Sunday, January 7, 2001		Dream theme

Such a dream would speak volumes for a dream analyst, both psychoanalytically and mythologically. Red being the colour of vigour, strength, energy, life, sexuality and power is an aggressive colour. Accordingly, it speaks of the person. The next step would be to see the other most common symbol of the dream, i.e. what does the patient most often see as red? Clothes, blood, or the complete surroundings. Such dreams either have to do with a psychological problem or a traumatic experience in the past which has left its mark on the person’s psyche. Mythologically, it portrays good health and long life for the dreamer.

All colours in our dreams have a specific significance. As per Achar Myukh, a book on ancient Indian philosophy, Green prophesies monetary gains and riches in the near future, whereas blue predicts a happy family life. White brings forth respect and high position in your society. Where yellow predicts lot of envy and jealousy from associates, while brown warns you of your character being marred. So tread carefully for the next few days and do not trust people.

Black is the colour of bad luck. Brighter the colours, the more effective the predictions. There can also be the occurrence of a combination of two colours. For instance, green and red together bring forth gains in business, but green and black depict financial loss. If black and white occur together, the effects of black are more dominating. In combinations, one has to consider the predominance of either of the colours, the effect of that colour shall also dominate.

Psychoanalytically, black suggests manifestation of negativity and hopelessness. Blue is the colour of peace and is often used in colour therapy for relaxation purposes. White is the colour of innocence, spiritual purity and wisdom. Now we know why most patients are dressed in combinations of blue and white.

Green is the colour of life, balance and harmony, while brown is the colour of earth, death and commitment. Violet is the colour of nobility, respect and hope, it’s purpose is to uplift. Turquoise is the colour of calm and purity and in some religions it is supposed to be the colour of the freedom of the soul. Yellow portrays daylight and is connected to with the emotional self. Its attributes are thinking, detachment and judgement. In fact, yellow is the dominant colour among patients of depression.

Scientifically, colour therapy is a proven cure for many diseases. In working with the colours of the rainbow, it was found that red, yellow and orange were warm and lively, whereas blue, indigo and violet are cold and passive. Green, on the other hand is the synthesis of both warmth and cold.

In fact, colour affirms the existence of light and spirituality. For us recalling any colour in our dreams is not easy. We can remember figures and objects but rarely ever colours. The fact that we remember a colour, proclaims its dominance in our dream. The repetitive occurrence of a colour as seen in the example mentioned above is more of a concern for the psychoanalyst.