Did you know that colors have energy?

Have you noticed that certain colors can make you feel a certain way? That is the energy of that color effecting you either positively or negatively. Different colors produce different energies and can give you different benefits. I think it’s interesting to really allow a color’s energy to flow and see how it makes me feel.

You may be drawn to a color simply because you like it or it looks good on you, (you can read more about that here) but you may also be drawn to a certain color because it produces an energy that you need or crave.

Some colors produce so much energy that they can even become overwhelming, like red. Red is a great, up-beat color and I love it, but red can actually be aggressive at times. This is also part of the reason why its used for stop signs. A little pop of red can energize you, but too much red (in a room, for instance) can leave you feeling drained.

Color energy is used in many practices, from design, fashion, Feng Shui, and even spiritual healing

Since I can’t possibly cover all aspects of this is one blog post, I’m going to tell you the basic positive and negative energies of eleven basic colors. Today we will be talking about red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, white, gray, black, and brown. You really shouldn’t be overly concerned about the negative energies of colors unless they’re overly used. They’re only possible averse effects. Mostly, you’ll want to focus on the positive energies you’re in need of and select colors that way.

Red

Protection, Energy, Activity

Positive Energies: Confidence, Assertiveness, Excitement

Red is great when you want to stand out, to attract the opposite sex, or to project authority.

Negative Energies: Aggressiveness, Threat, Danger

Avoid red when you’re over tired or over stressed, not prepared to defend yourself, when meeting potential in-laws, or for a job interview.

Orange

Health, Grounding, The Earth

Positive Energies: Vitality, Fun, Enthusiasm

Orange is great when you want to be seen in the dark or for a boost of energy.

Negative Energies: Giddiness, Superficiality, Mediocrity

Avoid orange for business since it’s the least professional color, for afternoon tea, when you want to look elegant, or when dieting because it causes you to lack self-control.

Yellow

The Earth, Grounding, Health

Positive Energies: Cheerfulness, Activity, Hope

Use yellow to cheer yourself up, when working with children, or to be recognized in a crowd.

Negative Energies: Impulsiveness, Volatility, Exhaustion

Avoid yellow in a business meeting when you have nothing to contribute, when asking your bank manager for an overdraft, when negotiating a divorce settlement, or when telling your son or daughter the facts of life.

Green

Growth, Vitality, Hope

Positive Energies: Tenacity, Dependability, Self-Reliance

Use green when over stressed and over tired or after too much use of over flamboyant color. Green has excellent calming properties.

Negative Energies: Stubbornness, Predictability, Aversion to Risks

Avoid green when you’re an entrepreneur asking for capital, fundraising, or when trying to turn heads in the evening (unless it’s an emerald green silk or satin)

Blue

Knowledge, Royalty, Life

Positive Energies: Peacefulness, Trustworthiness, Logic

Use blue when you want to look like you’re in charge or to inspire confidence when meeting your future mother in law.

Negative Energies: Predictability, Superiority, Tiredness

Avoid blue when making a creative pitch, at a school reunion, or at a conference, unless you are trying to not stand out.

Purple

Wealth, Royalty, Power

Positive Energies: Imagination, Intuition, Sensitivity

Wear purple in business situations to project confidence or as an alternative to black for evening.

Negative Energies: Immaturity, Superiority, Impracticality

Avoid purple when you are depressed or whenever a low-key profile is necessary.

Pink

Love, Motherhood, The Heart

Positive Energies: Femininity, Gentleness, Empathy

Wear pink on Wednesdays. Just kidding! Wear it to soften a harsh business look or for an afternoon tea or garden party.

Negative Energies: Indecisiveness, Weakness, Insignificance

Avoid pink when discussing a promotion or at a client dinner.

White

Cleanliness, Purity, Righteousness

Positive Energies: Freshness, Cleanliness, Purity

Wear white when projecting standards of care and hygiene, to create a strong contrast against dark colors, or for an attention grabbing, progressive image.

Negative Energies: Coldness, Sterility, Apathy

Avoid white in grubby areas because it will show every mark or as an entire outfit, unless it’s really hot and you’re trying to look and feel cooler.

Gray

Neutrality, Benefactors, Hidden Things

Positive Energies: Respectability, Balance, Neutrality

Wear gray for a job interview, when acting as arbitrator for a dispute, or when you want to project a balanced, unbiased attitude.

Negative Energies: Indecisiveness, Deception, Uncertainty

Avoid gray when you’re hoping to be noticed, when working with children, or when you’re trying not to be held back.

Black

Power, Authority, Respect

Positive Energies: Sophistication, Mystery, Strength

Wear black as a sign of respect, to keep people at a distance, for a bold impact with another color, like red, or in the evening for formal occasions.

Negative Energies: Lifelessness, Aloofness, Negativity

Avoid black when you want people to open up to you, to a wedding, or when you don’t have time for grooming because it will show every speck of lint.

Brown

The Earth, Health, Grounding

Positive Energies: Earthiness, Relaxation, Comfort

Use brown to get people to open up to you, as an alternative to gray or navy for business, or when entertaining in-laws.

Negative Energies: Carelessness, Dreariness, Defensiveness

Avoid brown when hoping to attract someone or for an elegant occasion, unless it’s velvet, satin, or lace.

What’s your favorite color and do you think its energy effects you in these ways?