Spheres of Colour

This article first appeared in the 2006 edition of Wellspring Astrolog.

The vast array of colours that are visible to the naked eye are in truth vibrations of light which resonate at different frequencies and which come to us direct from the Sun, the source of all light. Colours are both energetic and beautiful and each specific colour contains certain qualities or characteristics that influence our feelings and behaviour, in much the same way that the planets are synchronous with our underlying psychology and represent specific archetypes or energies.

 

Each colour has unique properties that affect our moods and emotions, our thoughts and feelings. A journey through the spectrum of colour takes us towards an understanding of universal principles and of ourselves. Each colour resonates with an intrinsic vibration that can be interpreted according to its individual symbolism. Understanding the psychology of individual colours brings a heightened awareness of specific archetypes that the planets and signs also share.

 

Colours have long been used in healing, too. Throughout history, colours have been used to address emotional imbalances, physical conditions and mental disturbances. Dr Max Luscher, a Swiss psychologist spent many years studying the psychology of colour and developed the Luscher Colour Test, which is used to accurately diagnose one’s mental and emotional state, based solely on one’s preference for specific colours and the relationship between the chosen colours. So accurate is this test, that is can pinpoint the exact nature of many serious emotional, mental and even physical problems in just a few minutes.

In the Luscher Color Test, a person is asked to choose colours in the order of preference, not based on one’s favourite colour, but on how one feels about each colour, or how effectively one is drawn to each colour at that moment. These choices will reflect the person’s state of mind. This test should not be used as a game, for correctly interpreted, the test will pinpoint a variety of psychic disturbances which may require careful handling by a therapist who knows how to deal with these problems.

 

Some colours reflect light, so that it appears that the colour is advancing towards us, while other colours absorb light and appear to recede away from us, drawing us toward them. The light giving colours are those with ‘yang’ qualities, mainly the reds and yellows, while those that absorb light and recede from us are the blues and purple tones. Green lies somewhere in between.

Specific colours resonate and correspond with planetary archetypes. The ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras understood the connection that exists between music, colour and the planets and taught the art or harmony.  The seven known planets of ancient times correspond to the musical octave of seven notes to the and the seven colours of the spectrum.

As well as Pythagoras, there have been numerous attempts through the ages by a host of philosophers from Plato to H.P Blavatsky, to align the colours of the spectrum with the planets, resulting in a variety of theories and models.

 

COLOUR	MUSICAL NOTE	PLANET
RED	DO	MARS
ORANGE	RE	SUN
YELLOW	MI	MERCURY
GREEN	FA	VENUS
BLUE	SO	JUPITER
INDIGO	LA	SATURN
VIOLET	TI	MOON

Table: Assigning planets to colours – just one of many different theories

By thinking of the planets as having a specific coloured ‘aura’ we can further enhance our understanding of the inherent nature of each of the planetary archetypes.

 

The signs of the zodiac have likewise been associated with the colours of the spectrum, notably by aligning them by the order of their appearance. This attempt to match the signs of the zodiac with the spectrum, results in a less than ideal model, where in some cases the meanings correspond, (for example Red = Aries), but this model also forces us to adopt associations that do not actually exist, (such as Cancer relating to Orange-Yellow) rather than evaluating the underlying symbolism. In order to make the zodiac fit with this colour-wheel of the spectrum; this model has also omitted the colour indigo.

Rather than trying to squeeze one model to fit another, perhaps a better approach is to link the planets and signs of the zodiac with their corresponding colours by investigating their symbolic similarities. In this way we can uncover the fundamental associations that resonate between them. This approach also means we are not limited to just the colours of the spectrum and we can also include the outer planets.

