Aura Reading: Complete Guide to Seeing and Interpreting Auras

By Nicole, Founder of Mystic Ryst

Your aura is the electromagnetic energy field that surrounds your physical body—a luminous, colorful emanation that reflects your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual state. Every living being has an aura, and learning to see and read auras opens a window into the invisible world of energy, revealing truths about health, emotions, personality, and spiritual development.

Aura reading is an ancient practice that anyone can learn. You don't need to be psychic or have special gifts—just patience, practice, and willingness to trust what you perceive. Your aura changes constantly based on your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, making it a dynamic reflection of your current state of being.

This is your complete guide to aura reading—what auras are, the meaning of different aura colors, how to see auras, how to read and interpret them, and how to cleanse and strengthen your own aura.

What Is an Aura?

Definition

An aura is the subtle energy field that surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body. It's composed of multiple layers (also called bodies or fields) that extend outward from the body, each vibrating at different frequencies.

The Seven Layers of the Aura

1. Etheric Body (Physical): Closest to body, 1-2 inches out, relates to physical health
2. Emotional Body: 1-3 inches out, reflects emotions and feelings
3. Mental Body: 3-8 inches out, relates to thoughts and mental processes
4. Astral Body (Heart): 6-12 inches out, love and relationships
5. Etheric Template: 1.5-2 feet out, higher will and divine blueprint
6. Celestial Body: 2-3 feet out, spiritual connection and intuition
7. Ketheric Template (Causal): 2.5-3.5 feet out, connection to divine/higher self

What Auras Reveal

• Physical health and vitality
• Emotional state and mood
• Mental clarity or confusion
• Spiritual development
• Personality traits
• Energy blocks or imbalances
• Chakra health
• Life force energy level

Aura Colors and Their Meanings

Red Aura

Positive:

• Passionate, energetic, strong-willed
• Grounded and physical
• Courageous and confident
• Action-oriented

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Angry, aggressive, stressed
• Overly materialistic
• Impulsive or reckless

Orange Aura

Positive:

• Creative, adventurous, enthusiastic
• Social and outgoing
• Confident and ambitious
• Emotionally balanced

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Overly emotional or dramatic
• Addictive tendencies
• Stress or anxiety

Yellow Aura

Positive:

• Optimistic, joyful, intelligent
• Creative and playful
• Confident and charismatic
• Mentally active

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Overthinking, mental exhaustion
• Scattered or unfocused
• Overly critical

Green Aura

Positive:

• Healing, nurturing, compassionate
• Balanced and harmonious
• Growth-oriented
• Connected to nature
• Heart-centered

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Jealousy or envy
• Possessiveness
• Victim mentality

Blue Aura

Positive:

• Calm, peaceful, intuitive
• Communicative and expressive
• Trustworthy and loyal
• Spiritual and sensitive

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Overly emotional or moody
• Communication issues
• Depression or sadness

Indigo Aura

Positive:

• Highly intuitive and psychic
• Wise and perceptive
• Spiritual seeker
• Deep thinker

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Overly serious or judgmental
• Disconnected from physical world
• Headaches or mental fog

Violet/Purple Aura

Positive:

• Spiritual, mystical, visionary
• Connected to higher realms
• Artistic and creative
• Magical and transformative

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Ungrounded or spacey
• Escapist tendencies
• Superiority complex

Pink Aura

Positive:

• Loving, gentle, compassionate
• Romantic and affectionate
• Artistic and sensitive
• Pure-hearted

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Overly sensitive
• Immature or naive
• Codependent

White Aura

Meaning:

• Spiritual purity and protection
• New soul or highly evolved soul
• Angelic presence
• Transcendence
• Rare to see as dominant color

Gold Aura

Meaning:

• Divine protection and guidance
• Spiritual teacher or healer
• Enlightenment
• High spiritual development

Brown Aura

Positive:

• Grounded, practical, stable
• Connected to earth

Negative/Imbalanced:

• Stuck or stagnant energy
• Materialism
• Lack of spiritual connection

Gray Aura

Meaning:

• Blocked energy
• Fear or uncertainty
• Illness or depression
• Needs clearing and healing

Black Aura

Meaning:

• Not inherently negative
• Can indicate protection or shielding
• Or serious illness, depression, negative energy
• Needs immediate attention and healing

How to See Auras

Preparation

• Relax and clear your mind
• Don't strain or force it
• Use soft, peripheral vision
• Practice regularly
• Be patient with yourself

Method 1: Hand Aura Exercise

1. Sit in dim lighting with white or neutral background
2. Hold hands in front of you, palms facing each other, 12 inches apart
3. Relax your gaze, look between your hands (not at them)
4. Slowly bring hands closer together
5. You may see a hazy glow or feel energy between hands
6. Practice daily for 5-10 minutes

Method 2: Mirror Practice

1. Stand in front of mirror in dim lighting
2. White or light background behind you
3. Relax and breathe deeply
4. Look at the space around your head and shoulders (not directly at yourself)
5. Use soft, unfocused gaze
6. You may see a glow, haze, or color
7. Practice regularly

