Blue

Blue is helpful in cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting. It healing properties include cooling of inflammations, fever, high blood pressure, stops bleeding, relieves headaches, calms strong emotions like anger, aggression or hysteria, brings tranquility, anti-itching and anti-stress. Linked to the throat chakra (Vishuddha) blue influences expression and communication, through speech.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Preference for blue displays a cool and soothing personality and is associated with a dreamy or magical nature. People that keep a certain distance, but give calm and practical help, are faithful and loyal, have a sense for order, logic and rational thinking tend to choose this color. Dark blue is more severe and can be melancholic. Blue is also the color of truth.

Hate it- A person who dislikes blue, may be very disciplined, strong career worker, with an aversion of commentary or restriction. He may have charted out a clear direction for his life and wants to follow that to the ‘T’ .

Violet/Purple

Purple is a sensitive, intuitive and spiritual color. It enhances receptivity and introspection of mind. They promote divine growth, awareness and expands divine understanding. It is good for mental and nervous problems. Violet is said to calm melancholy, hysteria, delusions and alcohol addiction and bring spiritual insights and renewal. It can even be used to slow down an over-active heart.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Soft, sensitive people with tend to have an affinity to purple. The shades represent meditation, contemplation, mysticism, spirituality and religion power. People associated with the color are deeply mysterious, religious and reserved.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion for violet / purple may have very serious attitude towards life and may find it difficult to give dreams, fantasies, vague fears or memories a place in it. They may have tendency to reject everything he regards as unnatural or unrealistic.

Brown

Brown is the color of basic security and stability. It’s what keeps us rooted to the ground. It prevents fear and stress and tunes you in to nature. Brown also projects a mood of despair and despondency but most of all, loss.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Brown is an earthly color for practical people with a preference for nature, tribal and primitive things with solidity and simplicity. Brown can be warm and cozy but also depressing. Brown is the color of stable people and loyal friends.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to brown may feel an aversion against normal, boring, trivial life; may not feel connected with his roots (home-land, family, etc); may experience instability in health and attitude.

White

White is the perfect color for it is a combination of all colors, in perfect balance and harmony. It is the color of the awakened Spirit, the light of perfection, all that is pure, the light of the Cosmic Consciousness, the Divine Light. White light raises the vibration of one’s consciousness and the body, bringing harmony in all aspects of one’s life.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- White signifies innocence, purity, virginity, cleanliness, freshness, simplicity, nothingness, oneness and completion, truth. In certain cultures though white is the color of death and mourning.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to white color is foremost or solely interested in ‘realistic’ and tangible things, not in illusions or things that are beyond seeing or understanding. They tend to know and accepts the own imperfection and do not wish to achieve perfection.

Black

Just as white as always symbolizes the positive, black has always accentuated the negative, reflecting an unhappy state of mind, sorrow or ill omen.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Preference for black symbolizes seriousness, darkness, depression, death, mourning, mystery, secrecy, occultism, a standing apart from or revolting against triviality, provocation, underground, underworld, things that have to remain hidden, nothingness as the great source of all creation, the need to keep your energy with you. Black is a color for extremes, everything and nothing. People who foremost trust themselves associate themselves with this strong color.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to black may have fear for the unknown, or fear for the abuse of power. Desires to become free from all kinds of dependency, blockages, hindrances; to throw off shackles.

References: http://www.deeptrancenow.com,
http://health.learninginfo.org/chromotherapy.htm
http://altered-states.net/barry/newsletter178/index.htm

ALL the clothes featured in this article are available at YogacaraShop.com- An online store for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

In our last post we saw how color plays a part in setting up a particular mood or state of mind and can be used to heal physical and mental ailments. Just as the proportions of the colors within sunlight that changes according to the season can cause our body to function differently and influence our moods (For eg- in summer we are full of energy and life and very active, while in the winter months we feel sluggish, depressed and inactive) we can purposely manipulate our body into receiving a balance of this light by wearing different colors and introducing them more in our day to day life through our surroundings. Here’s a look at the different colors and how they can affect us and help stimulate our chakras for an all round balance.

A preference or aversion to certain colors can also say a lot about your personality and temperament, so see what your hues are saying about you…

Red

Wearing red increases physical energy and can be used if you are feeling tired. Red said to correspond at the same frequency of the Root chakra (Muladhara) located at the base of the spine, linked to the functioning of the adrenal glands which releases adrenalin. Red therefore brings warmth, high energy, vitality, power and stimulation which is good to battle fatigue, colds, chilly and passive people. It is also said to increase sexual desire and activity and stimulate ovulation and menstruation.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Red strengthens one’s ability to be more courageous in life. People who prefer red are known to be passionate lovers, high energy, impulsive, action- oriented, assertive and sometimes aggressive. They don’t lack courage, strength and power, adventure or danger in their lives. They are temperamental and ambitious people with a need for personal freedom who aren’t afraid to take risks.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to red may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and egocentric, or have difficulties with people with such characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply hidden fears and rejection of his own assertiveness.

