The long history of the human aura
Briefly

The concept of the aura, depicted as a radiant energy surrounding bodies, spans various cultures and histories, marking prominence in art and spirituality. Historically, it has served as an artistic representation of divine presence, and anatomical interpretations of unseen energies. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed serious inquiries into the aura's legitimacy alongside other enigmatic phenomena, prompting discussions on its allegorical versus literal existence. Prominent thinkers like Walter Benjamin argued that auras symbolically permeate all entities, highlighting their significance in human perception and understanding of the universe's hidden energies.
The aura figure has enjoyed remarkable historical and cross-cultural significance, marking the presence of deities and embodying vital forces in art, religion, and science.
From artistic depictions of divine figures to recent scientific investigations, auras represent an interplay between belief, perception, and the quest for understanding unseen phenomena.
Walter Benjamin suggested that auras 'appear in all things,' emphasizing the allegorical function rather than a literal existence, reflecting a deeper cultural understanding of energy.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw efforts to probe the aura's credibility amidst phenomena challenging naturalistic frameworks, evolving discourse around its meaning.
Read at Big Think
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