Significance of colours in Astrology

Astrologer Dayanidhi Iyyengar

astrodayanidhi@gmail.com

The visible light which is a mixture of seven colours gets manifested in violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR). These colours originate from the Sun and travel in different wave lengths with varying energy intensities.

In astrology, the fundamental subject of research is the role of Navgrahas (nine planets) in the horoscope which are said to govern the entire life of the native from birth till death and beyond. The nine planets are also emitters or reflectors of rays of different colours. The reflected and emitted colour rays provide a distinctive appearance to a particular planet.

The colour of the Sun is a combination of orange and red. However, it is generally considered red in colour. The Moon is pale white but it reflects the orange red rays of the Sun. Mars is of red colour but it also reflects the yellow rays of the Sun. Mercury is of green colour and reflects green rays. Jupiter is of orange-yellow colour but reflects mainly blue rays of the spectrum. Venus is considered to be pure white but it also reflects indigo rays of the spectrum. Saturn is of black colour and reflects violet rays of the Sun. The two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu have also been assigned colours in astrology. Rahu is considered to be black while Ketu is brown.

We often find “lucky number” and “lucky colours” in astrological forecasts. The role of colour is properly emphasized everywhere. Remedies for strengthening weak planets for bringing a balance in the life of an individual are prescribed by astrologers taking recourse to different means. These means may be mantra, tantra, gems or lucky stones, puja etc in which some are related with colours.

While there are different mantras for propitiating different planets, there are hundreds of tantra systems which utilize fruits, flowers, leaves, roots, grains, pulses, oilseeds, cloths, woods, coal etc of different colours for different planets.

Sun: Since the colour of Sun is red, the strengthening of Sun in the horoscope of an individual should be done with red flowers or saffron-colour items. The recommended stone is ruby which is also red. This colour represents energy and power. It also shows vitality and creativity. However, excess of red is harmful. Therefore, the weight of the gemstone has to be carefully decided. This colour is not recommended to be used for people who have heart trouble.

Moon: It is pale white. This colour contains all the seven colours of the spectrum and has purifying properties. It influences the thought process and leads towards virtue and spirituality. However, excess of white is also not good. The astrological methods for strengthening the Moon in the horoscope revolve around white items like white flowers (white lotus, jasmine, lily etc), milk, curd, rice flour, white sandalwood etc and among the gems white pearl is prescribed.

Mars: The red colour Mars emits slightly yellowish rays. The difference between Sun red and Mars red is that the red in Sun indicates royalty while the red in Mars indicates violence. The redness of Mars associates with the RBC (red blood cells). Deficiency of Mars red can cause blood-related problems while the excess of red can be a cause of accidents and excessive aggression. For treatment of Mars-related problems red or yellow colour is prescribed. The gems prescribed are red coral and pink coral.

Mercury: This planet is of green colour and this colour stands for balance, harmony and hope. It has the capacity to calm down agitated nerves and mind. Therefore, this colour is good for people suffering from heart problems. This is also good for pregnant women. Excess of greens can cause lethargy. Since, Lord Vishnu is symbolized by Mercury, green colour basil leaves (tulsi) are recommended for Mercury-related problems. The compatible gemstone is green emerald.

Jupiter: The colour of Jupiter is yellow or yellowish orange. The effects of both these colours are generally positive. This is, therefore, a benefic planet. Its colour has a warming effect and energizes the nervous system. The yellowness produces stimulating effect on intellect. The compatible items for treatment of Jupiter-related problems are ashwagandha and other yellow flowers. Nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews are also prescribed. The compatible gemstone for Jupiter is yellow sapphire and yellow topaz.

Venus: The colour is pure white which is a combination of all colours of spectrum. Moon is pale white but Venus is bright white. The effects of the white colour are the same as in Moon but Moon represents simplicity while Venus represents sophistication. The compatible items for treatment of Venus related problems are rose, saffron, jasmine, lotus, lily, The compatible gem stone is diamond.  White zircon and quartz crystal are also prescribed.

Saturn: The colour of Saturn is black. This colour is caused by the absence of light. The rays emitted by Saturn are of violet colour. Black is a calming colour for agitated persons and is also known for its protective properties. There are negative qualities also like resistance, obstruction, opposition, and enmity. Excess of black is a cause of depression. The compatible gemstone is blue sapphire which is highly risky to recommend because of the fiery nature of the planet.

Rahu: This shadow planet is regarded as smoky or black in colour. The compatible items for treatment are camphor, bayberry, eucalyptus, sandalwood, lotus etc. Gomedha (hessonite garnet) is the recommended gemstone for Rahu-related issues.

Ketu: This shadow planet is generally considered brown in colour. Brown colour is not the original colour of the spectrum. The compatible items for treating Ketu-related problems are bayberry, wild ginger, juniper, etc. The recommended gemstone is cat's eye.