Ghosts Among Us - James Van Praagh [74]
WHAT IS THE AURA?
First of all, I want to explain just what the aura is. The aura, or what I like to call our “sacred space,” is the electromagnetic energy field that surrounds and encompasses the atmosphere of every living thing. The “auric shell” comprises various layers, each one distinct but interconnected within the shell. The aura has often been referred to as a “halo” and is depicted in religious paintings, especially those of Jesus, saints, and angels.
The aura encompasses the essence of the living being it surrounds, and it projects the thoughts, desires, and mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states of the individual. A person’s innate spiritual gifts are clearly defined in the aura, and I have had the privilege of seeing many individuals’ talents and aptitudes when I look at their auras.
For instance, at a recent workshop I saw brightly colored musical notes above a lady’s head. I asked her if she was involved with music, and she replied, “Yes. I’ve always had a knack for music, but I never really pursued it professionally.”
When I hear that a person has a knack for something but doesn’t do anything about it, I feel that the person is not in touch with who he or she is. If this woman had used her natural musical abilities, she would have been extremely successful in the musical field. However, fear, life circumstances, family situations, or other reasons may have caused her not to follow her calling, and she did not use her talents in this lifetime. She won’t necessarily lose her talents, but they will not expand if they are not used.
Not only is the aura an energy that envelops you, but it penetrates your being as well. The aura is a colorful field of energy, and its colors represent your level of vitality, mental capacity, emotional well-being, and spiritual understanding. The dominant color represents the dominant part of your makeup. If you are very spiritual and compassionate, you will tend to have more green and purple in your aura.
We are all protected naturally by our auric shell, but at times this shell can wear down if not properly protected. Cracks and holes can appear in it. All sorts of psychic energy, ghostly or otherwise, can enter through these cracks and holes. Anyone can overdo something and not be aware of losing energy. I certainly didn’t realize that my auric field was so depleted while doing my TV series.
A weakened and unhealthy aura can also be the result of drug overuse, alcohol abuse, constant negative thoughts and beliefs, and fearful and angry emotions. Also, if you are around negative locations and negative people, you are susceptible to losing energy. Finally, a variety of illnesses and diseases can deplete the aura.
It is important to remember that our thoughts and emotions affect our auras first and manifest lastly in our physical bodies. We should be mindful on a daily basis of reinforcing the strength of our auras through prayer, meditation, and positive visualization. These are the most effective ways to repel and fight off any disturbing energies.
PROTECTION EXERCISE 1: GROUNDING AND BALANCING YOUR ENERGY
It is important to be centered and well grounded before beginning any sort of protection meditation or visualization. It is very common to have more energy in one part of your body and not enough in another part. Doing this exercise will help you to create a balanced and steady flow of energy so that you can maintain an energetic awareness of your body.
Sit in a chair with your spine straight against the back of the chair. This will ensure a proper energy flow up, down, in, and out of the various energy centers, or chakras. Close your eyes and place your awareness in the middle of your head on your third-eye chakra. Be aware of