"Here once more, the Kabbalah strikingly predates modern psychology; for
contemporary research has demonstrated that colors are indeed linked to our
deepest emotions". By Edward Hoffman from Opening the Inner Gates: New Paths in
Kabbalah and Psychology
The colors of nature have had their influence on us, and these influences are
deep-seated in our physiological and psychological make-up - but there they are,
whether we like them or not. In the case of the things we buy, however, we are
free to choose, to exercise our own likes and dislikes, our tastes and our
conventions. Airlines hire color consultant to choose the colors in the cabin,
hence to reduce the tensions which are associated with flying. A preference for
one color and a dislike for another reflects an existing state of mind, of
balance, or of both. To see how this relationship is universal and why it exists
independent of race, sex or social environment, it is necessary to look back at
man's long exposure to colors found in nature. The following are some universal
symbolic meaning for colors.
White - Completeness, purity and innocence
Red -Energy, expansion: the color o sexual expression that can create life or
destroy it
Pink - True love, compassion, and warmth in its lighter shades; more sexual and
physical in its darker shades
Orange - Projected or assertive mental energy
Yellow - Intellect and logic
Brown - Wealth, reserves of physical energy and natural resources
Blue - Mystery and emotion
Green - Healing and balance
Violet/Purple - Spiritual growth, philosophy, royalty
Black - The secret and the unknown
Each of these colors has many depths, hues, and subtleties of shade and meaning
that influence our conscious and unconscious minds, reflecting our needs,
desires, and emotions.
The psychology of color can be utilized as a treatment technique to alleviate
stressors in people's lives or to enhance positive emotion. Read more about
Healing & Wellness Surprisingly (or not), there
is some similarity to the meaning of colors of each Chakra:

VIOLET/PURPLE
governs the
CROWN chakra, at the top of the head.
BEAUTY,
CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION
Related organ:
brain
Endocrine gland:
pineal gland.
Associated
problems: depression, Parkinson's disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy,
seniledementia, Alzheimer's, many mental disorders, confusion, and dizziness.
Personality
Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrifing,
visionary, creative, and strong mentally.
Violet
relates to
self knowledge/spiritual awareness. It is the union with your
higher self, with spirituality, and your higher consciousness. Dis-ease can
result with an in-balance of energy in this chakra, either too much or too
little. The violet energy connects us to our spiritual self bringing guidance,
wisdom and inner strength and purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us
inspiration in all undertakings. Enhances artistic talent and creativity.
positive aspects of
violet
- a reverence for
all life
- self sacrificing in the service of others
- idealism
- an ability to see the appropriate route for the
benefit of the higher self
negative aspects of
violet
- no
concern for others
- feelings of superiority
- lack of contact with reality
INDIGO
governs the BROW chakra or
third eye, in the centre of the forehead.
INTUITION, MYSTICISM,
UNDERSTANDING
Related organs:
eyes, lower head and sinuses
Endocrine gland:
pituitary gland.
Associated problems:
tension headache,
migraine, visual defects, short-sightedness, long-sightedness, glaucoma,
cataracts, sinus problems, ear problems.
Personality Traits:
Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, and a truth seeker.
Indigo
relates to self responsibility - being responsible for one's
own life, responsible to oneself to follow the soul's path and needs and
trusting one's own intuition. (the ability to see things from a
'higher' viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one's
material comfort.). The indigo energy connects us to our unconscious self, and
gives us the experience of being part of the whole universe. Strengthens
intuition, imagination, psychic powers, and increases dream activity.
positive aspects of
indigo
- highly
intuitive
- faithful
- clear sighted
- integrity
- orderly mind
negative aspects of
indigo
-
inability to trust intuition
- scattered mind
- inconsiderate
- blinkered vision
BLUE
governs the
THROAT chakra.
KNOWLEDGE, HEALTH,
DECISIVENESS
Related organs: throat and lungs
Endocrine gland: thyroid
gland. The upper digestive tract can be affected by imbalance in this
area.TURQUOISE can also be helpful for both the throat and the heart chakra.
