Jane Fonda Gives a 'Direct' and 'Unselfconscious' Lesson in Making Friends After 60 But Its Brilliant Anytime
At 85, Jane Fonda—who celebrated her 85th birthday by announcing her cancer remission—understands firsthand just how crucial friendships are to a sense of health and well-being. After being told by her “favorite” ex-husband, Ted Turner, that making new friends after 60 is just not something you do, she set out to prove everyone wrong—and as with most things in life, the long-renowned actor and activist was successful in her efforts. There are many reasons people say it’s harder to make friends the older you get. From busy lifestyles, to established social circles, divergent life stages, social anxiety, and straight-up fear of rejection, it’s hardly uncommon to feel there are more and more barriers to forging fresh connections as we age.In an interview with CBS, during which Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin promoted their film, 80 For Brady, Fonda dished on how to meet new people, and how to actively pursue them as friends. Bonus: she even offers a short script one might use to introduce new people into one’s life. Let's dig in, shall we?Jane Fonda On Sustaining And Pursuing Friendships So what’s Jane Fonda's big secret to instigating meaningful friendships, even into an older, golden age? Intention, of course. Direct, unselfconscious intention.Her advice to anyone who’s struggling to truly connect with would-be friends? “You have to be intentional,” she said. “I never used to be intentional. I would meet Sally Field, for example, but not pursue her—well, I did pursue you,” she added, looking at Field. “Oh, goodness sakes, I couldn’t make you stop,” Field joked. Fonda in her defense, responded, "See because she tends to be reclusive."And Fonda’s Grace and Frankie bestie, Tomlin, agreed that she is certainly difficult to ignore. “I don’t really like people that much,” shared Tomlin. “I try to avoid them. But those who are intentional,” she said, pointing at Fonda, “you just can’t get rid of them.” Putting Intentional Friendships Into Practice With Fonda-Style HonestySo, how do you actually put this intentionality into practice and start making new friends? Fonda makes it sound simple, and maybe it is. She says you should seek out the people you most enjoy being around. “You have to pursue people that you want to be friends with,” she said.And for those who still can't imagine just how they’d turn an acquaintance into a friend, she shares a handy script.“…you have to say, ‘I’m intentionally wanting to be your friend,’” she said. “And it works. People hear that and then they stick around, and you develop new friendships.”As far as pre-planned scripts go, this one's a winner because it’s straightforward, honest, and vulnerable—all the qualities of a worthwhile friend, some would say.Jane Fonda On Female FriendshipsLOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) Actors Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda speak onstage during the 69th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)In her recent interview, Fonda shared that her friendships with women in particular are at the crux of her identity.“I don’t even know what I would do without my women friends,” she said. “I mean it’s, ‘I have my friends, therefore I am.’”“Women sit facing each other, eye-to-eye, and they say, ‘I’m in trouble, I need you, can you help me?’ We’re not afraid of being vulnerable,” she added. Unsurprisingly, there are some men who take feel left out of Fonda’s statement. For instance, @McHoward21 tweeted, "This is bogus and untrue for the men in my circle. I think society projects that as how men ‘are’ but I think in many circles this is not accurate." While it’s true that concepts of masculinity and femininity are most definitely undergoing an era of change, when it comes to friendships, Fonda is nonetheless still hailed as an expert of sorts, and with good reason.Field recently told Entertainment Tonight that she and Fonda have been close since the 1980s, adding that their friendship started when Fonda “literally knocked on my door and said, ‘Come on, we’re going to lunch.’” And Fonda and Tomlin have famously been friends for 40+ years, since they co-starred in the 1980 hit 9 to 5. They pair even gave a TED talk on female friendship in 2015. Jane Fonda Is Right: You Can Make New Friends At Any Age When it comes to making new friends, Fonda hits the nail on the head: quality friends raise your sense of belonging, happiness, and self-worth. They also help you cope with stress, among countless other benefits. In spite of the many ways that our preferences and hangups become more defined as we age, the reality is that friendships are indeed central to our physical and mental health—no matter how old we get. As Jane Fonda so eloquently puts it, putting yourself out there, making real connections, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable are all part and parcel of instigating new and lasting friendships. Perhaps they’re also the secret to feeling youthful for longer, something Fonda seems to know a thing or two about. While it is true that overall, making new friends as an adult requires more effort and intentionality than it does in childhood, adolescence, or even young adulthood, it is still 100% possible with determination, open-mindedness, and the will to leave one's comfort zone now and again. You heard it here first: not only are late-blooming friendships possible, but the chances of making deeper, more authentic friendships later in life is arguably more likely as we grow older, wiser, and become more discerning human beings with a stronger sense of self.MORE FROM GOALCAST
Amber Heard Finds Real Happiness! Why She Said No to Hollywood and Moved to Spain
