Variation in pain intensity, location, and duration of a cycle are all part of CH. Your best coping is from working to get a good treatment program which works for you, use it with care, and don't spend alot of time lookng into the future trying to predict what might happen.

The aura business is uncommon with CH; a more common experience in migraine. Sort of a light and pattern show with, as far as I understand it, of no clinical significance. Perhaps you are referring to "shadows", which are common to CH. They are a highly personal set of sensations ranging from dull pain, vague tightness, sense of unease, etc. which may last for a few days after a full-blown CH attack. Many folks regard it as analogous to muscle strain after too much expercise! A bit of  OTC pain med may be worth a try.

Welcome cupper.
   Ya   My CHs vary ...I am all over the place this year.
I keep a note on my calendar in Oct.  always when they started in the past....this year I started in JULY!
   go figure.   
Hope you got some O2, that is the best!