Color is much more than a design statement: The hues you use in your home have the power to evoke very specific moods, like harmony, creativity, stability, purity, power and more. Learn how to make the right mood-hue connection in your home decor with these tips from Kathleen Cox, author of The Power of Vastu Living.
By reading Hindu mythology, we see that Vedic scholars understood that the sun’s energy created the seven colors in the visible spectrum. In many legends, Lord Surya, the sun god, is portrayed as a charioteer on a chariot that is pulled by seven steeds. Each steed represents a single ray of color in the visible spectrum. The ancient scholars also understood that color has a deep influence on our well-being. The physical associations, along with the emotional and spiritual properties attached to each color, are commonly used to symbolize characteristics ascribed to Hindu deities and aspects of Hindu rituals.
Lord Vishnu, the Hindu deity of preservation, is the color blue. Blue, which is the color of the sky and the oceans, represents the heights and the depths of our physical world. In the metaphysical and spiritual realm, blue represents the infinite, the unending, and the everlasting. Emotionally, blue is cool, calm, reflective.
Yellow became the Vedic color connected to the knowledge of the Truth. Many Hindu deities, such as Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, and Lord Krishna, wear garments that include the color yellow. In the physical world, yellow is equated with the sun, which is the source of all light. In the metaphysical and spiritual world, the light of the sun represents knowledge. The sun’s light banishes the darkness that accompanies ignorance. The sun ultimately speaks of clarity and understanding.
White, which contains all seven colors, also contains all their characteristics and speaks of purity. Consider the sacred nature of the ash in Hinduism, which is often smeared on the forehead as a blessing from the priest at a Hindu temple or at the conclusion of a holy ritual. This blessing is rich with meaning. The fire flickers red, yellow, orange, blue, green—all seven colors dance in the flames. When the fire dies, it goes black and gives up its color. But the fire’s residue is the white ash, which encompasses, once again, the seven colors of the sun’s visible spectrum. So white and the blessing of ash symbolize the everlasting nature of the soul—its purity and its never-ending connection to the divine.
PROPERTIES OF EACH COLOR
RED
In Hinduism, red is auspicious and represents the spiritual power that overcomes evil. Red motivates us, increases our vitality, and makes us passionate. It gives us power and courage that strengthens our conviction, confidence, and strong will. Red reinforces loyalty.
ORANGE
In Hinduism, orange or saffron represents the sacred fire that burns away impurities and signifies the quest for spiritual enlightenment. Swamis and others who choose a spiritual life commonly wear this color. Orange increases our sensitivity, generosity, and compassion. It builds up our energy and our zest for life.
YELLOW
In Hinduism, yellow represents the spiritual light that illuminates the Truth. Yellow stimulates our mind and intellect so that we acquire wisdom and clarity, which increases our inner strength and self-esteem. Yellow also increases our creativity and curiosity.
GREEN
In Hinduism, rituals include green leaves from sacred plants to express the importance of nature. Green creates harmony, balance, and feelings of inner calm. Identified with nature, green has healing properties, which are therapeutic and stimulate our growth. Green is associated with renewal.
BLUE
In Hinduism, blue represents the imperishable nature of the soul and the infinite presence of the Supreme Creative Force. Blue represents the cool side of nature, which we associate with the water and the sky. It inspires harmony, serenity, and calms down our emotions. It quiets our mind so that we can think clearly. It promotes integrity, trust, and faith.
INDIGO
In Hinduism, indigo is frequently used in mandalas, which are visual aids to meditation. Indigo strengthens our intuition and imagination. It helps us turn inward so that we can understand the true nature of our soul and our connection to all existence. Indigo creates an inner balance that is stabilizing and reinforcing.
VIOLET
In Hinduism, violet is also commonly used in mandalas. Violet inspires self-respect and enhances our creativity and inspiration. More spiritually potent than indigo, violet intensifies the experience of meditation. It provides us with inner strength and the wisdom to be mindful of our thoughts and actions. It guides us along the path to Enlightenment.
WHITE
In Hinduism, white represents purity and the nobility that comes with pure thoughts and pure actions. White, which contains all the seven colors, brings us peace and comfort. It purifies the body, the mind, the soul.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kathleen Cox, author of The Power of Vastu Living: Welcoming Your Soul into Your Home and Workplace (Copyright © 2002 by Kathleen Cox), studied Vedic philosophy in India for ten years . She is the founder of Vastu Living and vastuliving.com and is also the author of Vastu Living: Creating a Home for Your Soul.
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