I often meet empathic people when I’m doing tarot readings, in our metaphysical shop, but even just visiting. I used to suffer too, but then I learned and so will you. Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

But let’s start by understanding basic human empathy. We see the furrow in someone’s brow, the tears well up. Perhaps it’s the vein pulsing in their forehead. But we see the physical signs of stress, sadness, anger etc. and respond with compassion. Yep, there you go, basic human compassion, something I wish more people had in great quantities.

Psychic empathy is the same, but also different. Most people, while they could relate, can’t actually feel what someone else is feeling. They might have pity or compassion, but they do not experience the specific hurt or negativity of another. Empaths do. It can be anywhere from grossly irritating, to stressful, to overwhelming.

And that’s the problem for empathic people. Nearly every single empath I’ve come across is a suffering mess. But I know why. I often have this conversation in our tarot room.

I notice that most empaths hang on to every little hurt and every little compliment like it’s precious. Hoarding these feelings, but just a part of what makes them feel “sick”.

Being an Empath – Gift or Curse?

Some people would call being an empath a curse, others would say it’s a gift. I advise people to think of it as neither gift or curse, but a talent only. For an empath, gift or curse would depend on how you use it. Below is a simple, but very effective way to start training your mind to use psychic empathy more correctly.

It is worth the time to do a little meditation here and there. Take some time out to mentally prepare before you engage with other people. Know ahead of time, as much as you can, what you are walking into.

The Dance of an Empath

This is best illustrated by telling you a tale I’ve told hundreds of times in my life. I used this one experience to educate hundreds about being an empath.

This girl, she didn’t come to see me specifically, but at our metaphysical shop. Right away I knew she was depressed, but also angry. I could feel it, but it didn’t take a psychic to know, just one look in her eyes would have told you.

I told her to come with me and gave her a pro-bono reading. Boy she had a lot of toxic people she kept company with. Sigh, empaths often do, I know I did once upon a time. I knew she struggled to make healthy boundaries, but I also knew she didn’t know why, but I did. So, I taught her a game.

I told her ever since she was little, she had been able to easily pick up on other people’s feelings. I pointed out she felt their anger, loneliness or anxiety and made her feel “sick”. She nodded yes and tears were already flowing. Every time it made her feel sick. I pointed out the only way she knew to try and feel better was to “fix” them. You can’t, I told her, no one is yours to fix. And I pointed out, she would just try harder and harder and then blame herself when they didn’t behave better. What an unnecessary self-imposed guilt trip.

I asked her, for trying to help them, how has that been for you? How is this fair to you? What are you getting out of it. Let them go, I told her, make the healthy boundaries. Now learn to play this game.

How to Play the Game

I told this young empath; I want you to imagine you are at a familiar house with some friends and a few people you just met. You’re having a great time and then, boom! Out of nowhere; anger, anxiety, depression, loneliness. Now take these four steps and play the game.

• Ask yourself, is this emotion appropriate for you right now, is it timely? If not, it doesn’t belong to you.
• Look around the room, you have an “aha” moment, oh, it’s you as you spot who’s emanating that energy.
• Make a mental boundary with that feeling, this is your invitation to ask them “are you alright?” This in turn becomes their invitation to regale you with some or all their miserable, soggy life-story.
• This becomes your invitation again, to give kind, simple and loving advice and then it’s “case closed”. Refuse to live in or embody that person’s emotions.

If you are an empath and suffering, try this. Save that gift only for those you love the most with rare exception. Be determined, stick to your guns, and you won’t want to hide as much from people. You also won’t be as affected. You can also meditate on this and see yourself doing it.

I recommend this Alpha Trigger meditation. Get to the end and then visualize or think on whatever you wish. Be well, be happy and be healthy.

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Welcome to Part Four of learning to see, feel and read auras. Part One: What is an Aura? Part Two: What Does an Aura Feel Like? Part Three: Feeling Aura Energy.

