Throughout the 1980s I did a lot of experimentation investigating the effects of colour. Rather than read information about other people's theories and studies on this field, I decided to personally investigate this medium by conducting a series of "noticing exercises", which I then further explored with a group of beta testers to determine common themes from what people perceived.
Initially we experimented by gazing at large blocks of the following colours; white, black, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and indigo to see the overall effect. It became quickly apparent, after even a few minutes, that each colour had quite a profound and different effect, creating different sensations and psychological states. Many of the group reported very similar experiences; so identifiable themes began to emerge. For example, some colours were discovered to be more energizing, others were perceived to be more depleting of energy. Some individuals found certain colours uncomfortable if they gazed at them for more than a few minutes. This was most noticeable with the colour red.
Its also interesting that in some experiments many individuals could determine which colour was in front of them with their eyes closed, suggesting that each colour had an inherent energy frequency which in turn had specific effects. Also each colour is well know to have an opposite sometimes known as an "astral equivalent". For instance if we stare at one colour for a period of time we can notice a different colour then coming into view.
The power of Visualisation and Mandalas
Another experiment was to visualise colours in different geometrical shapes seeing which colours "fitted more easily" into triangular, circular and square shapes. Once again by looking at the group results, patterns began to appear as to what people found easier to visualise.
Here is a colour chart that we used for this exercise. You will notice that the colours are against a black rather than a white background.
