More Color information

Author: * Sankira Qin - 2 Posts on this thread out of 1,342 Posts sitewide.
Date: May 22, 2004 - 21:29

Color is used in two ways in feng shui. First, color is believed to affect chi and in this way relates to yin and yang. As you know, yin and yang represent the principle of opposites in the universe. Yang includes the principles of maleness, the sun, creation, heat, light, dominance, etc. Yin includes the principles of femaleness, the moon, completion, cold, dark, submission, etc. As an example of this principle in feng shui, red with its obvious links to fire is believed to be the most yang color. So, if you have an area that you determine is too yin, you can ameliorate this by including the color red in the area. Remember, though, that the stronger the color, the less is needed to achieve the effect you desire.

But colors also have a symbolic meaning. Used this way, red is associated with romance, wealth, good fortune, and happiness. This explains why so many Oriental doorways and entrances are painted red.

Personal preference is a strong factor in feng shui, though. So it's considered unwise to use a color you don't actually like, regardless of how auspicious it would ordinarily be considered.

Here are some more color tips for you:

Warm colors: things to know Use in the kitchen, dining room, living room. Warm colors advance, tending to make them dominate cool colors and neutrals.
Red	Associated with romance, wealth, and happiness Stimulates the senses and are associated with strength, joy, motivation, and love If not used carefully it can generate fear, uncontrolled passion, and excessive anger, and may be disturbing to those with mental health problems or neuroses. Color therapists say it can be used as a tonic, to improve blood circulation, and to overcome depression, fear, and inertia
Pink (Magenta)	Associated with spiritual completeness and a sense of contentment Stimulates self-respect and self-awareness Some people may find it mentally draining Color therapists regard it as the color of "universal healing" because it can raise the vibrations or energies of the body
Orange	Associated with feelings of optimism, confidence, and enthusiasm. Stimulates creativity, ambition, and energetic activity. In some people, it can produce nervousness and restless behavior Color therapists say use it for a range of problems including asthma, colds, thyroid problems,
Brown	Associated with fertility, the environment, and things in their natural state Stimulates a sense of security In excess, it can extinguish a sense of vitality. Color therapists say it can dispel mental depression
Yellow	Associated with good luck Stimulates joy, wisdom, intuition, and creativity; it can lift your mood, inspire optimism, and improve your sense of well-being In excess, it can overstimulate and irritate; and has negative associations such as cowardice and prejudice Color therapists say it has a positive effect on the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
White	Associated with harmony and purity Considered a revealer of truth that can lead us toward higher spiritual and divine knowledge. In excess, it can feel unfriendly, sterile, and unapproachable The Druids regarded white as a symbol of the Sun and light, their priests wearing white in deference to this.
Black	Associated with death and grief but also with mystery and the unknown Is an inward-looking color, absorbing and silent. Used with care it can be dramatic and powerful In excess, it can be overwhelming or depressing and soak up energy and vitality
Cool colors: things to know Use in the bedrooms, bathrooms, meditation and therapy rooms. Cool colors recede and can give an illusion of space.
Green	Associated with the abundance of nature Stimulates a sense of balance, restfulness, energy In excess, it can be a symbol of selfishness, jealousy, and laziness. Too much green can be depressing and debilitating. Color therapists say it is closely linked to healing, and they use it to soothe pain
Blue	Associated with hope, harmony and calm Stimulates soothing and sedated feelings, but also creativity, communication, and spiritual understanding In excess, it can be depressing Color therapists use it as a tonic, and say it has antiseptic qualities. Research also suggests it may be effective in guided imagery therapies to reduce pain levels.
Purple	Associated with things psychic and with intuition, wisdom and dignity; Indigo combines reason with intuition and discipline and with the process of change and the healing crisis; Violet is associated with good motives, spiritual aspirations, and prosperity. Calming and soothing--they can create the right atmosphere for meditation In some cultures can represent sickness; In excess indigo can be linked to stagnation, mental fatigue, and striving without success; negative aspects of violet are -opulence, snobbery, and prejudice Color therapists say indigo is cooling and astringent, and also has an effect on vision, hearing, and smell; violet is calming in mental illness, reduces hunger, and controls irritability
Grey	Associated with Stimulates In excess, it can Color therapists say it