Etheric Template or Etheric Double

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...The etheric template level of the aura creates an empty or negative space in which the first or etheric level of the aura can exist.  The etheric template is the template for the etheric body, which then forms the grid structure (structured energy field) upon which the physical body grows.  Thus, the etheric template level of the universal energy field contains all the shapes and forms that exist on the physical plane, except on the template level. These forms exist in negative space, creating an empty space in which the etheric grid structure grows and upon which all physical manifestation exists.                                                                           From Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field by Barbara Ann Brennan  

The Etheric Template subtle energy body may seem difficult to understand, so I will break it down a little.  Everything natural or man made has an underlying blueprint.  Engineers use blueprints to build roads, bridges, skyscrapers, and complex machines.  Nature uses blueprints to create flowers, trees, rocks, rivers, oceans, mountains, insects, animals, and humans.  The etheric template hold a space for these blueprints, as well as a perfect memory of each blueprint.  This is an important function for all creations.  It's important to you and I because it plays an important role in healing.  If the human body is injured in any way, the etheric template holds the exact original blueprint to restore the original form.
Every creation has it's own unique blueprint.  It's like a personal signature.  Some healers can see these unique blueprints in a person's energy field.  If there is something in the energy field that is harming the person, the healer can find the blueprint and remove it.