What Are Orbs?

Few paranormal topics generate as much debate as orbs. Some people dismiss them as dust or moisture caught by a camera flash, while others believe they may represent spiritual energy or the presence of loved ones in spirit. After many years of working as a psychic medium, I have my own perspective on what orbs may—and may not—be.

Orbs are a photographic image and one that just an ordinary phone-camera can capture. 

The presence of this phenomena has been discussed and debated over, I am sure in many paranormal circles around the world.  These little balls of light appear not only on camera but can also be captured on video as well, however most are not visible to the naked eye. 

This picture was captured on my phone camera, when hosting an event in a wood in Suffolk, England.  The trees were lit up using different coloured bulbs to create an atmosphere.   Although a dry evening, the moisture within the air could have contributed and quite possibly been the cause for these orbs to appear.

Can Orbs Be Explained Naturally?

Before assuming an orb has a spiritual meaning, it is important to consider the natural explanations. In many cases, what appears to be an orb can be caused by everyday factors such as dust particles, pollen, moisture in the air, tiny insects or light reflecting close to a camera lens. This is especially common when photographs are taken using a flash, as the light can illuminate particles that are invisible to the naked eye.

Modern cameras, particularly those found on mobile phones, are also more likely to produce lens flare, reflections and optical effects in certain lighting conditions. These can sometimes create circular shapes or glowing spots that resemble what many people describe as orbs.

As a psychic medium, I believe it is important to approach these experiences with both an open mind and a healthy sense of curiosity. Not every orb is evidence of spirit communication, and it would be misleading to suggest otherwise. Many photographs that people share can be explained perfectly well by natural causes.

However, there are also occasions when an orb appears alongside a deeply personal experience, during a spiritual sitting, or at a moment that feels profoundly significant to those involved. While these experiences cannot always be scientifically explained, they may hold genuine personal meaning for the individual. Context is often just as important as the photograph itself.

For me, the question is not simply whether an orb appears in an image, but what was happening at the time, how the experience was felt, and whether there are other meaningful signs accompanying it. By considering both the natural and the spiritual perspectives, we remain grounded while staying open to the possibility that there is still much we do not fully understand.

Orbs can appear in a range of colours. The colour of the orb does not reflect upon the strength but most are said to have an aura around its outer edge to some degree.  Sceptics believe these orbs are mere dust particles or miniature insects and that they are not a sign of any physical phenomena, or first manifestations of spirit life, trying to form. 

Could it be these balls of light are Angelic beings, being sent to guide us?  We see the Aura that surrounds the Angelic realm mimicked in the same way as in old paintings and especially of biblical times.  Is this a sign?!

I have found, from many years experience, that almost always, orbs are seen near Ley-lines. Some believe they can see faces appear within these orbs and that they reveal themselves where heightened spiritual activity occurs. Often captured when other physical phenomena is present such as hearing footsteps, objects moving of their own accord or when (EVP) Electronic voice phenomena has recorded voice communication, supposedly from those that have passed away.

I have enlarged the orb images for a clearer view. These images were again captured by myself.  During a Ghost – Hunt and whilst investigating one of the most reputedly haunted public inns in York. I had felt a presence from outside the closed door of the room I was investigating and had my camera to hand, in readiness to capture this image.

The first image was taken during an investigation into some spooky goings on at an old theatre in Bedfordshire.  I was sitting high up above the stage when I had captured this shot.  Employers who worked at this theatre had reported experiencing a lot of spirit activity with apparitions of children.

The orbs appear to have faces within them. These images have not been tampered with. I enlarged the images for a clearer view only.  Both photos were taken in reportedly haunted locations.

Why Do People Associate Orbs with Spirits?

For centuries, people have described seeing unexplained lights during moments of spiritual significance. Long before digital cameras existed, there were accounts of glowing lights appearing during meditation, prayer, religious experiences and encounters that people believed were connected to the spirit world. While these stories cannot always be verified, they have become part of spiritual traditions across many cultures.

Today, orbs are most commonly noticed in photographs and videos. When they appear during meaningful occasions—such as at a family gathering after the loss of a loved one, during a meditation, or at a place with deep personal significance—it is understandable why people begin to wonder whether there is more to them than simple light reflections.

As a psychic medium, I have found that context is incredibly important. A photograph alone rarely tells the whole story. What was happening at the time? How did the people present feel? Were there other experiences, signs or coincidences that seemed connected? These questions often provide more insight than the image itself.

Many people believe that loved ones in spirit, spirit guides or higher spiritual energies may use subtle signs to reassure us that we are not alone. Whether an orb is genuinely connected to spirit or simply serves as a personal symbol of comfort, the experience can still be deeply meaningful for the individual.

Ultimately, I believe it is possible to remain both open-minded and grounded. We should never assume every orb is supernatural, but neither should we dismiss every experience without thoughtful consideration. Some moments may have perfectly ordinary explanations, while others may encourage us to reflect on the possibility that there is still much about consciousness and the spiritual world that we have yet to fully understand.

My Conclusion

Orb like structures filmed in dry dusty conditions and captured on camera and video generally move at a fast pace, rushing from side to side.  On closer inspection of the image these balls were not bright and are dense in texture. There is no colour or indeed aura to them. These orbs will be merely dust particles.

Orb balls captured generally outside, on closer inspection, are tiny droplets of moisture and may well even be pollen. Deeper scrutiny can reveal the orb to be a more pear drop shape, not circular.

However, I do believe that Spirit can form beautifully charged orbs, many with bright colours and auras and this is indeed an energy sphere.  I ran an experiment whilst filming orbs and had asked them to move to a specific area within the room. This confirmed to me not only did they have an understanding but also an intelligence, to go where I’d asked. I do believe orbs are a manifestation of a spirit energy.

Continue Exploring The Unexplained

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