As we've learned so far in our Color Wisdom Series, different colors can soothe or stimulate us, or may evoke positive or negative responses. A greater awareness of color-psychology can be an aid in spiritual or mind-body-spirit efforts, or in more mainstream or practical business pursuits.

The color blue is considered a cool color, and color-psychology experts suggest that its effects depend on the shade of blue, with sky blue having a slightly different impact than electric blue, royal blue, turquoise blue, ice blue, or midnight blue might have. In general, color psychologists (and ancient sages and healers) associated the color blue with wisdom and spirituality, and used it to enhance spiritual development, communication ability, and calmness.

In Eastern philosophies and medicine - which has long spoken of things that modern science is just beginning to "discover" - the color blue is often attributed to the Fifth chakra, also called the Throat chakra (chakra is a Sanskrit word referring to the body's key "energy centers"). The Throat chakra is associated with the thyroid gland, and governs expression, voice, and communication. In these long-lived traditions, symptoms such as sore or scratchy throat, Thyroid dysfunction, hoarseness or feelings of throat restriction, among others, might signify a "blocked" Throat chakra, which suggests that a person isn't being authentic or open in one's communication, voice, or expression, or is in some way repressing or holding back one's truth.

In the Indian Ayurveda tradition, which goes back thousands of years, the cooling, calming properties of the color blue make it an optimal aid when one is feeling very warm, angry, or "spun up." Thus, one wouldn't want to "add blue" if already feeling depressed, cold, or psychically over-sensitive (note that people often say they're "feeling blue" when sad!).

In Ancient Egypt, the blue gemstone Lapis Lazuli, was frequently worn as jewelry, and was often included in other craftswork. The Egyptians even used powdered lapis lazuli as an eyeshadow, and many artists used it to create blue paint. Other ancient cultures also prized lapis for spiritual, artistic, medicinal, and decorative purposes, and the blue stone has been found in many important archaeological sites.

Using blue to support calm, wisdom, clear communication

Conscious use of the color blue would start with an assessment of how you feel. Are you feeling over- heated or angry? Are you feeling a lack of eloquence or needing a communication boost? Are you trying to be more authentic and open in your communication or expression, where you've historically "kept quiet"? Are you feeling hyper-energized?

If you want to include blue in your practices to help support a feeling of enhanced communication, spirituality, calmness, etc., read up on your color-psychology and consider some of these practices:

• Use blue in a color meditation or visualization. This might mean visualizing yourself under a gorgeous, sparkling blue waterfall — the color of lapis lazuli or a beautiful clear sky or a tropical sea — that cleanses and refreshes you. One Native American medicine-woman suggests envisioning one's self resting within a transluscent "egg of blue light", which offers a sense of renewal and protection. Or you might visualize yourself walking through a blue room that is filled with blue flowers, vegetables, and fruits like blueberries! If you're familiar with chakra-balancing visualizations or meditations, you can visualize clean, sparkling blue rinsing and cleansing your 5th chakra, the Throat chakra.

• Use blue in aromatherapy and nutrition. The essence and aroma of blue-chamomile is soothing, for example. It can enhance a sense of calm, when used at the appropriate time. Tea Tree is known for its antiseptic and cleansing properties. As for nutrition, blue foods such as blueberries, some plums, blue-corn, etc. can give your meal both a visual and nutritional boost.

• Take a walk on a clear day, and enjoy the blue sky. You know the feeling, if you've escaped from neutral-colored offices and the computer to go for a walk in the fresh air, where you can see the sky and various flowers growing. Not only is walking healthful and enjoyable, can be soothing and calming.

• Wear blue, or add blue to your surroundings. Almost everyone can wear some shade of blue, though let your own heart and mind tell you which shades will work best for you. You can also add blue to your surroundings, by selecting some lovely bluebells or cornflowers for a vase, or having a photo or image of a beautiful tropical-blue sea or sky. Painting a bedroom blue can help to calm and produce a more restful sleep. You can use blue paper, pens, and "sticky notes," too. Use your imagination.

As with all mind-body-spirit activities and knowledge, do your homework — read up — and follow your intuition. Color — like aromatherapy, nutrition, and herbals — does have an effect on you. Use it consciously to ensure that the effect is positive, balancing, and healthful.

You'll find more information on Color Wisdom in the other articles of the series, or check out the many other inspiration- and skill-building materials throughout Ivy Sea Online.