| Feeling blue. Seeing red. A silver lining. | | | | |
| All of these phrases came about because of | | | | Uses: calm nerves, increase compassion, |
| the meanings that can be attributed to | | | | restore mental and emotional balance |
| colors. Maybe you've always wondered why | | | | |
| certain colors appeal to you or often find | | | | Green falls basically in the middle of the |
| their way into your artwork. As someone that | | | | color spectrum making balance its chief |
| creates mandalas for both art as well as | | | | interpretation. Feng shui experts taut the |
| therapy, I have found that taking the time to | | | | healing and restorative powers of the color |
| analyze my color choices has provided me with | | | | green, often using different shades to |
| great insight on where I stand both mentally | | | | maximize its healing effects. |
| and spiritually. | | | | |
| | | | BLUE Meanings: truth, depth, loyalty, |
| Below is a quick reference guide you can use | | | | serenity, empathy |
| to gather more awareness from your own | | | | |
| artwork or mandala designs. Each color | | | | Uses: soothe, cleanse, induce calm and |
| discussed has a list of 'meanings' that you | | | | peaceful feelings |
| can pull from when trying to interpret your | | | | |
| work along with a list of 'uses' that may | | | | Artists and poets (and other sensitive |
| help you choose colors for healing or as a | | | | individuals) are drawn to this color. |
| form art therapy. While this list is far from | | | | Interior designers use blue in designing |
| exhaustive, it does tap into the core | | | | bedrooms because of its peaceful qualities. |
| properties. If you want a more thorough | | | | Dark blue is often used in uniforms because |
| explanation of color, I suggest you take a | | | | of the qualities of truth and respect the |
| look at The Color Answer Book by Leatrice | | | | color induces. |
| Eiesman. | | | | |
| | | | PURPLE Meanings: spirituality, royalty, |
| RED Meanings: energy, passion, power, desire, | | | | originality, imagination, mystery |
| intensity, anger | | | | |
| | | | Uses: meditation, inspiration, psychic |
| Uses: combat depression, increase appetite, | | | | healing, connection with higher power |
| attract attention, increase energy, achieve | | | | |
| goals | | | | Purple is associated with the crown chakra; |
| | | | the one that links us to the infinite |
| In terms of energy, a person with a red aura | | | | consciousness, The Universe, and/or God. Not |
| (like most teenagers) are often found to be | | | | surprisingly, purple has a long history of |
| impulsive, stimulating, freedom seeking | | | | use in a variety of religious ceremonies from |
| individuals. Red is used in fast food | | | | the Christianity to Hinduism. |
| restaurants to make patrons eat quickly and | | | | |
| to increase their appetites. | | | | WHITE Meanings: reverence, purity, |
| | | | innocence, simplicity, cleanliness |
| ORANGE Meanings: creativity, confidence, | | | | |
| increased intuition, pleasure, adventure | | | | Uses: purify the body and mind |
| | | | |
| Uses: increase creativity and inner | | | | The significance of white in a dream is |
| dialogue, boost metabolism, elevate mood | | | | believed to be its representation of a hope |
| | | | fulfilled or the attainment of spiritual |
| As another warm color, orange also has some | | | | enlightenment. White is a yin or healing |
| intensity and energy in its meaning. Color | | | | color used in Eastern cultures to induce |
| therapists use orange to open up a persons | | | | calm. |
| mind, allowing creative ideas to flow freely. | | | | |
| | | | BLACK Meanings: elegance, power, strength, |
| YELLOW Meanings: cheerful, bright, optimism, | | | | achievement |
| warm, open, innovative | | | | |
| | | | Uses: internal strength, power in career, |
| Uses: increase mental clarity, release of | | | | self control |
| problems, promote enjoyment | | | | |
| | | | In the fashion industry, black equates to |
| Not surprisingly, individuals with yellow | | | | wealth and sophistication i.e. tuxedos, |
| auras are known for their sunny dispositions. | | | | limousines, the little black dress, etc. The |
| Yellow crystals are often used sharpen | | | | color is also used to portray authority, i.e. |
| memory and increase decision making skills. | | | | judge's robes, priest's attire, and a black |
| | | | belt in martial arts, but too much black can |
| GREEN Meanings: harmony, balance, growth, | | | | be oppressive. |
| tradition, focus, jealousy | | | | |