Joseph of the Bible was a famous dream interpreter and he was also renowned for his “Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” as the popular musical says. As Joseph no doubt knew, color can be an important message in dream symbolism.

Clinical research shows that most dreams are in color since that’s how we see the world. Researchers feel that it is an issue of recall more than symbolism whether we remember the color in our dreams. Some people claim that all their dreams are in color and different hues and tones form an important part of their symbol vocabulary, including everything from vibrant primaries to soft pastels. Generally intense colors indicate strong feelings and vitality where the symbols are concerned. People who dream in color are surprised and concerned when an occasional black and white dream occurs. This could suggest that the issues being dealt with are fairly clear cut or in stark contrast.

Other dreamers recall only black and white images where color is not part of the landscape. However, in some dreams it might mean that passion is lacking or the dreamer is disconnected from their feelings regarding the issue in question. When a full color dream shows up for someone who usually remembers their dreams in monochrome it can be a startling experience that really gets noticed.

The significance of color equates with a spectrum of expression, like the colors of the rainbow. Color may be an overall sense or tone or one image that stands out dramatically like a tall man in a bright green cloak or a little girl wearing a yellow scarf. Notice how you feel about a particular color and whether the colors are muted or washed out or painted in vibrant hues with lots of light.

A rainbow is formed when white light, containing all the colors of the visible spectrum, is refracted through a lens. So the presence or absence of color is intrinsically connected to the corresponding amount of light and may carry this message in dreams.

A brief meaning follows for the seven colors of the rainbow and black, white and gray. Black - Black pigment contains all the shades of paint; a black night cloaks and hides the colors of day, carrying the idea of concealment. Darkness or a sense of blackness generally indicates that you're in the “dark,” and can’t see a way out. Do things get darker or lighter as the dream progresses?

White - White light contains all the colors of the spectrum, and a white paper connotes potential, the idea of carte blanche. In contrast white implies light and the ability to see and suggests clarity, guidance, illumination and sometimes purity.

Gray - A neutral balance of all the colors, implying spiritual mastery, especially where clothing is concerned. Depending on context gray can also symbolize depression or listlessness.

Red - The color of blood battle and the life force. “Seeing red,” waving a red flag in front of a bull. Are you angry and not expressing it? “In the red” means financial difficulty.

Orange - The color of the sun, warming and stimulating to the circulatory system. Positive empowering energy.

Yellow - The color of the mind. Sometimes implies cowardice as in having a “yellow streak.” Where are your thoughts and mental patterns holding you back?

Green - Green ordinarily suggests growth and healing. Are you “green with envy,” or looking for “green,” meaning money? The color of green is important to note as certain shades could imply illness. To use a bad pun, is it a color you “wouldn’t be caught dead in?”

Blue - A cool color, sometimes meaning “feeling blue,” or sad. Blue is also a healing color and is thought to reduce inflammation and temper strong emotions.

Indigo - Indigo is a blend of blue and violet and is one of the rainbow colors although a secondary, a combination of two colors. Indigo is grounding and anchoring to mental processes.

Purple/Violet - The color of royalty and ritual. Often implies wisdom and enhanced status.

To analyze secondary colors, like yellow-green or red-violet which combine two primaries, look at the meaning of the primary colors. Secondary colors which stand out in dreams can sometimes indicate transitions, moving from one state to another. A color like brown could indicate the need for “grounding” or connote something earthy. Brown might also mean that the whole issue is muddy. Is the significant color in your dream one you like or dislike? This speaks to opening to the influence or integrating what that color represents or vibrates to into your energy field. As always examine context, look closely at your feelings and what’s happening in waking life.

Julie Gillentine is the award-winning author of TAROT & DREAM INTERPRETATION and other books and articles. Each year she leads a sacred journey to Egypt. Julie can be reached through her web site www.queenofcups.com or in Colorado at 970-264-7474.