Amber Heard chose her own sanity, her daughter's well-being, and made the decision to move to another country. In other words, she gave the metaphorical finger to Hollywood and is doing what's right for her. Last year, Heard was raked through the mud by both Hollywood and fans alike during the uber public court case against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. Nobody was able to escape news of this extraordinarily high profile celebrity debacle.But Heard has figured out what's right for her. Why Amber Heard Quit Hollywood@amberheard/IMDBThe 37-year-old actress has been absent from the spotlight since the end of the defamation trial in Virginia in 2022, in which she was found to have libeled Depp, 59.Following this ultra turbulent period in the spotlight, reports show that the actress sold her home in Yucca Valley, California, and began spending a significant amount of time in Madrid, Spain. In October 2022 she was spotted on a beach in Mallorca, Spain with her close friend Eve Barlow. One year after the defamation trial from the depths of hell, Amber Heard hasn’t just said goodbye to showbiz—she’s literally departed the country, choosing to carve out a new life in Madrid. When her trial was finally over, Amber Heard’s thoughts were entirely focused on the quality time she would be able to spend with her daughter, Oonagh Paige Heard.“I get to be a mom full-time, where I’m not having to juggle calls with lawyers.” The actress welcomed her daughter via surrogacy two years ago because she wanted to have a baby on her own and not worry about finding a partner first. The decision to raise her child away from all the noise and scrutiny was also a significant factor in her decision to relocate. The news apparently left her former boyfriend Elon Musk happy, as it meant she was accepting and acting on his advice to “move on,” following the trial.Ultimately, it seems that Heard—who’s last appearance onscreen will be a cameo in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—has truly decided to leave Hollywood behind and start a new chapter in Spain. Heard hasn’t worked since filming Aquaman in 2021, followed soon after by filming for the upcoming period drama thriller In The Fire.Amber Heard Is Focused on Motherhood…in a Faraway Land@amberheard/InstagramA year after her ex-husband, Johnny Depp sued her for defamation, and just as journalist Nick Wallis prepared to publish his second book, “Depp v Heard: The Unreal Story,” (published May 17, 2023), Heard is finally focusing on motherhood—in a faraway land.Since her departure from Hollywood, Heard has chosen to dedicate her time to raising her two-year-old daughter, which is exactly where her focus was following the trial. These days, the paparazzi frequently spot the actress in Spain, happily spending time with her daughter. She seems content as she poses for photos with fans, if her Instagram account is any indication, she is loving raising her daughter and not thinking about what other people might think of her. In one photo, she holds her baby while working out and jokes about not needing dumbbells. “I love Spain so much. I hope I can get to stay here, I love living here,” she shares.While Heard’s decision to move to Spain may come as a surprise to her fans, it appears that she has found real joy by living a more private and peaceful life away from the limelight. Whether she will eventually return to Hollywood remains uncertain, but for now, Heard is embracing her life in a new country and finding joy in being a mother.Is Amber Heard Truly Done With the Spotlight? A friend of Amber Heard’s recently shed light on her decision to leave Hollywood and relocate to Spain with her young daughter. The source shared that Heard feels comfortable there as she knows the language. “She’s bilingual in Spanish and is happy there, raising her daughter away from all the noise.” “I don’t think she is in any hurry to return to work or to Hollywood,” they said, “but she will probably come back when the time is right, for the right project.”Meanwhile, Depp remains just fine in the Hollywood trenches: he’s walked in the Savage X Fenty show, has hawked portraits of dead celebrities, and is now directing a film about the famous Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani before hitting the road with his band, The Hollywood Vampires. That being said, it’s nice to see Heard flourishing in her own very different way.Sometimes Moving on Is the Best Thing You Can Do@amberheard/InstagramThe fact that Amber Heard has found peace and happiness in her new surroundings with her daughter is a testament to the power, of well, new surroundings. Sometimes all you can do is move on—even, and especially—under the most horrific of circumstances. Not to mention, it takes considerable effort and love to raise a child independently. So Amber Heard’s choice to raise her daughter in a more peaceful climate, away from the chaos of Hollywood drama does seem like a very reasonable decision, at least for the time being.While some people (particularly Amber’s steadfast fans) may take issue with Heard calling it quits on a career she worked hard to build, the door is always open to her should she choose to return in the coming months or even years. Chances are high that if she does, she will be discerning with the roles she chooses. As her friend put it: she will probably come back for the right project.Herein lies the silver lining for those among us who have lived through truly trying times: if and when we choose to move on and direct our attentions toward something more worthy of our limited energies (be it a child, a project, or a new goal), there is a reward lying in wait. Because when we learn to move on, and forward, the adversity we have experienced nurtures authentic growth. While growth may look a little different for everybody, a feeling of being at peace with less attention and less action is a sure sign that it’s taking place. Life is short but it is also long, and we would all be wise to act according to our emotional needs and our truest desires, just as Amber Heard has seemingly chosen to do.
Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigis 40-Year Age Gap Stunned Fans How 10 Years Later She Still Makes Me Feel Safe
Soul icon Lionel Richie, 73, and his girlfriend of nine years, Lisa Parigi, 33, have generated a whole lot of side-eye gossip in their time together thus far. Although their whopping 41-year age gap is hardly a rarity in the celebrity world, partners a mere 20 years younger are perhaps more normalized, and therefore less shocking.Parigi may be younger than Richie's daughter Nicole, but that hasn't stopped the family from bonding. Judgement and criticism aside, the reality is that Richie is happily in love with the mixed Swiss, Chinese, and Caribbean model and designer since 2014 – and they appear just as smitten today as they did when they first crossed each other’s paths. How Lionel Richie Met Lisa Parigi @lisaparigi/InstagramLionel and Lisa’s love story began when Lisa Parigi was invited to a dinner party while on a trip to Los Angeles from Switzerland. While she was attending this party, Parigi and the American Idol judge were introduced to one another by mutual friends. Suffice it to say, the sparks between them were immediate, and the rest, as they say, is history.Although they lived on opposite ends of the world when they met, Richie and Parigi’s connection was 100% undeniable, and could simply not be ignored. Over the course of countless long conversations, they both found themselves magnetically drawn to one other’s unique perspectives, as well as shared passions. In short, they both knew they’d stumbled upon something rare and precious. “We had great conversations, we spoke all night long about everything,” Parigi said. “It’s been beautiful so far.”Richie's Past Relationships @lionelrichie/InstagramTwice-divorced, Richie’s love life has seen a lot of ups and downs over the years. Although it hasn’t been the smoothest ride, however, it looks like it might just have been worth the journey.In 1975, Richie married Brenda Harvey, his college sweetheart. They were together for close to 18 years, during which time they adopted then 9-year-old Nicole Richie in 1990. His relationship with Harvey, however, eventually came to a rocky end, and the pair went their separate ways.In 1996, Richie married his second wife, Diane Alexander. They had a son, Miles, and a daughter, Sofia, before filing for a divorce in 2004. After going through the pain of two divorces, the singer opened up about his feelings on marriage, saying, “I don’t think I’ll get married again. I’m a little spooked on that.”Why Lionel Richie and Lisa Parigi Just Work Despite criticism and speculation galore about their relationship, Richie and Parigi have managed to keep their romance mostly private - perhaps even more importantly, they refrain from addressing haters and naysayers. This speak volumes about the strength of their commitment and their desire to focus on their love rather than on what others think of them.As Richie has shared, “At this time in my life, when you can be so jaded about things, Lisa kind of makes everything feel a bit safe.”RELATED: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s 50-Year Marriage Was Based on Four Words – Two You Wouldn’t Suspect“I’m a man who’s been through the ups and the downs, the ins and the outs of love,” he continued, before gushing about Lisa: “she’s extremely beautiful, but most importantly she’s smart and helps me deal with my crazy world.”The fact that their relationship extends to loving bonds between Lisa and his children as well, is a sure sign that those closest to the couple understand and accept their union. The family can often be seen spending quality time together, and Parigi has even posted pictures on social media showcasing her close relationship with Richie’s daughter, Sofia.When Richie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, he extended his gratitude to those closest to him:”I’m on the stage tonight. But the most important thing is I want to thank all of my friends, my family, Miles, Sofie, Nicole. The grandkids. Lisa, my heart.”Lionel Richie’s love for Lisa Parigi is palpable and difficult to deny, no matter how skeptical one may feel about their age gap.Sometimes, Age Really Is Just A Number@lisaparigi/InstagramUltimately, Lionel and Lisa’s love story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, in cases of authentic, heartfelt connection, age truly is just a number. In other words, while age can be measured and quantified, and proven, love is a whole lot harder to pin down, define, or explain. The heart wants what it wants, after all. Although it’s undeniably true that significant age gaps cannot be dismissed or simply ignored - since they do create a discrepancy in lived experience and perspective - where there's a will (or, two wills, to be precise), there's a way to move past it. Sometimes, divergences of experience can even be a strength, as both partners can teach one another, sharing different types of knowledge.While it can be difficult to tune out the judgement, criticism, and speculation of others, a happy and satisfying romantic relationship is rewarding in and of itself, and can go a long way toward fortifying you against what others happen to think. Remember: they’re basing their views on stereotypes. If you have the confidence to do you, and to do your love justice,there’s not a whole lot that can go wrong.
