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

Psychic development is something that most aspiring healers and spiritual seekers touch upon at some point in their journey, and many teachers working in this field will agree that there is nothing more rewarding than watching their students grow in confidence as they rediscover and re-ignite their natural psychic and intuitive gifts.

Whether the ultimate goal is to work as a psychic, develop greater insights as a healer or simply live in a more intuitive and successful way, the first step is always to recognise the Higher Self and, if it feels right, many will go on to acknowledge and explore the notion of their personal spiritual guides – the unique ‘spirit team’ that’s agreed to support an individual’s journey during this physical incarnation.

For those determined to follow a life path of authenticity, there can be many pitfalls when exploring the spiritual and esoteric. Illusion based distractions can often emerge that feed the Ego rather than open the Heart-centre to spiritual truths. For example, it’s far more interesting to believe that you were Queen Nefertiti in a past life than to accept you were actually a simple farmer’s wife and it can feel much more significant to be guided by a famous figure from history or mythology than to receive messages from an unglamorous spirit person who never had any real notoriety!

Of course, it’s entirely plausible to enjoy strong connections with Deity or historical and mythological figures, but when students are preoccupied with this level of guidance without first considering the basics that relate to them specifically as individuals, their guidance is most likely only coming from an aspect of the self that is reflected in the qualities they find appealing in their chosen archetype. Additionally, they’re probably less likely to have accepted and integrated their ‘shadow’ side – the darker and less comfortable aspects of the self that it’s often easier to ignore. Their spiritual quest may then be at risk of becoming preoccupied with self congratulation and grandeur rather than the achievement of truth and balance.

The most effective techniques for facilitating the connection between an individual and their spiritual guides involve empowering the student to access their own spiritual experiences while supporting them energetically. Psychic validation is always valuable, but teachers should develop students who are confident to do the work themselves and who are not solely reliant on the psychic perceptions of their mentor. It’s of little value to a student when their teacher offers messages from an amazing spiritual guide during tuition sessions, but once they’re working alone and really need the guidance, they don’t know where to start and can’t make the link.

With a little determination, lots of self-belief and plenty of guidance in relation to the general principles of working with their energy anatomy, many students find that the process of identifying their guides can offer powerful insights into the spiritual paths and techniques they have been drawn towards. As their path progresses and their true selves emerge, they start to live more naturally and intuitively, becoming increasingly aware of their life lessons, karmic patterns and soul contracts. When psychic skills are honed and working in tandem with the 3 dimensional senses, challenges presented by the gift of Free Will are more easily overcome and there’s a satisfying sense of integration in Body, Mind and Spirit.

For those who are ready, connecting with spiritual guides can even trigger the exploration of past life and parallel existences, mysterious but compelling notions that can also offer a fascinating insight into the relationships and experiences of the here and now.

The teaching and guidance of aspiring healers, psychics and spiritual seekers is a responsible, powerful role and the best facilitators cut through illusion, supporting their students to access their own personal truths. A really good teacher will recognise and value the unique nature of your every experience – their authenticity and determination to support you to connect with your spiritual guides yourself will remind you just how much they contribute to this beautiful journey of self discovery – a path that feels so significant in these swift moving times.

Rhian Gibbings