The official site of the sleep-deprived

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Color Purple

Is there a connection between sleep, dreams, and the color purple? Deep purple, the color of the evening sky, embodies a sense of mystery and magic. Holistic healers associate purple with the crown charka, the energy center that links us with the spiritual realm. In chromotherapy, the art of healing with color, indigo (blue-violet) and purple light are used to alleviate nervous tension and remedy sleep disorders.

The purple gemstone amethyst has long been prized for its balancing and soothing qualities. Its tranquil vibrations encourage relaxation and promote a sense of inner peace. A favorite sleep aid since ancient times, amethyst calms fears, restlessness, and tension; it can also induce vivid dreams and improve dream recall. Early healers recommended rubbing the gem on your temples to encourage sleep. In her book The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Judy Hall calls it “a natural tranquilizer” and says “Sleeping with Amethyst facilitates out-of-body experiences.” Place an amethyst under your pillow or on your nightstand to enhance sleep and dreams. Hold an amethyst in your hand to relieve stress or deepen meditation.

The fragrant lavender plant is widely utilized as an herbal nerve tonic and sleep aid. When inhaled, the scent of lavender dispels tension, eases anxiety, and benefits insomnia. Put a little lavender essential oil in water and mist your pillow with it. Or, as I suggest in my forthcoming Aromatherapy Card Deck, “At the end of a stressful day, add a few drops of lavender oil to a tub of hot water. Soak in the bath, relax, and let your cares float away.”


What’s your experience with the color purple? Do certain colors resonate with you or inspire particular reactions? Have you ever worked with color in sleep- or dream-related areas? For healing purposes? We invite you to share your ideas and insights.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

A few years ago I did some experimenting with amethyst as a dreaming guide. I had a nice tumbled stone that was relatively flat on one side, perfect for placement on my "third eye." During this time I experienced several really, REALLY lucid dreams. It seemed the amethyst helped me learn about moving in dreams, instead of being pulled along by them.
The stone passed out of my possession mysteriously. One morning it was next to my mattress, that afternoon it was gone, no one was living with me at that time. Perhaps I had learned all I was able to from that particular guide. Mineral people are funny like that:)

Skye Alexander said...

It's my belief that crystals and gemstones have lives of their own--they are consciousness, after all. They appear and disappear as need be. Like people, they come into our lives at certain times, perhaps to teach us or to share experiences with us, then move on if that's their calling. Thanks for sharing your insights about your amethyst friend and how it influenced your dreams. Blessed be!