The human energy field— also known as the “aura”— consists of seven layers. While the boundaries between the seven layers of the human energy field are not rigid, the layers may be approximately categorized into three groups. The first three layers of the aura correspond to the functions of the body, the middle three correspond to the functions of the mind, and the ultimate layer corresponds to the functions of the spirit.
Energy Field and aura
The first layer of the aura is associated with physical functioning and physical sensation. This includes pain, pleasure, and the automatic/autonomic functions of the organs. The second layer is associated with the emotions and instincts. The third layer is associated with the “lower mind” of the personal ego— that is, rational, linear thinking and willpower. The fourth level is the plane of love, connection, and relation. This includes not only romantic love, but the capacity to healthily relate to all beings, ideas and even one’s own experiences. The fifth level is the level associated with knowledge and expression. The sixth layer is associated with the “higher mind”, insight, and intuition. The seventh layer is associated with Universal intelligence and one’s connection to God or a higher power.
Magical and spiritual workings are made more effective as each of the seven layers of the aura are engaged. Different elements of the ceremony appeal to the different layers. Rhythmic drumming, for instance, resonates with the human heartbeat and the pulsing blood flow in the body. This appeals directly to the physical layer of the aura, grounding this mode of consciousness in the center of the ritual. The creation of a “dream-like” ambience through candlelight and ceremonial dress appeals to the emotional and instinctive layer of the aura, “speaking” to this mode of consciousness in its natural language. Emotional music softens and opens the heart, entwining the fourth layer of the aura with the work at hand, while a devotional prayer engages the mental layers of the aura.
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A perfect ritual will galvanize all seven layers of the aura, such that body, mind and spirit are focused in a single-pointed way upon the aim of the work.
Plants and herbs are a universal element in ceremony, whether they are smoked, ingested, made as offerings, or burnt as incense. Plants exchange energy freely with human beings when we inhale, ingest, touch, or even sit nearby them.
Our herbal allies deserve the greatest respect for their power to sway the human auric field. The power of smell in the human mind, for instance, cannot be overstated. We are led around by our noses far more than we realize, as smells affect our judgment, conclusions and even our choice of friends and mates. The olfactory sense is one of the oldest faculties of consciousness, and for this reason incense is a part of almost any ritual. The smell of cedar, sage, frankincense, or even simple fire instantaneously awakens a primordial and deeply powerful part of the mind. Carefully chosen herbs and plants may enliven, awaken, heal or nourish some or all layers of the human energy field, so that the totality of the aura is prepared for and harmonized with the magical intention.
Some rules
The rules which govern the design of a ritual are the rules which govern the holding of attention. In any ceremony, there is an emotionally charged idea or intention, and this theme or intention of the ritual must be reflected within any single element of it. Colors, sounds, scents and words sharing a relationship of symbolic resonance are carefully chosen so that the aim is powerfully activated within the subconscious minds of the participants. There may be physical symbols that represent it placed on an altar, which continually draw the focus of the participants back to the aim of the work. All the formal elements— such as music, ritual dress, procession, dance, or gesture— also serve the purpose of focusing the full force of consciousness upon the magical intention.
Herbs may be burnt in a ritual due to their connection to a certain God or planet, so that this celestial energy infuses the atmosphere and the auric field of the participants. For instance, in a ritual seeking to cultivate psychism or lucid dreaming, one may burn Bay Leaves to infuse the air with the energy of this plant’s astrological ruler, the Moon. As they breath in the “Holy Ghost” of this planet, through the subtle interaction of bodily sense and psychic apperception, the modality of the Moon is activated in the consciousness of the worshippers. Alternately, if the intention were to cultivate courage, bravery or self-assertion, one would burn a plant associated with Mars, to bring out this quality from within the psyche and create this energy within the room.
Auric Correspondences
Different plants may be used to balance, entrain, uplift, or enhance each layer of the energy field. Sage and cedar act directly upon the first two layers of the aura— the physical and emotional. Science has proven the anti-microbial power of these smudging herbs, long renowned for their “cleansing” power. These herbs dispel impurities and pathogens from the altar space, and restore equanimity and joy to the heart.
Turmeric may be used to purify the third layer of the aura, stimulating blood flow and galvanizing willpower.
Pure Cacao works upon the fourth layer of the aura, nourishing the heart and helping one to find love, forgiveness and compassion.
Sacred Tobaccos and snuffs (traditionally called rapé) work upon the sixth layer of the aura, clearing away the clutter of the lower mind so that the higher mind may open to more profound insight.
Entheogenic plants such as ayahuasca, psilocybin or peyote are believed to facilitate the transmission of celestial information, and therefore are associated with the 7th layer of the aura. These plants are adaptogenic, meaning they may work directly upon the layer of the aura which is most “out of alignment” within the individual.
Plants may be very helpful allies to us in ceremony and in life when we are having difficulty collecting or focusing our physical, mental and/or spiritual energy. Of course, they are even more helpful to us when we have carefully and consistently prepared our auric field!
Conclusion
The ritual space is like the alchemical alembic which holds the dreamy fluid of our intention. You must take care to provide a solid, sturdy container for your prayer or magical working, lest it spill everywhere and accomplish nothing! Tend to your aura as a matter of daily life— not just in your magical and spiritual practice. Find plants that help you feel like the best version of you! For any desire you have, there is a friend in the plant kingdom who can help you on your journey toward it!
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As the magician Lon Milo Duquette said, “Magic is indeed all in your head… but your head is a hell of a lot bigger than you think it is!”
Mary West is a metaphysician, writer, astrologer, and Magician. She teaches her students how to work with astral energy to enhance personal power, growth, productivity, and illumination.
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