The “aura family tree” is not a single, canonical genealogy from one myth or text; rather, it is a modern umbrella term that fans and practitioners use to describe the various beings, powers, and bloodlines associated with the word “aura” across different fictional universes, most notably in anime and manga. The most prominent and detailed “family tree” belongs to the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise, where the energy known as Ripple (Hamon) and later Stands are often visualized as a glowing aura, and the Joestar bloodline carries these powers through generations. However, the term also appears in other contexts, such as the Pokémon franchise’s Aura Guardians, and in New Age spirituality, where an “aura” is a personal energy field rather than a family lineage.
Background: The Word “Aura” in Myth and Fiction
The word “aura” itself comes from ancient Greek, meaning “breeze” or “breath.” In classical mythology, it was personified as Aura, a minor goddess of the breeze, sometimes associated with Artemis. This original meaning—a subtle, invisible emanation—carried into later mystical traditions, where an aura is an energy field surrounding living beings. In modern fiction, especially Japanese anime and manga, “aura” became a visual shorthand for life force, fighting spirit, or supernatural power. The concept of a “family tree” for auras arises when a story ties this energy to a specific bloodline, making the power hereditary and creating a literal genealogy of users.
The Joestar Bloodline and the Ripple
The clearest example of an “aura family tree” in popular fiction is the Joestar family in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The series, written by Hirohiko Araki, begins in the 1880s with Jonathan Joestar learning the Ripple (Hamon), a martial art that uses controlled breathing to channel the body’s energy, often depicted as a glowing aura. This power is passed down and evolves through the generations:
- Jonathan Joestar (Part 1) – learns Ripple from Zeppeli, uses it to fight vampires.
- Joseph Joestar (Part 2) – Jonathan’s grandson, also a Ripple user, later develops a Stand (Hermit Purple).
- Jotaro Kujo (Part 3) – Joseph’s grandson, inherits the Stand Star Platinum, which appears as a ghostly aura-like figure.
- Josuke Higashikata (Part 4) – Joseph’s illegitimate son, has the Stand Crazy Diamond.
- Giorno Giovanna (Part 5) – Jonathan’s son (via DIO’s body), has the Stand Gold Experience.
Each generation’s power is distinct, but the family tree is central: the Joestar bloodline is the thread that connects every protagonist. The series explicitly shows that Stands are often inherited or awakened due to the Joestar lineage, especially after DIO (the villain) gains Jonathan’s body, creating a dark mirror of the family tree.
How the Aura Powers Work in JoJo
In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the “aura” manifests in two main forms: Ripple and Stands. Ripple is a physical energy produced by rhythmic breathing, similar to meditation but with combat applications. It can heal, enhance strength, and is lethal to vampires. Stands, introduced in Part 3, are a visual projection of the user’s fighting spirit, often appearing as a humanoid figure surrounding the user—this is the iconic “aura” image. Stands are not hereditary in a simple genetic sense; they can be awakened by piercing a person with a Stand arrow, or they can be passed down through bloodlines, as seen with the Joestars and the DIO’s children. The family tree is thus a map of who has the potential to manifest these powers.
Pokémon’s Aura Guardians: A Different Tree
Another notable “aura family tree” comes from the Pokémon franchise, particularly the movies and spin-off games. Here, “Aura” is a specific energy that certain Pokémon (like Lucario) and humans (called Aura Guardians) can sense and wield. The most famous human is Sir Aaron, a knight from the past who used Aura to save the world. In the movie Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, it is implied that the ability to use Aura is rare and possibly inherited, though no explicit family tree is given. The games Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon Ranger also feature Aura, but again, it is treated as a skill rather than a bloodline. In this context, the “family tree” is more of a spiritual lineage of guardians, not a literal genealogy.
New Age and Spiritual Aura Lineages
Outside of fiction, the term “aura family tree” is sometimes used in New Age and esoteric circles to describe the idea that a person’s aura contains imprints from their ancestors. This is not a literal family tree of energy, but a belief that unresolved emotions, traumas, or traits can be passed down through the energy field. Some practitioners offer “aura readings” that claim to map these ancestral patterns. However, this is a modern spiritual concept, not an ancient myth, and there is no canonical source for it. It is important to distinguish this from the fictional and mythological uses, as the word “aura” has been repurposed in many ways.
Common Misconceptions and Confusions
A frequent question is whether “aura” is the same as “chakra” or “ki.” In Eastern traditions, chakra (from Sanskrit) are energy centers in the body, and ki (or qi) is the life force in Chinese philosophy. These are distinct concepts, though they are often conflated in popular culture. In JoJo, the Ripple is explicitly based on the breathing techniques of Eastern martial arts, but it is not called chakra. In Pokémon, Aura is a unique energy, not ki. Another misconception is that the Joestar family tree includes all Stand users; it does not—only the Joestar bloodline and their direct associates (like the Zeppeli family) are part of that tree. Finally, some fans ask if the “aura family tree” exists in real mythology; the answer is no—it is a fictional construct.
How to Choose a Canonical Source
If you are researching an “aura family tree,” the first step is to identify the specific universe you are interested in. For JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the canonical source is the manga and anime series, and the family tree is best traced by reading the parts in order. For Pokémon, the movies and spin-off games are the source, but the lore is less structured. For spiritual auras, there is no single authoritative text; instead, you will find a variety of New Age books and websites, which often disagree. When writing or discussing, it is best to specify the franchise or tradition, as the term “aura” is not universal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Joestar family tree the same as the aura family tree? In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, yes—the Joestar bloodline is the primary family tree associated with aura-like powers (Ripple and Stands). However, other families like the Zeppeli and the Kujo also have members with these powers, but they are not the main line.
Can anyone learn to use aura, or is it only hereditary? In JoJo, Ripple can be learned by anyone with training, but Stands are often hereditary or awakened by external means. In Pokémon, Aura is rare but not strictly hereditary; it is a natural talent. In spiritual beliefs, aura is inherent to all living beings, but “reading” it is a learned skill.
What is the difference between Ripple and Stand? Ripple is a breathing technique that channels life energy, while a Stand is a physical manifestation of the user’s mind and spirit. Ripple can be taught, but Stands are unique to each user and cannot be learned.
Does the aura family tree include villains? In JoJo, DIO is a villain who steals Jonathan’s body, and his children have Stands, making them part of the extended family tree. In Pokémon, there are no villainous Aura Guardians in the main canon, but there are antagonists who misuse Aura in some side stories.
Is the aura family tree based on real mythology? No. The concept is a modern creation of fiction and New Age spirituality. Ancient Greek myth only has the goddess Aura as a breeze, not a family of energy users.
Related
- Laufey in Norse Mythology: Loki’s Mother
- Uni in Etruscan Mythology: Queen of the Gods
- Electra in Greek Mythology: Roles and Myths
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.