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Symbolic Colour Meanings (collated from several Internet web sites)



Red: Think fire and blood - Red rushes to us with messages of passion, primal urges, action, pleasure,
vibrancy, radiance, and love.
Red is affiliated with the planet: Mars
Its zodiac sign is: Aries
Red is associated with the number: One
Employ the colour red for: Energy booster, protection, enhances libido
Red's mantra is: "I am ignited"

On the psycho-spiritual level, this chakra relates to self awareness. That is to say our awareness of
ourselves as human beings and our place on earth. It is the area of survival and relates to our basic
human instincts of fight or flight. Red gives us courage and strength. The colour relates to stability
and security.

Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Red
positive aspects of this colour

negative aspects of this colour
Courageous Fearful
Pioneering spirit Fear of progress
Leadership qualities Ruthless
Strong willed Brutal/ Aggressive
Confident Domineering
Energetic Resentful
Determined Self pitying
Spontaneous
Obstinate
Quick tempered


+ Red. Represents "Force of Will" and is ex-centric, active, offensive, aggressive, autonomous, locomotor,
competitive, and operative. Its affective aspects are desire, excitability, domination, and sexuality.
++ Red has more personal associations than any other colour. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting
and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of
red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.

How the colour red affects us mentally and physically
* Increases enthusiasm
* Stimulates energy
* Encourages action and confidence
* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety



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Orange: A nice subdued blend between the aggressive red and the high-pitch of yellow - Orange is about
harmony, aspiration, sociability, contentment, and intelligence
Orange is affiliated with the planet: Mercury
Its zodiac sign is: Gemini
Orange is associated with the numbers: Two and Four
Employ the colour orange for: Aid in decision making, enhancing cheer, confidence and assurance
Orange's mantra is: "I am satisfied"

On the psycho-spiritual level, this chakra relates to self respect. That is to say having the ability to give
ourselves the freedom to be ourselves and to respect our own boundaries and requirements and, by the same
token, having respect for the boundaries of others. Orange is the colour of creativity and we should give
ourselves the space to have creative time just for us.
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Orange
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
Joyous Despondency
Self-confident Pride
Enthusiastic Exhibitionism
Independent Dependency
Sociable Destructive attitudes
Constructive Unsociable
Creative Difficulty interacting with others



+ + Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or
negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger love it or hate it response than other
colours. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as
terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.

How the colour orange affects us mentally and physically
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization


Yellow: Worshipped in the form of the sun - Yellow is all about radiating creativity, protection, intellect,
positivity and clarity.
Yellow is affiliated with the luminary: Sun
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Its zodiac sign is: Leo
Yellow is associated with the numbers: One and Three
Employ the colour yellow for: Helping inner vision, enhancing confidence and communication
Yellow's mantra is: "I am centred"

On the psycho-spiritual level, yellow 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 and of self
confidence.
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Yellow
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
broad minded vindictive
good humoured looks for flattery
confident feelings of inferiority
wise over analytical
logical pessimistic
positive and good humoured cowardly
intellectual devious
+ Yellow. Represents "Spontaneity" and is ex-centric, active, projective, heteronomous, expansive, aspiring, and
investigatory. Its affective aspects are variability, expectancy, originality, and exhilaration.
++ Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a
positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colours and instil optimism and energy, as well as spark
creative thoughts.

How the colour yellow affects us mentally and physically
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
* Encourages communication




Green: The fresh start of spring brings waves of Green and with it comes attributes of youth, sentimentality,
nature, adventure, growth and health.
Green is affiliated with the planet: Venus and Earth
Its zodiac signs are: Libra and Taurus
Green is associated with the numbers: Four and Six
Employ the colour green for: Promoting compassion and overall physical health
Green's mantra is: "I am accepted"
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This chakra relates to love / self love. That is to say the ability to give and take unconditionally. When
balanced we are able to give this love and also to love and nurture ourselves, warts and all.
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Green
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
generous unscrupulous with money
sympathetic indifferent
compassionate jealous
understanding miserly
harmonious hangs on to possessions
adaptable lack of consideration
practical
love of children, animals and nature


+ Green. Represents "Elasticity of Will" and is concentric, passive, defensive, autonomous, retentive,
possessive, and immutable. Its affective aspects are persistence, self-assertion, obstinacy, and self-esteem.
++ Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a
favourite colour. Green is the pervasive colour in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design
because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.

The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and
warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the colour of peace and ecology. However, there is an
institutional side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions
as do the slimy or bilious greens.

How the colour green affects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony



Blue: Look to the sky for the meanings of Blue - open spaces, freedom, imagination, expansiveness,
inspiration, and sensitivity.
Blue is affiliated with the planet: Jupiter
Its zodiac sign is: Sagittarius
Blue is associated with the number: Five
Employ the colour blue for: Healing the sense organs, aiding in balance and self-expression
Blue's mantra is: "I am expansive"
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Blue relates to self expression. Speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and
requirements. Spirit of truth and purpose.
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Blue
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
loyal unfaithful
tactful untrustworthy
trustworthy self-righteous
peaceful cold
+ Blue. Represents "Depth of Feeling" and is concentric, passive, incorporative, heteronomous, sensitive,
perceptive, and unifying. Its affective aspects are tranquillity, contentment, tenderness, and love and affection.
++ Blue is the overwhelming favourite colour. Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The colour
of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.

