---
category: Esoteric & Historical Concept
created: 2025-07-23
description: An aura is a supposed emanation of energy or light surrounding a person
  or object, believed by some to be a manifestation of their life force or spiritual
  essence.
summary: An Aura is a supposed emanation of energy or light surrounding a person or
  object, believed by some to be a manifestation of their life force or spiritual
  essence.
tags:
- concept
- paranormal
- energy
title: Aura
updated: 2025-07-23
---

An [Aura](/concepts/aura/) is a supposed emanation of energy or light surrounding a person or object, believed by some to be a manifestation of their life force or spiritual essence. The concept of auras is often associated with spiritual and metaphysical traditions, and has been explored in the context of [Parapsychology](/concepts/parapsychology/).[^1]

[Kirlian Photography](/concepts/kirlian-photography/) was believed by some to be able to capture images of auras, suggesting a physical manifestation of this energy. [Dale Graff](/people/dale-graff/)'s 1977 report, "[Paraphysics R&D - Warsaw Pact](/programs/paraphysics-rd-warsaw-pact/)," discussed Soviet research into auras as part of their broader investigation into paranormal phenomena.[^1]

---

[^1]: Jacobsen, Annie. *Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis*. Little, Brown and Company, 2017.