THE HUMAN AURA/PART 7
CHAPTER VII.
PSYCHIC INFLUENCE OF COLORS.
In all of Nature's
wonderful processes we find many evidences of that great principle of Action
and Reaction, which, like the forward and backward swing of the pendulum,
changes cause into effect, and effect into cause, in a never ending series. We
find this principle in effect in the psychic relation of mental states and
colors. That is to say, that just as we find that certain mental and emotional
states manifest in vibrations causing particular auric astral colors, so do we
find that the presence of certain colors on the physical plane will have a
decided psychic effect upon the mental and emotional states of individuals
subject to their influence. And, as might be expected by the thoughtful
student, the particular astral colors manifested in the aura by the presence of
some particular mental or emotional state exactly correspond with the
particular physical colors which influence that particular mental or emotional
state.
Illustrating the
statements in the preceding paragraph, I would say that the continued presence
of red will be apt to set up emotional vibrations of
anger, passion, physical love, etc., or, in a different tint, the higher
physical emotions. Blue, of the right tint, will tend to cause feelings of
spirituality, religious emotion, etc. Green is conducive to feelings of
relaxation, repose, quiet, etc. Black produces the feeling of gloom and grief.
And so on, each color tends to produce emotional vibrations similar to those
which manifest that particular color in the astral aura of the person. It is a
case of "give and take" along the entire scale of color and emotions,
according to the great natural laws.
While the explanation
of these facts is not known to the average person, nevertheless nearly everyone
recognizes the subtle effect of color and avoids certain colors, while seeking
certain others. There is not a single living human being but who has
experienced the sense of rest, calm, repose, and calm inflow of strength, when
in a room decorated in quiet shades of green. Nature, herself, has given this
particular shade to the grass and leaves of trees and plants, so that the
soothing effect of the country scene is produced. The aura of a person experiencing
these feelings, and yielding to them, will manifest precisely the tint or shade
of green which is shown on the grass and leaves around
him, so true is this natural law of action and reaction.
The effect of scarlet
upon animals, the bull for instance, is well known—to use the familiar term, it
causes one to "see red." The sight of the color of blood is apt to
arouse feelings of rage, or disgust, by reason of the same law. The sight of
the beautiful clear blue sky tends to arouse feelings of reverence, awe or
spirituality. One can never think of this shade of blue arousing rage; or red
arouse feelings of spirituality.
It is a well known
fact that in insane asylums, the use of red in decorations must be avoided,
while the proper shades of blue or green are favored. On the other hand, the
use of a proper red, in certain cases, will tend to arouse vitality and
physical strength in a patient. It is not by mere chance that the life giving
blood is a bright, rich red color when it leaves the heart.
When one "feels
blue" he does not have the impression of a bright or soft blue—but he
really is almost conscious of the presence of a dull bluish gray. And the
presence of such a color in one's surroundings, tends to cause a feeling of
depression. Everyone knows the effect of a "gray day" in the Fall or
Spring.
Again, who does not
know the feeling of mental exaltation coming from the sight of a day filled
with golden sunshine, or from a golden sunset. We find proofs of this law of
Nature on all sides, every day of our lives. It is an interesting subject,
which will repay the student for the expenditure of a little time and thought
upon it.
Speaking of the
general class characteristics of the three primary groups of colors, all
occultists, as well as many physiologists and psychologists, are agreed on the
following fundamental propositions, viz.: that (1) Red is exciting to the mind
and emotions; (2) Yellow is inspiring and elevating, and intellectually
stimulating; and (3) Blue is cool, soothing, and calming. It is also
universally conceded that the right shades of green (combining the qualities of
blue and yellow in appropriate proportions) is the ideal color of rest and
recuperation, followed by a stimulation and new ambition. The reason for this
may be seen, when you consider the respective qualities of blue and yellow
which compose this color.
It is interesting to
note that the science of medicine is now seriously considering the use of
colors in the treatment of disease, and the best
medical authorities investigating the subject are verifying the teachings of
the old occultists, regarding the influence of colors on mental states and
physical conditions.
Dr. Edwin Babbitt, a
pioneer in this line in the Western world, gave the general principles in a
nutshell, when he laid down the following rule: "There is a trianal series
of graduations in the peculiar potencies of colors, the center and climax of
electrical action, which cools the nerves, being in violet; the climax of
electrical action, which is soothing to the vascular system, being in blue; the
climax of luminosity being in yellow; and the climax of thermism or heat being
in red. This is not an imaginary division of qualities, but a real one, the
flamelike red color having a principle of warmth in itself; the blue and
violet, a principle of cold and electricity. Thus we have many styles of
chromatic action, including progression of hues, of lights and shades, of
fineness and coarseness, of electrical power, luminous power, thermal power,
etc."
Read the above
statement of Dr. Babbitt, and then compare it with the occult teaching
regarding the astral colors, and you will perceive the real basis of the
science which the good doctor sought to establish, and in which cause
he did such excellent pioneer work. The result of his work is now being
elaborated by modern physicians in the great schools of medicine, particularly
on the Continent, in Europe—England and America being somewhat behind the times
in this work.
The advanced
occultist also finds much satisfaction in the interest, on the part of
physicians and jurists, in the matter of the influence of color upon the
mental, moral and physical welfare of the public. The effect of color upon
morality is being noticed by workers for human welfare, occupying important
offices.
The American journals
report the case of a judge in a large Western city in that country, who
insisted upon his courtroom being decorated in light, cheerful tints, instead
of in the old, gloomy, depressing shades formerly employed. This judge wisely
remarked that brightness led to right thinking, and darkness to crooked
thinking; also that his court, being an uplift court, must have walls to
correspond, and that it was enough to turn any man into a criminal to be
compelled to sit in a dark, dismal courtroom, day after day.
This good judge, who
must have had some acquaintance with the occult teachings, is quoted as
concluding as follows: "White, cream, light
yellow, and orange are the colors which are the sanest. I might add light
green, for that is the predominant color in Nature; black, brown and deep red
are incentives to crime—a man in anger sees red." Surely a remarkable
utterance from the bench!
The effect of color
schemes upon the moral and mental welfare of persons is being recognized in the
direction of providing brighter color schemes in schools, hospitals,
reformatories, prisons, etc. The reports naturally show the correctness of the
underlying theory. The color of a tiny flower has its effect upon even the most
hardened prisoner; while the minds of children in school are quickened by a
touch of brightness here and there in the room. It needs no argument to prove
the beneficial effect of the right kind of colors in the sickroom, or hospital
ward.
The prevailing
theories, and practice, regarding the employment of color in therapeutics and
human welfare work, are in the main correct. But, I urge the study of the
occult significance of color, as mentioned in this book in connection with the
human aura and its astral colors, as a sound basis for an intelligent, thorough
understanding of the real psychic principles underlying the physical
application of the methods referred to. Go to the
center of the subject, and then work outward—that is the true rule of the
occultist, which might well be followed by the non-occult general public.
CHAPTER VIII.
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