Its important to gain a better understanding of the idea that human beings have an energy body before going to far into the idea that people can some-how ascend into higher dimensions. To do this it is well worth a look at the the man behind the name most associated with its widespread acceptance in alternative circles as a genuine phenomenon, Kirlian.

Way back in 1939 a Russian engineer named Semyon Kirlian, was busy repairing an electro-therapy machine in the research laboratory of his town in the Ukraine. He was being a little to careless and his hand strayed near to a live electrode. he received a shock but also witnessed a flash of light. He was struck with the curios idea that it would be interesting to place a piece of light sensitive material in front of such a flash produces in this manner. He placed some suitable material between his hand and his equipment and essentially photographed the result. The developed image was quite extraordinary in that it showed streamer like emanations coming from his fingertips, each emanation had its own unique radiation pattern.

fascinated by his findings, Kirlian began to dedicate much of his time to a home based investigation of the subject. Over the next 40 years his high voltage photography produces much scientific speculation and even claims that he has proved the existence of the 'astral body'. The 'astral body' is an energy overlay to the physical body, one which has been claimed to exist by mystics and clairvoyants for centuries. The claims include the ability for some people to see a halo of light surrounding a physical body. This energy body is essentially what might be called the spirit, that which may survive death. Whether what Kirlian photographed was this or some other strange phenomenon is of course a matter of opinion.

Others replicated his results however and indeed made new discoveries. The English researcher George de la Warr found that a lattice-like formation of electromagnetic force fields surrounded the body up to some distance. It had peaks of as much as 70 milli-volts, although fluctuating, usually with the emotional state of the subject.

Kirlian found evidence that illness also had an effect on the energy field, when taking a picture of himself just before a very virulent attack of influenza hardly any image resulted from his photos. This finding was reinforced by a blind test initiated by a respected head of a scientific investigative unit, two leaves were photographed by the method, yet one lacked the characteristic energy patterns. It was later revealed that the leaf was from a plant that had contracted a serious disease.

Other interesting findings were made when parts of leaves were imaged, as these produces pictures showing ghostly images of complete leaves in outline at least, as though the remainder retained the energy field make-up of the original whole unit. Rather like the phantom limb syndrome felt by amputees, in which sensations or irritations are felt in parts of the body that have been removed some time before.

Although many have over the years attributed the findings of Kirlian photography to the existence of an Astral Body, Kirlian never did so himself. Indeed many mystics argue that the images do not represent anything like the subtlety and complex imagery that can be seen in the human aura by psychics. A scientific investigation of the phenomenon claimed by the mystics is incredibly difficult however as it is so inherently personal and therefore not easily analysed or quantified by an objective methodology.

I know from my own work viewing the human aura that it is not something easily described to another. It is not something that lends itself to a laboratory investigation whatsoever. Although I firmly believe it can be seen by anyone after a little training, some will not see as much of it as others, or sense as much from it. Aura reading for example if quite a skill, friends of mine have read my aura and given me astonishing details about my character and the important people that I interact with such as my family and friends. A picture may say a thousand words, but in this particular case it actually misses millions more of them.

Theories based on Kirlian’s study continue to bloom and be argued over. Everything from biological plasma to species specific evolutionary energetic templates can be considered. Whether the images link to spiritual phenomenon or not they are of interest to any seeker of truth about human nature. Every piece in the puzzle has to be investigated in the quest for realisations. Whatever it is that is imaged it has been used to help diagnose illness or emotional problems, so whatever else Kirlian discovered he did discover something highly interesting and potentially very useful.

And for those with only scepticism about this subject I can only suggest you go and look at some of the pictures, if nothing else you may at least enjoy their beauty.

www.fullspectrum.org.uk