Associated problems:
Thyroid problems - over active/under active; Anorexia nervosa (this is a
multi-chakra problem but has a strong connection to the throat chakra); asthma;
bronchitis; hearing problems; tinnitus - may also be connected to problems with
the brow chakra; problems of the upper digestive tract; mouth ulcers, sore
throats, tonsillitis.
Personality Traits:
Loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, and
cautious.
Blue
is the color of
the spirit and relates to self expression -
speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and requirements;
Spirit of truth and purpose. This is a
mentally-relaxing color. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and
brings great relaxation - ideal for sleep problems, and hyper-active children.
Connects us to holistic thought, and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing
communication and speech.
positive aspects of blue
- loyal
- trustworthy
- tactful
- calm
negative aspects of blue
- unfaithful
- untrustworthy
- self-righteous
- cold
GREEN governs
the HEART chakra.
BALANCE, LOVE, SELF
CONTROL
Related organs:
heart and breasts
Endocrine gland:
thymus gland
Associated problems:
heart diseases, diseases of the Immune system eg.AIDS and ME (myalgia
encephalomyelitis,sometimes referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome); other
problems related to the immune system, allergies, cancer of the breast.
TURQUOISE also has a helpful effect on the immune system and also helpful in
relation to the throat chakra. PINK also relates to the heart chakra being the
color of love.
Personality Traits:
Understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, sympathetic, compassionate, generous,
humble, nature loving, and romantic.
Green
chakra relates
to love/self love - the ability to give and take
unconditionally. When balanced we are able to give love and also to love and
nurture ourselves. Helps relax muscles, nerves, and thoughts. Cleanses and
balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony. Green
connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being.
positive aspects of
green
- compassion
- generosity
- harmony/balance
- loving
negative aspects of
green
- indifference
- jealousy
- miserly
- bitterness
YELLOW
governs the SOLAR
PLEXUS chakra, situated below the ribs.
WISDOM, CLARITY, SELF-ESTEEM
Related organs:
liver, spleen, stomach and small intestine.
Endocrine gland:
pancreas
Associated problems:
diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, peptic ulcer, Coeliac's disease,
and gall stones.
Personality Traits:
Good-humored, optimistic, confident, practical, and intellectual.
Yellow
is
a creative color and relates to self worth. How we feel about
ourselves and how we feel others perceive us. This is the area of the
personality, the ego and the intellect. Gives us clarity of thought, increases
awareness, and stimulates interest and curiosity. Yellow energy is related to
the ability to perceive and understand. The yellow energyconnects us to our
mental self.
positive aspects of
yellow
- confident
- alert
- optimistic
- good humored
negative aspects of yellow
- feelings of
inferiority
- over analytical
- sarcastic
- pessimistic
ORANGE
governs the SACRAL
chakra situated in the lower abdomen.
HAPPINESS, CONFIDENCE,
RESOURCEFULNESS
Related organs:
uterus, large bowel, prostate, ovaries and testes. (In the fetus the testes
develop in the lower abdomen, thus linking with the sacral chakra energy, then
descending to the scrotum by birth.)
Endocrine glands:
ovaries and testes
Associated problems:
pre-menstrual syndrome, problems with menstrual flow, uterine fibroids,
ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease,
prostate disease.
Personality Traits:
Enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sporty, self-assured, and
constructive.
Orange
is the color of success and
relates to self respect; having
the ability to give ourselves the freedom to be ourselves and helps you expand
your interests and activities. Brings joy to our workday and strengthens our
appetite for life! Orange is the best emotional stimulant. It connects us to our
senses and helps to remove inhibitions and makes us independent and social.
positive aspects of
orange
- sociable
- creative
- joyous
- independent
negative aspects of
orange
- withdrawn
- destructive
- despondent
- over-dependent
RED
governs the BASE chakra
situated at the base of the spine.
VITALITY, COURAGE, SELF
CONFIDENCE
Related organs:
kidneys and bladder, the vertebral column, hips and legs are also areas related
to this chakra.
