Occult Anatomy
The hidden structure of the human being – a bridge between body, soul, and spirit
Definition:
Occult anatomy (from Latin occultus, meaning “hidden”) refers to the esoteric understanding of the human being’s subtle energetic and spiritual structure, extending far beyond the physical body. It describes the multi-layered composition of the human being as understood in mystical, hermetic, and metaphysical traditions, where body, consciousness, soul, and spirit are intimately interwoven.
This model assumes that the human being is composed of visible and invisible layers, each resonating with different planes of existence. Occult anatomy serves as a foundation for spiritual practices, energy healing, meditation, and inner transformation. It appears in systems such as yoga, alchemy, theosophy, Kabbalah, traditional Chinese medicine, and western esotericism.
Element | Description |
---|---|
Chakras | Energy centers aligned along the spine; govern consciousness and life force |
Meridians / Nadis | Subtle channels through which life energy (Qi, Prana) flows |
Aura | The electromagnetic and spiritual field surrounding the body |
Etheric Body | Vital energy body closely connected to physical health |
Mental Body | Carrier of thoughts, beliefs, and mental patterns |
Emotional (Astral) Body | Seat of emotions, inner images, and spiritual resonance |
Causal Body | Holds karmic imprints and the soul’s deeper purpose |
Monad / Higher Self | Divine spark or spiritual essence of the individual |
Tradition | Concepts |
---|---|
Indian Yoga | Chakras, Nadis, Koshas, Kundalini |
Chinese Medicine | Meridians, Qi, Jing, Shen |
Hermetic Kabbalah | Tree of Life, Sephiroth, energetic pathways |
Theosophy / Anthroposophy | Subtle bodies: etheric, astral, ego, spiritual soul |
Alchemy | Inner elements, planetary archetypes, soul transmutation |
Shamanism | Soul fragments, spirit bodies, dream pathways |
Self-awareness and inner awakening
Healing and balancing subtle energy fields
Awakening of spiritual potential (e.g., Kundalini)
Harmonizing body, mind, soul, and spirit
Initiating transformation and higher consciousness
The human being is seen as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm, embodying the hermetic principle “As above, so below”
The body is revered as a temple of the soul, sacred and multidimensional
Symbols such as lotus flowers, wings, trees of life, or pillars of light are commonly used to depict inner structures
Transformation through the subtle body mirrors spiritual evolution and integration
Energy healing practices (Reiki, Pranic Healing, Chakra Therapy)
Meditation and inner alchemy for soul integration
Psychospiritual work (shadow work, inner child healing)
Somatic spirituality and conscious embodiment
Esoteric sciences and metaphysical anatomy maps
Related Terms:
Subtle Bodies, Chakra System, Aura, Etheric Body, Kundalini, Kabbalah, Hermetic Science, Light Body, Higher Self, Tree of Life, Energy Medicine, Sacred Anatomy, Prana, Astral Plane