I find that arguing over which method is correct is an impossible circle. I feel energy, and I see color. Sometimes it appears before my eyes, and other times it forms in my mind. Either way, the information that comes through often shocks clients and patrons at our metaphysical shop. Therefore, I encourage people to explore both approaches and trust whichever feels right.

Skeptics, of course, love to argue. They demand proof, double-blind studies, and scientific validation. Meanwhile, the rest of us are busy actually doing the work. I say let them doubt. It keeps them busy while we learn something useful. Auras reveal truth more honestly than words, and anyone who practices long enough can see that for themselves.

Before you begin, set realistic expectations. Seeing auras takes practice, patience, and curiosity. You will not suddenly start seeing glowing rainbows around your friends tomorrow. However, with dedication, you will begin noticing subtle shifts in light, texture, and feeling. These changes show the layers of energy surrounding living beings. Therefore, relax, stay open, and let perception unfold naturally.

How to See Auras: The Finger Energy Exercise

Let’s start with the classic finger exercise. Point both index fingers toward each other and gently touch the tips. Then slowly pull them apart while holding your hands over a dark, plain background. If you pay attention, you might notice a faint thread connecting them. Usually, this thread disappears when your fingers are about half an inch apart. That’s normal and expected.

As you repeat the movement, the thread of light will last longer and stretch farther. It looks fragile but feels alive. Energy follows attention, so the more you focus, the stronger it becomes. When you feel comfortable, try all four fingers at once. As your sensitivity grows, the space between your hands may shimmer softly.

If you have a partner, invite them to join you. Watch their fingers as they repeat the same motion. You might see their energy move differently than yours. Sometimes, it flickers; sometimes, it steadies. Either way, it teaches you how personal energy patterns behave. Keep the mood light and fun, because tension blocks perception every single time.

The Shared Aura Experiment

Now, let’s involve a group to increase your understanding of how to see auras. Gather two to eight people around a round table covered with dark cloth. Dim the lighting just to slightly soften the atmosphere. Have everyone place their hands palm-down, fingertips pointing toward the person across from them. Then ask everyone to focus gently on the space just a half inch or so above the table.

Soon, you’ll start noticing faint threads of light stretching between fingertips. These tiny lines show how energy travels and connect. They often crisscross into a beautiful, glowing web of movement. Interestingly, you may see longer, brighter connections with people you like and shorter, duller ones with those who irritate you. Therefore, this exercise reveals emotional dynamics as well as spiritual energy.

Energy doesn’t lie. When people are calm, their light blends smoothly. When they are tense, the energy retracts or flickers. It’s fascinating to watch how relationships appear energetically. This experiment also shows how easily we influence each other’s auras. Because of this, it’s an excellent reminder to protect and cleanse your own energy regularly.

The Wall Exercise

Now, let’s switch to an individual visual exercise. Find a plain cream-colored or white wall and dim the lights to soften the atmosphere or use a dark wall in regular lighting. Spread your fingers slightly and hold your hand in front of it. Look through your fingers, not at them. Allow your eyes to soften and observe the background rather than your skin.

After a few seconds, you’ll see a faint milky outline around your hand. That is your aura. It may appear transparent at first, almost like fog or heat waves. Don’t worry about color yet. Color appears with time, practice, and familiarity. As your eyes relax, you’ll start noticing texture, brightness, and occasionally subtle color changes.

If you’re frustrated, take a deep breath and try again. You’re retraining your vision, so patience matters. Also, wear comfortable, loose clothing during practice, because tight clothing can disrupt energy flow. For a more natural experience, you can even try practicing skyclad, which means without clothes. Just make sure the blinds are closed, unless you enjoy awkward explanations.

I often examine the energy of my hand at night, lights out, eyes closed. Try waving the palm of your hand in front of your face or holding it in front of your face fingers outspread. Move your hand closer and further and closer again slowly. See it? Wonderful!

