1959 10 00 Fantastic Universe - Aura

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC SCIENCE FACT & FICTION UNIVERSE
Issue: OCTOBER 1959
Publisher: Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
Country: USA
Price: 35c

This issue of Fantastic Universe features a striking cover illustration of a robot-like figure in a desolate setting, alongside a prominent advertisement for a "SPECIAL FACT SECTION" on "THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN" by Ivan T. Sanderson. It also highlights complete novelets by Lester del Rey, Poul Anderson, and Robert Silverberg.

Human Auric Emanations by Van Rowe

The lead article, "Human Auric Emanations" by Van Rowe, delves into the esoteric and scientific study of the human aura. The author begins by noting the proliferation of instruments used in technological investigation to detect various phenomena, suggesting that the concept of the aura, representing other dimensions, is undergoing a period of formal recognition.

The article posits that the aura is an invisible envelope of tenuous matter connected to the organism, reflecting mental and emotional attitudes through corresponding colors. It references biblical occurrences, such as the light surrounding Moses on Mt. Sinai and the blinding light experienced by Saul (St. Paul) on his way to Damascus, as early dramatic instances of auric phenomena. The transfiguration of Jesus Christ and halos seen around saints in medieval art are also cited as visual representations of this luminous sphere.

Esoteric students believe that these phenomena result from spiritual aspiration, causing the transparent auric colors to become more translucent and discernible. The article discusses the historical portrayal of the halo or nimbus in Christian art, acknowledging that many depictions were imitative rather than based on direct observation.

Philippus Aureolus Paracelsus, a 16th-century alchemist and physician, is quoted as observing that the "vital force is not inclosed in man, but radiates round him like a luminous sphere," capable of affecting others at a distance, either to poison or purify. Paracelsus's ideas are linked to thought and astral projection, with an attitude towards health akin to psychosomatic concepts.

Individuals with developed clairvoyance have long claimed to see auras, extending this perception to some inorganic materials. Around the turn of the 20th century, occultists began to outline principles concerning the aura's function and nature. It is described as a "highly complicated and entangled manifestation, consisting of many influences operating within the same area." Trained psychics are said to be able to analyze its elements and estimate its delicate tints.

The concept of the aura is explained as not separate from the person but rather as part of a system of "garments" or bodies that interpenetrate each other, with the physical body being the lowest and smallest. Theosophical literature suggests seven such "garments."

The article then explores the visual representations of auric emanations, including an illustration of a "thought form" from a rough, half-drunken man, depicted as dull red with flashes of cloudy brown, representing an angry thought. Another illustration shows a predominantly red aura with bright yellow rays, symbolizing an angry thought of an explosive kind. A bright yellow, almost orange aura is associated with ambition to wield power for the public good. These illustrations are noted as being from the eighteen-nineties.

Confusion regarding the "vehicles" or "higher bodies" comprising the aura is attributed to careless translations from Sanskrit texts. The human aura is simplified into seven components:
1. Physical body: Functions on the Physical Plane.
2. Etheric Double: Slightly larger, composed of tenuous etheric matter, also functions on the Physical Plane.
3. Emotional or "Astral" body: Functions on the Astral or "Starry" Plane.
4. Mental or Intellectual body: Functions on the Mental Plane.
5. Spiritual or "Buddhic" body: Functions on the Spiritual Plane.
6. & 7. Composed of higher spiritual matter, functioning on the uppermost Planes.

Yogis and occult seers have informed Western medicine that there are seven etheric "centers" or "vortices" within the physical anatomy, interrelated with organic counterparts like the sacral, spleen, navel, cardiac, throat, pituitary, and pineal glands. These centers are considered the sense organs of the Etheric Double.

The Etheric Double is described as playing the part of a conductor and bridge between the physical and astral bodies via etheric chakrams, endocrine glands, and hormones. Unlike the astral body, the Etheric Double is said not to leave the physical body during sleep. Anesthetics are thought to affect the human organism by driving out the greater part of the Etheric Double, breaking emotional communication with the astral body and resulting in non-experience of pain.

Special yoga study in India is mentioned as a means to achieve immunity to pain. The general agreement among proponents of higher bodies is that conscious contact with the astral plane requires purifying the everyday body through diet, arduous physical and mental exercises, and continuous creation of consciousness within etheric centers.

Scientific Investigations and Theories

The article highlights the skepticism of scientific cliques towards these experiences. However, it notes that in 1911, Dr. Walter J. Kilner, an electrician at St. Thomas' Hospital, London, is credited with scientifically proving the existence of the aura through mechanical and chemical means. Using specially prepared glass slides containing a chemical coal tar dye named "Dicyanin," Dr. Kilner published his findings in "The Human Atmosphere." His objective was to demonstrate the diagnostic value of studying the aura.

Dr. Kilner's observations, using different colored screens, allowed him to see the aura and identify three distinct parts: The Etheric Double, the Inner Aura, and the Outer Aura. He described the Etheric Double as a transparent, striated band with delicate rose/blue lines. The Inner Aura, extending a few inches from the Etheric Double, was described as having a granular, striated structure and being the densest. The Outer Aura, appearing as a vague, nebulous outline, varied in width and could project significantly from the fingertips.

Dr. Kilner's research also uncovered that a healthy "Human Atmosphere" typically takes an "egg-shaped" oval form. He observed that rays and patches of brilliant hue could project from the body, formed and directed by an effort of will. Changes in aura texture, shape, and color were linked to conditions like hysteria and epilepsy. He also noted that manifestations within the Inner Aura did not seem to create reactions in the Outer Aura, suggesting they might not originate from the same force.

The article also touches upon the "odic force" theory, popularized by Baron von Reichenbach in the mid-19th century. Reichenbach asserted that a universal "odic force" permeates all life, and through experiments with "sensitives" in dark room sessions, he concluded that this force could be seen as an "aura" surrounding objects and beings in varying colors and intensities. For instance, a cool blue aura was observed from one end of a large mountain crystal, while warm yellow emanated from its base.

Early 20th-century investigators claimed to have photographed "thought-form" projections by placing photographic plates near individuals concentrating on projecting an image. Dr. Ochorowicz and Commandant Darget are mentioned as explorers in this area.

Mrs. Annie Besant, an occultist and writer, is quoted stating that a "thought-form, if directed to affect any object or person on the astral or physical planes, will pass from the mental into the astral world, and will take to itself a covering of astral materials, of fineness correlated to its own, from the elemental essence of the astral world."

Mrs. Besant also interrogated clairvoyants to determine correspondences between projected thought-forms and mental/emotional attitudes. She found that anger manifested as "deep red flashes" or a "stiletto-like dart," while horror appeared as "ghastly grey." Yellow stars and geometrical shapes were linked to metaphysics, and "flower" forms with azure petals signified devotion. A pencil-like form with blue rays indicated religious devotion, and jealousy produced a cloud-like form.

An anecdote from Edgar Cayce, the psychic of Virginia, illustrates the practical application of auric perception. He recounted a woman who avoided an elevator because the passengers lacked auras; the elevator subsequently crashed, killing its occupants.

Future Content

The "NEXT MONTH" section previews a forthcoming article titled "PLANET OF WASTE" by Lester del Rey, which will discuss the peaceful uses and dangers of atomic energy, as well as the problem of radioactive wastes and the drive for worldwide atom plants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, fiction, and the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, presenting both historical accounts and emerging scientific investigations into subjects like auric emanations and the potential implications of atomic energy. The inclusion of both fictional novelets and factual articles on speculative topics suggests an aim to engage readers with imaginative concepts grounded in scientific or pseudoscientific exploration.