Root chakra -- How his personality projects when he enters a room

As himself:  Powerful charisma, with a very strong physical presence and a healthy dollop of ego.

In the movie: Tough as nails, indomitable, ready to kill. A complete change of aura.

Sex chakra -- What would he be like as a lover?

As himself:  Strong drive, intensely appealing, emphasizing physical sensuousness, takes his time.

In the movie:  Bad boy sexiness, way hard to get, intensely desirable… especially if you like men on the sadistic side.  A complete change of aura.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is his pattern at the time of this photo?

As himself:  Huge confidence.  Not arrogant, there is an almost regal sense that "Nobody messes with Leonardo."

In the movie:  Loves power, lives for it.  Power-seeking dominates his aura, projects more than other databanks.   Incidentally, to this character "power" means getting your way, with as much cruelty as possible just for enjoyment.  Glad to say, for Leonardo this represents a complete change of aura.

Heart chakra -- How does he handle emotions?

As himself:  Intensely private, Leonardo has become a walking computer about emotions, having developed enormous detachment about his inner experiences.  Along with a huge repertoire of felt emotions, he has analyzed, memorized and compartmentalized how to project various emotions.  (The closest you or I might come to meeting someone like this is if you happen to know a very experienced, analytical therapist…. Or a highly self-conscious, long-term therapy patient.)

In the movie:  Cold-hearted, interested only in himself and deadened even to his own feelings.  A complete change of aura.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness?  Talent?  What shows here?

As himself: Crafty and wily, Leonardo is like a card player holding a full deck.  He could choose any way to act.  Truthfulness almost seems irrelevant, as if this is a consideration only for people with such limited consciousness that they are given only one card to play.  He does not have issues about cheating people or lying, just an extraordinary flexibility.  (And if you should be thinking, "Aren't all actors like this?" the simple answer is, "Absolutely not. This is the throat chakra of a master actor.")

In the movie: Would just as soon lie as spit, and glad to do both.  Stored rage and bitterness contribute to his need to stay in hiding as a person, keeping all his communications under control.  A complete change of aura.

Spirituality chakra -- How does he connect to God?

As himself: Huge consciousness here shows a very advanced soul.  This is the aura of someone who is far more awake inside than most people you will meet on the planet.

In the movie: Access to spirit is limited.  He moves forward on his own steam, not expecting or receiving much conscious help from anyone but himself.  If he thinks about God at all, that would be a cruel God of hatred.  A complete change of aura.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does this person feel as a human being?

As himself:  Glowing, enjoying his life to the maximum, Leonardo is a highly self-actualized person.

In the movie:  Because he puts himself first in every situation, this man shows a strong connection at the high heart chakra. Grim more than happy, he still shows a me-first determination that can be highly inspiring to an audience. ( Most people do not do nearly enough on-target, joy-bringing, "me first.") A complete change of aura.

Summary: Leonardo DiCaprio is one of America's most talented actors.  In "Blood Diamond," he has given his chakras a complete and credible makeover.  Cleverly, he has combined characteristics of strength, self-confidence, exceptional focus, and that outrageous sexiness.

Links to the photos used for this article are:

Since I can read auras from regular photographs (and could teach you to do the same, incidentally), it is easy to compare the aura of an actor just being himself to his still shot from the movie, where he plays his character. Did I see this movie? No. I just know it is about his tentative courtship with his best friends' great niece. And O'Toole's performance as Laurence of Arabia was seared into my adolescent brain. But putting all that aside and reading from photos, I asked this question: Who could transform all the way? Here is what I found about Peter in this movie:

Root chakra -- How his personality projects when he enters a room

As himself: Empathic to the core, and powerful at broadcasting his emotion of the moment, in the photo I am reading Peter is tender and sweet. One constant when just being himself: The guy could not be any more gay and still be walking around in a male body.

In the movie: This is an entirely different way of being tender and sweet. Peter's character is in love, with a combination of grandfatherly love and young man romanticism, all of it very heterosexual. Need I say that this represents a rather significant change of aura?

