of the evidence it seems that the connection between auras and synaesthesia is speculative and based on superficial similarities that are likely coincidental." Other causes may include disorders within the visual system provoking optical effects. Bridgette Perez, in a review for the Skeptical Inquirer, wrote: "perceptual distortions, illusions, and hallucinations might promote belief in auras... Psychological factors, including absorption, fantasy proneness, vividness of visual imagery, and after-images, might also be responsible for the phenomena of the aura." Scientists have repeatedly concluded that the ability to see auras does not actually exist. In popular culture The book The Third Eye, written by Cyril Henry Hoskin under the pseudonym Lobsang Rampa, claims that Tibetan monks opened the spiritual third eye using trepanation in order to accelerate the development of clairvoyance and allow them to see the aura. It also includes body gazing techniques purported to help achieve aura visualization. The book is by some considered to be a hoax. See also Aureola Clairvoyance Confirmation bias Energy field disturbance Halo (religious iconography) Human Design Lesya List of topics characterized as pseudoscience Metaphysics Scientific skepticism Spirit photography References Sources External links Auras in the "Skeptic's dictionary" How Aura Photography Invaded Instagram Consciousness–matter dualism Energy (esotericism) Esotericism Hindu philosophical concepts New Age Paranormal terminology Pseudoscience Theosophical philosophical concepts Vitalism Consciousness Quantum mind