The Nine Moods of Color

Colors can enhance the reader's mood by stimulating the yin and yang of his or her passions of life and behavior.

Some believe that the nine colors serve as powerful influences in a person’s psychological or mental processes. It's theorized that these nine colors affect the thought process without developing a physical basis of persuasion. In other words, the process of creating a mood is brought about by the feeling that a color creates on a subconscious level; this will influence the mental energy as a reader absorbs the various colors. It's said that these energies are the yin and yang or the chi in a person’s awareness of his or her surroundings.

The yin, or "gentle mood" of colors, will create a more passive flow of energy producing a more calm and relaxing atmosphere for an informal setting. According to Simon Brown, author of "Practical Feng Shui," this ambient setting is suitable for an easy-going event like family-time, evening meals, or a relaxing walk.

The yang, or "exciting hard mood" of colors, will create a more stimulating or formal setting. The correct touches of a yang setting are stark and influenced with crisp lines, and hard tones of strong colors. This setting of electrifying energy is suitable for a spontaneous action; dating, an atmosphere of passion, or that first driving test.

The Yin Moods of Color

One can create a feeling of relaxation by using a buttery yellow in the home; this can be beneficial when used in a more permanent decorating scheme. This light shade of yellow is great for decorating because there is a vast selection of hues to choose from.

Yellow can have a yin or a yang balance and people are apt to either love it or hate it. This lighter tone of yellow should not be in the same category as lemon or sun yellow, as they can produce eye strain and aggravation.

Color stimulation by using a pure color like white can produce an atmosphere or innocence or peace. This monochromatic neutral color can create a feeling of cleanliness or purity in virtually any design. Though white is simple and unadventurous, it can produce a faith or surrender to a more ethereal refinement of beauty. White encourages an activity or process that begins, develops, or increases a crisp interest in décor.

Formality tends to be associated with gray, which is commonly used as an executive color. This temper or frame of mind tends to create a sense of formal behavior. Gray is an unobtrusive neutral shade that can enhance any number of color combinations. Since this color is low profile and melancholy, gray will not detract from one's creativity in an office setting.

Warmth created by a golden orange color can be a comforting hue that's great for decorating the home. Orange is warm and welcoming, as the color adds warmth with tones of tangerine, mango, and a bright sunset glow. Golden orange is cheerful and should be used in a kitchen to create a warm and comfortable setting.

Blue is associated with communication, an exchange of ideas and the act of conveying a clear message. Blues are associated with good company and productivity. Different shades of blue can relax, soothe, and inspire productivity, particularly in youth. The color blue aides in helping children communicate, while creating an atmosphere that's conducive with good study skills and confidence. Blue in a child’s room is said to be an intuitive choice for clear communication.

The Yang Moods of Color

Create an atmosphere of security by using black or darker shades of strong colors, as these are representative of protection and thought. Dark tones will give the illusion of a reduced space within the room, which gives a sense of self-assurance and security, like an embrace. Black is regarded as a timeless color that can create an atmosphere of class and sophistication in the space. This sophistication is best brought on as an accent to the room’s neutral color. An example of this is a soft off-white or tan room, with black trim, accessories or furniture.

Romance is linked to increased blood pressure and the color red has been found to induce the same effect. It's believed that red increases the appetite, while inspiring intense emotions, particularly those that are related to the power of love.

Red is a powerful color, so in most cases, this dramatic hue best serves as an accent color. Certain shades of red with a mellowed shade of orange or brown can also add a comfortable yet cozy effect to the home.

Vitality is linked to a natural blend of growth and vibrancy; the color green is often associated with these concepts, as the color has a natural vibrancy. Bright leafy plants are associated with fertility and nature. The envy of green will spring hope and luck in life to create strength. Chartreuse delivers a large dose of vibrancy, so this color is best used as a splash of color in a harmonious design.

Passion, like romance, uses red tones to increase the flow of chi in a fervor of emotions. A mauve or purple color can increase the passion in various styles of design and fashion. In history, purple was the color of royalty and importance. Today, purple suggests an additional emotion that is part of a particular behavior like spirituality and mystery.

Together yin and yang energy has balance as both are believed to have an influence on mood and behavior. Colors nourish the psyche through sight and emotion. These guidelines can aid readers, as they plan to use color to create a particular feeling or atmosphere.

Sources:

Brown, Simon, Practical Feng Shui; Cassell & Co., London, England. 1997. Pages 90-91.