 

Red- Mars, Pluto, Aries, Scorpio, and The Full Moon

Red is the most intense of all colours. It symbolises passion, heat, warmth, love, wealth, aggression, blood, lust, sex, war and power. All these associations are likewise the realms of Mars the ‘red’ planet and of Pluto, the ‘higher octave’ of Mars. Red is a stimulating colour that possesses an abundance of yang qualities, being highly charged with energy, motivation and action. It is the colour of strength and vitality. Red stands out and advances towards us. It is the first colour in the spectrum and is therefore connected to Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, the sign which Mars rules. Red is also connected with the sign Scorpio by virtue of its obvious connection with Pluto imagery and the common themes that link the two, such as intensity, lust and power. Red, Mars and Pluto are associated with the BODY or physical realm, because red is the colour of blood and flesh. It is the colour of life and of death. Red stimulates the body and emotions, quickens the pulse and speeds up the metabolism. In the western tradition, Red is associated with fire element and the Chinese also connect fire with red. They also link red with summer, the south, joy and happiness and also associate red with Mars and wealth. Those who prefer red are dynamic and forceful and want to be in charge of their own destiny. They possess leadership qualities and are very driven to achieve, but too much red can be volatile, aggressive and destructive.

 

Yellow- The Sun, Mercury, Uranus, Gemini, Aquarius, Leo.

Yellow is another primary colour which is also stimulating and yang in its orientation, but yellow is lighter and more airy than Red. Yellow is associated with the thinking function and is concerned with ideas and the future. Yellow is a colour we therefore associate with both Mercury and Uranus. These are the planets which are connected with the mind and are also changeable and forward thinking. Yellow stimulates and enhances ideas and creativity, whilst it is also restless and changeable. The Sun too, by its resonance with gold, also contains yellow vibrations. But yellow has some negative connotations too. Throughout history yellow has also been the colour of disease and the social outcast.  In medieval Europe a yellow cross was painted on any house where the plague had visited. Yellow is associated with the MIND. It is therefore linked to the signs of Gemini and Aquarius. Yellow speeds up the pulse and respiration and enhances quick thinking and in the western tradition represents the air element, whilst the Chinese associate yellow with the earth and with Saturn. Those who prefer yellow are restless and want change. They are full of ideas and are focussed on the future. An over-emphasis of yellow brings a scattered energy, which is constantly changing and lacks stability.

 

Blue – The Moon, Neptune, Jupiter, Cancer, Pisces, Sagittarius.

Blue is a yin or passive colour that draws us nearer. Rather than advancing towards the eye, like Red or Yellow, blue envelopes us and lures us. Blue is associated with feelings, emotions and the SPIRITUAL realm. Blue wants to form relationships and connections and enhances these feelings of belonging. Blue is associated with the Moon and Neptune which are the planets which also seek to form emotional and spiritual bonds. Blue is a calming and relaxing colour that is both soothing and comforting. Blue is associated with the signs of Cancer and Pisces and is also linked with the planet Jupiter by virtue of the blue colour of the sky and Jupiter’s role as the supreme sky god. When an individual is under stress, being exposed to blue tones will reduce blood pressure, pulse rates and brain activity. Blue is associated with water element in both western and eastern tradition. The Chinese associate blue with the north, but link blue with Mercury, rather than the Moon. Those who have a strong preference for blue are often seeking an emotionally fulfilling relationship and spiritual meaning, but too much blue can be very passive and dependent and mean personal drive or ambition are lacking.

 

Green –Venus, Taurus, Virgo, Jupiter.

Green is a mixture of blue and yellow and resonates with the planet Venus. As such it is interesting to note that mythologically Venus/Aphrodite was the product of the mixing of Uranus’s (Yellow) sperm in Neptune’s (Blue) ocean, from which the goddess Aphrodite/Venus emerged. Green is a blending of emotion (blue)  and the intellect (yellow). Green has a host of associations many of which are ambivalent, synonymous with the fact that Green sits in the middle of the spectrum of visible light and is a mixture of vibrant yellow and passive blue. Green is associated with jealousy and envy just as Venus/Aphrodite was a jealous goddess, but both Green and Venus are also connected with fertility and the earth’s bounty. Green is stable and fixed and resists change, like Taurus, but true to its contradictory nature, it also seeks growth. Green also resonates with another earth sign, Virgo, the sign of growth and harvest. The Chinese connect Green with season of spring and the direction East, with the Wood element (trees) and the planet Jupiter, which is also a planet we in the west associate with the concept of growth. Green can be healing and represents renewal, abundance and hope. Those who prefer green want things to stay as they are, want to planet their concepts in fertile ground and are very determined. It brings stamina and purposefulness, but too much green can be over-bearing and inflexible.

