Black is one of the most highly misunderstood colors, as it is often tied mostly to mourning, death and black magic. But, a black tie dinner is very formal and elegant, as well, every woman has her own “little black dress” for special occasions. Yet the ‘bad guys’, it seems, always wear black hats. Black symbolizes death in many cultures as well as mourning. But refreshingly, Native Americans have always felt that black was good as it was the color of soil, which gives life.
Black is not a color, strictly speaking. It is the absence of all color, it absorbs all aspects of light and is used to create ‘shades’ of other colors. When people speak of opposites, it is usually in terms of black, and its opposite white, represent polarities. While white reveals all other colors, black conceals. Black has come to mean hidden, fearful or evil, it is linked to the unknown or the unseen, and often it is difficult for anyone to shake this association.
In times of fear and uncertainty, black contains the energy of the threatening unknown, but in a positive state, the same color (or non color) is seen as peaceful, restful emptiness into which anything may manifest or disappear when needed. In it’s duality it is quite mysterious, providing a sense of potential and possibility as well as death and mourning.
Add the non color black into your life when you are looking to
- become inconspicuous
- open the door to mystery
- prepare for the unknown
- create a restful emptiness
The color black is also associated with security, elegance, detachment, seclusion and pride.
Therapeutic uses for the color black include the ability to dissolve energy blockages and tension, relieve pain and offer protection for the self.
Dress in black if you are looking to become inconspicuous, or to make a bold statement of mystery and self control. Black clothing is often warn with the message ‘notice me but do not intrude’.
The Enlightening Cultural Importance of Black
- In Eastern cultures when one carries black in any form with oneself, it is a symbols of protection from evil.
- In Egypt it is told that black was first worn for mourning
- In Rome it is a religious color as well as mourning
- Aztec cultures black is the color of war as well as religion
- The Black Cat is often considered bad luck when it crosses one’s path; but in Egypt the black cat was the most powerful and told to hold powers of the divine.
- Native Americans considered black as a sign of life and fertility, as the soil was black and it brings forth life and abundance, as well as the ‘religious’ indications of Mother Earth
