Orbs, what are they?   

Written by Ann MacLeod-Lambert

This seems to be one of the most controversial subjects in the realm of the
paranormal.   Opinions differ so significantly that, at times, there is an extreme
polarizing effect.   What is the ultimate truth regarding orbs?   Do they deserve
the attention they are afforded?

To begin to understand this phenomenon, one must first take a look at the differing
opinions that are offered.   Many believe that every object in films or photographs
resembling these circular lights is indeed a true orb.   Many believe that the majority
of these objects can be simply explained away as dust, insects, moisture, pollen, and
the like.   Oftentimes it takes a trained eye to distinguish between the real thing and something originating from a more mundane source.

Matrixing is one reason why many orbs are considered to be legitimate.   Matrixing
is when the brain searches for and finds objects of familiarity where none exist.   An
example of this is seeing animals and other objects in cloud formations.   One person
may perceive what they are seeing to be a puppy and another may be seeing a
rabbit.   When examining what appears to be and orb, the first thing the eye and
the brain perceive or recognize would be something of a familiar origin- faces.   This
is why so many of these objects are considered to be the real thing.

In order to understand why many mundane objects are perceived as true orbs, one
must first understand the sources that they come from.   For instance, many dust
particles and pollen grains may give the impression of having face-like proportions
because they have textured surfaces.    Again, the matrixing effect comes in to play.
Insects mimic orbs because they seem to move with a purpose, can be very fast, and
many appear to glow brightly because of the camera’s flash or infrared.   Moisture
droplets may be mistaken for orbs as well because they are refractive and seem to
give off their own light.   This is just part of what needs to be taken into
consideration to determine whether or not an object is an orb.

The immediate environment, weather, temperature, humidity, and equipment are major
factors in distinguishing between the real thing and the imposter.   The environment may
be dusty (i.e. old buildings) or there may be pollen at certain times of the year.   Simply
walking through areas such as this can stir up considerable amounts of these
substances.   Weather, temperature, and humidity can cause moisture droplets
in the atmosphere which may not only affect video and photographs but equipment
as well.   Camera lenses can have moisture droplets or dust particles on the outside
and, in some cases, on the inside as well.   It is important to take all of these
factors into account when reviewing evidence of potential orbs.

So what exactly does a true orb look like and how does it behave?   First of all, a true
orb is made up of pure energy.   It tends to move with purpose or intent and does not
just float along.   An orb will tend to give off its own light or glow instead of just
reflecting back a light source that contacts it.    True orbs can be different colors
and may have different shapes other than the typical “ball” that is so often seen.
They may have more than one ring around the outside as well.   If a true orb is
captured on film, readings from EMF meters and personal experiences at that
same moment can validate the evidence.

If one has an interest in orbs the best knowledge to gain is that of experience.   Try
experimenting to see if artificial orbs can be created through different methods (i.e.
shake a dusty rug and then photograph the air).   Looking at video and photographic
evidence to distinguish behavior and morphology is of the utmost importance.   Above
all, keep an open mind but do not fail to analyze the data presented in the proper
fashion.    We all want to capture hard evidence of their existence so each piece
collected needs to be able to withstand a high level of scrutiny to be considered
legitimate.   Even then there will always be a small amount of doubt.

Approaching any evidence of orbs with a bit of skepticism seems to be the best
method.   If the evidence is treated with an objective mind rather than a subjective
one, then the findings will more easily stand.   If the evidence does not completely
measure up to accepted standards then it must be discounted.   If we are to find
the truth, we must seek it and not be blinded by it.