- Weekly Astrological Forecast for July 31 through August 6, 2023Continue reading →

July 31 through August 6, 2023
If there's anything you simply have to get done this week, do it on Monday while the Moon is in diligent Capricorn. After that things get a bit scattered as the Moon waxes full in Aquarius and can promote sudden changes in direction or unexpected events. The shifts will work in our favor, but sometimes it's hard to see what the higher purpose is when we get thrown off course. Stay in the moment, look for the gifts and practice a stance of flexibility and patience. More will be revealed when the Moon dances through spiritual Pisces on Thursday and Friday, and everything will begin to make more sense. The weekend unfolds under a creative Aries Moon, so if we got lemons this week, we'll be googling for new recipes for lemonade, if you get my drift… Overall it should be an interesting few days, as is often the case when we transition from easy-going July into fiery August!
- Mysteries of the Aura: A Timeless Practice Can Change Your LifeContinue reading →

Mysteries of the Aura: A Timeless Practice Can Change Your Life, by Jean-Louis de Biasi
(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)
I belong to a family of teachers, farmers, clergymen, and nuns; spiritual and educational pursuits have always been central in my life. I know that I didn't descend into this physical body randomly, and I have always felt this safe balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. I was lucky to be initiated into respectable traditions and to receive full authority in famous traditions. Today, I am using this unique heritage to reveal hidden realities and help everyone improve their hidden abilities.
The aura has fascinated me for a very long time. I was raised in a Catholic family, and I can recall countless representations of the Holy Family and saints surrounded by golden halos. The clergy teaching us these stories stated that it was a mark of holiness—nothing more, nothing less. That explanation was enough for me at that time. Strangely, I didn’t challenge this assertion.
When I was about ten years old, I started to hear stories about this strange light. I discovered some magazines about the existence of these bodies of light. And I began to find meaning in the colors I saw from time to time when I watched people through squinted eyes. I remember even seeing a strange pulsating light surrounding one of my cats while he was sleeping. I always felt it was a natural perception.
My knowledge of auras began with these spontaneous experiences and continued as an adolescent when I created a parapsychology group; the purpose of this group was to explore our inner abilities and these hidden realities. I started to explore the different levels of the aura (which I present in Mysteries of the Aura). A few years later, I discovered the work of famous theosophists and Eastern traditions. They confirmed what I was exploring, even if some details were explained differently.
Mysteries of the Aura is based on my experiences and my explorations. Instead of being a compilation, it is a progressive method that you can use to unlock this wonderful ability that everyone possesses. I strongly believe that teaching must be based on techniques. It is quite easy and important to give you a theoretical and cultural presentation of the aura, which you will find in the book. However, I consider it essential to also give you the keys to see for yourself and use this ability. What could be the point to simply explain how the world is to a blind person if I know how to give him the sight? Of course, it takes time and persistence, but it works. Mastering this ability goes well beyond the simple aura reading and can change your life and afterlife.
All over the world, various representations reveal some aspects of these bodies of light. For this article, I chose a few examples from different spiritual traditions. Once you've read it, I invite you to start your practice with an exercise accessible to all levels.
As I already mentioned, in the Christian tradition, a halo of light surrounds the heads of the Holy Family and the saints. Sometimes Mary or Jesus is placed in the center of a radiant mandorla. With this representation (below), eight angels with musical instruments surround the aura to symbolically represent the high level of spirituality. Music also indicates the presence of vibrations that are not visible to the naked eye. Additionally, the number eight is one of the highest spiritual planes of the hermetic tradition. It is interesting to know that this original sculpture was painted with bright colors.
Another representation comes from the Italian Renaissance (below), which shows various strata of light around the head of the angel. Anyone who explores these zones of the aura can validate the accuracy of this painting. It is important to remember that they are not just an expression of art. This part of the body is often represented as it is the location of one of the brightest chakras (wheel of energy) of our spiritual body.
Another instance from the Christian Gospel is the Pentecost, the artwork depicting which show the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in an assembly with the apostles. The symbolic depiction uses the image of a flame placed above the head. Putting the theological interpretation aside, this symbolic representation is very well illustrated on this 16th century tapestry.
It is fascinating to compare the latter with images of the Eastern tradition. In the Buddhist tradition, statues of the Master Buddha are often represented with a halo surrounding his head, the third eye visible, and a flame above the head. This statue from the 16th century is indicative of these representations. In several other examples, his hair is twisted into a bun. This artistic convention is more than that, as it symbolizes this flame of energy.
When I was 18, I travelled to Egypt for the first time, and had the experience of seeing the amazing artifacts found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Several chapels surround the sarcophagus that holds the mummy of the king. The reliefs that are the most important for this topic can be found on the outer panels of the second funeral chapel, with several scenes coming from the Book of the Dead. On one of them, we can see three rays coming from the sun and entering the forehead of the first figure. There are four other figures which represent mummies. Each one has a star at the top of the head. Each star is linked by these three rays of light.
