Orbs are mysterious, spherical forms of energy and light that conventional science can’t fully explain. The most common form of orb is the small white sphere often captured on digital cameras, although they have been spotted in many colours and a variety of sizes.

Orbs are the most common form of paranormal phenomena captured on video or camera by psychics and paranormal investigators. Quite often they appear without warning on ‘normal’ photographs and we’re not sure why they’re there. Be aware that not all photographs of orbs are genuine, however, as particles of dust and moisture can appear as orbs in your pictures. So perhaps the most exciting orbs are the ones that we can see with the naked eye if we are perceptive enough and release our limitations.

There are a number of theories that attempt to explain the strange phenomenon of orbs. Some say that they are a basic form of ghost or spirit – the portion of us that leaves the body after death. Another suggestion is that orbs are the manifestation of elementals or nature spirits. Shamanism and other ancient, nature based belief systems have always revered the consciousness of flowers, plants and the land itself.

Finally, the idea that orbs represent consciousness from other realms or dimensions is perhaps the most plausible. This suggests that the spherical, light form is how other-worldly or multidimensional consciousness can project itself into our third dimensional existence. This makes sense to me because I believe the nature of consciousness itself to be spherical and consider the form of the sphere (and circle) to be sacred. Some say that orbs collect information, while others claim that they deliver wisdom and healing to our realm. They suggest that the origin of this consciousness is angelic, faery or even extra terrestrial and that if we open to the possibility, we can even communicate with them.

After years of developing my own perception and psychic skills through meditation, working with energy and connecting with crystal skulls, I’ve found that I can usually detect orbs with the naked eye and this is then validated if I decide to take a photograph. Often I’ll be working with the crystal skulls, perhaps having placed them as elements of a 3D mandala and I’ll have lit some small candles, begun burning some incense or herbs and I’ll be sitting quietly in a relaxed state when the orbs appear. I might notice a sudden flash around the crystals or crystal skulls, or perceive something moving across the room very quickly from the corner of my eye. It’s not unusual for me to also feel a subtle change in atmosphere and there will be a sense I’m not alone.

When this happens, I’ll pick up the camera or reach for my mobile phone and take a few snaps. More often than not, I’m rewarded with the appearance of an orb or two, and when the images are enlarged there can be some amazing results; rainbow colours, geometric shapes, faces or even the outline of an entire being can manifest in these strange floating spheres.

In my view, orbs manifest when the energetics are favourable. It makes sense, therefore, when they appear in the vicinity of the healing altar, around the crystals or close to the crystal skulls. It also makes sense when they seem to be hovering near trees, flowers or plants, because they are resonating in harmony with the spiritual energies of nature. I sometimes get the feeling that orbs need to resonate with another ‘Being’ in order to appear, and that the life force energy of other ‘Beings’ is a key factor in how and why they manifest. However, I also believe that orbs can appear in their scores in places where the Earth energies are favourable or gateways to other dimensions exist.

My own photographs of the temples of Egypt are full of orbs, which is no surprise considering these sites have been places of connection with the Divine since ancient times. Ancient architects selected locations for these temples where the Earth energy is incredibly active and aligned them with the sacred geometry of the Cosmos, so even today in these places the veils between the dimensions are incredibly thin and the very walls of these temples are flowing with life force energy and spiritual light.

When orbs appear, I always acknowledge and welcome their presence. Even if they don’t seem to have a particular message to convey or a defined reason for showing up, I like to consider their presence as validation that there is so much more in existence than first meets the eye and I value them as ambassadors for the world of energy.

Whatever the explanation for orbs, experiencing them real-time is much more powerful than viewing them in photos. If you’d like to try to see orbs, find a safe, quiet place, meditate or raise your vibration, project the strong intention of lifting your limitations and seeing some energy spheres. You could enhance the energy with some crystals, a crystal skull or alternatively go out in nature and work with a tree or plant that you feel a connection with. When you are ready, use all your senses to perceive what is around you. Keep your digital camera handy but remember the most important record keeping facility we possess is within our own minds, so concentrate on embracing the experience rather than capturing the proof.

