By Ruby Maldonado
Hi everyone! Welcome back to The Witching Weekly! Today’s issue will be a little bit different— instead of giving a recipe or a craft, I want to teach you how to practice reading auras. Aura reading is one of my favorite things to do, because I feel that you can learn a lot about a person just through that, and it’s fun to do when you get really good at tuning in. First, like usual though, will be our tarot reading!
This week is a Self-Love Tarot Spread. Typically, I have a reason for which spread I choose, but this one was calling to me in particular, even if there isn’t a theme. I chose to use my Movie Tarot deck by Diana McMahon and Natalie Foss because it has some of my favorite illustrations, and I usually only do readings for myself with it so I thought it would be nice to branch out.
The reading uses four cards, arranged with the first two on top, and the last two below (right to left).
- Card 1: How I see myself
- Card 2: My “true” self
- Card 3: What’s blocking me from loving myself?
- Card 4: How can I bridge the gap?
- The Seven of Wands
This card signifies firmness, bravery and overcoming challenges. Your skills lie in personal integrity and your advantageous position when fighting. You see yourself as a brave, courageous person, not easily shaken or overcome. While this could be how you see yourself, it may also be representative of how you think others see you, or how you want to appear. Usually, we tend to do our best to appear how we think is most pleasing to others, sometimes at the cost of our “true” selves.
- Eight of Cups
This card represents limited success, modesty and abandoned plans. You move on when you feel stuck or in a rut, and always seek new experiences. These are not negative traits, but rather they signify your desire to learn and grow, pushing past obstacles. You know when to move on, or when to give up if something is not in your favor. Sometimes you give up too early, but you always learn from it, and use it the next time you are in a similar situation.
- King of Coins
This card represents weakness, imperfection and vice. This may be how you see your problems or setbacks, even if it’s not as dramatic as that. Maybe you have trouble with willpower, like exercise or dieting, or maybe it has to do with doing school work on time. Either way, it’s not the end of the world. It’s something you need to recognize, but that will help you to push past the negativity and bridge the gap to be comfortable and happy with yourself.
- The Hanged Man
This card represents decisions that have been put on hold, reviewing and readjusting your circumstances, using caution and knowing when to surrender. As the Eight of Cups signified, you know when you have to move on. That key trait is what will help you leave the things you don’t need behind, and take with you the positive. Readjust your view of yourself. Maybe you’re just struggling, and being too hard on yourself. When you look at the big picture, is it as big a deal as you previously thought? If so, what can you do to change that? Put your decisions on hold.You’ll know the answer when the time is right; you don’t need to rush it.
Try to use this at some point, to stand back and readjust your view of this situation. You are no less deserving of your own love, and it’s important to remember that.
Now, for aura reading, it is important that your mind is clear. Push aside anything that may be vying for your attention, and settle into somewhere comfortable.
Start by defocusing and refocusing your eyes. You can be looking off into the distance, or at an object. This is just to get a feel for it. After you feel comfortable with that, close your eyes for a moment and allow them to rest.
Next, place your hand in front of a solid color background (white or black walls work best). Relax your gaze, and focus on the center of your hand. Pay attention to your peripheral vision.
After a moment, you’ll most likely see a blurred color around your hand (usually white, grey or blue), or you may not see anything. It takes time and practice, so don’t feel discouraged. Don’t try to force it either; it’ll come to you in time.
With practice, you’ll be able to see more colors, and the aura will appear solid and much larger. When you close your eyes, you’ll be able to see only the aura for a few seconds.
I find it’s best to practice with your own aura first, and work up to other people (or even animals!), but everyone is different, and maybe it’ll be easier for you to see other’s auras rather than your own in the beginning!
I hope you found something to take with you! See you next week!