Auras and angels fluttered and floated through the Helena Civic Center Saturday, and people seeking answers came to find out what was in the (tarot) cards for them as the weekend-long New Earth Fall Expo took off.

One of more than two dozen vendors on hand, Judy Lekic came from Denver to photograph and interpret people's auras. She displayed photos of people surrounded by light of every color, from brilliant reds and oranges to mellow blues and greens. Every living thing has an aura, she said, and by studying the colors and shapes she can discern things about people and their lives and relationships.

"All the colors mean many different things," she said. "Because I'm intuitive, I can tell you what the colors mean for you."

Across the room, Misty Harding of Bozeman sat for a 15-minute tarot card reading. It was just the second time she'd had a reading, she said.

"You put your energy on the cards, and she pulls them out and tells you what they're about," she said. "It's always interesting what they might see. It might be good news, or a way you can help somebody, or what you need to do for yourself."

The expo was organized by Mel and Stephanie Coladonato of Missoula. Mel said the couple hosts shows like this all across the state, but this is their first trip to Helena.

"Our main target is people who are interested in alternatives," he said. "Natural products, homemade jewelry, that kind of thing. People who are searching for a different way of doing things."

In addition to vendor booths, the expo features lectures and workshops, on topics like "Learning to Communicate with Animals," "Cleansing the Body for Optimal Well-being" and "Working with Angels: How to Find Security and Meaning in an Uncertain World."

Gregory Bodwell came from Gardiner to share information on The Summit Lighthouse, which publishes the teachings of the ascendant masters, Mark and Elizabeth Prophet.

"We're interested in people who are seeking a way to have greater contact with God, who are looking for personal growth," he said.

Both spiritual and physical well-being were touted by various vendors. New age music emanated from the booth of Dustin Fox of Livingston, who's specialty is Vibrational Attunement Massage. Fox's massage table vibrates, and both he and his client wear headphones tuned to the same music while he massages necks, shoulders and backs.

"That's so we're both hearing the music and feeling the music," he explained. "Music therapy works, and massage therapy works. All I've done is make it one package. The table is half the battle for relieving stress. The other half is being intentful on relieving stress."

The New Earth Expo continues today at the Civic Center from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $3, with additional fees for lectures and workshops.

John Harrington can be reached at 447-4080 or helenair.com">john.harrington@helenair.com.