You’ve probably heard of auras already (don’t worry, we’ll define them in a sec just in case you haven’t). And you probs also know there are actual people out there who can read your aura for you and tell you all about it (again, we’ll explain). You might have even gotten your aura photographed and seen that your aura is blue or red or green.

Okay, you know what an aura is, but do you know how it all works?! Keep reading. Basically, it’s like an IRL personality test that you don’t actually have to take (!): huge win for everyone. Allow us to change your life with everything you need to know about aura readings and how they work.

Let’s start with the basics: What TF is an aura?

An aura is described as an electromagnetic field that surrounds a person’s body and is associated with their energy—and while it can actually be *seen* by certain people, it can be *felt* by everyone. (Getting your aura read is basically the OG version of a vibe check.) Auras can be contagious, which is why you start to feel extra happy if you’re around someone who’s a positive, optimistic person and why you feel super freaking drained when you’re around someone who’s a total bummer. Bleh.

Every aura color means something different.

While there are different layers and colors to each person’s aura that all mean different things, most people has one predominant aura color. Your aura can change, though, depending on your state of mind. Like, if you’re experiencing a drastic mood change due to your horrible boss or even more horrible boyfriend, your aura will likely reflect that. And other things like physical and emotional trauma or illnesses can also change your aura.

Your aura will also change as you go through life and change as a person. Some people like to get their auras photographed every year as a way to celebrate and track how they’ve changed as a person. Um, sign me up!

Multicolored auras

Although most people’s aura is mostly one color, some have a mix of colors—and, rarely, even a rainbow. If your aura is a blend of colors, think of it as a blend of personality traits—like if your aura is red and magenta, you’re likely confident, passionate, independent, and creative. Rainbow auras, on the other hand, indicate someone who’s ~enlightened~.

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So what are the colors and what do they mean?

Each aura color is associated with a different type of energy and/or personality. Let’s get into it:

Red

A red aura means you’re confident, strong, and aggressive. You’re passionate, goal-oriented, and you love to take charge. You’re ambitious, brave, and you never shy away from a challenge. You’re also just a teeny-tiny bit dramatic. Basically, no one wants to cross you, and they shouldn’t bc you’ll win.

Pink

Aw, you’re such a sweetie. A pink aura indicates that you have a romantic, gentle soul. Unlike people with red auras, you’re all about peace and harmony. You’re a diplomat who ends fights before they even begin. Everyone loves to be around you and your kind, calming energy.

Magenta

If your aura is more of a hot pink, you’re a very independent kinda person. You’re creative and funny, the type of person to have a casual million followers on TikTok. You don’t follow trends—you make them. People might think you’re a little weird, but deep down, they admire your individuality. You’re one of a kind.

Orange

You are likely in good health and have lots of energy! You’re that person who’s always trying a new workout challenge and actually sticking with it. You’re optimistic and sociable, and you make friends easily. You’re one of those people who will strike up a chat with the person next to you in the grocery store line and come away with a BFF for life—you just get along with others and are usually in a good mood!

Yellow

Yellows are optimistic, intelligent, and free. They are very full of life. Communication is your thing—you might be talkative, a prolific writer, or just go live on Clubhouse a lot. You love to have fun and you tend not to take life too seriously. You’re witty, smart, and confident. People want to be like you!

Green

Greens love nature. A lot of the time, they’re associated with growth or healing—think developing self-love, overcoming obstacles, and forgiving those who’ve wronged you. You’re compassionate and open, and you tend to have a practical worldview. You’re particularly influenced by your surroundings, which is why it’s so important for you to make time to get out in nature, whether you’re turning off your phone and going camping for a week or just taking a stroll in the park.

Blue

Blues are caring, empathetic, and definitely sensitive. You take life a little more seriously than some of the colors above you on this page. You’re expressive and creative, and you place a lot of value on your close personal relationships—think your family and your BFFs, not your colleague from three years ago. You value truth and honesty, so people better not lie to you!

Indigo

Indigo auras indicate that you’re both super creative and super introverted. You’re often off at the corners of a party, silently composing your next song or plotting out your next novel in your head. You have a strong intuition, and you’re just a curious person—you always want to learn more and find out the truth.