Orange

Yet another energy color, bearing a lot of healing properties. It’s warm nurturing, non-constricting, cheerful and comforting. Linked to the Sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) near the lower abdomen, it affects and stimulates the lungs, the respiration and digestion. It is said to be able to increases the activity of the thyroid, relieve muscle cramps and spasms as well as increase the amount of a mothers milk. On other levels, orange is the color of creativity as it stimulates creative thinking, enthusiasm and helps assimilate new ideas.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- People who prefer orange tend to be warm, comforting, dynamic and sociable people. It is also associated with independent people who dedicate themselves to whatever they do.

Hate it- person who has an aversion to orange may have suppressed sexual feelings or other difficulties with sensual enjoyment of life. The attitude can also be over-sensual, indulgent, or too materialistic.

Yellow

Yellow is said to be mentally stimulating. It strengthens the nervous system and the mind. Helps cure nervous disorders or nerve related ailments. Yellow can also be used for conditions of the stomach, liver, and intestines as it is associated with the Solar Plexis Chakra (Manipura) located in the stomach area. It is also good for balancing an overly active mind.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- Yellow is the color of cheerful, vibrant, curious and progressive personalities. People who like yellow usually have a tendency for writing and speaking.they love contact through traveling and communication, learning and practical knowledge.
Hate it- Aversion to yellow indicate persons who may be emotionally disappointed and bitter. They may have a tendency to rationalize feelings, or to avoid the depth of life by often changing relationships, many superficial relationships and/or constant changing activities.

Green

Always associated with nature and the earth, green possess a soothing influence upon both mind and body. It helps to relax the mind, emotions and physical body. Green provides balance and stimulates the natural magnetic healing abilities latent in all of Humanity and Animals.The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used green as the primary color of healing and can be used for just about any condition in need of healing. Linked with the heart chakra, green affects blood pressure and all conditions of the heart.

What the hue says about you-
Love it- A preference for green shows peace, rest, hope, comfort and nurturing, calmness and harmony. People who associate themselves with green often show a keen interest in nature, plants, fellowmen, children and animals, health and healing, natural and plain life. They tend to longing for a safe home and family-life and dislike conflicts.

Hate it- A person who has an aversion to green may be more interested in independence and self-development than in a warm family-life. They may prefer to keep a certain distance in relationships.

Continued in- The Healing Properties Of Colors And What They Say About You -2

References: http://www.deeptrancenow.com,
http://health.learninginfo.org/chromotherapy.htm
http://altered-states.net/barry/newsletter178/index.htm

ALL the clothes featured in this article are available at YogacaraShop.com-an online store – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

As we’ve seen in previous posts (Read: All About Colors And What They Say About You), colors are a huge part of our everyday life in almost everything we do and have a profound and undeniable impact on our lives. They reflect  our mood and evoke different feelings. They say a lot about our personalities. Cheery colors like bright yellow reflect optimism and joyfulness, icy blues associated with water evoke a refreshing cool feel even if the weather is hot and orange represents energy & warmth but also shows playfulness.

Take a look at the latest information on Colors of the Season:

BOLD Yellow
Yes, the color of Sunshine, Sunflowers and Summer this year is non other than Yellow. This bold shade has recently been in the limelight as a popular red carpet choice of young celebrities. The lovely sunny spring weather calls for a splash of the vibrant lemony yellow on dresses, jackets and skirts.

Bleached Neutrals
As temperatures are on the rise sun-bleached shades like corals, champagne, tuscany and most commonly nude are creating a delicate palette to beat the heat. These bleached pastels provide the much needed soothing tones and are perfect for intimates, loungewear, fitness wear such as yoga, as well as for glamorous evening wear as seen across runways and red carpet events.

Icy Blues
Summer conjures up images of the ocean and it’s tropical turquoise color. Shades of blue with that icy cool feel will be very appealing these summery days as they evoke a feeling of escape.

Dry Earth
With nature and the environment under the spotlight, eco-friendly Earthy tones ranging from dark humus to dark bark, stone beige to puddle browns. You’ll see these shades teamed with a lot of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk.

Effervescent Brights
Bold, bright and daring best describes these shades that’ll complete the perfect summer look. Colors like candy orange, magenta, electric blue, eye-popping purple are up-beat tropical all the way. Bright colored dresses, accent pieces and accessories are Red Hot this season!

White
The classic summer color or non-color is back! Short flirty dresses in white are chic, fashionable and bound to keep you cool this as the temperature rises.