Method 3: Partner Practice

1. Have partner stand against white wall
2. Dim lighting
3. Stand 10-15 feet away
4. Look at space around their head and shoulders
5. Use peripheral vision, soft gaze
6. Notice colors, movement, or glow
7. Take turns practicing

What You Might See

• First layer: Clear or white glow close to body
• Colors: May appear as mist, clouds, or distinct hues
• Movement: Aura may pulse, shimmer, or flow
• Thickness: Varies based on energy level
• Clarity: Clear aura = healthy, muddy = imbalanced

How to Read Auras

What to Observe

• Dominant color: Main color in aura
• Secondary colors: Additional colors present
• Brightness: Bright = healthy, dim = low energy
• Clarity: Clear = balanced, muddy = blocked
• Size: Large = strong energy, small = depleted
• Evenness: Even = balanced, uneven = imbalanced
• Holes or tears: Energy leaks, need healing

Reading Technique

1. Observe the overall aura
2. Note dominant color and meaning
3. Look for secondary colors
4. Notice brightness and clarity
5. Check for imbalances or dark spots
6. Trust your intuitive impressions
7. Combine visual and intuitive information

Developing Intuitive Reading

• Notice feelings you get
• Pay attention to thoughts that arise
• Trust first impressions
• Practice sensing energy without seeing
• Combine seeing and feeling

Aura Photography

What Is Aura Photography?

Special cameras that capture the electromagnetic field around the body, translating it into visible colors.

How It Works

• Hand sensors measure biofeedback
• Camera translates data into colors
• Produces instant photo of your aura

Accuracy

• Shows energy at moment of photo
• Can be influenced by mood, health, environment
• Fun tool but not definitive
• Your own perception is equally valid

Cleansing and Strengthening Your Aura

Signs Your Aura Needs Cleansing

• Feeling drained or exhausted
• Picking up others' emotions easily
• Feeling heavy or stuck
• Frequent illness
• Mood swings or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating

Aura Cleansing Techniques

Smudging

• Use sage, palo santo, or incense
• Fan smoke around entire body
• Set intention to clear negative energy

Salt Bath

• Add Epsom salt or sea salt to bath
• Soak for 20 minutes
• Visualize negativity washing away

Visualization

• Imagine white or golden light surrounding you
• See it dissolving any darkness or heaviness
• Fill your aura with bright, clear light

Sound Healing

• Use singing bowls, bells, or chanting
• Sound vibrations clear stagnant energy

Nature

• Spend time in nature
• Walk barefoot on earth (grounding)
• Swim in natural water
• Sit under trees

Crystals

• Selenite, clear quartz, black tourmaline
• Hold or place around body
• Visualize crystal energy clearing aura

Strengthening Your Aura

• Regular meditation
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Positive thoughts and emotions
• Spending time in nature
• Energy healing (Reiki, etc.)
• Protecting your energy (boundaries)

Aura Protection

Why Protect Your Aura

• Prevent energy drain
• Shield from negative energy
• Maintain energetic boundaries
• Stay grounded and centered

Protection Techniques

White Light Shield

• Visualize white or golden light surrounding you
• See it as protective bubble
• Only positive energy can enter

Mirroring

• Visualize mirrors facing outward around you
• Negative energy bounces back to sender

Grounding

• Visualize roots growing from feet into earth
• Excess energy drains into ground
• Earth energy flows up to stabilize you

Crystals

• Wear or carry protective stones
• Black tourmaline, obsidian, labradorite

Setting Boundaries

• Say no to energy vampires
• Limit time with draining people
• Protect your space and energy

Common Aura Reading Questions

Can everyone see auras?

Yes, with practice! Some see them easily, others need more practice. Everyone can learn.

Why can't I see auras yet?

Keep practicing. It takes time. You may be trying too hard—relax and use soft vision.

Do aura colors change?

Yes! Auras change based on mood, health, thoughts, and experiences. Some colors are more permanent (personality), others shift.

What if I see dark or muddy colors?

Indicates imbalance or blocked energy. Not "bad"—just needs clearing and healing.

Can I read my own aura?

Yes, using a mirror. But it's often easier to read others' auras first.

Developing Your Aura Reading Skills

Practice Exercises

• Practice daily with hands or mirror
• Read auras of plants and animals
• Practice with willing friends
• Notice auras in crowds (soft focus)
• Keep journal of what you see

Enhancing Perception

• Meditate regularly
• Open third eye chakra
• Use crystals (amethyst, labradorite)
• Trust your intuition
• Don't overthink or doubt

Final Thoughts

Aura reading is a beautiful skill that opens your perception to the invisible world of energy. Every person, animal, and living thing radiates this luminous field, and learning to see and read it gives you profound insight into health, emotions, and spiritual state.

Be patient with yourself as you develop this skill. Some people see auras immediately, others take months of practice. What matters is consistent practice, relaxed awareness, and trust in what you perceive.

Your aura is your energetic signature, constantly broadcasting who you are and how you feel. Learning to read it—in yourself and others—is learning to see the invisible truth that surrounds us all.

Can you see auras? What colors do you see most often? Share your experiences below!