upon his or her general character or personality.  Each mental state, or emotional manifestation, has its own particular shade or combination of shades of auric coloring.  This beautiful kaleidoscopic spectacle has its own meaning to the advanced occultist with clairvoyant vision, for he is able to read the character and general mental states of the person by means of studying his astral auric colors.  I have explained these auric colors, and their meanings, in my little book entitled “The Human Aura.”

The human aura is not always in a state of calm phosphorescence, however.  On the contrary, it sometimes manifests great flames, like those of a fiery furnace, which shoot forth in great tongues, and dart forth suddenly in certain directions toward the objects attracting them.  Under great emotional excitement the auric flames move around in swift circling whirlpools, or else swirl away from a centre.  Again, it seems to throw forth tiny glistening sparks of astral vibrations, some of which travel for great distance.

The clairvoyant vision is also able to discern what is called the “prana aura” of a person.  By this term is indicated that peculiar emanation of vital force which surrounds the physical body of each and every person.  In fact, many persons of but slight clairvoyant power, who cannot sense the auric colors, are able to perceive this prana-aura without trouble.  It is sometimes called the “health aura,” or “physical aura.”  It is colorless, or rather about the shade of clear glass, diamond, or water.  It is streaked with very minute, bristle-like lines.  In a state of good health, these fine lines are stiff like toothbrush bristles; while, in cases of poor health, these lines droop, curl and present a furlike appearance.  It is sometimes filled with minute sparkling particles, like tiny electric sparks in rapid vibratory motion.

To the clairvoyant vision the prana-aura appears like the vibrating heated air arising from a fire, or stove, or from the heated earth in summer.  If the student will close his eyes partially, and will peer through narrowed eyelids, he will in all probability be able to perceive this prana-aura surrounding the body of some healthy, vigorous person—­particularly if the person is sitting in a dim light.  Looking closely, he will see the peculiar vibratory motion, like heated air, at a distance of about two inches from the body of the person.  It requires a little practice in order to acquire the knack of perceiving these vibrations—­a little experimenting in order to get just the right light on the person—­but practice will bring success, and you will be repaid for your trouble.