THE UNIVERSAL MEANING OF COLORS IN DREAMS: By Sting, Dream Master 2.27.00
Nothing in dreams has more universal symbolic meaning than that of COLORS. The significance is not to be underestimated. According to JE Cirlot’s Dictionary of Symbolism, Color has been consciously used in the liturgy, in heraldry, alchemy, art and literature.
Cirlot states that there are two main groups of colors. The first group, consisting of red, orange, yellow, and an extension of white, embrace warmth and normally relate to such things as intensity and activity. The second group covers the blues, indigo, violet, and by extension – black. These are so-called “retreating colors”, corresponding to passivity and deliberation.
According to Cirlot, color-symbolism usually derives from one of the following sources: 1) the inherent characteristic of each colour, perceived intuitively as objective fact; 2) the relationship between a colour and the planetary symbol traditionally linked with it; or 3) the relationship which elementary, primitive logic perceives.
Jolan de Jacobi, in her study of Jungian psychology, says in so many words: “The correspondence of the colours to the respective functions varies with different cultures and groups and even among individuals.”
Colors represent a dominating theme that should be analyzed prior to reflecting on other elements within the dream vision. Many will awake to describe their dreams as “vivid blues” or “pitch blacks” before discussing their dreams, as if it relates to the content itself.
The most common colors found in dreams are white, black, and blue.
BLUE – is perhaps the most spiritual of dreams one can embrace. A closeness to God and Heaven. Blue can sometimes be representative of profound energy sources. The more vivid the blue, the more spiritually enthralled. Blue also represents our intuitive side.
WHITE – symbolic of purity, as suggested by wedding themes. White animals do however symbolizes our urges, often sexual in nature, and simply represent an opposing element.
BLACK – almost always the unconscious. Translated as the hidden or unknown. You will encounter such a color contrast often when you dream of things you would prefer not to involve yourself in during waking life.
VIOLET/PURPLE – is a blend of colors symbolic of mysticism; nostalgia and memories.
BROWN – represents the earth. Sometimes dullness and depression, but more often life sources.
RED – Passion; sometimes anger and sometimes sexual arousal depending on overall theme of dream, which can usually be easily determined. In any event, strong emotions.
ORANGE – hope and new beginnings. Feelings of warmth and comfort. Often change as in autumn (new foliage).
YELLOW – represents intellect and intuition and will normally include much in the way of thought.
GREEN – Beginning new life from death of old and this is representative of positive change and potential for growth. Darker shades of green do border on sickness, however.
In closing, colors in dreams will more often depict our emotions and feelings in a variety of ways. How we view life and those around us as well as how we view our own selves. Hope, change, energy, vitality, passion are just some of the more common themes one will encounter in his or her many dreams.