Sex chakra -- What would he be like as a lover?

As himself: He is hugely sexy, passionate and generous. And did I mention gay?

In the movie: Sexually, Peter is enveloping the other character with such intensity, it is as though they had just been honeymooning for a week. When two people make love, whatever their marital status or sexual orientation, their auras join together closely for three days. This extraordinary actor has done something very difficult here, and clearly a complete change of aura.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is his pattern at the time of this photo?

As himself: To get his way in a conflict, this man specializes in emotional power. Using power is no priority, however. And he is conflict averse.

In the movie: Power is a strong projection from this character's aura. He carries a history of being tough and effective. Here, this is combined with a protective, again, grandfatherly (and distinctly hetero) kind of affection. A complete change of aura.

Heart chakra -- How does he handle emotions?

As himself: This is Peter O'Toole's art form, exploring the full range of human emotion. Discovering and deeply feeling an emotion is, for him, the equivalent of eating Godiva chocolates.

In the movie: Oh, he is soooo consumed by tenderness! And love is making him feel about 35 years younger. a complete change of aura.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness? Talent? What shows here?

As himself: Think lightning bolts held in a basket. The man can send out any emotion at will, send electricity into the room, and transform his audience. For decades he has been at peace with this extraordinary ability. No, this is not ego attached for him at this point, no more than having ears or toenails.

In the movie: This is a very private man, usually someone who hides his own feelings, but in the relationship to his love interest in this film, Peter's character is opening up his soul as never before. Clearly, for use, this can be a big hankie movie. And for O'Toole, it counts as a complete change of aura.

Spirituality chakra -- How does he connect to God?

As himself: What a glorious, long-standing connection. And Peter connects more to the energy of Goddess than most people you will ever meet, in person or on screen, including folks walking around in female bodies.

In the movie: He has a modest, Christian-oriented, connection to God. The connection is tinged with a bit of guilt. Another a complete change of aura.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does this person feel as a human being?

As himself: This chakra is one of the great triumphs of Peter O'Toole's aura. He has struggled to accept himself, to be himself unapologetically. One reason this is so significant relates to his exceptionally high degree of empathic ability. Peter may not have had a teacher about how to balance empathy with full self-awareness (the stuff that I teach students), but he has found his own way, so he has learned to be very stable inwardly, mastering his ability to travel in and out of being other people with his consciousness, but choosing to mostly be himself.

In the movie: The character's soul expression is blooming like a winter crocus. This portrayal brings hope to all of us who still are not in touch with living that powerfully. Not a change of aura exactly, this is a different version of something that O'Toole has achieved in his personal evolution this lifetime. It is as if he just arranged and painted a gorgeous still life of fruit, based on what he learned—not just as a painter—but after decades of savoring every bite of those grapes, apples and strawberries.

Summary: This is an extraordinary performance. Not only has Peter changed every one of his chakras, but that tinge of guilt at his third eye adds believability to a bittersweet love story. As an aura reader, and avid movie watcher, I am so excited to see a movie portray nuances of self-actualization instead of the more common nuances of fear and pain. 

Photo 1 - As Himself

Photo 2 - In the Movie

Root chakra -- How his personality projects when he enters a room

As himself: Will is sunny, strong, uncommonly lively, with a great sense of humor and the ability to set off laughter in others. For an actor, he sure is a balanced, normal person. Physical intelligence is very strong, again, more than with most actors. (And, yes, I appreciate that physical intelligence is a job requirement for any professional actor.)

In the movie: He acts the same as usual, just toning down some of his natural outrageousness.

Sex chakra -- What would he be like as a lover?

As himself: Not just physical as an actor, Will is very physical as a lover, too, plus being tender and strong. However, the sexual aspect of his life is not particularly on display in public, not unless his aura is being read. Count all this as the highest praise.

In the movie: Again, he is playing himself.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is his pattern at the time of this photo?