Endocrine gland:
adrenal gland.
Associated problems:
constipation, diarrhea, piles, colitis, Crohn's disease, cold fingers and toes,
frequency of urination, hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney stones,
impotence, hip problems, legs and feet. PINK can also be used here when a more
gentle energy is required.
Personality Traits:
Courageous, confident, humanistic, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, and
extroverted.
Red
relates to self awareness. It is the area of survival and
stability and your place on this earth. The
color red provides the power from the earth and gives energy on all levels. It
connects us to our physical body. Everything that is to be commenced needs the
life vitality of red.
positive aspects of red:
- security
- courage
- strength of will
- pioneering
negative aspects of red:
- insecurity
- self pitying
- aggressive
- fearful
Color in the Home
There are many variations of the basic colors. The paler
versions give us the same qualities as the bold color but in a gentler way.
When decorating an area - the complementary colors, and their variations, should
be remembered and combined with our main choice of color by way of soft
furnishings perhaps, pictures etc.
It is also helpful to take in
to account the aspect of a room. For example, should you require a calming
atmosphere in a north facing room, which may well be one of the colder rooms in
your house, remember to use some warm colors (i.e. variations of the warm colors
of yellow, orange and red) to avoid the room feeling colder.
Following is a table of colors
and their suggested uses in various areas.
Color Effects Suggested
Violet: Calming for body and
mind. Good for meditation and prayer. Enhances purpose and dignity. Heightens
our awareness and helps us to give of our very best. Purifying.
Indigo: Sedative. Helps to open
up our intuition. The color of divine knowledge and the higher mind.
Blue: Calming, relaxing and
healing. Not as sedating as indigo. Also the color of communication.
Green: Balancing, harmonizing
and encourages tolerance and understanding.
Yellow: Stimulates mental
activity, feeling of confidence. Helpful for study as it helps us to stay alert.
Orange: Warming and energizing.
Can stimulate creativity. Orange is the color of fun and sociability.
Red: Energizing, exciting the
emotions, stimulates appetite.
Magenta: is the eighth color in
the color spectrum and is a combination of red and violet, thus it combines our
earthly self and spiritual self, thus balancing spirit and matter. It is
uplifting and helps us to gain a feeling of completeness and fulfillment.
Turquoise:
Cool and calming and good for the nervous system and immune system.
Pink: This color soothes and
nurtures. It helps to dissolve anger and encourages unconditional love.
Black: Used with another color enhances the energy of that
second color. Black gives us the space for reflection and inner searching.
White:
Contains all the colors. It emphasizes purity and illuminates our thoughts,
giving us clarity.
Areas of Use
Violet:
Places of worship, entry areas to clinics and
hospitals, festival areas. Pale violet
in bedrooms.
Indigo: Not suitable for areas
for entertainment but for more 'quiet' places. Bedrooms, treatment rooms.
Blue: Any rooms except those
used for physical activity or play.
Green: Depending upon the
shade, can be used for most areas. Use with other colors as well to avoid the
balance and harmony becoming more like total inactivity and indecision.
Yellow: Activity rooms,
entrance halls. Not for bedrooms as can interfere with sleep - it tends to keep
our minds "switched on". Not ideal for areas of possible stress.
Orange: Any activity area and
creative areas. Not ideal for bedrooms or areas of possible stress.
Red: Any activity area. Needs
careful choice of tone and depth and the space in which it is to be used. Can
make a space look smaller and be claustrophobic. Used well, however, red can
make a space feel warm and cosy. Often used in restaurants.
Magenta: Lecture spaces,
chapels, halls etc. Not ideal for play rooms or activity rooms.
Turquoise: Any room except it
is not ideal for activity areas.
Pink: Ideal for a baby's or
child's bedroom.
Black: Not ideal as a single color, but when used with
care,can enhance and complement other colors in almost any situation.
White:
Any room, but it can be a little intimidating to some Needs to
be broken up with another color or with plants/ornaments/pictures etc.
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