Many people claim that it is possible to capture images of the human aura, the energy field that supposedly surrounds our bodies. Aura photography has become a popular paranormal practice, with specialized cameras and software that purport to visualize and analyze a person’s aura. But is aura photography scientifically valid, or is it simply a form of pseudoscience? Here we examine the claims around aura photography and look at whether there is any evidence to support it.
What is an aura?
The concept of the human aura originates from esoteric and spiritual belief systems. It is described as a colored emanation said to enclose the human body, reflecting emotional, mental, and physical health. The aura is purported to be visible to certain individuals, including clairvoyants and mystics. The field was incorporated into the philosophy of Theosophy in the 19th century and from there into the New Age movement.
Believers describe the aura as comprising multiple layers, colors, and extending from just above the head down to the feet. Different colors and patterns are said to represent different aspects of the individual. For example, a bright yellow aura may indicate high intelligence, while muddy brown shades could signal health problems. The quality and colors present are thought to change depending on one’s mood and environment.
Claims of aura photography
Since 1939, various techniques have been developed with the claim that they can capture images of the human aura. Early attempts used methods such as placing hands on photographic plates to expose an image. Kirlian photography in the 1970s used electrical equipment to produce corona discharges between an object and photographic plate. Modern aura cameras apply sensors and software filters to translate this data into digital images.
Proponents of aura photography claim these images reveal the size, structure, color, and qualities of a person’s aura. Mainstream physicians and scientists reject that auras exist because there is no evidence that the body emits such an energy field. They consider aura photos to be the result of tricks of the eye or technical artifacts rather than reveal a real phenomenon.
But aura photography continues to have many believers and practitioners today. Businesses provide aura portrait services, claiming to reveal insights about a person’s emotions, soul, and spirituality. The technique has also been adopted in some alternative medicine therapies.
Aura reading techniques
There are now various aura photography systems on the market for businesses or individuals wishing to offer aura readings. These range from lower-end camera attachments to expensive devices costing thousands of dollars. Most work by interpreting electrical signals and colors from the subject. Some key techniques used include:
– **Electrophotography:** A process where fingertips are placed on a glass plate connected to a computer. Mild electrical signals from the fingers interact with weak electrical currents in the glass to produce an image. Software filters interpret these patterns as auric colors.
– **Bioelectric field imaging:** Measures tiny electrical signals emitted from the body. A hand sensor may be used or small medallions attached to acupuncture points. These biofeedback signals get translated into digital auras.
– **Bioenergy field imaging:** Measures heat and radiation from the body, converting differences in emissions across the body into colorful auric zones. Subjects place their hands into specialist imaging chambers.
– **Corona discharge imaging:** Based on Kirlian photography methods. Photographic film or digital sensors measure corona discharges from the body when placed in a high-frequency electromagnetic field. Edge glow patterns get enhanced and colored.
Color maps, charts, and analysis systems are then used to interpret the resulting images in terms of the subject’s health and personality. Practitioners may offer reports and explanations about aura meanings and how to enhance one’s energy field.
Scientific research on auras
There has been little rigorous scientific research conducted into auric energy fields and aura photography. Studies that have attempted to verify these claims using blinded controls have not produced convincing evidence that the aura can be reliably measured or imaged. For example:
– A double-blind experiment in 1985 analyzed aura images produced by bioelectrographic imaging. Independent judges could not match subjects to their alleged aura photographs at above chance levels.
– A review in 1998 found no repeatable experiments confirming the existence of the human energy field or validating the airbrush-like images created by aura camera systems.
– A study in 2001 concluded aura imaging systems were unproven and lacked adequate statistical evaluation. Subjects could not identify which images belonged to them better than random chance.
– Skeptical investigator Joe Nickell has highlighted how the most advanced aura systems still require human operators to make adjustments to enhance ‘aura’ colors and filters. This suggests the results are open to subjective interpretation.
– Research on other supposed energy fields like qi and chakras has not produced convincing evidence that these phenomena exist. The human body does of course emit energy in the form of heat and electromagnetic radiation, but no special ‘auric’ field has been detected.
Scientific explanations for aura photography
Without convincing evidence of special human energy fields, scientists suggest aura photos have natural explanations:
– **Pareidolia** – Seeing meaningful images in random patterns. The Rorschach inkblot test relies on this effect. Aura photos contain abstract colored blobs and shapes which users interpret as representations of their personality and emotions.
– **Artifacts** – Many aura photos contain obvious technical artifacts from printing errors, reflections, sensor noise, or software processing. Some systems even overlay abstract aura templates. These get mistaken as revealing information.
