if you look carefully in the middle of the cover you’ll see the kirlian photograph being held by what appear to be long female fingers. kirlian photography is nothing new, in fact it was first discovered back in the late thirties (quite by accident) by its namesakes semyon and valentina kirlian who observed tiny flashes of light between the electrodes and the skin of a person undergoing electrotherapy. after refining the process, kirlian claimed that his corona photographs produced information relating to the energy in living things. for some that's led to a belief that what is actually being photographed is the human aura. for others - well read on.
so how does a kirlian photography come into being? basically, kirlian photography is high voltage, contact print photography. a sheet of film is placed on top of a metal plate, called the discharge or film plate. then you place the object that you want to photograph on top of the film. if the object to be photographed is inanimate, such as a coin or a leaf, an earth ground is connected to the object.
high voltage is applied to the plate momentarily to make an exposure. the corona discharge between the object and discharge plate passes through and is recorded onto the film.
when the film is developed you’ll find that you have a beautiful kirlian photograph!
here’s a more detailed explanation about kirlian photography . . .
so let’s just say that you’re brave, or that you don’t mind the possibility of electric shocks and burns. alternately, let’s say that you don’t feel like springing for a dedicated setup to make kirlian photographs. then this is the site for you. here you can learn how to use standard or polaroid film to make your very own kirlian images. another page that will be of use to the d.i.y. kirlian photographer can be found here.
on the other hand, perhaps you are prepared to spend money for the comfort of knowing that not only will it all work the way it’s supposed to, but it might also be a bit safer. then this is where you should go first. if that doesn't float your boat. then you might like to have a look at this kirlian photography device.
this same site offers a very detailed document on kirlian photography. the opening paragraph is not only revealing but very reminding and eye-opening. . . “warning: kirlian devices are very high voltage contact print photography devices. all high voltage devices are potentially dangerous and must be operated with extreme caution. do not attempt to operate this device without reading the instructions. disclaimer: images si inc. or its affiliates assume no responsibility for damages consequential or inconsequential or incidental for the use or misuse of the kirlian photography apparatus. images si inc. makes no warranties, expressed or implied to the fitness of this device for any particular purpose other than that which is listed herein.”another site offering a modification kit for an existing polaroid product can be found here.
i also came across a site offering a machine that links up to your computer. operating under the very interesting company name of “body electro enhancements” (the mind boggles), they will sell you this. finally, kirlian research will sell you a set up that is expressly designed for taking pictures of human fingertips. 
the bottom line here is twofold. firstly, there is conjecture about what you are actually seeing that ranges from the esoteric, to the exoteric. secondly, as suggested above, there are some safety concerns around this whole field so be careful! either way, the images are compelling!!
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