How to See Auras in Daily Life

Once you can sense or glimpse energy, try applying your skills in everyday settings. Look at people while waiting in line or sitting in a park. Don’t stare directly at them, because focus narrows perception. Instead, soften your gaze and look slightly past them. Peripheral vision often picks up energetic color and motion far more easily.

In time, you’ll start noticing color flickers, halos, or a gentle light around people. Sometimes, you’ll feel emotional impressions instead of visual cues. Either way, both are valid forms of perception. Crowded places like concerts or malls might feel overwhelming at first. Therefore, start in calmer environments until your sensitivity strengthens. Energy awareness grows best without pressure.

As you develop, you’ll receive information beyond emotion. You may begin sensing facts, patterns, or even health issues. Over years of reading auras for clients, I’ve learned that truth always surfaces through energy. People might hide feelings, but their light gives them away instantly. That honesty is what makes aura reading powerful and rewarding.

Intuitive Versus Physical Sight

Let’s revisit the biggest argument: physical sight versus intuitive sense. I experience both. Sometimes, I see auras physically as color or light. Other times, the images appear inside my mind. Both are real. The difference lies in perception, not validity. Skeptics love to debate, but I prefer results. My readings have proven accurate too many times to dismiss.

When I describe a person’s aura and their emotional state, they often confirm every detail. That validation speaks louder than criticism ever could. Therefore, I ignore debates about “realness” and focus on practice. Whether your perception is visual or intuitive, it connects you with deeper understanding. Don’t overthink the process, because over analysis blocks flow. Instead, stay open and enjoy discovery.

Tips for Clearer Vision

Because practice builds confidence, set aside a few minutes daily. Short, regular sessions work better than occasional long ones. Also, experiment with lighting. Morning or twilight often helps energy stand out clearly. Blink gently to prevent strain and let your focus soften naturally. Furthermore, keep your energy clean through grounding, meditation, or a quick smudge with sage.

Crystals can also assist your practice. Clear quartz amplifies focus, amethyst promotes calm, and selenite clears visual static. Use what resonates with you. Additionally, record your observations in a notebook. Write what you saw, felt, or sensed after each session. Over time, patterns will appear, and your awareness will grow stronger. Documentation makes subtle progress visible.

Ignore the critics entirely. They’ll demand proof until the sun burns out. Meanwhile, you’ll be quietly expanding your perception. Critics often mistake skepticism for intelligence, but intuition has its own form of wisdom. Besides, their energy always looks a little gray around the edges. I’m joking, of course—but not entirely.

Final Thoughts

Seeing auras isn’t about convincing anyone else. It’s about understanding the living energy that connects all things. You learn to read emotion, intent, and truth in ways words never show. Whether you see colors or feel sensations, each perception carries value. Therefore, stay patient and curious, and let your awareness unfold naturally.

With continued practice, aura reading becomes second nature. It deepens empathy and sharpens intuition. Each color tells a story, and each vibration teaches a lesson. Keep experimenting, keep laughing, and remember that energy loves joy. Have fun with these exercises, and I’ll return soon with lessons about aura colors and their meanings. Blessed Be.

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In this post, I’m going to walk you through the three primary types of psychic mediumship. They all have their quirks, and yes, I use them all in my readings. Whether you’re pagan, witch, or someone just curious about the Craft, I hope this clarifies the strange world of mediumship for you. I teach classes, do in-person tarot readings (as does all our coven) at our physical store, come visit! We also have online readings available too, book an appt. Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

Clairsentient Psychic Mediums: Seeing & Hearing

Clairsentient psychic mediums receive data from the spirit world primarily through feelings. Yes, it’s not all about hearing disembodied voices. I’m sure some people expect me to just close my eyes and channel a spirit. But honestly, it’s a lot more subtle. For example, I might feel someone gently touch my neck (physical medium). Or I could feel a sudden wave of emotion (clairsentient medium or empathic). Sometimes I even experience what I like to call “the tingles,” like when someone is giving me a spiritual handshake. Clairsentient mediumship is more about receiving messages from spirits, seeing and hearing them. Hearing them is often referred to as clairaudient.

