Quilting with energy

No takers on the Winter Giveaway, dammit. We had freezing rain last night. I worked late and then had to drive home in it in the dark. I work in a different town from where I live, so it was a little bit of a drive. Today I'm not leaving the house. I'm going to quilt, surf the internet and cuddle with the kitties.

But before that, some more esoteric thoughts on colours. The view through my window right now is gray, dingy and cold. I'd love nothing more than to surround myself with "hot", bright colours. You too? Why is that?

Basically, every living thing gives off energy. We constantly "vibrate", regardless of whether we're sleeping or running a marathon because our heart never stops beating, our lungs pretty regularly inhale and exhale, fine muscles are constantly moving and our bodies have to maintain a regular temperature or we'd be dead. Burning calories (metabolism) gives us heat and energy.

Each colour found in the visible light spectrum has its own wavelength and its own frequency (vibration), which produces a specific energy and effect.

On a more subtle level, specific manipulation of energies are used to heal and motivate. Astrology is the interpretation of the energies of planets and stars and how they influence people and events. Every culture has energy practicioners, and have had for thousands of years. Homeopathy uses the energy of plants and minerals; there are many forms of hands-on energy healing - we instinctively know that just the simple touch of a hand will lift someone's emotions, but we don't think of it as the transference of energy.

We all have it within ourselves to creative positive energy. We can use it on ourselves, give it to someone else, or throw it open into the universe for everyone to benefit from. Imagine, or visualize, a beautiful light. Surround yourself with it, or imagine it flowing from yourself and through your hands to someone else and letting the light surround them. Or let it flow from you, out of the top of your head and into the universe.

In general, we use Pink light for friendship; Red light for action; Blue light for peacefulness; Green light for healing; Yellow (or Orange) light for communication; White light for protection. Avoid Black, as it has rather a rather negative influence.

Chakras also emit and are influenced by colours. They are energy centres that channel the vital force in the body. Chakra is the Sanskrit word for ' wheel ' and their appearance is like a spiral or vortex of energy spinning clockwise, each one relating to the others. Both spiritual and physical well being is achieved by a balance of all these energies or the smooth running of these wheels.

The seven main chakras begin at the base of the spine and finish at the top of the head. Though fixed in the central spinal column they are located on both the front and back of the body, and work through it.

Each chakra vibrates or rotates at a different speed. The root or first chakra rotates at the slowest speed, the crown or seventh chakra at the highest speed. Each chakra is stimulated by its own and complimentary color, and a range of gemstones for specific uses.

The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is situated at the base of the spine or tailbone (coccyx). This chakra represents our sense of safety and survival instinct. The skeletal, lymphatic, and excretory systems are ruled by the Root chakra as well as the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Main colours: deep red, brown and black, earth tones

Musical note: C

Gemstones: Garnet, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian and Black Tourmaline

The Sacral Chakra (Svadhistana) is situated just below the belly button. This chakra rules the reproductive system (ovaries and testes), sensations, feelings, taste for food, and appetite.

Main colours: vivid reds and orange

Musical note: D

Gemstones: Carnelian Agate, Orange Calcite and Tigers Eye

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is situated just below the solar plexus. This chakra rules the muscular and digestive system as well as the pancreas. It represents our sense of freedom and empowerment, the intellect, and identity of the self.

Main colours: bright yellows and orange

Musical note: E

Gemstones: Citrine, Topaz, and Yellow Calcite

The Heart Chakra (Anahata) is situated at the centre of the chest. This chakra rules the respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems as well as the Thymus gland which controls T-cells and the immune system in general. It represents compassion, our perception of love, acceptance, relating, and giving.

Main colours: pink and green

Musical note: F

Gemstones: Rose Quartz, Kunzite, and Watermelon tourmaline

The Throat Chakra (Visuddha) is situated at the throat. This chakra rules the Thyroid gland and the metabolism. It represents communication, our ability to listen and to be heard.

Main colour: light blue

Musical note: G

Gemstones: Aquamarine and Azurite

The Brow Chakra (Ajna) is situated on the brow between the eyes. This chakra rules the Pituitary gland which controls the entire endocrine system (hormones in the body). It represents our imagination, capacity for creative visualisation, consciousness, and spiritual awareness.

Main colours: purple, indigo and dark blue

Musical note: A

Gemstones: Amethyst, Sodalite, and Lapis Lazuli

The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is situated at the top of the head (crown). This chakra rules the Pineal gland which controls the nervous system and the brain. It represents our capacity for empathy, the highest level of consciousness, at the universal level.

Main colors: purple, violet, gold and white

Musical note: B

Gemstones: Clear Quartz Crystal, Oregon Opal, and Amethyst

Still with me? I know that's a lot to choke on, and that was the short version!

It's all just food for thought on a cold and crummy day, to give you a new way of looking at colours. Think of the emotional, or maybe the health, impact you want to create as you plan your next quilt and use this information as you choose your colours. Decide for yourself whether it makes a difference.

Until next time,