The visible light, which is a mixture of seven colors, gets manifested in violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red (VIBGYOR). These colors originate from the Sun and travel in different wave lengths with varying energy intensities.
The visible light is the source of all life in the biosphere and it is responsible for all the biogeochemical cycles in the environment of the earth, which sustains all the plant and animal life including the life of human beings. The main driver of energy is the Sun from where the color waves originate.
The significance of colors has been documented by scientific research in recent times. Its significance was, however, known to the people before the development of modern science. Vedic astrology developed in India . There were developments in the Greek empire, in Egypt , Babylon and in the Mayan civilizations also. In all astrological treaties, the significance of color was emphasized for astrological remedies.
In Vedic 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 colors. The reflected and emitted color rays provide a distinctive appearance to a particular planet. The studies on these matters are available in Egyptian, Greek and Babylonian astrological literatures also.
The color of the Sun is a combination of orange and red. However, it is generally considered red in color. The Moon is pale white but it reflects the orange red rays of the Sun. Mars is of red color but it also reflects the yellow rays of the Sun. Mercury is of green color and reflects green rays. Jupiter is of orange-yellow color 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 color and reflects violet rays of the Sun.
The two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu have also been assigned colors in Vedic astrology. Rahu is considered to be black while Ketu is brown.
Compatibility of Colors in Astrological Remedies:-
We often find “lucky number” and “lucky colors” in astrological forecasts. The role of color 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, gem therapy, puja (worship), daan (charity) etc in which some are related with colors.
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 colors for different planets. A detailed discussion of these remedies is available in Lal-Kitab which is a treatise on astrology. The puja system which developed in the Vedic period, recommends the use of white rice, green leaves, red vermillion, yellow and red cloth, white sandal wood, red sandal wood and flowers of different colors for propitiating different planets and gods. A discussion is given below.
Sun: Since the color of Sun is red, the strengthening of Sun in the horoscope of an individual should be done with red flowers or saffron-color items. The recommended stone is ruby which is also red. This color 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 color is not recommended to be used for people who have heart trouble.
Moon: It is pale white. This color contains all the seven colors 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 color 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 color is prescribed. The gems prescribed are red coral and pink coral. Prescribed herbs and grains are red lentil, ashwagandha (winter cherry), turmeric and onions which coincide with its fiery nature.
Mercury: This planet is of green color and this color stands for balance, harmony and hope. It has the capacity to calm down agitated nerves and mind. Therefore, this color 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 color basil leaves (tulsi) are recommended for Mercury-related problems. The other items are bhringaraj (Eclipta Alba), passion flower, zizyphus, mint, sage etc. The compatible gemstone is green emerald.
Jupiter: The color of Jupiter is yellow or yellowish orange. The effects of both these colors are generally positive. This is, therefore, a benefic planet. Its color 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 color is pure white, which is a combination of all colors of spectrum. Moon is pale white but Venus is bright white. The effects of the white color 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, white musali (Asparagus adscendens), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), aloe gel (Aloe Vera) etc. The compatible gem stone is diamond. White zircon and quartz crystal are also prescribed.
Saturn: The color of Saturn is black. This color is caused by the absence of light. The rays emitted by Saturn are of violet color. Black is a calming color 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 items for treating Saturn-related problems are generally of black color like, black sesame, urad, shilajit (Ozokerite), comfrey root, triphala (herbs including amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki), iron etc. 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 color. 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 color. Brown color is not the original color of the spectrum. The compatible items for treating Ketu-related problems are bayberry, wild ginger, juniper, bhringaraj, skullcap, passion flower etc. The recommended gemstone is cat’s eye (chrysoberyl family).