As himself: Investigating this is where the aura reader nearly bursts into tears. Not only does Will Smith has a huge projection at this part of his aura. Rather, the history is here of a man who has struggled more than I ever would have guessed from the two previous chakras. He has been walloped by life numerous times and put himself back together. Clearly, he has aptly been named "Will." What an inspiration!

Note, too, that the degree of self-generated spiritual healing within has been exceptional. Why? Because Will's root chakra does not show signs of trauma. You know how people talk about forgive and forget? It takes really powerful forgiveness for someone to release trauma from the most primal chakra, at the base of the torso.

In the movie: At last, here comes the first big shift for Will in this role. In character, he is NOT powerful. Instead, he struggles with feeling powerless, doubting himself, and being very careful not to let his worries show. Really touching!

Heart chakra -- How does he handle emotions?

As himself: Simple emotions, one at a time—that is his specialty. Leave aside huge emotional depths, agonizing, ambivalence, and big psychological inquiry. This is a man who stays open to feelings but does not dwell upon them.

In the movie: Playing himself again, Will is projecting a subdued cheerfulness.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness? Talent? What shows here?

As himself: Will is conscious of having the ability to project strong and believable emotions. In the publicity photo I am reading, he hides behind this ability, suggesting a rather private man for whom public appearances are a job, not a requirement to bare his soul before strangers.

In the movie: Will seems focused and more serious than comes naturally to him, but otherwise there is no significant alteration to his usual throat chakra display.

Spirituality chakra -- How does he connect to God?

As himself: Will Smith connects to God fully, unquestioningly. As with his emotions, the actor shows something passionate and true, but neither complicated, intellectualized, nor needing a lot of fancy explanation. It just is.

In the movie: He is playing himself. If he had been able to show struggle here, comparable to what displays in his power center, the performance would be way more effective. Otherwise, the sureness and serenity of this third eye clashes with the portrayal of a man being tested.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does this person feel as a human being?

As himself: Beautifully balanced with the spiritual connection at the third eye, Will Smith knows how to be human with zest and integrity. He actually is a self-made, real-life expert on happiness.

In the movie: He is, again, playing himself.

Summary: Great acting, this is not. Yet Will Smith lights up the screen because, as a person, he truly is magnificent. Yes, he broadcasts real inspiration, especially what he models from his solar plexus chakra about personal empowerment. 

Since I can read auras from regular photographs (and could teach you to do the same, incidentally), it is easy to compare the aura of an actor just being himself to his still shot from the movie, when in character. Did I see this movie? Only the trailer, and that was scary enough for me. Watching a movie about Idi Amin, the Ugandan dictator—not my idea of a good time! But reading from photos I can fearlessly jump into the aura of the terrifying portrayal, I asked this question: Who could transform all the way? Here is what I found about Forest Whitaker in this movie:

Root chakra -- How his personality projects when he enters a room

As himself: Forest seems like a humble, down-to-earth guy, with more bashfulness than one finds in most actors.

In the movie: Terrifying and loving it! This is a complete change of aura. To go from Forest's pleasant humility to this full-bodied, dangerous, hate-filled monster of a man—it is a thrill ride for the moviegoer, an exceptionally courageous achievement for the actor. When I recover from the shock, I will be in awe.

Sex chakra -- What would he be like as a lover?

As himself: A huggy bear of a lover, Forest has earthy qualities mixed with loyalty, sincerity, and a lot of feminine energy to temper the masculine energy. (This observation is not a slur on his sexual orientation. If you read my other articles in this series, you will find that many of the most charismatic stars project a degree of male and female, combined.)

In the movie: As lovers go, I would say "Not bad," except that the man's other chakras are so hideous. An unexpected tenderness is part of this fascinating character. Sexually, this Idi is powerful but also protective, gentle in the manner of a grizzly bear with a cub. Especially if you are attracted to dangerous bad boys, you might find this side of the character disturbingly desirable. And, of course, it is a huge change of aura.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is his pattern at the time of this photo?