As the collective colour of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming;
however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging
colour that expresses exhilaration.

Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least gender specific colour,
having equal appeal to both men and women.

How the colour blue affects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition



Indigo: Similar to the attributes of blue, but Indigo's energy runs very deep - consider the unknown depths
of the sea along with emotion, strength, fluidity, persuasiveness, expressiveness, and pervasiveness.

Indigo is affiliated with the planets: Saturn and Neptune
Its zodiac signs are: Capricorn and Pisces
Indigo is associated with the number: Five and Seven
Employ the colour indigo for: Invoking clarity of purpose, aiding in spiritual healing
Indigo's mantra is: "I am deep"

Indigo relates to self responsibility, that is to say, being responsible for one's own life; responsibility to
oneself to follow the soul's path and needs and trusting one's own intuition. The ability to see things from a
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'higher' viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one's material comfort. Intuitive messages
are unique to you and are for your own personal
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Indigo
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
Highly intuitive Separateness
Faithful Fearful
Sense of unity Intolerant
Fearless Impractical
Devotion to duty Judgmental
Articulate Inconsiderate
Practical idealists Depressed easily


Violet: The hue of fragile flowers and sleepy sunsets, Violet reminds us of spirituality, communion,
grandeur, high-ideals, devotion, and peace
Violet is affiliated with the planet and luminary: Uranus and Moon
Its zodiac signs are: Aquarius and Cancer
Violet is associated with the number: Seven and Twelve
Employ the colour violet for: Enhancing nurturing qualities, balancing sensitivity
Violet's mantra is: "I am revolutionary"

Violet relates to self knowledge/ spiritual awareness. It is the union with your higher self, with spirituality,
and your higher consciousness.
Violet is the highest colour in the visible spectrum. This colour is known as one of the "cool" colours. It has
a very calming effect on us and is, therefore, very helpful for those people experiencing sleep difficulties or
stress. However, it can be contra-indicated for those suffering from depressive disorders.
Some Positive and negative aspects of the colour Violet
positive aspects of this colour negative aspects of this colour
Reverence for all life Feelings of superiority
Outstanding in their chosen job Flaunt power
Great mental powers
Morbid interest in black magic or Spiritual
awareness mysticism
Humanitarians No concern for others
Pure idealists Fanatics
Self sacrificing Lack of contact with reality
Kind and just


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+ Violet. Mixture of red and blue, and therefore has properties of both. Represents "Identification" and looks
for reality in everything thought and desired. Violet is enchantment and wants a magical relationship.
++ Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness
unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A
sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a colour often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the
favourite colour of adolescent girls.

How the colour purple affects us mentally and physically
* Uplifting
* Calming to mind and nerves
* Offers a sense of spirituality
* Encourages creativity





Black: Black is required for all other colours to have depth and variation of hue - it's a forceful feature and
represents formality, dignity, force, convention, stability, and zero-tolerance.

Black is affiliated with the planets: Saturn and Pluto
Its zodiac signs are: Capricorn and Scorpio
Black is associated with the numbers: Zero and Eight
Employ the colour black for: Promoting stability and protection, healing misunderstandings
Black's mantra is: "I am endless"
+ Black. Expresses the idea of nothingness, as it is the negation of colour itself. It represents renunciation, the
ultimate surrender of relinquishment.
++ Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A
classic colour for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated.

How the colour black affects us physically and mentally
* feeling inconspicuous
* a restful emptiness
* mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.


White: Contemplate the brilliance of a new white snow and how it pulls a blanket of peace over everything
it touches - White stands for peace, cleansing, illumination, purity, innocence and the highest understanding.
White is affiliated with the planets: Mercury and Moon
Its zodiac sign is: Virgo
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White is associated with the numbers: One and Six
Employ the colour white for: Cleansing, establishing order, illumination and clarity
White's mantra is: "I am illumined"
+ White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white
gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

++ How the colour white affects us mentally and physically
* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings
From Wikipedia: Specific colour meaning
Different colours are perceived to mean different things. For example, tones of red lead to feelings of
excitement while blue tones are often associated with feelings of relaxation. Both of these emotions are
pleasant, so therefore, the colours themselves procure positive feelings in advertisements. The chart below
gives perceived meanings of different colours in the United States.
Functional (F): fulfils a need or solves a problem
Sensory-Social (S): conveys attitudes, status, or social approval
Red Yellow Green Blue Pink Violet/Purple Brown Black White
Lust (S) Jealousy (S)
Good
Taste
(F)
Masculine
(S)
Sophistication
(S)
Authority (S)
Ruggedness
(S)
Grief (S)
Happiness
(S)
Negative
Issues (F)
Competence
(S)
Envy
(S)
Competence
(S)
Sincerity (S)
Sophistication
(S)

Sophistication
(S)
Sincerity
(S)
Excitement
(S)
Happiness
(S)

High quality
(F)

Power (S)

Expensive (F) Purity (S)
Love (S)

Corporate(F)

Fear (S)

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