totally agree with you! Most of all, I strongly advise anybody to focus on the potential of their chart rather than its difficult expressions. As this guides their energies in the right direction.
For example, Mercury square Saturn can manifest as negative thinking but also, expressed on its positive side, as the capability of introspection, helping you to critically examine your own thinking.
Moreover, never let your natal chart limit you. Use it as just another tool to understand yourself and your world.
I feel this is roughly analogous to somebody that has the genes for obesity, but if they exercise enough and eat right then they can mitigate the influence of their genes, likewise maybe we can mitigate the negative influences of our natal chart to a degree by practicing healthy spiritual habits.
Agreed again! In fact, Bruce Lipton nicely summarizes some recent research done on how the (de)activation of any particular genes by way of the mitochondrias depends on a number of different influences, including psychospiritual ones.
I like the way you consider the natal chart to be "genes" of the spiritual (or subtle) bodies. The natal chart can indeed be seen as generic for yourself / your Self.
Best wishes
Michael