As himself: This actor does not show remarkable qualities about how he deals with power, which helps everyman to identify with him as a person. The one notable specialty is that anger is the key for Forest to mobilize his power. Hmm, might he use that in playing Idi Amin? Read on.

In the movie: What fascinating power! Not only does the character drip with confidence worthy of a political dictator, Forest gives him nuances of anger. Going from 1-10 on this character's Richter Scale of rage, each calibrated number on this scale brings up a slightly different, uninhibited (and definitely crazed) variation on the theme of power. A complete change of aura. Maybe 10 of them!

Heart chakra -- How does he handle emotions?

As himself: Do not let that big male body fool you. Forest Whitaker is one sweet, tender walking heart. This chakra dominates his aura. What a loving, well intended, caring person! However, like most of the tender-hearted among us, this man has accumulated a lot of pain. Also, unlike most of us, tender-hearted or not, Forest has an ultra-long memory for every nuance of emotional experience. For that reason, he has a large collection of slights, wounds, and injuries from his emotional life. They aren't uppermost in a cheery publicity shot, but count all this as a huge resource for him as an actor.

In the movie: Think egoism! Think megalomania! Do not think about these too hard, however, or you might get sick! Forest has done all the brain work, the transformation, to bring this weird, sick heart to life. As with every other chakra transformation, it is not only completely unlike the actor himself but shows nuances I would not have thought possible.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness? Talent? What shows here?

As himself: In his personal life, with those he trusts, a great deal of vulnerability shows. In his public life, even posing for a publicity shot, Forest can slip on an identity to project. He does not seem to need to show people who he really is, as a person. Instead, that kind of integrity is saved for those who have passed his trust test and been admitted into his circle of friends.

In the movie: Even more than the actor playing himself, this Amin portrayal is tremendously focused and authentic. As a communicator, he projects the kind of charisma that makes his rise to power believable.

Spirituality chakra -- How does he connect to God?

As himself: The yearning for God is strong. Forest may be the most impassioned spiritual seeker of all 10 of the leading actors and actresses nominated for Academy Awards 2007.

In the movie: Ooh, how nasty it is in this character's third eye. You can nearly smell the fire and brimstone. The man brings a portable hell right in him.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does this person feel as a human being?

As himself: Yes! It has been a struggle for Forest, but over time he has learned to put himself first in life often enough to make choices that bring him happiness.

In the movie: Oh, is that ever connected. Did you ever see art by Hieronymus Bosch? He specialized in the grotesque, and if he were living today, he could do quite the painting about the multiple facets of hatred, perversion, etc. being lived by this soul. When I finish saying "Yech" inside, my next word must be "Bravo!"

Summary: ncredible acting achievement, Forest Whitaker! Changed chakras galore are only part of this performance, because any one of these chakras could have been a one-note experience. Instead, there is a fully realized range of hideosity.

In my profession, I have sometimes been called to read the auras of wackos. My collection of political crazies having been read does include Idi Amin, and I have to say that the Forest Whitaker version is both scarier and far more interesting. 

Photo 1 - As Herself

Photo 2 - In the Movie

Root chakra -- How her personality projects when she enters a room

As herself: Powerful, inwardly strong, physically lean and muscular, clever, derives a certain satisfaction from playing the trickster on occasion. Unabashedly a real character in her personal life, Judi Dench has star temperament. To put it bluntly, she appears to have quite a temper.

In the movie: She's mainly angry, even bitchy, and dangerous. Yet (and here the choice of the dramatic artist really shows well) Dench has invested this character with an uncommonly intense charisma, glittery and elusive. Developing this fascinating charm has involved a complete change of aura.

Sex chakra -- What would she be like as a lover?

As herself: Huge sex appeal, Judi has the androgynous vibration common to many of the most successful actors, meaning that she can appeal to a wide range of viewers. As a lover, she's unpredictable, never content for boredom. In general, she is a highly creative person who stays alive inside by demanding interesting company.