 

Gold- The Sun

Gold is associated with the Sun as both have strong links to concepts of luxury and wealth and also with vitality. Gold has a long association with immortality and was used in ritual worship in many cultures. Gold is the colour of the gods themselves. Gold was mined in many ancient cultures for its beauty, innate value and its unique properties, as it does not tarnish or rust, it is also thought to promote longevity. Gold has been used medicinally throughout the ages to treat many diseases including tuberculosis. Gold and the Sun have divine powers and represent the life force itself. The alchemist’s goal was to turn base metals into gold, which symbolised the transformation of the soul into a perfect or whole state. Gold and the Sun are the primary masculine/yang principle. Wearing gold is thought to bring good health and vitality.

Silver- The Moon

Silver is the colour of the Moon. It is reflective, like the Moon and is therefore associated with the feminine/yin principle. Silver, the metal and colour is aligned with purity and the virginal state. Those who like silver show themselves to be caring and responsive to the forming and maintaining of relationships. Wearing silver will enhance these feminine aspects of the psyche. In alchemy, silver relates to the purification of the affections.

 

White - Crescent Moon

White represents purity, chastity and innocence. It is associated with the early lunar phases, such as the Crescent Moon, therefore representing the virginal state and the innate potential of youth. White is the colour of peace and surrender, for example; white doves, white flags and angels. Traditionally in the west, young brides wear white, which symbolises innocence. The Chinese connect White with the Metal element, the West compass point, the season of autumn and the planet Venus. Those who prefer white to the exclusion of all other colours are possibly trying to cleanse themselves and attempting to remain separate or pure and above the base or physical world, which is an ideal that can never be fully realised. Too much white can also be bland and non-committal.

 

Black – Saturn, Pluto, Capricorn, Scorpio, Waning Moon.

Black is the negation of colour and is connected with the planet Saturn. Black is associated with night, death and evil, with grief and sadness and with the Dark Mother, or wise crone whose wisdom comes from age and time (Saturn). Black is therefore associated with the waning moon when the feminine principle has endured the passage of many years. Black Moon time occurs just before the New Moon. The Balsamic Phase of the Moon, when we can see no Moon at all, is a dark time of witches and prophecy. It is said that people who are born during the Balsamic Phase have the gift of foresight and wisdom, are often ahead of their time and only develop to their fullest potential later in life. Black is also associated with sleep, night and the unconscious. Those who prefer black to the exclusion of all other colours are shutting out the light of life and may be suffering from depression. Black is also connected with Pluto and Scorpio by virtue of the connection they share with death and the darkness of the Underworld.

 

Orange- Sun, Jupiter, Sagittarius, Leo

Orange is mostly associated with solar energy. There is nothing negative or ambivalent in the symbolism of Orange, nor of the Sun and its solar radiance. Orange, which is a mixture of red and yellow, contains all the positive energy of both these colours, but has none of the negative associations of either. Orange is the sunniest and most positive of all the colours and it represents happiness and splendour, good luck and good fortune. Those who like orange are optimistic and happy. Jupiter can therefore also be likened to orange but too much orange suggests a tendency to want to have fun all the time and may bring irresponsible behaviour or over-confidence in its wake.

 

Violet- Neptune, Jupiter, Pisces, Sagittarius.