– **Confirmation bias** – People are drawn to auric interpretations that seem to describe them positively. Random statements apply widely when presented positively. Few people will disagree with ‘You are cheerful and intelligent’.
– **Forer/Barnum effect** – General statements seem personally accurate because they are vague and widely applicable. Photos generate flattering aura descriptions containing Forer statements.
– **Cold reading tricks** – Aura practitioners can make educated guesses about clients and tailor readings to their reactions. Sitting positions, cues given off, and providing prior knowledge all enable cold readings.
– **Camera lighting** – Aura colors are strongly influenced by the camera’s own internal lighting systems. For example, red-light emitting diodes will flood images with red hues. Practitioners claim these colors have meaning.
So while aura photos can seem impressive and personally insightful, scientists advise not to take them literally. The range of natural psychological and technical processes that produce these images is now well understood. There remains no scientific evidence that auras themselves physically exist.
Photographing the aura
Despite the lack of scientific support, there are still photography businesses catering to customers desiring an aura portrait. Typical aura photography sessions include:
– Booking a session with an aura photography provider. Sessions are commonly offered at specialist studios, psychic fairs, or New Age conventions.
– Having your photo taken by the aura camera against a uniform background under controlled lighting. Hand sensors may also be used to collect ‘biofeedback’.
– The photographer will import the images into aura imaging software. Color filters and overlays are applied to the photos to generate an aura.
– The resulting aura portrait is printed out for you to keep. The practitioner will also interpret the aura colors and what they indicate about your psyche, spirituality, and health.
– An aura report may be generated with a key explaining the different colors and their meanings. Recommendations are usually provided for improving your aura.
– Sessions typically take around 30 minutes total and cost between $30 to $100 on average. The number and types of photos taken varies between providers.
– Numerous mobile aura photography businesses now travel to events bringing portable aura imaging equipment. Volume discounts are sometimes offered at psychic fairs.
Tips for getting your aura photo taken
If booking an aura photography session for curiosity or entertainment, here are some tips to get the most from the experience:
– **Relax beforehand** – Being calm and comfortable will supposedly give better aura images. Avoid alcohol which may constrict the aura. Meditation is ideal preparation.
– **Wear plain clothes** – Bold patterns and colors may interfere with the aura image. Stick to simple block colors like white, black or gray. Remove glasses and jewelry too.
– **Get your coloring analyzed** – Opticians offer personal color analysis to determine flattering clothing hues. Compare these to what shows up most in your aura.
– **Inquire about the method** – Ask whether the system uses hand sensors, corona discharge, infrared or another technique. Different approaches produce varying effects.
– **Take several photos** – Taking 2-3 images rather than 1 allows comparing consistency. See if colors change across sessions indicating a mood shift.
– **Keep a neutral face** – Smiling or frowning can influence the aura reading. A relaxed neutral expression gives your most natural aura colors.
– **Listen openly to the interpretation** – Don’t overshare upfront. See how well the reading matches your personality without preconceived guidance.
– **Ask questions** – Have the practitioner explain what aura sizes, patterns and colors symbolize. Query any aspects that seem surprising or inaccurate.
– **Request your aura data** – Ask for a digital copy of your aura image file and any technical measurements made. Independent analysis may be interesting.
– **Enjoy the experience** – Approach aura photography as light-hearted entertainment. Don’t take the results too seriously or expect profound insights.
Conclusion
While the existence of auras remains questionable, aura photography continues to fascinate many as a practice. The appeal is understandable – who wouldn’t be curious to see a colorful glimpse of their inner soul and emotions? Just be aware the scientific evidence for actually photographing and reading auras is slim to none. Appreciate aura portraits for their abstract artistry rather than a definitive glimpse at your spiritual being. And if you do get your aura photographed, enjoy the theater of it while keeping a healthy skepticism.
Tables
| Aura Layer | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Etheric | Gray/Blue | Vitality |
| Emotional | Greens/Oranges | Feelings |
| Mental | Yellows | Thoughts |
| Spiritual | Violets/Indigos | Insight |
| Aura Color | Personality Indications |
|---|---|
| Red | Physicality, passion, aggression |
| Orange | Confidence, creative inspiration |
| Yellow | Intellect, optimism, mental energy |
| Green | Healing, balance, empathy |
| Blue | Tranquility, spirituality, intuition |
| Indigo | Psychic sensibility, vision, focus |
| Violet | Spiritual awareness, engagement, noble thoughts |
| White | Purity, clarity, spiritual energy |
| Black | Lack of energy, illness, stagnation |