In the movie: This character is demanding, sex-starved, confused about what she really wants, slightly ashamed of herself. Somehow (again, as an artistic choice) Dench makes this character weirdly appealing, so that regardless of the viewer's sexual orientation or usual favorite type of sex object, the sexual pull is absolutely riveting. This character's sexuality may arouse or frighten or simply fascinate the viewer, but it will have impact for anyone who has gone through puberty. A complete change of aura.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is her pattern at the time of the photo?

As herself: Emotionally and spiritually, Dench is fearless. Power suits her, and she has become very comfortable with her high-energy, intense power style. It isn't about personal ego. She simply has circuits that make her light up larger than life.

In the movie: Sad, powerful, spiteful, inwardly empty—this character couldn't be more different from Judi Dench. A complete change of aura.

Heart chakra -- How does she handle emotions?

As herself: Loyal, she has a long memory for all her emotional experiences. I wouldn't want to lose her respect, because forgiveness isn't the strongest personal characteristic. A quick temper is directly linked to her passionate nature.

In the movie: Longing intensifies a kind of frustrated romanticism. I contrast to the real Judi Dench, this character doesn't find a lot of alternatives, so she will pursue a difficult relationship with dogged persistence; the actress would not be reduced to suffering in her personal life. She'd fight and leave. A radical change of aura.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness? Talent? What shows here?

As herself: Truthfulness isn't a problem. Lack of talent isn't, either. Her magnificent gift includes the ability to hold an audience, of any size, right in the palm of her hand. Beyond this, she has a particularly rare ability to send her message directly into the SOUL of the audience. You will be moved and shaken by her performances, particularly if you are either empathic by nature or physically in her presence, sitting right there, magnetically adjusted as you sit in your chair in the theater. This talent to transform would make Judi Dench a world class performer even if she couldn't act much.

In the movie: This character has done a lot of hiding about who she really is, hiding from herself as well as from others. She's not especially good at speaking up for herself either, hampered in part by holding onto a lot of jumbled up emotions. Instead, she simmers. She broods. Again, this role couldn't be a bigger change of aura.

Spirituality chakra -- How does she connect to God?

As herself: Huge spirituality is there, along with great purity, and a clear contact with the Divine. It's refreshing that someone so spiritually in touch can carry the kind of temper previously noted at her heart and root chakras.

In the movie: Alas, the character's third eye is shrunk down to a state of misery. Occasional glimpses of the Dench twinkle show through. Nevertheless, I'd count this as a nearly perfect change of aura.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does the person feel as a human being?

As herself: Tough as nails and delicate as gossamer, Judi Dench is magnificently expressive. Oddball though she is, with a really wild sense of humor, she has learned to accept herself fully. This makes her the best role model of any of this years Oscar-nominated Best Actresses and Best Actors.

In the movie: No soul expression shows significantly, and in this regard Judi is portraying the plight of the majority of people now living on earth. Anyone could have this set right, but most good people are so busy being dutiful we don't even notice when we have forgotten to also be inwardly (and vibrantly) alive. Definitely a change of aura.

Summary:  I love it when actors with extraordinary communication talent portray characters who can't speak up for themselves.

Most people live this way to some degree, far more interesting in WHO they are than by HOW they present themselves to others. And this becomes part of a brilliantly conceived role for Dench because she simultaneously invests the character with energetic glamour and sexual fascination. If possible, Dench's dazzling concept is exceeded by the brilliance of its execution. 

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Since I can read auras from regular photographs (and could teach you to do the same, incidentally), it is easy to compare the aura of an actress just being herself to her still shot from the movie, where she's in character. Did I see the movie? Yes. Although I disliked the plot and thought most of the performances quite pallid, I found Streep, as always, magnificent.

Hers is the first aura ever in which I observed that it was possible for a really talented actor to shift all the way down to the chakras.

But being impartial now, I'll read her from photos just like all the other Best Actress nominees, asking the question: Who could transform all the way? Here is what I found about Meryl in this movie:

Root chakra -- How her personality projects when she enters a room

As herself: She's one of the most down-to-earth celebrities anywhere, eagerly learning wherever she goes, and keeping perspective with an exceptionally vibrant sense of humor.

