The Aura
The Colors of Life

The Colors Of Life Aura: au|ra - A particular atmosphere or quality that seems to surround a person or thing. From Webster's New World Dictionary (3rd College Edition) ‘Matter is energy, Energy is Light, We are all light beings.’ Albert Einstein.   What is an Aura All living things (people, plants, animals, etc.) are made up of a complex combination of atoms, molecules and energy cells. As these ingredients coexist, they generate a large magnetic energy field that can be sensed, felt and even seen around the physical body. This energy field has many characteristics, sound, color and shape. These characteristics are what we know as the 'aura'. Think of it this way, the energy field is the source. The characteristics of that source are the aura. We sense and feel the energy field, but we can see or hear that field through it's aura (or characteristics).   Auras are commonly associated with people. Sometimes we even use them to describe people, "He has an aura about him." or "Her aura just has a glow about it". But in fact all living things generate this field of energy. When associated to a person, the aura can provide insight into the spiritual, emotional and physical aspects of the individual. The same can be said for animals and plants, as they too have emotions and a physical well-being. But let's first focus on the human aspects.   The knowledge and acceptance of auras has existed in various religions around the world for thousands of years. From Buddhist priest to Native American Shamans, many civilizations have practiced translating and incorporating the use and interpretations of these energy fields into their culture. Today there is a resurgence of these ancient beliefs. Due in part to the increased interest in 'New Age' or Metaphysical studies. But perhaps some influence has come from individuals turning toward more natural ways of living. Many people are looking for new and less intrusive ways to care for the health of their mind and body. People dissatisfied with the high cost of health care and over dependence on chemical drugs in traditional medicines, are also turning to various "Alternative" healing methods.   Since the early 1980’s there has emerged a variety of alternative health practices. Some are just new ways of thinking about traditional approaches, others go back to the country doctor and prescriptions from the old wives tales. But many go even farther, such as hands on holistic healing, aroma therapy, color therapy, and massage therapy. But one thing many of these “new” practioners have in common is an increased awareness of self and an understanding of how the mind/body/spirit connection determines good or bad health. For this and other reasons, many healers turn toward aura reading as a means of adding to their diagnosis of the whole person.   The Aura’s Recent History Traditional sciences could not prove and therefore would not acknowledge that such energy fields existed. Thus the value of aura interpretation as a tool for diagnosis was often discounted. Over time the mere idea became preposterous and those who believed they could see an aura around a living object were often thought of as mentally ill or just a little weird.   Then in 1939, two Russians, Semyon and Valentina Kirlian accidentally discovered a camera that could capture the aura on film. In the late 1940’s, the Russians began serious research into the auric field and how it pertains to the physical body. But it wasn't until the 1970’s, that Kirlian photography began in the United States.   Kirlian photography uses a high voltage camera which provides a method for converting the non- electrical properties of an object into electrical properties. These converted electrical fields are then captured on film by means of high-voltage spark discharges. Kirlian photography became the first real scientific method of capturing the glow or energy field surrounding a living subject.   In it's infant stages, this method of measuring the aura could only capture a small portion of the energy field. Although, proving the aura existed, was in itself a big step in the right direction. But the medical sciences were not ready to use this 'newly' discovered energy as a tool or insight into their patients' health. And the search and study of auras continued.   Until recently, scientists were only interested in proving or disproving the existence of such fields. Even when Kirlian photography proved the aura does exist, many of today's scientists scoffed at the results. But for some open minded researchers the development of better photographic sensors to capture the depth and/or color(s) within the field became a high priority. Now work is being done by mainstream science to examine auras and to use their signatures to understand people, plants and animals.   The Benefits of Knowing Your Aura. So how can the average person use this information to benefit their own lives? Well, first you don't need a fancy camera to see an aura. You don't need to study for years as a Buddhist priest or Native American Shaman. Auras can be seen by anyone who spends the time and effort to develop, practice, study, and understand this forgotten sense.   You can use a 'reading' on yourself to benefit your everyday life and health. You can generally discover an injury or illness before it manifests in the physical body. You can then use preventive solutions upon yourself or make an appointment with your doctor to advert the condition.   