Aura Colors & Their Meanings: A Comprehensive Guide
The human body radiates a very low level of electricity that’s otherwise known as an electromagnetic field — or an aura. Though there are no scientific studies to prove the existence of auras, many practices and philosophies throughout the world have long believed in their existence. However, the interpretation of what an aura actually is, or what it might mean, can vary. Shall we explore? What Is an Aura?Photo by Sigmund on UnsplashAuras refer to the largely unseen field of energy surrounding a human’s physical body, although other living things, such as trees, flowers, or animals, can also have an energy field. The appearance of your own aura is impacted by your mood and emotional state. Much like a mood ring, different colors are associated with different traits and emotions. An aura reader (or aura readings) might tell you that these colors and their meanings are actually a combination of different colors, with one being more dominant than the rest. It’s believed that these layers of colorful light emanating from our bodies can demonstrate our state of being—be it associated with physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional health. Ancient systems of medicine, such as Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, believe that a person’s aura is expressed in layers of color. RELATED: Chakras | A Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras and their MeaningsThe aura color wheel consists of seven main colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Each of these colors corresponds to one of the seven main energy points in your body, AKA chakras, though auras are by no means limited to these colors. These chakras include the throat chakra, the root chakra, the sacral chakra, the third eye chakra, the crown chakra, the heart chakra and the solar plexus chakra. We can study and learn more about our auras by getting an aura reading. During a reading, a person trained to see auras may do a reading without the need for any special equipment. Alternatively, a reading may involve photographing your aura with a camera specialized in capturing electromagnetic fields. The Layers of Your Aura(Getty)The seven layers of your aura (also known as bodies or planes) each represent something different.Physical aura planeThe physical aura plane is the layer representing your physical health -- in the physical realm. Fittingly, it’s the layer closest to your skin.Emotional aura planeThe emotional aura plane is associated with your emotions. If you’re currently ruled by your emotions, it’s going to show up here. Your emotional plane changes color depending on your mood. If you’re stressed or overwhelmed, it may look dull or smudged. Mental aura planeThe third layer out from your body, your mental aura plane corresponds to your sense of logic, reasoning, and your thinking mind. RELATED: Awaken the Fire Within: 5 Ways to Connect to Your Spiritual FlameAstral body aura planeYour astral plane is connected to your spiritual health. It also happens to be where you store your capacity to feel and express love. Etheric aura planeThe etheric aura plane is where your psychic abilities live. When unimpeded, your etheric plane helps you tap into the energy of others, so you can connect with those “on a similar wavelength," emoting universal energy.Celestial aura planeThe celestial plane is the dwelling place of your dreams and intuition. It’s also known as the plane of enlightenment. Highly creative people tend to have a strong celestial plane.Causal aura planeThe causal plane is the final layer. It serves to create harmony between all the other layers, and ultimately acts as a guide to keep you on your life path. Aura Meanings Based On Color(Getty)Red aura Red corresponds to the root chakra, and it relates to our physical body, as well as the physical world that surrounds us. Those with red in their auras are powerful people who rarely deny themselves the pleasures of the physical plane. Red tends to show up in the auras of people who are fearless, passionate, and unapologetic, and possess an inbuilt understanding of their physicality. Typically unafraid of death, over-indulgence, sensuality, or risk, they enjoy manifesting their desires on a material level and are no strangers to adventure. In part, it's their restlessness that keeps them so driven. As the brightness of a color in your aura can indicate different things too, it’s worth noting that dark or murky red might indicate anger, frustration, trauma, or exhaustion.Pink auraPink vibrates at a similar frequency as green, which corresponds to the heart chakra, and is typically associated with feminine energy. Pink is rarely seen in an aura, but it does happen. Light pink can be seen in the auras of those who are gentle and give off pleasant, loving energy to everyone they meet, inspiring feelings of comfort in those around them. RELATED: How to Calm the Chaos of Everyday Life with Mindfulness MeditationDeeply sensitive, they fully embrace the ideals of romantic love, and are often adept at keeping romance alive and kicking. People with pink in their auras tend to be natural creatives and healers with strong intuition. Even