What is An Aura?
An aura is the field of energy that surrounds every living thing. It is often described as your "vibe" — the energy you carry and project into the world — and it is considered part of the essence of who you are. While you can't see it with the naked eye, the idea is that each of us radiates a personal energy that reflects how we feel, what we've experienced, and where we are in life right now.
Where the Idea of an Aura Comes From
The concept of an aura has appeared across cultures and spiritual traditions for thousands of years. You can see it echoed in the glowing halos painted around sacred figures in religious art, in the idea of life-force energy found in many Eastern practices, and in the long-held belief that the body is surrounded by a subtle field of energy. Different traditions describe it in different ways, but the through-line is the same: that we are made of more than just the physical, and that energy is part of what makes each of us unique.
Your Energy in Color
When an aura is interpreted, it's most often expressed through color. Each color is associated with its own type of energy and personality, and many of these colors correspond to the chakras — the energy centers within the body. A red aura, for example, speaks to grounding and passion, while a violet aura points toward intuition and a connection to something greater.
Most people don't carry just one color. An aura is usually a blend, which is part of what makes it so personal — no two are ever quite the same. To explore what each color reveals, visit our aura color meaning guide.
Why Your Aura Changes
Your aura is not fixed. It has the ability to change, much like the ever-changing nature of your emotions, situations, and life story. The energy you carry on a calm, open day may look entirely different from the energy you carry during a season of stress or transformation. Rather than a permanent label, your aura is a reflection of where you are in a single present moment.
Can You See Your Aura?
While an aura isn't visible to the eye, aura photography offers a way to capture it. Using a specialized camera and hand sensors, your energy is read and translated into a spectrum of color layered over your portrait — giving you a tangible glimpse of the energy you carry.
Experience Your Soul in color
We bring the aura camera to you across Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and throughout Florida, and we welcome you in person at the Soulshine Studio in Frederick, Maryland. Whether you're visiting us at a pop-up or in our studio, or looking to book us for a corporate event, brand activation, wedding, or other special event, we would love to have you experience your soul in color. Submit an event request form or visit our appointments page to book a session now.
Shine bright. See yourself in a new light.