Aura interpretation can also be used to improve your interaction with others. By determining the current emotional state of someone, you may prevent a negative or stressful encounter. Finally, if you desire, you can learn to provide this service to others. Helping family and friends live in greater peace and harmony with themselves,with those they encounter and with nature as a whole.   The Anatomy of an Aura To make accurate interpretations, you must first understand the inner workings of what an aura is. Simply put, an aura is made up of 3 sections of energy. Each section serves a specific purpose and relates to a particular component of a persons life. These sections of the aura are divided further into energy layers which appear in color. Within the context of the section, each layer of color displays a characteristic of the subject.   The size of an aura can vary depending on the subject, a human will have a larger auric field than the average house plant. A complete aura for a human can be between 6 to 25 feet or more all around the body.   The inner-most aura extends only a few inches from the subject. This first section is usually a thin white light that outlines the entire body. Because this section is closest to the body, some people believe the compact intensity of energy generates the white color of this layer. Still others believe this is the bodies protective shield, sort of a natural force field. Like any force field it can be drained or weakened in one area, or over charged in another, thereby creating slight color or shape distortions in the aura.   The mid-section generally begins 3-4 inches from the physical body and can extend outward several feet. These layers of color reflect recent emotions, personal characteristics or traits, as well as, the current well being or health of the subject.   The inner section of the aura is generally the easiest to perceive. The mid-section of the aura is a little harder to see within a short amount of time. The energy can be seen, however the perception of colors may take a little longer.   You can use these 2 inner sections of the aura in your every day life. Perceiving and interpreting the colors of these sections can help you deal with people at any given moment, increasing your ability to get along with others. Or by allowing you to avoid a negative or stressful situation that maybe out of your control.   If you see someone with a red lightening bolt dashing from their body, you can be fairly sure they're angry or anxious about someone or something. Perhaps now is not a good time to confront them with an issue. You can examine their aura later in the day and determine if they have calmed down from the earlier encounter.   Moving farther out, the third section reflects the more long lasting emotional and mental nature of the subject. The events of past lives and early memories from this lifetime are generally stored in this area. This outer section can be distinguished from the others by the lack of intensity in the color of each layer. They appear as more translucent colors and therefore are more difficult to see. Because this last section generally contains the 'hidden' history of a person, it should not be read or interpreted without permission of the individual. Just as you wouldn't prod someone into telling you secrets of their life or to discuss painful memories, the same courtesy should be extended to this outer fringe of their aura.   The inner and mid-sections of the aura provide generalities that most people would not considered as too personal. But if you feel uncomfortable with treading on someone's 'space', by all means ask their permission. They may find your interest exciting and ask you to explain this second sight further.   As you become proficient in your ability, these types of interpretations can be applied to your interaction with animals, plants or any situation that may arise. As long as you keep a positive intent to your 'readings', the right interpretations of these energy fields can increase your quality of life and help your interaction with others.   In addition to the inner workings of the aura around living beings, some people believe objects (non- living objects) also have an aura. There is some debate concerning the cause or origin of these energy fields. Some practitioners believe the molecular structure of these objects have an energy of their own and therefore the object, such as a table, has a real aura. Others believe, the object is simply being surrounded by an energy residue from a person, animal or plant that has recently come in contact with it, such as a dog sitting in a chair. Still others believe the only non-living objects that may have an aura are electrical appliances, such as a lamp or computer. What a practitioner sees in those cases is the energy field of electricity that travels through the appliance and not the appliance itself.   Click here and try some of our Aura Reading Exercises. As with anything, practice, patience with yourself and determination will all make your new sense of seeing the aura become a reality. Just don't lose faith in yourself. You can do this! Every one can.   If you'd like to learn more about your energy field, click here to learn How To Read An Aura. If you'd like to learn more about what the colors of an aura mean, click here to see a few of the Color Definitions   Sources: 1, b6, b10, b11, b13, h10, o1, o2