An aura is the energy field around people and objects. this energy field surrounds everything that has an atomic structure, both animate and inanimate, but is most active and easily detected around plant and animal life. The energy emanations around a human body include electrical, magnetic, heat and light vibrations.  Composed of several different levels and layers, the human aura is three dimensional and surrounds the body in an elliptical shape, extending out up to several feet in all directions. The size, strength and colors of the aura depend on many factors and reflect a person's emotional, physical, mental and spiritual state. Being able to sense and/or see the aura, therefore, has applications in alternative medical treatment as well as in the pursuit of spiritual and psychic development.  Each color represents a different aspect of that person or object. Reading auras can be useful in determining whether you should confront a person at a certain time, what you can do to improve your present condition, clue you in to illnesses and conditions around you, etc. Everytime you come into contact with someone, your aura reacts to theirs. If your aura's frequency is close to theirs, you will feel close to them quickly and drawn to them. If not, you may feel an instant disliking towards them.  In all human relationships, auras interact to a greater or lesser degree. The more intimate the relationship, the longer the effects of the other person's aura will remain part of your own energy. Favourite objects, chairs, locations, etc. also absorb a part of our energy or aura over a period of time, and thus become comfortable and energized in a familiar way.

Children are especially sensitive to auras naturally, and this can account for why they will often surprise you by drawing people, pets and their surroundings in unusual (for us) colors.

Auras are usually strongest and most easily detected around the head, accounting for artistic depictions of halos around spiritual masters and religious figures. Colors in auras are highly significant - gold, the most common color of halos, representing spiritual enlightenment.

Research is being done to study the effects of animal auras on humans, and much has been written about the beneficial effects of animal companions, particularly for the ill and the elderly. In addition to the other ways in which we communicate with and benefit from our pets, isn't it logical that by stroking or being close to each other, the interaction of your pet's healthy and loving aura can strengthen your own?

Maybe the next time you hug a friend or pat your dog or cat, you can experiment by trying to feel your energy fields mingle. And when you ask someone 'How are you today?', you can verify it for yourself by looking just a little beyond the immediately visible, and checking out what their aura says.

Everything has an aura. We have been "trained" not to see them, but with a little practice many people can successfully see and read them. Below I've listed what the different colors of auras mean, but first you should learn how to read them. When you begin, you may have a hard time seeing the colors. A lot of times, beginners will see pale colors such as white, yellow, and light blue. As time passes, and with practice, you will see that the colors seem to become brighter to you and easier to read. A little bit of patience can go a long way.

How to Read the Aura

First of all, find a place where you won't be around any harsh light; soft light is best to read auras. You will also need a piece of white paper large enough to place your whole hand onPlace your hand on the cardboard and relax your eyes. Don't stare at your hand, rather look at the areas around the fingertips and fingers. After a while, if you are relaxed enough, you will begin to see a soft haze around your hand. If you look at it long enough, you will start to see colors. Beginners can usually make out only one color, but as you get better you will be able to see more at one time.

Don't be discouraged if you don't see anything the first few times. It takes practice to become good at reading auras, and after a while you will realize that it's not really as hard as you might have first thought. You may also wish to take nonliving objects, like rocks and such, and try to see their auras as well. This can be very good practice for you.

Colors of Auras

Red- The color of strength, strong passion, and will. Dark red may symbolize one who has a quick temper and is nervous or impulsive. All red relates to nervous tendancies.

Orange- Color of warmth, thoughtfulness, and creativity. The muddier shades may represent pride or vanity, while golden orange denotes self-control. A person with orange in their aura may suffer from kidney ailments.

Yellow-Mental activity, optimism. It can mean new learning oppurtunities and wisdom. A golden yellow means that the person takes care of hiom or herself. Ruddy yellow may mean that its owner is shy

Green-Green is the color of sympathy and calm. A person who has green in his or her aura may be very good at the healing arts and is very reliable. Dark shades of green can indicate one who is jealous or uncertain.

Blue-The color of quiet and calm. Any blue in the aura is good to have, but deep blue is the best. One with deep blue in his or her aura shows a person who has found his or her work in life. Many are spiritual minded as well. Blue may sometimes represent a tendancy to be moody and depressed.

Indigo and Violet-The colors of one who is seeking something in life. They represent an ability to handle affairs with worldiness and practicality. Dark shades may show that the person has obstacles to overcome and is feeling misunderstood.

Black-The color of protection. May reflect a person who is hiding something. It may possibly indicate imbalances as well.

Those are the more common colors. However, they are not the only colors in the aura and I don't want you leaving here thinking that they are. Here are some other colors that may be seen within the aura:

Pink-This is the color of love. It represents compassion, and possibly a love of art and beauty. Darker or muddier shades of pink may point to an individual who is immature.

White-Many times this is one of the first colors you will see in an aura. However, when it is a true and strong color of the aura, it reflects purity and truth.

Brown-This could reflect a person who is very "earthy" and that a person is establishing new roots. However, if it is seen in the chakras, it may mean that a person's energy is in some way being blocked.

Silver Lights or Twinkles-Seeing these in a person's aura may mean that they are pregant, or have been or may soon be. However, this is not always so. Seeing this may indicate a person who is allowing great creativity in their life.

Black Spots-The presence of black spots in the aura may indicate that it is imbalanced in some areas. This may mean that the person has some negative habits that he or she should work on. Meditation helps reduce these spots, as does things like exercise and sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the aura?
Loosely defined, an aura is the energy field that surrounds all matter.

How far does the aura extend from the body?
This can vary depending upon the person's development. In most people, it extends about eight feet from the body.

How can an aura become weakened?
An aura is weakened by several factors. Poor diet, alcohol and drugs, stress, and lack of rest can all weaken it. Any negative habits a person might have can serve to weaken the aura.

Will my aura interact with someone else's aura?
The answer is yes. Whenever you come in contact with another person, you can exchange energy with them. Have you ever felt drained whenever you were around a certain person? Sometimes people will take your energy without knowing it.

Is there more than one layer to the aura?
There are several layers to the aura. When you first start off, you may only be able to see the one closest to your skin, but as time goes on and you continue to practice, you will notice other bands of light as well.

In order to tell what color my aura is, do I have to actually physically see it?
It is possible to tell what color your aura is without seeing it physically. Some people get the mental picture in their head, or they have a strong feeling as to what the color is

What can I do to strengthen my aura?
A proper diet, fresh air, exercise, and sunlight can all be helpful factors in this. Meditation is a great way to strengthen your aura, as can certain music, such as new age and classical music. Keeping a crystal near you is helpful as well.