This one is worth keeping, but I would rewrite it so it does not imply that an orb is automatically spiritual—or that someone’s “aura is open” because orbs repeatedly appear around them. 

The strongest version would explore both photographic explanations and spiritual interpretations, while encouraging curiosity rather than certainty.

What Is an Orb? Exploring Spiritual and Photographic Perspectives

Have you ever taken a photograph and noticed a small circle of light that you did not see at the time?

Perhaps it appeared near a person, floated across a video, or showed up on a baby monitor or security camera.

These glowing circles are often called orbs.

Some people interpret orbs as spiritual signs or forms of energy. Photographers and camera experts often explain them as light reflecting off dust, moisture, insects, or other particles close to the camera lens.

From a Clarity & Wellness perspective, it is possible to explore the meaning an experience holds for you while also considering practical explanations.

What Does an Orb Look Like?

Orbs commonly appear in photographs or video as circular, translucent, or glowing shapes.

They may look:

• white or pale
• coloured
• transparent or solid
• blurred around the edges
• larger than expected
• as though they are moving

Their appearance can vary depending on the camera, lighting, distance, flash, and surrounding environment.

The Photographic Explanation

In many cases, an orb is caused by a nearby particle reflecting light back into the camera.

Common causes include:

• dust
• pollen
• moisture
• rain or snow
• small insects
• lens flare
• reflections
• infrared light used by night-vision cameras

Because these particles are often very close to the lens and outside the camera’s main focus, they can appear much larger and brighter than they actually are.

This is especially common when using a flash, security camera, baby monitor, or night-vision setting.

The Spiritual Interpretation

Within spiritual and paranormal communities, some people interpret orbs as signs of energy, spiritual presence, protection, or connection with a loved one who has died.

Others believe the colour, location, movement, or timing of an orb may hold symbolic meaning.

These interpretations are based on spiritual belief and personal experience rather than established scientific evidence.

For someone who has experienced grief or is seeking reassurance, an unusual photograph may still feel deeply meaningful.

That meaning does not necessarily depend on proving exactly what caused the image.

How Can You Examine an Orb Photograph?

Before deciding what an orb means, it may help to consider the conditions surrounding the photograph.

Ask yourself:

• Was the flash on?
• Was the photograph taken outdoors?
• Was there rain, snow, dust, or humidity?
• Was the camera lens clean?
• Could there have been an insect near the lens?
• Did the orb appear in several photographs taken from the same position?
• Was the image taken with night vision or infrared light?

Looking at the practical possibilities does not take away from the emotional or spiritual meaning you may associate with the experience.

It simply allows you to consider the full picture.

Meaningful Does Not Always Mean Supernatural

Sometimes people feel they must choose between a scientific explanation and a spiritual one.

But an experience can be meaningful even when there is a likely photographic explanation.

A circle of light appearing beside someone you love may remind you of connection, comfort, or a person you miss.

The photograph may become personally significant because of what it brings forward in you—not necessarily because it proves a paranormal event occurred.

A Clarity & Wellness Perspective

I believe we can hold curiosity without rushing toward certainty.

We can acknowledge that most photographic orbs have ordinary explanations while also respecting that some people experience them as meaningful spiritual symbols.

Rather than asking only:

“Was this definitely a spirit?”

We might also ask:

“What did this experience bring forward for me?”

Did it offer comfort?

Did it remind you of someone?

Did it encourage reflection?

Did it help you feel connected to something meaningful?

Spiritual curiosity can be valuable when it remains grounded, open, and supportive of our overall wellbeing.

Reflection

Consider the following:

• What was happening in my life when I noticed the orb?
• What meaning did I immediately associate with it?
• Have I considered the photographic conditions?
• Can I remain open without needing absolute certainty?
• What feelings or memories did the image bring forward?

Sometimes the most valuable part of an unusual experience is not finding a definite answer.

It is noticing what the experience invites us to reflect upon.

Looking for Greater Clarity?

If you are exploring a meaningful spiritual experience, navigating grief, or wanting a supportive space to reflect on what an experience means to you, a Clarity Session can help you explore it with curiosity, grounding, and self-awareness.