What Are the Different Energy Field Layers?

May 29, 2026  |  Updated November 1, 2026  |  By Soul on a Journey  |  5 Min Read

Energy Field Layers

Energy Field (Aura) Layers

What Are Energy Field Layers?

Our resources suggest that energy fields surround and interpenetrate all three major bodies (gross physical, subtle astral, and causal) — serving as the unifying matrix that bridges the bodies across densities. They consist of different, overlapping layers of varying frequencies and base colors, each corresponding to various aspects of our being — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. 

Francesca McCartney, PhD suggests that the energetic weave of life force energy moving through the seven energy centers generates seven distinct energy field layers. The layers pulsate outwards from the body, with the first layer being closest to the body.

Do Energy Field Layers Vary in Appearance?

Our energy fields and layers can vary in size, shape, color, and brightness based on our physical, emotional, and mental states. For example, when we have a spiritual aha moment, sparks of gold could appear in our mental layer. Or when we’re angry, a flash of murky red could streak through our emotional layer. Some layers are said to even have a rainbow of colors, especially in the emotional and mental layers.

Colors are considered different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation (light). The human eye perceives these different frequencies as different colors, with frequency increasing from red (~400 THz) to violet (~790 THz). The color white isn’t considered a single frequency but a combination of all visible light frequencies (VIBGYOR). White is typically associated with liberation. Black, on the other hand, is the absence of all light frequencies. It’s typically associated with transformation, introspection, shadow work, and renewal.

Generally speaking, in healthier states our energy fields are larger, transparent, and neon bright in color with each layer radiating its primary base frequency color. In unhealthy states energy fields are small, opaque, and dull in color. Think of it this way. Our gross physical body is like a lightbulb and the energy field (aura) layers are like colored glass spheres around it. If the glass is dirty (energy blockages), then light shining out appears dim. But if the glass is clean, each layer shines clearly with a brilliant and distinct version of its specific frequency.

How Many Energy Field Layers Are There?

While they may be called by different names, our research suggests at least seven bodies or dimensional layers (Law of One, 47:8), between eight and twelve energy field layers (Barbara Ann Brennan, Contemporary Aura Expert), and three energy zones of the human atmosphere (Dr. Walter Kilner). It’s also thought that each layer increases in vibration as it moves outwards, with the outermost layer carrying the highest vibration.

Regardless of how many energy field layers there are, the innermost layer of the the energy field is said to be the etheric layer. The etheric layer is the subtle counterpart to the gross physical body and is considered responsible for its vitality. The intermediate layers (emotional, mental, and astral) surround and interpenetrate the subtle astral body. These layers hold the energetic impressions of our emotions, thoughts, and relationships. The outermost layers (celestial and ketheric/causal) are considered the most subtle. They surround the causal body and are often described as divine light or the blueprint of the soul.

Energy fields and layers act as a canvas that radiates shifting, multiple colors — varying in size, shape, and brightness based on our physical, emotional, and mental states.

What Are the Energy Field Layers?

First Auric Layer (Etheric)

The first auric layer (etheric) is associated with the root energy center, physical sensation, health, and structure —  regulating automated bodily functions and physical health. Lowest in frequency and closest to the gross physical body, it’s considered the energetic counterpart and blueprint for the gross physical body. A healthy first auric layer supports the vitality of the immune system and passion for life.

Second Auric Layer (Emotional)

The second auric layer (emotional) is associated with the sacral energy center, desires, passions, and feelings. Extending beyond the etheric layer, it holds the feelings and emotions experienced about ourselves and others. Its energy is considered fluid and changes constantly depending on our emotional state, often appearing as shifting clouds of color. A healthy second auric layer supports a balanced emotional body.

Third Auric Layer (Mental)

The third auric layer (mental) is associated with the solar plexus energy center, intellect, ideas, thoughts, reasoning, and mental processes. It displays how we interface with the environment as well as our expression of personal power. When we’re focused on intellectual pursuits, this field tends to be clearer and brighter (often yellow). A healthy third auric layer shows a purposeful attitude about ourselves and our participation in the environment.

Fourth Auric Layer (Astral)

The fourth auric layer (astral) is associated with the heart energy center, love, relationships, and the ability to feel deep connections. It acts as the bridge or transitional layer between the lower, physically-focused layers and the higher, spiritually-focused layers. A healthy fourth auric layer embodies a compassionate nature.

Fifth Auric Layer (Etheric Template)

The fifth auric layer (etheric template) is associated with the throat energy center, expression, and divine will. As a linking and transfer layer — attracting, repelling, and sending guidance — it contains the subtle blueprint or template of the gross physical body in perfect health. Ergo, it holds the ideal form for our physical structures. A healthy fifth auric layer contributes to our inspiration.

Sixth Auric Layer (Celestial)

The sixth auric layer (celestial) is associated with the third-eye energy center, spiritual awareness, and intuition. It connects us with our higher selves, divine light, and experiences of unconditional love and spiritual enlightenment. A healthy sixth auric layer supports heightened intuition and respect for all life.

Seventh Auric Layer (Ketheric Template/Causal)

The seventh auric layer (ketheric template or causal) is associated with the crown energy center, unity, and transcendence. As the outermost layer, it holds the overall life plan and purpose for our current incarnation. It serves as the director of the entire energy system, containing our spiritual contracts. Does it represent the point of complete harmony with Source?

Eighth+ Auric Layers

Some of our resources suggest there could be multiple causal auric layers or layers beyond causal. For example, the eighth auric layer could be associated with broadcasting karma and absorbing powers. The ninth auric layer could be associated with connecting with other souls based on karma. The tenth auric layer could be associated with serving as the higher self. The eleventh auric layer could be associated with commandeering force. And the twelfth auric layer could connect human and divine selves.

Whether one resonates with the concept of energy fields or not, we can’t deny that they’re fascinating!

ENERGY FIELD LAYERS SUMMARIZED

ENERGY FIELD
LAYER

ASSOCIATED ENERGY
CENTER

BASE FREQUENCY
COLOR

TRAITS
(STRONG & WEAK)

Etheric

Root (Red Ray, Muladhara)

Red, ~400–480 THz

Vitality, enthusiasm, courage, determination, confidence, passion, ambition, impatience

Emotional

Sacral (Orange Ray, Svadhishthana)

Orange, ~480–510 THz

Creativity, optimism, charisma, adventurous, innovation, boredom, dislike of routine, lack of discipline

Mental

Solar Plexus (Yellow Ray, Manipura)

Yellow, ~510–540 THz

Personal power, curiosity, mental sharpness, innovation, emotional distance, overthinking, anxiety

Astral

Heart (Green Ray,
Anahata)

Green, ~540–600 THz

Nurturing, compassion, harmony, diplomatic, intuition, connected to nature, inability to adapt

Etheric Template

Throat (Blue Ray,
Vishuddha)

Blue, ~600–670 THz

Serenity, spiritual power, wisdom, introspection, intuition, honesty, withdrawn, aloofness

Celestial

Third Eye (Indigo Ray,
Ajna)

Indigo, ~670–700 THz

Intuition, empathy, innate wisdom, emotional exhaustion, isolation 

Causal

Crown (Violet White Ray,
Sahasrara)

Violet, ~700–790 THz

Intuition, peace, empathy, eccentric, overwhelmed, detached, isolation

Namaskaram

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