In the movie: Cold, calculating and about as subtle as an armadillo, this character is scary. Yet (despite the movie title's reference to "The Devil"), Streep's portrayal isn't about evil. In an aura, evil is rare and, frankly, rather boring. This character's warrior-like qualities co-exist with sexual power and a deep vulnerability. Well, well, a complete change of aura.

Sex chakra -- What would she be like as a lover?

As herself: Meryl is warm, deeply loving, and (when in the mood) definitely sultry. Sex is part of a love relationship for her, however, not something to flaunt. She doesn't use her sexuality to project charisma.

In the movie: Looking for a dominatrix? She's your gal! Steamy, confident, sexy, just a tad of cruelty—all this is available for the lucky winner of her favors.

Affection plays no part in this package.

Sexually, Streep is so intense and outrageous, speeding along on this sexual road. But she can stop on a dime. And this chakra display, outrageous though it is, just barely avoids driving over the top, into laugh-out-loud funny. A complete change of aura.

Solar plexus chakra -- Handling power, what is her pattern at the time of the photo?

As herself: This is a gentle power, belonging to someone who is deeply content with life. Sure, she won't let people trample over her. But the real beauty of what Meryl projects at this chakra is that there's so much goodness that only a really committed nasty person would even try to push against her power.

In the movie: Power like a steel trap—heartless conquest is the main motivation here. Thank goodness, a complete change of aura.

Heart chakra -- How does she handle emotions?

As herself: Brilliantly—Brilliant is the best word to describe Meryl Streep's emotional life. If she hadn't turned to acting, she might have made an amazing psychologist. She understands feelings, empathically traveling into them with total ease. She is also one of the most skilled empaths you'll find on a screen (and I say that as someone whose business is training natural empaths to become skilled; she's invited to help me teach workshops any day).

In the movie: She's passionate, manipulative and, deep down, a big worrier. The heart chakra clinches the performance for me, because it is so very different—not only from Meryl herself but from evil. The signature quality of evil, as you'll quickly learn reading auras in depth, is an ice cold heart chakra. A complete change of aura.

Communication chakra -- Truthfulness? Talent? What shows here?

As herself: Meryl is truthful. She is a real person, not hiding in the least. She also has nothing to prove to anyone. Connecting to the human core in an audience, she relates simply as another human being (whichever one she is portraying, with her near infinite repertoire of possibilities). The lack of pretense may help account for all those times that Streep has been nominated for Oscar but not won. Is it really 16 times? It's easy to take for granted communication that seems so effortless, gimmick-free, natural. Yet, really, isn't that the greatest mastery, making work appear completely effortless?

In the movie: In her personal life, there is nobody to know. She's empty inside. In public, such a liar! Such a schemer! Slipperier than ice, this woman. A complete change of aura.

Spirituality chakra -- How does she connect to God?

As herself: Meryl's consciousness shows an advanced degree of oneness, where she can directly experience with great clarity what it is like to be anyone she chooses. This is integrated God experience, reminiscent of the saying, "First there is a mountain. Then there is no mountain. Then there is."

In the movie: Ooh, this character actively hates God… or anyone with more power than she. A complete change of aura.

Soul expression chakra -- Deep down, how does the person feel as a human being?

As herself: Mastery shows here, as at all the chakra databanks I've read for you. This is one highly evolved, authentic, spiritual teacher who shows by her example how to live vibrantly, joyfully, with soul and spunk.

In the movie: Connection here isn't surprising, because selfish egomaniacs do tend to do what makes them happy on a consistent basis. But there is a surprise, nonetheless, as part of Meryl's carefully crafted aura transformation. This character projects an enticing charm at this chakra, as though she serves to inspire humanity as The Guru of Selfishness. What a tongue-in-cheek, or trick-in-chakra, performance!

Summary: Nobody can out-chakra-change Meryl Streep. Of course, in this role, she has wrought a complete change to each chakra.

Photo 1 - As Herself

Photo 2 - In the Movie