Rhian Kivits – Crystal Priestess

Since ancient times, pilgrims have been visiting places of special spiritual significance. Taking a meaningful trip to a place where strong connections are felt with Deity or to ancient sites of worship can be a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, and is often the catalyst for deep personal change.

In more recent times, the notion of pilgrimage has evolved into the concept of the ‘sacred journey’ – which seems to allude to the special nature of the whole process of the trip, from the point of departure to that of return.  

Participants in today’s sacred journeys often feel that the people they meet, the routes they travel and the anecdotal experiences that arise all play a part in their spiritual development, perhaps even reconnecting them in some way with situations they once encountered in mysterious previous incarnations.

Others simply feel a greater sense of connection, an increased appreciation of the beauty of nature and that invaluable sense of freedom that facilitates clearer self reflection, personal insights and more intense spiritual experiences.

Nibal Sulaiman was so inspired by his sacred journey to Mount Kailash, Tibet, in 2006 that he recently launched Parishanta Travel to help others realise their dreams of visiting Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan.

Mount Kailash, known as Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan or ‘precious jewel of snow’ holds a special place in the hearts of the region’s four major religions: Hindu, Buddhist, Jains, and the shamanic Bön tradition of pre-Buddhist Tibet.

It is said to be the Earth’s crown chakra, and the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, as well as that of Demchok, a wrathful manifestation of Buddha Sakyamuni. It cuts an intriguing figure against the snowy and unforgiving terrain of Western Tibet. 

‘In late 2005, a thought suddenly came into my mind that I needed to visit Mount Kailash. I didn’t know why but I knew I had to. So in May 2006 I flew out to Kathmandu, Nepal, to meet my guide before flying to Lhasa’ writes Nibal.

‘The first night in Kathmandu I had a vision where I was ‘transported’ to the base of Mount Kailash to meet its guardian who questioned my credentials three times and only embraced me on the third positive response. After gathering some provisions, we visited Pashupatinath Temple on what later I found out was Lord Shiva’s day. This felt like we had received His permission and blessings. From Lhasa we slowly began travelling west to get fully acclimatised. Along the way we visited many Buddhist monasteries. I recall the Maitreya Buddha statues in particular seem to stand out – like they were communicating with their eyes.

Upon arrival at Mount Kailash, the energy felt so, so familiar. I can only describe it as akin to seeing an old friend again after a very long time. The following day we began the Kalish kora – walking round the mountain in a clockwise direction. I recall walking at a great pace as if I had a multitude of invisible beings behind me. This prompted my Tibetan guide to comment that I ‘walk like a Tibetan’! After three days, we completed the kora. The felt exhaustion but complete peace and tranquillity. It felt like a cycle in my life had just ended and a new one started.

Till this day this sacred journey is one I look back on with such reverence and awe and I thank the universe for an amazing, life changing experience.’

It’s easy to empathise with Nibal’s sentiment and the depth of feeling with which he writes about this journey.

For me, the ‘sacred journey’ has been more significant than I ever realised.  From the regular, short pilgrimages I make to Avebury and Stonehenge that serve to reaffirm my connection with the Divine Feminine and the ancient Be-ings I acknowledge as part of my soul group, to one-off visits I have enjoyed to the West of Ireland and parts of Devon and Cornwall, the energy experiences I’ve had in sacred places have  triggered the sense of inner knowledge and remembering that has shaped  the woman I am today.

More recently, travels to parts of Europe and to the beloved land of Egypt have profoundly influenced both my personal spiritual practice and the core values I bring to my healing and divination work.

The sacred journey in the way I know it is, perhaps, a privilege mainly enjoyed by spiritual seekers from developed societies to which car, boat and plane travel has become affordable and accessible. However, it’s clear that spiritual tourism offers valuable economic support to a number of less affluent countries, and as long as modern day pilgrims are happy to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity they encounter, local businesses and tour guides are usually happy to welcome them.

For my part, I’m totally hooked. Every travel opportunity serves as a sacred journey for me, and I’m always drawn to new places to enhance my path of reconnection both here in the UK and further afield.

Rhian Gibbings