The funny part? These experiences almost always lead to something more. If I feel a tingling sensation on my ear, I know it’s time to listen. Why? Because that’s usually when the spirits are ready to deliver a message. It’s like their way of grabbing my attention. How kind, right?

Of course, the messages aren’t always rainbows and moonbeams. Sometimes I feel a deep sadness or a confusing mix of emotions. That’s when I know someone is grieving. You’d be surprised how often those who’ve passed on have unresolved feelings. It’s part of the healing process, for both them and the living. Sometimes they come through.

Non-Incarnate Psychic Mediums: Signs & Messages

Now, let’s talk about non-incarnate mediums. These are the psychics who don’t necessarily hear voices or feel spirits directly. Instead, they access data through signs and portends. As a witch who practices I’ve often relied on the power of symbols and magic to manifest results.

When you’re using tarot cards, throwing bones, or reading tea leaves, the universe is talking to you through signs. I like to use crystal balls sometimes too.

The spiritual world doesn’t always communicate in obvious ways. Instead, they use what I call “spiritual shorthand”—things like animal behavior, cloud patterns, or even the way the moon seems to glow that night. In fact, during my tarot readings, I sometimes see spirits in flashes, almost like mental snapshots. These aren’t always complete images, but just enough to give a sense of who they were in life. And yes, it’s as strange as it sounds.

But here’s the kicker: Spirits have a weird way of coming through when they feel someone is grieving or struggling. You’d think the dead would be at peace, but no. They’re still working through things, just like the rest of us. As a result, messages often come through with powerful emotions. The spirits might even use your grief to make contact, helping you heal as you help them. I don’t do this on command in readings, but it happens.

Physical Psychic Mediums: The Body Speaks

Let’s move on to physical mediums. These folks are a special breed. They don’t just sense spirits in the mind; they feel them in the body. Think of it like this: spirits conjure specific sensations to get their message across. One moment, you could be feeling the pressure of a hand on your neck. The next, there’s a sharp pain in your knee. It’s like magic, but with a twist.

Physical mediumship can be intense. Some mediums experience strange sensations in their bodies, like someone is literally using their body to communicate. This is an aspect of mediumship that’s tied to energies. It’s all about how the spirit uses physical energies to make itself known. For example, I once felt a spirit tapping on my shoulder, as if to say, “Pay attention!” Sometimes sprits work through pendulums, I have many at this point.

What’s even more fascinating? These sensations can sometimes reflect how the spirit passed. If they had a sudden heart attack, you might feel pressure in your chest. If they died in a car crash, you could feel whiplash in your neck. Trust me, it’s not always pleasant. But again, it’s part of the process. There’s also Ventre Loquis, latin for “speak through the gut”. Spirits sometimes speak through the gut. Every go to cross a street and see someone and – oomph! A negative gut feeling and you choose to go another way? Yep, and that’s also the origin of the word ventriloquist.

Blending All Three: One Psychic, Many Gifts

Here’s where it gets interesting. While you might expect each psychic medium to specialize in one particular type of communication, I use all of them. In my practice, they blend together. Sometimes, I’ll throw bones for a reading. Then, while reading the tarot cards, I’ll feel a sudden wave of grief. That’s when a spirit usually comes through. I’m not exactly sure why, but when emotions get involved, everything opens up. It’s as if the grief makes the channel between this world and the next clearer.

It’s like magic—but not the kind you read about in witchcraft books. Well, maybe it is, but not in the way most people think. The Craft doesn’t just involve casting spells or working with lunar energies. It also involves tuning into the spiritual forces all around you. Mediumship, to me, is a kind of magic. It’s not about “conjuring” spirits for fun; it’s about finding a way to manifest healing, closure, and connection.

