Aura

An aura is a term used to describe a supposed field of subtle energy or emanation that surrounds a living being, object, or place. In many spiritual and esoteric traditions, auras are said to reflect psychological, emotional, or spiritual states and can be perceived visually, aurally, or through intuition. The word comes from the Greek aura meaning breeze or air.

Historically, concepts of auras appear in various cultures. In Western mysticism and New Age thought, clairvoyants claim to perceive human auras with colored bands indicating traits or health. In Eastern traditions, ideas of energy fields such as prana or qi align with the general concept of an animated aura around the body.

In medicine, the term aura has a distinct meaning: a sensory or perceptual disturbance that precedes some headaches or epileptic seizures, including visual phenomena, tingling, dizziness, or speech difficulties.

Scientific assessment: There is no credible evidence for auras as a measurable energy field around people. Claims of atmospheric images from Kirlian photography were attributed to moisture, heat, and pressure. Some research shows that perceived auras may arise from subjective judgment, biases, or neurological conditions.

In contemporary usage, “aura” is often used metaphorically to describe the atmosphere or impression surrounding a person, place, or work of art. It appears in literature, film, and popular culture to convey mood or character. The term remains a contested blend of metaphor, spirituality, and fringe science.