Violet and Purple hues are spiritual colours that are a mix red and blue. These tones are connected to royalty and luxury as well as sacred power. Purple and violet shades are associated with Jupiter and also with Neptune. The mystical and mysterious depths of the psyche are intrinsically associated with these colours, for violet is the last colour in the spectrum and therefore can be interpreted as being wise and sacred. Purple is used in many religious ceremonies and is thought to be symbolic of truth and humility. Violet is glorious and spiritual, regal and humble. Those who prefer these shades are highly imaginative and may prefer to live in a dream world; they are sometimes psychic. Violet is the colour of intuition, mystery and magic, but too much violet and purple can be a sign of delusional thinking. This can be a person who lives in a world of fantasy, being unwilling to face up to reality, or it can mean that the individual has an imbalance in their thyroid function. However, a preference for this colour in children is normal and healthy, since children should have a strong link to the world of the imagination and fantasy.

 

Pink- Venus, Libra, and the Moon when approaching fullness.

Pink is a mixture of Red and White and is therefore associated with these two aspects of the feminine. Pink for girls has become synonymous with the first blossoming of youth, a state between innocence and maturity and therefore represents the transitional period of puberty. Pink can be thought of as having something in common with the sign of Libra, when relationship and peer issues become important. Pink therefore corresponds with some aspects of Venus and other more youthful feminine goddesses, such as Kore. Pink is associated with the blushing virginal bride on the threshold of womanhood and maturity, as she is just about to enter into a mature relationship (Libra). An intense preference for pink indicates someone who wishes to remain in a state of eternal youth and does not want to grow up or take on the responsibilities that come with adulthood. They may have issues from childhood that need to be resolved before they can move into adult life.

 

Grey- Saturn, Capricorn

Grey is a mixture of black and white and is therefore neither yang, nor yin. Grey is completely neutral or bland and can be a sign of depression or ill health, as for example when the skin takes on a grey pallor. Grey is associated with age and with wisdom but also with infirmity and weakness. In western culture grey is generally considered to have a negative interpretation because we do not respect older persons and their intrinsic wisdom as much as in eastern cultures. Nevertheless, a preference for grey clothing and furnishings can mean that the individual is depressed or physically ill and wants to isolate him or herself from the world in order to recuperate.  Because grey is the colour of old age it resonates with the sign Capricorn and Saturn the lord of time.

 

Brown, Saturn, Capricorn, Virgo.

Brown is associated with the earth and in particular with its more barren state. It is indicative of the concept of the wasteland, or barrenness, but it also contains stability and an eternal earthy power and a waiting quality, which holds within it an innate fertility that may return at some future time given the right conditions. Those who prefer brown are often in need of material security, certainty and stability, in particular they seek roots- a home and family. Brown is synonymous with Capricorn and Virgo because of this earthy character.

 

The Moon’s monthly cycle- White Moon, Red Moon and Black Moon

The cycle of the Moon is traditionally associated with the colours white, red and black. The waxing Moon in its early crescent phase is connected with the colour white. This symbolises the youth, freshness and innocence of the feminine as it first emerges. The New Moon holds the promise of all that is possible. White is virginal, pure and childlike. As it waxes towards fullness, the Moon begins to change its face. (see Pink)

The Full Moon is traditionally linked to red, the colour we associate with fullness, the mature woman, pregnancy and ripeness. The red moon is linked to the cycle of menstruation, the time of the month when bleeding most often occurs. It is well-known that the full moon is not a good time to undergo surgery, because of the potential for excessive blood-loss that can happen at the peak of the lunar cycle. The red moon is the mature woman who has reached the height of her powers and is completely fulfilled. Fertility and abundance are the main features of the Red Moon, but so too are passion, desire and sexuality. This is the peak of the lunar cycle.

The black moon is the dark time of the waning cycle, associated with old age, the old witch, or crone, but also with the wisdom that comes from experience. Black is the colour of the Balsamic Moon Phase when no moon at all can be seen and the night is totally dark. This is the realm of the imagination and a time that contains the germinating of seeds for future planting and later harvesting.  The Black Moon is a time of mystery and of prophetic visions of the future.