What I’ve noticed, especially when working with clients, is that these different types of mediumship reinforce each other. One doesn’t operate independently. They overlap. For example, while I’m reading tarot cards, I’ll get physical sensations that help confirm the messages. Or, while connecting with the energies of the deceased, I might see symbolic signs in the environment—like an animal suddenly acting in a peculiar way.

Why Mediumship Isn’t Just for the Dead

You’re probably thinking, “Okay, but why should I care about all this?” Well, I’m here to tell you: Mediumship isn’t just for communicating with the deceased. It’s also about understanding the spiritual energies that are around us—those that influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Whether you follow Wicca, are a practicing pagan, or just dabble in metaphysical practices, mediumship is a way to tap into deeper knowledge.

It’s like this: I’m not just talking to spirits. I’m talking to the universe. I’m listening to the moon, the lunar cycles, the natural world. It’s all connected, and spirit communication is one way to access that. Whether I’m conjuring a message from beyond the veil or interpreting a sign from the physical world, it all matters. It’s a metaphysical web that ties everything together.

In the end, being a psychic medium isn’t about living in a world of ghosts. It’s about being tuned into the spiritual energies that shape our lives. It’s about manifesting connections, whether they’re with the living or the dead. So, next time you hear someone ask if I can talk to the dead, I might just tell them, “I’m too busy listening to the universe.” Trust me, it’s a full-time job.

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This series is about learning to see and feel auras. If you haven’t, read the first post; What is an Aura? Learn about the different auras we humans have.

What Does an Aura Feel Like? Feeling vs Seeing

Everyone wants to see colors right away, but feeling is the real foundation. The body already knows energy before the eyes catch up. When we focus less on seeing and more on sensing, we notice warmth, coolness, tingling, or a subtle pull. Those sensations tell stories the eyes might miss.

Feeling first also helps build trust. It teaches quiet listening instead of forcing results. Over time, the body’s awareness becomes sharper and more intuitive, and sight often follows naturally.

A Simple Exercise

Sit comfortably and take a few slow breaths. Rub your palms together until you feel a gentle heat. Then separate them a few inches and hold still. Pay attention to the space between your hands. You might notice a pulse, pressure, or light tingling. That is your energy field.

Practice this daily. When you become familiar with your own energy, you can sense others more easily. Hover your hands a few inches above someone’s shoulder or arm. Stay relaxed and notice any shift in temperature or texture. Trust what you feel, even if it seems small. Sensing is part of seeing, and this is just the next step in learning.

Pay close attention to things that pop in your mind when you’re doing it too. Find someone to practice with, they don’t have to know what you are doing. You can then ask “are you ok?” or other simple questions to get validation of you think you’re picking up.

I do this all the time, sometimes people see me doing it, but I place my receptive hand outward, like a satellite dish when I am tuning in to someone’s energy.

Dowsing Rods to Explore Auras

Product from our metaphysical shop. Dowsing rods on our site come with a protective bag.

Dowsing rods are a great way to learn to feel and see auras. They are more than tools for finding water or minerals; they can map energy fields around people, animals, and sacred spaces. The secret is focus and patience. When you relax and hold them lightly, they respond to the energy shifts your body detects subconsciously.

We have copper dowsing rods if you need, and free shipping on all orders $50 and up. The product at left is from our brick-and-mortar store. The dowsing rods on our site come with a protective bag.

Start by centering yourself. Breathe slowly until your body feels calm. Hold one rod in each hand by the short end so the long sides extend forward. Keep your elbows close to your body and the rods parallel to the floor. They should move freely but not wobble.

Invite a friend to stand in front of you in a quiet room. Begin several feet away and walk toward them slowly. Notice when the rods cross or drift apart. That movement often marks the outer edge of their aura. Step back, and the rods usually return to their resting position. Move forward again to confirm where that boundary begins. You can repeat the same motion from the sides or behind to sense how even or strong their field feels.