Farther on the same panel, the three rays of light are vertical, going from the top of a five-pointed star and the sun, down to the feet. Following the scenes, we find goddesses inhaling the three rays of light and spreading the same light from their hands onto the head of a snake. The five-pointed star and the sun are represented here in their low bellies.
The last representation on the wall of this chapel that I want to mention is the oldest representation of the ouroboros. One is wrapped around the legs of the mummy and the other around the head. A circle in the middle of the mummy contains the image of a bird, representing the "ba" (the "soul"). As for the serpent, it is linked to the cosmic energy of life.
The Hindu and Eastern yoga traditions have similar representations of the aura, of the channels of energy called nadis, and the chakras. (An extensive explanation of these bodies of energy can be found in Mysteries of the Aura.) However, I want to bring your attention to the chakra of the head, the one at the base of the spine, and the three main nadis connecting them while crossing the five other chakras. The main pathway following the vertical axis of the spine is called Sushumna Nadi. Two others important nadis are intertwined with Sushumna, called Ida and Pingala. One starts from the left nostril (Ida) and the other one from the right nostril (Pingala). Some descriptions show these two nadis spiraling around the center axis and crossing each other on the chakras. Others show the three channels as vertical and parallel. This is the one we will use in today's practice. Being able to see the aura will give you the opportunity to observe these channels of energy and the circulation of the latter. Working with this energy is important and uses various techniques. Among them are breathing techniques called pranayama, which are associated with visualizations and movements (Asanas).
As you can see, all these representations depict the same reality, even if the artistic style is different, and in all these spiritual traditions (whether from the East or the West), they are more than simple images. They are symbols that also describe a specific spiritual process. Wise men and priests were able to directly see the bodies of light and their connection to the cosmic energy. Using symbolic representations was a way to give us essential keys to activate our own energy.
Following the gradual exercises provided in Mysteries of the Aura will help you in this exploration and the energy work you will perform. However, I want to invite you to experiment right now with a simple way to feel your aura and activate energy centers. You can extend and deepen this exercise with a recording I prepared for you .
This practice is structured in three parts: relaxation and breathing, perception of your aura, and activation of your energy centers.
Part One
For this first practice, I recommend that you be seated. Your back should be straight and your spine vertical. Your hips and shoulders should be well balanced. Your feet must be flat on the floor, legs parallel.Close your eyes and breathe normally. Observe your breathing, the movement of your chest, the air flowing in and out. Be aware of your physical body. While observing your breathing, scan each part of your body. This simple process should start a state of relaxation and peace.
Continue this observation for a few minutes, but don't exceed 5 minutes. From time to time, come back to the awareness of your physical body and your breathing before moving to the next step.
Part Two
You'll begin to feel a light vibration around the surface of your skin. When you get this feeling, extend your breath, keeping the same rhythm.You may perceive that a subtle part of you is expanding, changing size and shape. Follow this perception without exceeding 5 minutes.
Then, imagine you are at the center of an ovoid made of light. Let the color manifest to you in a spontaneous way. As you will see, a single color, sometimes two, will appear in your mind. This is not an astral vision per se, as you haven't yet followed the gradual training. Nevertheless, this is a true manifestation of the current main color of your aura. Focus on this color for a few seconds as a simple pleasure, avoiding any interpretation. Use your breath to make this color brighter and slightly larger.
Part Three
Move your awareness to your lower belly and to a center located four or five inches below the surface of your skin.Imagine a golden sphere pulsating and a five-pointed star at the center of it. Take the time to see and feel the presence of this sphere of energy. If you already practice creative visualization, you can add the presence of the ouroboros at the surface of the sphere.
After a few minutes of focusing on these perceptions, inhale, and exhale. During the exhalation visualize three parallel channels of energy rising from this center up to the center of your head. Inhale moving again your focus on your low belly. Repeat this sequence three times. The second and the third times will help you to draw more energy in the channels you created the first time.
Place your focus at the center of your head, more precisely the pineal gland. Think about this center for a few minutes. Feel the energy flowing. Then build a sphere of bright golden light around your head. After a few breaths, keep the light and dissolve the edges of the sphere, revealing the light shining as a bright halo.
Just above the surface of your head, visualize the manifestation of a flame, similar to the flame of an altar candle, burning without any movement or sound. This is a pure concentrated flame of energy shining on a different level of vibration.
Progressively open your consciousness to encompass a larger zone around your body. As you continue to breathe regularly and deeply while staying in your state of relaxation, feel the shining rays of light. You may progressively combine this brightness with the first main color you previously felt intensifying its brightness.
Without exceeding five minutes, keep this perception while continuing to breath. Then come back to the movement of your chest and the movement of the air entering and leaving your lungs. Progressively, come back to your physical body and open your eyes. Remember to take some notes about your experience.
This practice gives you a glimpse of several exercises you can find in my book. You should know that seeing aura is an art, but it can also be deceiving. Fortunately, there are simple ways to avoid delusions (various methods for that are explained in the book). Seeing the aura opens to a fascinating exploration of who you are, even unveiling hidden parts of yourself. Moving forward in your apprenticeship, you will become an actor and able to work on your bodies of energy. You will even be ready to help others who asked for your support. Eventually, this gradual process increases your state of consciousness and opens to you a spiritual path of freedom!
Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2023. All rights reserved.
- Double Vision: Is Girl Tormented by “Spiritual” Beings?Continue reading →

My niece is being tormented by spiritual beings. It started out innocently. My sister bought the house in the early 1980s. They have always had spirits in the house, and my sister and I have always had spirits with us. Shortly after my nephew died, however, my two nieces used a Ouija board to try to connect with him. It seems that since that time, there have been more frequent visitors. A week ago my niece had just gone to bed when a small group of spirits invaded her room. She said they had sort of an evil or sinister look to them, and she told them that she didn't care what they did to her if they'd just leave her bird alone. They then circled the bird and started to poke at it. They also tried to pull her from the bed and almost succeeded. I know my niece would never make up such a story. She is 17 years old but very mature for her age and very trustworthy. Is there anything you can tell me that would help in a case such as this? What would you do in this situation? Thank you for your time and patience.
Hayley
Dreamchaser:
Hayley, I am so glad that you asked this question in this public forum, for this is an important situation. I cannot stress enough to NOT play with Ouija Boards, have seances, try to conjure up Satan, or engage in any other similar "games." These things are REALLY dangerous if explored by inexperienced people. I have NO doubt that a Ouija Board is a portal other beings can use to enter this world.
This house needs a good-old fashioned cleansing. Your family can do it pretty easily. Here is the shopping list: a few containers of regular salt, a white candle and a bundle of sage (you can find this at any New Age store). I want everyone involved in this house clearing to start in a central room such as the living room or kitchen. Someone should light the white candle and pray for protection for all involved. Before you start and when you finish, say out loud something like, "If you are not from Love and Light, you are not allowed in this space." Then either you or another family member needs to move to the outside of the house and pour the salt around the foundation. Pour it around the entire building. (The old ways say that salt around the outside walls will protect the inside from evil).
Then move back inside the house and light the sage bundle. The whole clan should then move as a group from room to room with this sage bundle. In each room, move the sage all around the walls and corners of the room. Let the smoke really move up the walls. As you sage each room, again say out loud, "If you are not here in Love and Light, I command you in the name of the One God to leave this place immediately. This place is now protected by the power of the One God." When you are finished with each room, put the sage out in a bowl of sand or dirt so you do not start a fire. Everyone needs to wash their hands and wrists. If anyone feels particularly "heavy," have that person shower.
Your house will be clean of all dark spirits at that point. You need to tell your family that if they are invited, they will come back again. Burn the Ouija Board or at least break it in pieces and throw it out.
Some spirits are just menacing to begin with. Not all good spirits are pretty. I have one guide in particular who is quite hideous to look at, but he is FULL of wisdom. So be sure to remind your niece that if ugly beings come around, they are not always from the Dark Side. She can always clear a place out by saying, "If you are not here in Love and Light, you must leave NOW." It works like a charm.
I wish you and your family peace and quiet!
*****
Astrea:
Ouija Boards and teenage girls go together like flowers and the month of May. Kids and grownups alike are ever scaring themselves with stupid and dangerous things. People don't seem to understand that Spirits crave REST and don't like being stirred up by strangers. It sounds like your niece let in a bunch of gremlin types. The person she was trying to reach was "still on the beach" for at LEAST a year after his death, and not ready to speak with any of us from Beyond the Veil.
It would be best for her to leave all that alone for a while. When your nephew is READY to come talk to her, he'll make himself known in an unmistakable way. Unless mediumship runs in your family and they have a long history of dealing with this ability, it's better if she waits for adolescence to end before taking spirit communication up on any regular basis.
Since you say that there have always been Restless Spirits in the house, I advise you do a full house CLEARING so that the Spirits you want can come back into the house, and you can eliminate that troubling activity. Even if your sister cleared the house when she first moved in, OTHERS have come to join the energies that were there. While whatever is in that house may be frightening, it's not going to physically harm any person or any pet. Still, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
On the first nice spring day, open every possible door and window to the house. Pull open all the drawers and all the cabinets - get everything OPEN! Go from room to room, burning incense (sage or frankincense) and making LOTS OF NOISE! In each room, recite the Prayer to St. Michael (pardon the punctuation and capitalization here. It is written the way I have it printed on the card I carry with me AT ALL TIMES!):
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us into battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
After you have gone room to room, closet to closet, basement to attic, repeating this and banging on drums, pots and pans, and whatever else you have to make a HUGE AND JOYFUL NOISE, come back to what you feel is the CENTRAL POINT of the house and say:
"Go ye now all those of you who are without rest into the Light of Lights and become ONE with the Caretaker of All Souls. Be gone and be at Peace." You'll feel a change in the atmosphere of that house immediately.
Astrea:
Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.
Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!
While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!
I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!
As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.
I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.
You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!
Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.
A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.
You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.
