Orbs are luminous spheres of light that appear in photographs and video, often invisible to the naked eye at the time the image is captured. They’ve been photographed around the world—at sacred sites, celebrations, in nature, and in ordinary homes.

As for what they are—there are many perspectives. Some see them as spirits, angels, or ancestors. Others describe them as inter-dimensional beings or conscious energy. Some Chi Kung masters speak of them as balls of energy that can communicate and help heal.

We don’t claim to have the definitive answer. Part of the wonder of this phenomenon is that it invites each person to explore and draw their own conclusions.

Sometimes, yes. It’s important to acknowledge that some orb-like images are simply light refracting off water droplets, dust particles, or moisture close to the lens. We don’t dismiss that reality.

But some Orbs clearly aren’t explained this way. Here’s what distinguishes them:

Depth: When an Orb appears behind a branch, person, or other object, it can’t be a particle close to the lens.

Detail: Many Orbs display intricate internal patterns—geometry, layers, even what appear to be faces. If they were dust, they wouldn’t be in focus.

Repetition: The same distinct Orb has appeared across multiple photographs taken at different moments.

The inexplicable: And then there are images that simply defy easy explanation—photographs that stop you in your tracks.

We encourage healthy skepticism. We also encourage looking closely at the evidence.

Digital cameras pick up more of the light spectrum than our eyes can normally perceive, which is why they capture what we often miss.

No. Simple digital cameras can work well. Interestingly, different cameras seem to pick up different kinds of Orbs. Some inexpensive cameras capture Orbs that sophisticated cameras miss, and vice versa.

The best approach is to experiment with whatever you have.

Yes. You don’t need special training or abilities. With a camera and an open heart, anyone can begin.

That said, Orbs seem drawn to certain conditions: places with emotional resonance (sacred sites, gatherings of loved ones, nature), states of love and joy, and the conscious intention to invite them in. The more you practice, the more they tend to appear.

Visit our Orb Hunt page for practical tips on getting started.

Orbs have been photographed at sacred sites for decades—temples, churches, ancient ruins, places of pilgrimage. They also appear at celebrations, in beloved spots in nature, and in places where people have gathered with strong emotion, whether joy or even deep grief.

Some locations seem “pre-conditioned.” Others can be cultivated over time by returning repeatedly, connecting with positive emotions, and consciously calling in guides, angels, ancestors—whatever resonates with your beliefs. The more a spot is cultivated, the more Orbs tend to appear.

No. While the spherical form is most common, the phenomenon doesn’t always manifest as a ball of light. Orbs can appear in many shapes and sizes, even different colors. Some shine very brightly; seeming to have successfully pierced the veil into our reality, while others are very subtle. We also have images of plasma-like shapes that go beyond the typical Orb form.

Yes. While photographs are the most common way Orbs are captured, they do appear in video as well.

This is one of the most fascinating questions—and one we can’t answer definitively.

What we can say is that Orbs behave in ways that suggest some form of awareness or responsiveness. They appear in greater numbers when people are feeling love, joy, or bliss. They seem to respond to invitation. The more photographs taken in a cultivated spot, the more Orbs appear. Whether this constitutes consciousness, we leave for you to explore and decide.

Throughout history, cultures around the world have told stories of unseen beings—angels, ancestors, fairies, spirits, will-o’-the-wisps. Some people believe Orbs are a visible manifestation of these beings. Others see them as something distinct but related.

We don’t draw hard lines. The phenomenon seems to overlap with many traditions and beliefs. What’s new is that digital photography now allows us to consistently capture tangible evidence of something—and that something invites each of us to make meaning in our own way.

Nothing, necessarily. Sometimes it takes time for a spot to open up. Go to our Orb Hunt Page for suggestions.

Watch the documentary Orbs: The Veil Is Lifting, which brings together a Stanford physicist, a theologian, a psychologist, a channel, artists, and healers to explore this phenomenon from multiple perspectives. The film features hundreds of Orb photographs, historical art, original flute and harp soundtrack and practical guidance for experiencing Orbs yourself.