Here’s an interesting quote by New Thought author Edward Walker:

“One’s prevalent thoughts and feelings, his hopes, fears, and desires, as well as his mental pictures produced in his imagination, are not only projected into space, there to affect others, but they also create around him what some of the old writers called an “aura,” or atmosphere, of thought vibrations which may be felt distinctly by those with whom he comes in contact.

This mental atmosphere varies in degree, character, quality, and extension, according to the characteristics of the person. In some, the extension is great — that is, the mental atmosphere may be felt at a great distance from them; while in others it may be so feeble that it can be noticed only when one is very near to them.

Then again, the degree of power differs materially. Some persons radiate such powerful thought vibrations that others are markedly influenced more or less by simply remaining in the presence of the persons emanating the force. Others radiate vibrations of but a feeble character, which are capable of producing but a faint effect.

And so far as the character and kind of vibrations emanated or radiated, one may see that the variety is endless, depending as it does upon the specific character and thought tendencies and habits of the persons manifesting them.

The whole matter may be summed up in the explanation that each and every person is surrounded by a thought atmosphere, extending some distance from him, in which is reproduced the general character of his mental states, and which atmosphere may be, and is, felt by others with whom he comes in contact.

The degree of strength of the thought atmosphere depends upon the degree of strength of the mental states. The degree of receptivity of others to this thought atmosphere depends upon the particular temperamental receptivity of the other persons.

This thought atmosphere is composed of subtle vibrations of the ether, just as real and actual as the vibrations which are known to us as electricity, magnetism, heat and light. The matter is not one connected with mystical theories or weird beliefs, but is recognized by the advanced science of today, having its underlying principles and laws of operation, which may be understood by anyone who will take the trouble to investigate the subject scientifically.

Beneath the strange theories and wild assertions of some of the leaders of the many cults and schools teaching some of the phenomena of the newer phases of psychology, there is a solid basis of scientific fact based upon experiment and rational investigation.”