If you want to use your aura as a tool to check your own or someone else's state of health and mind and do something about it, I recommend reading Serge Kahili King's new book "Changing Reality."

To help increase your aura, he recommends: 1) deep, slow breathing, 2) imagine your aura expanding, and 3) imagine a ball of light sitting on top of your head and filling you with energy.  Do all three at once for the greatest effect.

I realized when doing this how similar this exercise is to the "Medicine Buddha" meditation I learned long ago.  In that meditation, you would imagine light coming from the hands of the Buddha, Quan Yin, Jesus Christ or the powerful deity of your choice, breathe in the healing light and then breathe it out through your body out into the world. In essence, I believe it is essentially the same exercise, but giving the ball of light above your head more power, by having the light come from a powerful source.

Dear Becca,
How do I go about choosing crystals to use in my Chakra practice? Do some work better than others?

Anxious in Arlington

 
Just like you carry a few “everyday” items in your purse, briefcase, pocket or car like socks for cold meeting rooms, hard candies to soothe your throat, lipstick to protect and brighten your lips or gym shoes for your lunchtime walk, having a set of crystals can be very useful in chakra balancing.

They need not be fancy or showy and seem to work best when they are allowed to choose you. As proof that “everything” in this life is alive, aware and responsive, hold your hand over a few crystals and wait until one or more of them signals you that they are ready to become yours, to accompany you and to work with you by both absorbing and giving off energy.

Now, as the new guardian of your crystals and the recipient of their marvelous power, you have a responsibility to keep them clean and energized. First steep your new crystals overnight in a solution of sea salt and water and dry them thoroughly before you begin to use them.

Periodically, re-wash your crystals in the salt solution, or bury them in a bed of salt between uses or even plant them in your garden or under a tree in your favorite park. Take advantage of the healing energy of every full moon by leaving your crystals outside overnight.

One note: The intense energy of clear quartz may keep some awake at night so keep it away from your sleeping area if you are especially sensitive and bring in the calming influence of amethyst instead.

Namaste, Becca.

Adapted from The 7 Healing Chakras by Brenda Davies, M.D.

Becca,
I consider myself to be very spiritual, generous and open-hearted and recently met a wonderful man at a yoga class. We share many common qualities and have already had several deep conversations during which we finish the other's sentences.  We really like spending time with a glass of wine, independent films, a game of Scrabble or chess. So, why am I worried? On the other hand, both of us have a hard time making decisions and are very creative, but between jobs right now.
Becca, I can see myself growing old with this man, but wonder whether I should invest time, energy and my heart into moving forward with this relationship, including having sex (which he is gently pressuring me to do). Although he is newly divorced from a long marriage, I have not had an intimate partner for six years and am very apprehensive about giving my body (and soul) to another.
Becca's Answer:
Dear Worried in Washington,
You seem to be in the honeymoon phase of a new relationship without the physical consummation, yet I feel that both you and he may have a combination of lower chakra issues such as grounding, survival, self esteem and sexual expression. Although this may not be the answer you want to hear, I suspect that as a couple you may have problems maintaining a physically intimate relationship over the long term because the inertia of the imbalances in your lower chakras will be very difficult to overcome without much effort, persistence and patience. If being platonic partners does not work for you and I do think you could be perfect for one another in that case, you may delve into these chakra issues much more deeply by reading, studying and attending a chakra balancing workshop as a couple. Thanks so much for your question, please write and keep me updated on your progress.