All shades of colour have their own vibrations and we react the them in different ways dependant upon how we are feeling, our state of mind and physical health. Illness can severely affect these vibrations, we know that when we see people who are unwell, they looked drained of ‘colour’.

Children and people who have sight challenges have different reactions to colour than everyone else. They pick up the vibrations of colour through the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Red has the highest frequency rate and is the first colour children see.

The rods and curves at the back our retinas help us to perceive colour, people who are colour blind have rods and curves that are not working correctly. As we age our perceptions of colour change.

The Basics of Colour

Hue

Represents the quality by which we are able to tell one colour family from another, as in the hues of the colour wheel. Hue is also the name of a colour or colour family and gives a colour its distinctive, recognisable quality. Technically, differences in hue are attributable to differences in the wavelength of light waves, which allow us to see different colours.

Value

Is the lightness of a colour. It is the quality by which we can tell the difference between a light colour and dark one. To increase the value of a colour, it is lightened, or tinted, by adding more and more white to it. To decrease the value of a colour, it is darkened, or shaded, by adding more and more black to it. White has the highest value and is always at the high end of the value scale. Black has the lowest value and lies at the low end of the value scale.

Intensity

Also known as chroma, it is the saturation or strength of a colour. It is the quality by which we can tell a strong colour from a weak one. In a colour intensity scale, the less intense or weaker samples will approach grey, while the more intense, or stronger samples will approach a pure, jewel-like colour.

Psychology and Healing

Different colours have long symbolised different objects or emotions. At the same time, studies have shown that colours have different psychological effects on people. Whatever the occasion, you may wish to wear a certain colour or colour combination in order to create the desired impact.

Red – The Base Chakra – Bottom of the Spine, Foundations, Grounding, Element Earth

Symbolises fire and blood, and stands for excitement and physical strength. It has a great deal of energy and intensity, and can also create a very romantic, passionate or dramatic mood. It can appear aggressive and should be used appropriately as it could create the wrong impression. If worn in business, keep it small – a tie for a man, preferably below the waist for a woman, a red jacket could be perceived as too much, but is entirely dependant upon the situation and the audience, just be aware of the potential reactions to this colour

Pink and Peach

Are delicate, feminine, compassionate and calming. They project less energy than red. They can be worn by men exceptionally well, especially when contrasted with deeper colours, a pink tie worn with a charcoal suit for example. A peach shirt with stone chinos at the weekend.

Orange – The Second Chakra – Sacral, just below the belly button, Element Water

Stands for fire and sunlight. Orange is like red, but toned down in intensity. It can reflect friendliness and liveliness. It is a ‘happy’ colour and loved by children, hence it is used extensively in children’s toys, clothes, games etc.

Yellow – The Third Chakra - Solar Plexus, between bottom of chest and top of belly button, Element Fire

Yellow is the colour of sunshine. It represents radiance, warmth and receptivity and brings out an approachable and cheerful outlook.

Green – The Fourth Chakra- The Heart, Element Air

Green induces a feeling of stability, balance, naturalness and tranquillity. When used near your face, green can also create tension and drama.

Blue – The Fifth Chakra- The Throat, Element Space/Ether

Blue represents the sky and water. The light blues are calming, while the dark blues such as navy, give off a feeling of power and authority. Navy is one of the most versatile neutrals. Blue is a great colour to wear for communication.

Purple – The Sixth Chakra – The Third Eye, middle of the forehead, Element Light

Purple stands for the mystical, sensitivity, uniqueness and artistry. In ancient times, it suggested wealth and royalty because as a dye, it was rare and expensive to produce. It is still used today in the highest echelons of Royalty, The Law, The Church

Brown

Is associated with the ground, dirt and earth. It creates a feeling of comfort, sincerity and casualness.

Black

Stands for the night, power, mystery and dignity. It has been one of the most well used fashion colours.

Grey

Is a neutral that is not based on any hue. It is a mixture of black and white. It represents peace, calmness, reliability and conservatism. Dark grey signifies power and authority.

White – The Seventh Chakra – The Crown

White is symbolic of light. It stands for purity, cleanliness, innocence and goodness

So, be aware of the different message you may be giving by the shades of colour that you chose to wear. If you are feeling depressed or low, red is a fantastic colour to wear as it will give you an instant energy lift, but be aware too of the potential reaction from others’. Orange will also lift your spirits and make you feel upbeat and happy, bright pink will do the same for those of you who cannot carry orange well. If you are in a position where you need to communicate clearly, then any shade of blue, especially if worn on the top half of the body, will help enormously.

Experiment with different colours and your mood and discover for yourself just how powerful colour is, it’s a lot more than what colour lipstick you can wear!

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