Color magick, or really, any symbol magick, is very interpretative. The reason being, different symbols and colors mean different things to different people. For example, if you are asked to think of a healing color, some will say “white”, some “blue” and still others “green”. All of these colors can be seen as healing colors. Another example would be “think of a symbol that means happiness.” One might jump up and shout “a circus clown” while another shutters in horror at the thought.

First, what is symbol magick? Symbol magick is a short-hand method of conveying complex information in a simple manner. It can be learned before a child becomes verbal and we incorporate them all of the time. They are props, if you will that help you more effectively cast magick.

Some easy visuals explain this: A yellow sign with a stick figure walking means “cross walk” What is a red light or stop sign mean? Stop. That’s is a symbol. What about a pentagram or the spiral?

So you know what they are, how do we use symbols and colors magick? Any way in which we chose that strengthens our magick and our energy, makes it more efficient, and harms none.

Is there a difference on how you use symbols when doing work for yourself and when doing work with a group? Of course.

All symbols have some “group” or “common” energy to them. Don’t believe me, go up to a perfect stranger and give them a red rose. See what happens. The symbol of the rose means love and the color red means passion. Now, you may think that the red rose means fun friendship and s/he may think it means passionate and romatic love, but there is a common element.

In addition, if you are going to use a “common” symbol, make certain you are attributing the correct energies to it. If you are going to use the sign of the cross in a pagan ritual, you are going to invoke Christian energies to that ritual, whether that is your intent, or not, simply b/c many generations of Christians have claimed that symbol as their own. By using it, you are pulling on that energy and getting the attention of that Deity.

Know your audience is always important, but especially when using symbol magick. For example, if you see a “heart” with an arrow through it, in this culture it means “romantic love”