Aura

In esoteric tradition, the aura is a field of subtle energy surrounding the body that reflects the emotional, mental and spiritual state of the person. The idea was popularised by Theosophy in the late nineteenth century, which described its layers and colours, and today it is part of the language of many holistic practices. Those who work with it speak of cleansing it, protecting it and reading its hues, which are associated with qualities such as calm, passion or fatigue. There is no scientific evidence that it exists physically, so it is best understood as a metaphor for presence and wellbeing.