If you walk around your friend with the rods, you’ll discover their aura has a circular boundary.

Changes in Aura Energy

Now that you know where the outer edge of their aura is, try and notice what you feel or sense when you’re touching the edge of it. Put the rods down and use the open -hand method of sensing. What comes to you, ask questions and you may be surprised at the confirmations you get.

Next, ask your friend to think loving or joyful thoughts. The rods often widen, showing expansion. Then have them recall stress or fatigue, and the rods may draw inward. These changes reveal how emotional energy shifts the aura’s reach.

If you want to test your own field, place a chair where you stood and switch roles. Have your partner move toward you and describe what they observe. Comparing experiences builds confidence and helps you learn how your energy feels to others.

End each session by grounding. Touch the floor, breathe deeply, and thank the space for clarity. Dowsing rods don’t control energy; they mirror it. The steadier your presence, the more truthfully they respond.

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What Does an Aura Feel Like? Touch to Awareness

As sensitivity grows, you can extend that awareness beyond touch. Move your hands through the air near another person, plant, or animal. The aura can feel dense in some areas and light in others. Notice how your own emotions change in response. This gentle awareness builds connection and empathy while teaching you to stay grounded.

If nothing happens at first, stay patient. Energy sensing is subtle. Some days it feels strong, other days faint. The skill develops through consistency, not intensity.

Preparing the Mind and Spirit

Energy responds to your inner state. When you feel anxious, doubtful, or distracted, the aura contracts. Calm focus allows it to open. Before each practice, breathe deeply and set a clear intention to feel, not to judge. Release the pressure to perform. Curiosity works better than effort.

Boundaries matter too. Imagine your own energy anchored and secure before you reach toward another person’s field. That simple act keeps your aura clear and your readings cleaner.

Blending Feeling, Knowing, and Seeing

Energy awareness happens in more than one way. Sometimes you feel it in your hands. Other times you simply know something about the person’s mood or body without touching them. Sometimes you see flickers of color. None of these is better than the others. They are just different doors to the same house.

Let your own senses decide which door opens first. If you feel warmth, accept it. If you get a quiet knowing, trust it. The more you practice, the more those experiences overlap.

Common Challenges

Everyone hits blocks. Hands may go numb. Doubt creeps in. Some days you feel nothing. That does not mean failure. Take breaks when needed. Go outside, breathe, or touch the ground. Start again later with fresh energy. Keep a small journal of what you notice each time. Over weeks, you will see patterns.

Remember to stay hydrated, rest, and practice balance. Strong energy work starts with a healthy body.

What Does an Aura Feel Like? A Personal Reflection

When I began learning about auras, I wanted colors, lights, and big revelations. Instead, I found quiet tingles and tiny waves of heat. The more I respected those small signals, the stronger they became. Eventually, I stopped chasing proof and started enjoying presence. Feeling energy became less about “getting it right” and more about simply being awake to life moving around me.

I also have always naturally picked up on emotions and the thoughts of people around me. Auras add a whole other dimension to it for me. I would also advise you to learn to shield if you’re “sensitive”.

Empath Protection, Shielding for Psychic Sensitives.

Bringing It into Daily Practice

You can use aura awareness anywhere. When you meet someone, pause for a second and notice how your body feels near them. When you walk into a room, sense whether the space feels heavy or bright. These moments build confidence and teach discernment.

If you teach others, start with these small steps. Encourage patience, clear intention, and regular practice. People learn faster when they stop judging themselves. Keep the space calm and supportive.

Final Thoughts

Feeling the aura is not a trick or performance. It is a conversation between your energy and everything around you. It asks you to slow down, listen, and trust subtle truth. Before color and light come sensation and presence. Start there, and the rest will unfold naturally.

So today, take a few minutes to quiet your mind, rub your palms, and feel the gentle current between them. What you sense may be faint at first, but it is real. Energy is always speaking. The question is, are you listening?

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