The Color Red
One of the three primary colors, bright red pops out of whatever environment it happens to be in and grabs
our attention more than any other color. Moreover, it is the first actual color that is seen by babies. Because
it has a lower vibrational frequency than any other color in our visible spectrum, it is associated with the
base chakra and symbolizes passion, sexuality, fertility, and animal urges.
Red is the color of blood, rubies and strawberries. This primal color is associated with danger, sacrifice,
passion, fire, beauty, blood, anger, Christmas, socialism, communism, and in China and many other cultures,
with happiness. Red is the color of blood, which means that it is associated with the life-forces and vitality.
Red is the most physical active color, a color of personal selfhood (I AM), red is a color of will. It supports
survival and leadership.
Wearing red, eating red foods and surrounding yourself with red increases the body's ability to absorb
iron, the metal that is responsible for the color of hemoglobin in the blood. The presence of hemoglobin
allows the blood to absorb oxygen in the lungs and to transport that life-giving oxygen to the cells of the
body.
Red light increases blood pressure, pulse rate, and breathing rate. Psychological research has shown that
men find women who are wearing red more attractive. Bright red rooms often make people anxious. Rooms
with a red toned accent can influence people to lose track of time, this is one reason why red is often used
in bars and casinos. Restaurants often use red as a decorating scheme because it stimulates the appetite.
Red is the color of passion, anger, and high blood pressure. Red is a primal color. It represents primal urges,
like lust (we call certain areas red-light districts for a reason) and fury (you know the phrase "seeing red,"
right?). Yes, red is a commanding color: think of how stop signs get you to halt in your tracks and how you
stand back when a red fire engine goes whizzing by.
Healing with the color red:
* It can be used with other treatment for reducing cancers.
* For cauterizing wounds, drying up weeping sores, healing wounds, diseases of the blood and
circulation.
* Red will warm cold areas and can reduce pain.
* It can help with depression.
* Anemia, poor circulation, increasing vitality.
* Red links with and stimulates the root chakra, at the base of the spine, causing the adrenal glands to
release adrenalin. This results in greater strength.
* Red causes hemoglobin to multiply, thus increasing energy and raising body temperature. It is
excellent for anemia and blood-related conditions.
* It loosens, opens up clogs, releases stiffness and constrictions. It is excellent for areas that have
become stiffened or constricted.
Contra-indications:
* Sometimes red will cause an intensification of pain in sensitive people, a sort of "color burn."
* It can stimulate quick decisions or rash actions.
* Red is not normally used on people with high blood pressure or anxiety.
* Is not to be used for fresh burns or when bleeding is a problem.
* Over exposure can make you agitated or even aggressive.
* Can elevate blood pressure and respiratory rates.
Wearing red:
A person may choose to wear red one day and this may indicate they are ready to take action, or they
may be passionate about what they are going to do that day, or again it may mean that they are feeling
angry that day, on either a conscious or subconscious level. Wear a red accent piece when you want to
present yourself as bold and dynamic. It can boost your confidence if you are attending a function or
interview where you feel unsure of yourself. If a woman wears a red dress it usually is associated with
sex appeal.
Put red in your life when there is:
* A lack of enthusiasm and interest in life.
* A lack of energy and a feeling of over-tiredness.
* An inability to make your dreams a practical reality.
* A feeling of insecurity, unwarranted fear, or anxiety.
* Deficiencies in red and red foods show up as low energy levels, anemia, light-headedness, and lack
of stamina.
Questions to ask yourself when drawn to the color red:
* Is there a need to take action now?
* What is stopping you from doing what is necessary?
Loving red:
People who love the color red act - sometimes without thinking - on immediate desires. In fact, they're
usually the poster children for immediate gratification. Sometimes people who love red are at war with
themselves or others, their lives, and/or circumstances. Red is associated with passionate love, sex,
great energy, impulse, action and stimulation, assertiveness and aggression, courage, strength and
power, adventure, danger, warnings, revolt and revolution. Temperamental and ambitious people with a
need for personal freedom.
Not loving red:
A person who has an aversion to red may be over-active, too impulsive, hot-tempered, aggressive and
egocentric, or have difficulties with people with such characteristics. It can also symbolize deeply
hidden fears and rejection of his own assertiveness.
Foods that work in a red way:
* Red foods are generally rich in minerals and provide good sources of protein.
* Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, currants, red cabbage, beets, radishes, peppers, onions,
tomatoes, parsley, chili peppers, meat, red wine, chocolate.
Vitamins and minerals that work in a red way:
* Iron, magnesium, zinc
Essential Oils:
* Rose, Geranium, Jasmine
Crystals and Stones:
* Ruby, Garnet, Red Jasper
* Red gemstones can be used to strengthen the body, promote will power and courage, add vitality,
overcome sexual dysfunctions. Carry or place red gemstones around your home or office to stimulate
vitality and energy.
Symbolism of the color red:
Vitality and life-force; Fire; The Sun; The Direction of South; Blood; Good luck and prosperity; Power
and authority; Masculine energy; War and anger; Passion, energy, and sexuality.
Seeing red:
The human eye sees red when it looks at light with a wavelength between 620 and 740 nanometers. Light
just past this range is called infrared, or below red, and cannot be seen by human eyes, although it can
be sensed as heat. Red light is used to help adapt night vision in low-light or night time, as the rod cells
in the human eye are not sensitive to red.
Variations of the color red:
"If one says 'Red' - the name of color - and there are fifty people listening, it can be expected that
there will be fifty reds in their minds. And one can be sure that all these reds will be very different."
~Josef Albers
Maroon: a dark bluish red, it denotes controlled and more thoughtful action. It is slightly softer than
burgundy and not as dramatic as true red.
Burgundy: a dark purplish red, it is more sophisticated and serious and less energetic than true red. It
indicates controlled power, determined ambition and dignified action and is often favored by the
wealthy.
Crimson: has a little blue in it. It indicates a determination to succeed but without upsetting anyone else.
It emits sensuality rather than sexuality.
Scarlet: has a little orange mixed with it, giving it a richness and brightness. It indicates enthusiasm
and a love of life. It is a little less intense and more fun loving than true red, tempered with a degree of
defiance.