Violet

You are spiritual, wise, and artistic! You probably went to a liberal arts school. You kinda live with your head in the clouds—you’re always lost in a daydream or fantasy. You’re also very intuitive—you might be very spiritual or just have strong gut feelings (trust them!). Your loved ones value your empathy and wisdom, even if they don’t always ~get~ you.

Brown

The tans and browns of the aura color spectrum are grounded (makes sense). They are also career-driven and love working with their hands. Unlike purples, you’re very logical and practical—you’re that friend with a strict budget and a detailed 10-year plan. You know that hard work and strategy can get you where you want to go.

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Are there “good” and “bad” auras?

Well, yes. There’s good and bad of everything, amirite? Each aura color by itself is generally positive, but the different shades of a color can indicate a negative energy. Like, dark green can indicate jealousy, but emerald green can indicate that a person centers their life around love. In particular, a muddy or foggy aura can indicate exhaustion, lack of confidence, and a need for rest and self-care.

A “bad” aura can also be sensed when someone is simply just having a hard time, e.g., they just got in a fight with their roommate or they’re currently being forced to be around people they don’t like. (We’ve all been there.) Once you take some time to calm down and find balance, your aura will likely go back to normal.

Aura readers can see auras in their own unique way

Zodiac Sex

Serena Nicole Maio, a 48-year-old aura reader and psychic medium from Ontario, sees colors and shades of auras, but she also sees textures, which can mean dents, holes, and scratches within a person’s aura. And according to her, these are symbolic.

“If I see deep red with a hole, it could symbolize this person has been abandoned in some way and has not yet forgiven that person,” she explains over the phone. “Or that there has been a close death and the hole resembles an empty space.”

Serena (who charges $120 for a full aura reading) has been reading auras for seven years. And she didn’t even need to meet me in person in order to see my aura—she described it to me after just a few minutes on the phone. (I’m bright yellow, btw.)

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So how does an aura reading work?

Before calling or meeting with a client, Serena meditates for 15 to 30 minutes and asks “spirit” to show her the client’s aura. She then connects with the client either in person or over the phone (Serena says she can “tap into” a person’s energy simply through their voice), which is when she discovers the shades and textures of their aura.

“We start with the overall color and I give them the meaning,” she says. “At the end, I give them methods to keep their aura clean and answer any questions.”

Of course, there’s also aura photography—which is basically a more vibe-y version of a Polaroid camera that’s supposed to capture your aura in a blurred image of various colors—but Serena sticks to the old-fashioned way.

Okay, but what are the benefits?

Aura readings can help you keep your *own* feels in check. There may be a negative energy you’re giving off that you weren’t even aware of—or you could be allowing others’ energies to affect you more than you even realize.

And who knows, you might have to start specifying your aura color on dating apps. These electromagnetic fields may just be the new zodiac signs.

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Can I have my aura photographed?

Yes—but maybe not by the same person who does your aura reading. You can visit an aura photographer to get a physical photograph of your aura—you’ve probably seen them on the ’gram.

Aura photographers use a special camera called the AuraCam 6000 to snap a pic of your aura. This camera was invented in the ’70s, but the practice of aura photography goes back to the 1930s, when a Russian electrical engineer named Semyon Kirlian and his biologist wife, Valentina Kirlian, created something called Kirlian photography, also called coronal discharge photography. So, sorry, your iPhone 11 won’t work.

If you’re in a major city, there are likely aura photographers near you. If you aren’t, keep an eye out for special events in your area—many aura photographers travel from place to place for work.

Something to be aware of: If you get your aura photographed, it may not come with a professional aura analysis or you may get a less in-depth reading than you would if you visited an aura reader. If you’re interested in an in-depth personality assessment rather than a cool photo, do your research and make sure you understand what’s included before you confirm your appointment (or just show up).

Can I read my own aura?

You can try! To view your own aura, rub your hands together to activate your energy until you can “feel” your aura. Then face a white wall or a mirror and let your vision go out of focus. Then look at your reflection—or a body part like your hand. If you see a color, that’s your aura. You can try this with your friends’ auras too.

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Leah Thomas is an NYC-based freelance writer with bylines at Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, Newsweek, and more. Jennifer Lopez’s personal trainer once told her she drinks water “just like JLo.”

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