Color Psychology and Spirituality

Color Psychology and Spirituality by Rose Greenwood

Color psychology is closely related to cultural associations with various colors. Color psychology affects nearly every area of life: clothing, interior design, graphic design, computer interface design, fine art and food choices. The study of color psychology and color symbolism also reveals an in-depth perspective on both society and the beliefs of individuals. Accordingly, color symbolism has always played a major role in religious symbolism and religious rituals.

Yellow, blue and red are the primary colors and are mixed to create secondary colors: green, orange and purple. The basic colors of the spectrum are the most fundamental colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. These colors combine with each other and with white and black to create all of the other colors that we see.

Each of these colors have different meanings in various spiritual philosophies. In Islam, green is the most prominent color and is symbolic of springtime renewal, joy, success and happiness. In China, yellow has always been associated with the imperial household and red is the most auspicious color. According to the Hebrew tradition, the name of the first man is Adam, meaning red or alive. In Catholicism, blue is the color most closely associated with Mother Mary and the heavenly realm.

The rainbow is a prominent spiritual symbol. One of the most notable symbolic uses of the rainbow is in the Biblical story of Noah. God tells Noah that the rainbow is the sign of his promise that the earth will never again be destroyed by flood. The symbolism of the rainbow has been expanded to include diversity, inclusiveness and hope.

Color symbolism is most often used in Christianity in banners, vestments, and other liturgical items and in art. The rainbow is a prominent spiritual symbol. One of the most notable symbolic uses of the rainbow is in the Biblical story of Noah. God tells Noah that the rainbow is the sign of his promise that the earth will never again be destroyed by flood. The symbolism of the rainbow has been expanded to include diversity, inclusiveness and hope.

Color symbolism is most often used in Christianity in banners, vestments, and other liturgical items and in art. Color symbolism is also prevalent in the Bible. Black in the Bible refers to sin , disease, death, famine and the night.

In contrast with black, white in the Bible refers to manna, righteousness, forgiven sins, the garments of angels, gravestones and the throne of judgment. White symbolizes purity and joy. White can also mean beauty and wealth.

Red commemorates martyred saints and the fire of Pentecost. Red can refer to the blood of life, sacrifice, sin or war. Specific bible references include the dragon of Revelation and ritual sacrifice. Red could also be a mark of prosperity.

Purple symbolizes both mourning and Christ as the triumphant king of heaven. Purple in the Bible refers to royalty and kingship. Purple dye was rare and precious. To obtain the dye, an incredible amount of mollusks shells had to be crushed and processed. Purple was used in the tabernacle and for the garments of the wealthy.

Blue is symbolic of heaven, the will of God, and truth. Blue color meanings in the Bible refers to the sky, heaven and Holy Spirit. Sometimes blue can mean water, the water of the spirit or the Lord's commandments. Blue can also be for chastening or describe drapes or holy coverings.

Yellow is be used to represent divinity and holiness. Yellow in the Bible refers to God's glory or the brightness of Christ. Yellow can also refer to God's fire or judgment. Yellow is also used to describe the color of gold.

Green is represents the triumph of life over death. Green in the Bible is usually a reference to growth, vegetation or fertility. Specific references include pastures, marriage bed, papyrus plant and trees.

Gems have also been worn throughout history as spiritual tools and valuable symbols of love, power and healing. Gems carry a vibration that can affect our own electromagnetic fields. The molecular structure of gems filter out certain wavelengths as light passes through them, giving them their characteristic colors. Both precious and semi-precious stones can be used to affect character, mood and physical health.

In esoteric traditions, colors are also associated with particular days of the week. Sunday is the day of yellow and illumination. Monday is the day of divine love, represented by the color pink. Tuesday is the day for the color blue, symbolic of faith and the will of God. Wednesday is green for healing and truth. Thursday has tow colors: purple and gold. Both of these colors are symbolic of service to others. Friday is white, denoting purity. Saturday is violet, symbolic of freedom and transmutation.

Your own color preferences may reveal the spiritual path you have chosen for this life. Colors can also be worn to amplify positive characteristics and soul qualities that you wish to develop. Wearing the color for each day of the week is also a practice aimed at cultivated each of the qualities of the seven spiritual colors or rays.

Rose Greenwood specializes in spirituality and natural health. For more information, please see http://www.theheartscenter.org. The Hearts Center offers seekers up-to-date inspiration from the ascended masters. To purchase related products, please visit http://store.heartscenter.org or find our new products at http://store.heartscenter.org/newprods.aspx.