This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable  Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com

References:
Spring 2010 Color and fabric forecast retrieved from
Fashionsnoops: http://www.fashionsnoops.com/
Stylesight: http://www.stylesight.com/
PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2010: http://www.pantone.com/spring2010

Nature’s gift to us ‘Light’, brings with it a whole spectrum of what we call Colors/Colours. A huge part of our everyday life in almost everything we do, colors have a profound and undeniable impact on our lives and say a lot about our personalities. Each color symbolizes different things and invokes different emotions. We are drawn to certain colors for a reason, from clothing choices, colors in our homes right down to the foods we eat. Colors reflect our inner attitudes and emotional states. Knowing more about each color and understanding their effects can help us truly benefit from making colors a way of life and not just a ‘feel-good’ preference.

The Symbolism & Effects of Colors
The Symbolism of Colors comes from its use as a symbol or to representation of something as observed across time. The Symbolism of Colors differs in different cultures around the World. Here’s a quick look at the most common representations & symbolism of the basic colors-

Blue

Symbolism of Blue
A hot favorite of a lot of people, Blue is a non-threatening and confident color. Seen as a color of confidence, it represents stability, loyalty and trust-worthiness among other traits like security, wisdom and dependability. Hence Blue is the predominant color chosen for police officer uniforms and business attire.

*Blue is the color of the throat chakra

Effects of Blue
Blue is the dominant color of natures elements – the sky and water. It is perceived with a cooling and calming effect. Darker shades like Navy blue and Royal blue are said to convey richness and even superiority, while lighter shades have soothing undertones with a  serene or sedate effect. Bright electric shades of blue are dynamic and express exhilaration.

Green

Symbolism of Green
Nature is the most representative of this color, which is why Green is the fore running color in any eco-friendly movement. Regarded the color of eternal life, green also symbolizes good luck, peace, vitality, fertility and wealth (which explains the choice of green for currency). Its extremes symbolize envy (“green with envy”), jealousy, disgrace (in China) and greed.

* Green is the color of the heart chakra

Effects of Green
Due to it’s association with nature, green has a calming effect and is the color of rebirth and renewal. Lighter shades like lime with undertones of yellow have a tranquil and refreshing effect. Green being the color of Peace denotes balance, harmony, and stability.

Red

Symbolism of Red
This intense color has many associations across various cultures. Symbolizing danger, intensity, love and passion, it’s a bold color with strong meanings. As the color of blood and fire, red symbolizes war, heat, bravery, strength and aggression. Red, also, typically conjures up symbols representing love, sex and romance. In some cultures like in China red denotes purity, joy, prosperity and celebration.

* Red is the color of the base or root chakra

Effects of Red
Recognized as a stimulant, Red evokes strong emotions such as excitement, strength, danger, passion, and aggression. This attention seeking color is often more effective in smaller doses than than all out red. Deeper shades like maroon, burgundy, ruby, blood red have more subtle effects as compared to crimson, scarlet, tomato and flame red.

Purple/Violet

Symbolism of Purple/ Violet
Purple is the color of royalty. Highly symbolic of spirituality, purple is used a lot in religious ceremonies and by priests and leaders. Embodying the opposite colors red and blue, purple represents a middle ground or balance of the two contrasting colors. In some cultures however, it represents mourning.

* Violet is the color of the crown chakra

Effects of Purple/Violet
This color is uplifting and encourages creativity and spirituality. Deeper shades like plum, mauve, wine, eggplant associated with royalty, sensuality, and enlightenment. While lighter shades with a blue undertone like violet, orchid, lavender and lilac are more romantic, feminine and delicate.

Orange

Symbolism of Orange
Another attention seeking color like it’s relative Red, Orange represents energy, happiness, balance, warmth and enthusiasm. Not considered a serious color orange symbolizes playfulness and sparks a lot of controversy.

* Orange is the color of the sacral chakra

Effects of Orange
Less intense than red with the cheerfulness of yellow, orange is an energizing color. It is a vibrant color which stimulates a variety of emotions like kinship, warmth and a sociable attitude. Its also stimulates the appetite.

Yellow

Symbolism of Yellow
The symbol of sunlight and optimism, yellow shines with cheerfulness, joy, hope and intelligence. The color of gold, yellow is a sign of wealth. On the flip side however, it represents hazards and deceit.

* Yellow is the color of the solar plexus chakra

Effects of Yellow
This very visible color draws a lot of attention. It denotes happiness and is quite perky. It helps create excitement and also instills hope. It make one feel youthful.

Also Read:

Heal Yourself Through Color

* Photo credits: photos by lemuelinchrist, Furryscaly, www.butkaj.com, Dennis Wong, niseag03, FotoosVanRobin, Seamus Murray on flickr