at the worst of times, a person with a pink aura can help heal others by sheer virtue of their presence. They remind us to be gentle with each other and with the world.Magenta auraPeople with magenta in their aura are rare and true. A combination of red and blue, magenta mixes a potent understanding of the physical world with an elevated ability to think intuitively. This powerful combination makes people with magenta auras extremely well-suited to creative endeavors. They have boundless energy, and are fueled by innovative ideas. While they can sometimes seem eccentric, their bonafide originality generally drums up positive attention from others. These individuals are not the kind to follow the crowd. They relish shaking people from their ordinary routines. Unique and optimistic, they tend to look at life overall with a well-developed sense of humor. Although strong-willed and intelligent, they are rarely understood. Fortunately, they aren’t usually worried about the judgments of others, and are happy simply doing justice to themselves.Orange aura Orange is the color of the sacral chakra, which is linked to creativity, sensuality, and the emotional plane. People with orange auras have a hard time being idle—they love a thrill and want to experience all they can in the span of their life. Orange is also the energetic center for relationships and interactions, with a high value placed on friendship. RELATED: Sacral Chakra: How to (Playfully) Heal a Blocked Sacral ChakraOrange in an aura indicates a person who tends to flow with joyful exchanges, whether relating to work, love, or family. These highly perceptive and dynamic people have a natural ability to be relatable and sociable, which makes them great at teamwork. Friendships develop rapidly for those with orange auras. Because they yearn for newness and all things sensual, those with a dulled orange in their auras may be dealing with addiction or trouble sticking to commitments.Yellow auraYellow corresponds to the solar plexus chakra, which rules the intellect, self-confidence, and personal power. Those with yellow in their aura have strong self-esteem and tend to be happy individuals capable of inspiring greatness in others. People with yellow auras glow like the sun and have a natural ability to encourage and support others simply by being who they are. There is a fount of inner joy at the core of their being, so it’s no wonder that they draw other people to them the way that they do. These radiant souls are also skilled at complex analysis. When the yellow is darker or denser in our aura, it may indicate a propensity for self-criticism, perfectionism, overconfidence, or self-ruled by the ego (or an ego-driven self).RELATED: Solar Plexus Chakra: The Meaning of the 3rd ChakraTan auraA tan colored aura shows up for those who are extra logical or analytical, with a strategic, linear way of thinking. These are methodical, practical people who never cut corners—they aim to build relationships step by baby step, slowly but surely. Unsurprisingly, these detail-oriented folks are highly tactical, and often have the ability to accomplish tedious or mind-numbing tasks that overwhelm others. Although they are very down-to-earth and place a high value on long-term commitments, they are quite risk-averse and have a hard time sharing their feelings with others.Green aura Green auras bridge the divide between spiritual and physical worlds, and are associated with the heart chakra, AKA the center of healing and personal growth. Those with green in their auras radiate unconditional love and peaceful life force energy sensed by all who enter their presence. They are often drawn to nature and animals and are skilled self healers. RELATED: Heart Chakra: Everything You Need to Know About the Fourth ChakraThese are the most balanced people in the whole color spectrum, as they can just as easily give focus to their own goals as they can to the people they care about. They have a strong sense of responsibility to others, while also being powerful self advocators. They are focused, deeply creative, and do not shy away from high ideals. If the green is dark or muddy, it may, however, indicate envy, or feeling like a victim.Blue aura(Getty)A light turquoise blue is the color corresponding to the throat chakra, which rules one’s power of communication and self-expression. Someone with a true, bright blue in their aura has natural gifts of self-expression, and a powerful ability to speak their truth under a variety of circumstances. Individuals with light blue in their aura possess great inner wisdom and tend to rely on their feelings to make decisions without the need for external or factual data. These true blue dreamers place a great deal of importance on their personal relationships and connections. Honest, clear, and direct communication is crucial to them. Their ability to share knowledge makes them great philosophers. The lighter the blue in an aura, the more peaceful and positive a person’s energy happens to be.Indigo aura Indigo blue corresponds to the third eye chakra, and is associated with inner knowledge and intuition. Those with indigo in their aura trust said intuition and can easily tell the difference between truth and illusion. They are very sensitive to the energy of others and are extremely ‘tapped in.’ In other words, they often know things before they happen, and are known to have premonitory and/or lucid dreams. RELATED: Third Eye Chakra: How to Open Your 3rd EyeHighly sensitive and empathetic, they operate from the depths of feeling rather than logic. They truly understand that being present in the here and now is integral. Natural explorers, they view the world as something much bigger than themselves. As great communicators, they help others to gain a better understanding of the mysterious beauty that surrounds them. A dark or cloudy indigo can indicate self doubt, uncertainty, or a break with intuition.Purple auraPurple or violet corresponds to the crown chakra, which is linked to a connection with the dreamworld and higher consciousness. Purple vibrates at a very high speed, signaling a close connection with the universe. Those with purple in their auras are highly dynamic, charming, and have strong personalities. They have highly active minds and are able to manifest their projections in the material world with ease. Their goal in life is to show humankind the way to a new era of happiness and prosperity. These unique souls are no strangers to insightful ideas that take the wellbeing of the entire world as we know it into account. They have an unshakeable drive to do something significant while alive. True visionaries, they are gifted with both knowledge and intuition, and are generally adept at seeing ‘the big picture’ related to any given situation. Natural empaths, they sense others' vibrations easily.White aura (Getty)An all-white aura is indicative of someone who has transcended the physical world. Unsurprisingly, these people are exceedingly rare—it’s possible there are only a few inhabiting this earth. People with white auras exist free from personal problems, disturbances, addictions, or health issues. Slightly more common are those with white in their auras, along with other colors. These are people who live in a spiritually centered state while projecting a certain receptiveness to the universe at large. RELATED: The Value Of Introspection For Personal And Spiritual GrowthTypically unconcerned with worldly matters like ambition, they tend to focus their energies instead on pursuits like truth or purity. These seekers of cosmic wisdom have energy that is uplifting and non judgemental. When there is white in an aura but it looks cloudy or murky, this can signify a state of flux or confusion.Multi-colored auraThose with multiple colors in their aura are said to be “rainbowing.” They tend to experience life a little chaotically. While this usually points to multiple positive things happening simultaneously, it can still get overwhelming at times. Rainbow people are often being pulled in many different directions at once, compared to those who have fewer colors in their auras and are focused on just a few main facets of their lives. If you stop to think about each color in your aura as a different state of consciousness you're swimming in, or a different aspect of yourself, it can quickly become a lot to deal with. While those with multicolored auras can accomplish a lot, rainbows are the double-edged sword of auras.Aura Anomalies(Getty)Aside from color itself, you may notice any of the following details in your aura rendering as well. Here’s what they mean!Bars of lightIf bars or rays of light show up in your portrait (usually white), this can indicate that you are directly connected to the universe, the spirit, or the divine. Those with rays in their auras are in a state where their crown chakra is open, and they are open to receiving messages or energies from other frequencies or dimensions. Orbs of lightWhen orbs of light appear in aura portraits, they often represent protective or spiritual energy that lives with the person, as a sort of guiding light. The color meanings of orbs are somewhat mysterious, however. Most singular orbs show up in the same spot in photographs—the upper left corner, or over the right shoulder. In general, orbs don’t appear over or near our bodies. Rather, they surround us in the consciousness area of our aura. Black or transparent When you are feeling burnt out, exhausted or ill, it's highly likely that the color(s) of your aura will be less bright, and your aura photo will appear dark. It’s important to understand that there is no such thing as a black aura—rather, anything resembling black is simply a lack of energy. Colors may appear subdued or transparent, which depicts a depletion of energy and a real need to rest, recharge, and revitalize.There are many more aura color meaning possibilities to be named, but this rough guide gives you a basic understanding upon which you can launch a more thorough reading of your auric energies! Our different aura colors showcase thought, intention, and desire at any given point in time. The more colorful, clear, and bright the palate, the stronger and more balanced the person tends to be. Auras can reveal a lot about us, be it our character traits, our personality, or our feelings. They speak louder than we do, after all—all we have to do is see them.