Meaning of the colour Black
‘There is an undeniable virtue to a true black; allowing the brain to be mesmerised and pulling the pupils deep into that unfound but sensed abyss.’ – Jamie Lavin, artist
Black is an achromatic colour, hue-less and impenetrable. It’s the absorption and combination of all colours. Black is the colour of rest, dormancy but also power and dominance. It is often associated with mystery, secrecy, negativity, depression and sadness. In nature, Black evokes danger: think Black holes, the Black mamba, the Black bear or the Black widow spider.
Black coal was the first pigment used by Palaeolithic people for drawing. In Ancient Egypt, Black was linked to the cycle of rebirth as the soil fertilised by the Nile assumed that colour. Also Anubis, the jackal-god who watched over the dead, was Black to fend off any negativity towards the dead.
In ancient Greece and Rome, Black represented the primordial Chaos and the underworld. It was also the most important pigment used by ancient Greek artists.
It was the colour of the eagle on the emblem of Holy Roman Empire and also of the legendary Black knights. In Medieval times, Black meant secrecy and power. Black ink was invented in medieval China as a better way to read against the white paper.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Black clothing became a status symbol for wealthy people and nobles. And in the 20th century it symbolised individuality, intellectuality and social rebellion. It has also come to represents sex appeal, elegance and non-conformism. Coco Chanel’s little Black dress meant simplicity and style for the modern woman. That’s because Black was mainly associated with mourning attire and not associated with elegant or everyday wear.
Black pigment was important for painters such as Vincent Van Gogh, Kazimir Malevich and Henry Matisse.
In Islam, Black is associated with the standard carried by the soldiers of the prophet Mohammad and the followers of the Islamic faith.
In Hinduism, the goddess Kali – “the black one”, destroyer of anger and passion, is depicted with Black or dark-blue skin.
In the Catholic faith, Black is the colour of Satan, the prince of darkness and it’s also the colour adopted by some monastic orders. Black in Western society is associated with mourning and bereavement, witchcraft and bad luck.
In Alchemy, Nigredo is the first phase towards obtaining the philosopher’s stone, where all elements putrefy into a Black matter.
In Feng Shui, Black is identified with the element Water, winter, cold and the North.
Black is the colour associated with the Archangel Azrael, who assists souls after death, and with the fallen angels.
Black is associated with the lower chakras.
Black crystals
Black crystals are used in meditation, to face hidden or dormant thoughts and feelings. They are very useful for grounding, releasing negativity and excessive energy. Black crystals are not recommended if you are a very calm person or lack motivation.
Black Onyx It’s used for strength, self-confidence, healing past and old traumas, grief and sorrow. crystal system : trigonal
Black Tourmaline It’s indicated for protection from psychic attacks and negativity in general, balancing yin and yang, removing stress and tension. crystal system: trigonal
Nuummite It helps with protection against negativity, clear blockages, safeguard and when you need to connect to your Higher Self. crystal system: orthorhombic.
Shungite It aids with protecting against electromagnetic frequencies, to boost your immune system and rebalance your emotions. crystal system: amorphous with fullerenes
Black Kyanite It’s used to gain yin and yang balance, to combat anger or stress, stimulate intuition and align the chakras. crystal system: triclinic