The Colour Science of Ayurveda
Wearing Pink On Sunday – Good For You?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian Healing system prescribes lifestyle changes, foods, herbs and also colours as a therapy to maintain physical and mental health.
Much has been written about Ayurvedic foods and herbs but a lesser known aspect is the science of colours. Let’s look at each day and see which colour is best to surround oneself with on those days. We will also examine which day is best for certain activities and what to avoid, in the light of the ruling planet for each day. In most languages such as ancient Greek, Sanskrit, Latin, Italian, French, Romanian, Welsh, English, etc. most of the days, if not all, are named after the planets.
Ayurveda is the system of Indian healing that has been practised in India for thousands of years. In ancient times, there were universities in India where Ayurveda, among other subjects, was taught to tens of thousands of students. Ayurveda, intricately related to Vedic astrology, has been practiced since the dawn of human civilization.
In the Vedas (the scriptures of ancient India) we can find descriptions of the methods of Vedic astrology as related to ayurvedic healing. No one need be surprised at the relationship between the two.
Whether you believe in astrology/astronomy (yes, they are intimately related) and the effect of stars and planets or not, this will provide food for thought and entertainment.
The colours relate to certain days of the week and astrological planets. A person should wear clothes of appropriate color for each day of the week, in order to absorb the planetary energy in the light in a positive way.
Colours & Activities For Each Day
Sunday
Sunday is said to be ruled by the sun. The sun governs the soul. This day is considered to be a great day for journeys, celebrations, and being the day of the soul, Sunday is a good day to engage in activities which soothe the soul, such as being of service to others. It is also a good day to practice meditation more intensively than usual, and to devote the day to chanting one’s personal mantra.
If you had an argument with a friend, family member or colleague, then this is the day to clear the air – as it’s a great day for resolving disputes.
Sunday is also a fantastic day to make new friends and to rekindle old friendships. Perhaps you might want to call or visit that ol’ good friend, whom you haven’t seen in a while.
The colours to wear on this day are pink and dark red. It’s also beneficial to decorate the house with flowers or other items in these colours.
NOT TO DO:
Entering a new house. Avoid quarreling at all costs, on a Sunday (even though this is best to avoid on any day:)
Monday
While Sunday is not recommended for entering a new home, Monday is an excellent day for this – it’s the best day for marking a new beginning and moving into a new home. Monday is the day of the moon.
It’s an ideal day to seek medical help and suggestions, to begin a new career, gardening, agriculture and to initiate any finance-related activities. The Moon governs our emotions. It’s also considered changeable, inconstant and fickle, hence it is good to observe our emotions and think twice before we speak. The moon rules water and as such Monday is a great day to enjoy lakes, rivers and the sea.
It’s best to wear white clothing on that day and also surround oneself with white flowers and other items of that colour. Honey and cucumber are particularly beneficial to be eaten on a Monday.
Tuesday
Tuesday is ruled by planet Mars and Mars governs power and strength. It is considered to be a great day to face opponents and to engage in social activism. Any administrative and hard, laborious work may be undertaken on this day with great results.
Planet Mars is considered a fiery, angry, hasty and courageous warrior, hence on Tuesdays it is advisable to watch our temper and to playfully turn any little annoyance into constructively motivated activity. Since it rules fire, Tuesday lends itself to undertake anything that will challenge us to move out of our comfort zone.
The colours to be worn and home to be decorated with (flowers, etc.) are bright red and orange.
Ayurveda suggests that all obstacles may be overcome if tackled on that day. Grilled aubergine and potatoes are particularly beneficial foods on that day.
NOT TO DO:
The use of any kind of weaponry is prohibited on this day.
Wednesday
Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury, and rulers, politicians and intellectuals can expect an excellent day on Wednesday. Mercury also governs the rational mind and speech. It is the day best suited to undertake activities involving cerebral faculties, banking, finance, crop and grain trading as well as commercial activities.
Interestingly it is also an ideal day for romance.
Since Mercury is also considered the student and communicator it is a good day to study and take care of any lingering unfinished business. It rules the earth, hence it’s a great day to go for a hike or walk barefoot on the grass or sand.
Journeys undertaken in the morning will ensure success.
NOT TO DO:
Since this day is charged with natural volatility, it is also strongly prohibited to engage in quarreling and starting new ventures.
The best colour on that day is green. Eating beans and mungdal are particularly beneficial on a Wednesday.
Thursday
Thursday is said to be ruled by planet Jupiter and travelling is ill-advised on this day. Jupiter governs knowledge and fortune. Planet Jupiter is regarded as a wise teacher of spiritually minded people, making a Thursday into a good day to meditate and do things which make us truly happy. Since it also rules the ether element (space), it’s a great day to spend some time in silence. According to Ayurveda, silence is the best way to create space in one’s mind in order to gain a new perspective on one’s life and path.
Interestingly, if you have lost any personal items, this is a promising day to retrieve them. It’s also an ideal day to begin educational efforts and ventures.
Furthermore, it is the best day to show reverence, offer gratitude and compensation to our teachers and all those from whom we learn or gain knowledge one way or another.
It is an excellent day to join any educational institute or to begin academic pursuits – however best to be started in the first half of the day.
The colour to decorate your home with or to wear on that day is yellow or off-white. Eating papaya, rice and ghee are said to be particularly beneficial on that day.
NOT TO DO:
Avoid travelling
Friday
Dominated by Venus, this day promotes success in achieving one’s desires and yearnings. It is the day of beauty and art, hence it’s a good day to devote to artistic activities and appreciation of art. Since it also rules the water element, it’s a great day to spend time on a beach, go on a boat ride and simply admire the beauty of the sea.
This day is permeated by happiness. Friendships blossom and effortless gains are common on this day. It’s also a good to day to buy new vehicles.
It’s the best day to undergo medical treatments for serious illnesses, as the healing energies are most active on this day. Starting any charitable activities is also beneficial on a Friday.
A great day for travelling as well as purchasing property and precious stones. Milk products are said to have a beneficial effect on this day.
It’s best to wear light blue or white on this day.
Saturday
Saturday is ruled by planet Saturn and Saturn governs ‘sorrows and misfortunes’. It’s a great day to resolve any legal problems on this day. Since Saturn is considered detached, an ascetic and laborious worker, Saturday is a good day to rest and retreat. It’s also a good day to remember how much strength we have developed by facing our ‘sorrows and misfortunes’.
It’s a day charged with spiritual energies, hence it helps to fast and meditate on this day – and shun all luxuries.
It’s a day of financial gains and career advancement and the best day for working with soil and digging wells.
Negative forces can be easily conquered on this day, resulting in great success. Any work initiated in the first half of the day carries a high degree of possibility for success.
Those leading a spiritual life and engaging in spiritual activities on a Saturday will be successful in their sadhana. Keeping purple flowers in one’s home on this day is considered highly beneficial and so is wearing blue clothing. Sesame seeds and grilled aubergine are particularly good to be eaten on a Saturday.
