Chakra vs Aura: 7 Key Differences (Complete Energy Guide)

During my first energy healing session fifteen years ago, I lay on the table confused as the practitioner spoke about "clearing my aura" and "balancing my chakras."

Were these the same thing?

Different aspects of one system?

I left that session with more questions than answers, determined to understand these fundamental energy concepts that seemed so important to spiritual wellness.

After years of study and practice, I've learned that while chakras and auras are intimately connected, they represent distinctly different aspects of our energy system.

Understanding the difference between chakras and auras is essential for anyone beginning energy work, as these two systems work together but serve completely different functions in maintaining our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

1. Basic Structure and Location

The most fundamental difference lies in how these energy systems are structured and where they exist.

Chakras are seven specific energy centers located along the spine within the physical body, while the aura is a multi-layered energy field that extends several feet beyond the physical body.

Structural differences:

• Chakras: Seven main energy wheels (root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, crown)
• Aura: Multiple energy layers extending 3-8 feet from the body
• Chakras: Fixed locations corresponding to nerve plexuses and endocrine glands
• Aura: Fluid, changing energy field that expands and contracts based on emotional and physical state

The Coppermoon Chakra Wall Hanging beautifully illustrates the chakra system with its seven distinct colored sections, each featuring gemstones that correspond to the specific chakras.

This handcrafted piece serves as both educational tool and energetic focal point, helping you visualize and work with your chakra system.

The opal aura quartz at the bottom connects the chakra work to higher spiritual realms.

2. Purpose and Function

While both systems deal with energy, they serve different purposes in spiritual practice.

Chakras function as energy processing centers that regulate specific aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, while the aura acts as an energetic boundary and information system that interacts with external environments.

Functional differences:

• Chakras: Process and distribute life force energy throughout the body
• Aura: Protects, filters, and exchanges energy with surroundings
• Chakras: Each governs specific physical organs, emotions, and spiritual aspects
• Aura: Reflects overall energetic health and emotional state

Last winter, I worked with a client whose aura appeared muddy and compressed during our session.

As we balanced her chakras one by one, I watched her aura gradually brighten and expand. This demonstrated how chakra work directly affects auric health, though the two systems maintain distinct roles.

3. Visibility and Perception

These energy systems appear differently to those who can perceive subtle energy.

Chakras typically appear as spinning wheels or vortexes of colored light at specific body locations, while auras manifest as layered fields of color and light surrounding the entire body.

Perception characteristics:

• Chakras: Usually seen as spinning discs of specific colors at fixed points
• Aura: Appears as colored layers, often with movement and varying intensities
• Chakras: Colors correspond to their traditional associations (red for root, orange for sacral, etc.)
• Aura: Colors change frequently based on emotions, thoughts, and physical health

4. Methods of Working and Healing

Different techniques are used to work with chakras versus auras.

Chakra work focuses on individual energy centers through specific crystals, sounds, colors, and focused intention, while aura work involves cleansing, protecting, and strengthening the entire energy field.

The Chakra Gemstone Wall Art demonstrates this focused approach to chakra work.

Each chakra section features specific gemstones chosen for their resonance with that energy center, while the dark oak wood provides grounding energy.

This piece supports chakra meditation and balancing work by creating a visual and energetic reference for the seven-chakra system.

Working methods:

• Chakras: Crystal placement, chanting specific mantras, visualization of individual centers
• Aura: Sage cleansing, energy brushing, protective visualization around entire body
• Chakras: Yoga poses, specific breathing techniques for each center
• Aura: Salt baths, nature immersion, energetic shielding practices

5. Indicators of Imbalance

Chakra and aura imbalances manifest differently and require different attention.

Chakra imbalances typically show up as physical, emotional, or spiritual issues related to that specific energy center, while aura problems manifest as general energy depletion, sensitivity to environments, or difficulty maintaining energetic boundaries.

Signs of imbalance:

• Chakras: Specific symptoms (root chakra issues = money/security fears, heart chakra = relationship problems)
• Aura: General exhaustion, picking up others' emotions, feeling energetically "fuzzy"
• Chakras: Localized physical symptoms in areas governed by specific chakras
• Aura: Overall sensitivity, difficulty being in crowds, energy "leaks"

6. Tools and Practices for Enhancement

Different tools work best for chakra versus aura enhancement.

Chakra work benefits from specific crystals, colors, and focused practices for individual energy centers, while aura work requires tools and techniques that address the entire energy field.

The Mini Moonphase Altar Card Stand with Chakra affirmation cards provides a perfect example of targeted chakra work.

This handcrafted stand can display daily chakra affirmations, allowing you to focus on specific energy centers that need attention. The included chakra crystal set gives you the right stones for each center, making this an ideal tool for systematic chakra balancing.

Enhancement tools:

• Chakras: Specific crystals for each center, tuning forks, chakra-specific essential oils
• Aura: Sage, palo santo, protective crystals like black tourmaline, salt
• Chakras: Mudras, specific yoga poses, chakra-focused meditation
• Aura: Energy brushing, visualization of protective light, grounding exercises

7. Integration in Daily Spiritual Practice

Understanding how to work with both systems creates a complete energy practice.

Chakra work provides targeted healing and development of specific life areas, while aura work maintains overall energetic health and protection, making both essential for complete spiritual wellness.

Daily practice integration:

• Morning: Aura cleansing and protection, then chakra activation
• Evening: Chakra review and balancing, followed by aura sealing
• Weekly: Deep chakra work on areas needing attention, regular aura cleansing
• Monthly: Complete chakra and aura assessment and realignment

Many experienced energy workers develop practices that address both systems. You might begin with whichever system most strongly calls to you, then gradually incorporate practices for the other as your sensitivity and understanding develop.

Remember that chakras and auras work together as parts of your complete energy system.

Healthy chakras support a strong aura, while a clear aura allows chakras to function optimally. Both deserve attention in your spiritual wellness practice.

About the Author

Janie Fagan is the lead writer and resident crystal expert at Coppermoon.

With over 20 years of experience in spiritual practices and crystal work, Janie comes from a lineage of spiritualists who have passed down their wisdom through generations.

Her approach combines traditional knowledge with practical, modern applications, helping readers create sacred spaces that honor both ancient traditions and contemporary needs.

When not writing or working with crystals, Janie can be found tending to her moon garden, practicing sound healing, and exploring the connection between celestial movements and earth energies.

She believes that everyone deserves access to the tools and knowledge that make spiritual practice accessible and meaningful in everyday life.