If you ever binge watched movies about witches or magic made in recent years they have magical powers on-screen portrayal as purple mist or purple smoke or purple light oozing from a body or hands. This makes the visualization of magic visually intriguing especially when harder to explain story points are happening, for instance, a soul being sold or mind control happening to make the “magic” appear in the story visually. The scene would be enhanced with special effects that represented the power.
Purple is a colour that is connected to different religions associating mysticism or spiritualism is some form.
In magic, all colours have meaning making a reference to them help with intent. In Wicca, purple and white can represent spirit in a spiritual circle. Purple tends to invoke psychic awareness, intuition and spirit work. There is the connection with luxury and power but to a lesser extent. Purple in the form of cloth, candles, flowers or gemstones have this association in magic.
In Christianity, popes wore shades of purple for the spiritual connection and the rarity of the colour. Purple robes for Lent ir Advent are meant to represent penance, humility, and preparation. The historical rarity of the colour evokes notions of authority and solemnity as a spiritual leader.
In the practice of yoga, there are seven colours that have their own meaning for meditation to help with focus, visualization and breathing. The crown chakra is located on top of your head. It’s also called Sahasrara. It’s purple standing for spiritual connection, enlightenment, divine, wisdom and awareness.
There was a fad in the early 20th century called Theosophy. It had a fad that connected colours with mysticism. This was the beginning of the human aura exploration in the early 20th century. They perceived that people had “impressions” from a “higher world” are similar with the “colour phenomena observed in the physical world.” Many artists studied or joined sectors of Theosophy to learn more about colour associations for their artwork.
There is an rainbow colour association that is found in different cultures called The Seven Rays. This is a metaphysical belief in esoteric traditions referring to different energies for healing and meditation that influence various aspects of the universe and spiritual development under seven categories of spiritual assessment. The seven rays are colour coded with different attributions. The purple colour associations come from the sixth and seven ray. The sixth ray is purple and gold meaning devotion and idealism divine service. The seventh ray is purple for transformation and freedom which is associated with cleansing and transmutation of negative energies.
Purple Energy was a psychic phenomenon that was only visible to specific individuals with supernatural sight. People wore purple they would have deeper connections with the spiritual world.
But the 20th century was a time people did start using ultraviolet rays in science experiments and the everyday activity. With hair growth lights hitting the market.
There are plenty of stories that use the colour purple for magic.
Reference
https://www.colorwithleo.com/what-does-it-mean-to-see-purple-energy/
https://www.ourspiritanimal.com/archives/10537
A list of books that feature purple energy magic in their stories:
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis – The Purple of the White Witch
In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the White Witch (also known as Jadis) uses a magical deep purple substance to enchant the world of Narnia, turning it into a perpetual winter. Though purple isn’t directly described as a specific magical colour, the idea of deep, regal hues like purple often symbolizes dark, controlling magic in the Narnia series.
“Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling – The Violet/Amethyst Potions
In the Harry Potter universe, various magical potions or spells often come with unique visual representations, and purple is frequently used in the description of magical brews or enchantments. For example:
- Amortentia, the most powerful love potion, is described as having a purple colour and producing a very strong magical effect.
- The Purple Flames in various magical duels or rituals, representing mystical forces or powerful emotions.
In some of the magical spells, purple symbolizes a sense of depth, magic, or emotion. Certain spells or charms in the wizarding world are described with subtle purple tones, underscoring their potency.
“The Dark Tower” Series by Stephen King – The Magic of the Purple Sphere
In The Dark Tower series, purple is used in several contexts as a colour connected to otherworldly forces. For instance, one of the magical objects, a purple sphere, has the ability to open portals or manipulate time and space. The use of purple as a magical and mysterious colour in King’s writing often symbolizes timelessness and the mystical nature of the universe.
“The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum – The Purple Shoes (In Some Adaptations)
While the iconic magic in The Wizard of Oz is associated with the Ruby Red Slippers in most adaptations, earlier drafts and certain adaptations of Baum’s works mention purple shoes as a symbol of magical protection or transformation. The color purple evokes a mystical, protective power.
“The Witcher” Series by Andrzej Sapkowski – Purple as a Sign of Powerful Magic
In the Witcher universe, purple magic is often associated with powerful spells, curses, and transformations. The use of violet or purple energy in certain magic spells or rituals helps convey the strength and mystical nature of these forces. Geralt and other mages often encounter purple mist or light during moments of intense magical phenomena, with purple symbolizing deep, arcane power.
“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien – The Purple Flame of Lórien
While purple isn’t a dominant theme in The Lord of the Rings, Lothlórien, the realm of Galadriel, is often depicted with a magical, ethereal atmosphere. In some interpretations, the light of Lothlórien is described as being of a purple / golden hue, suggesting the realm’s enchantment and the power of its elvish magic.
“The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss – Purple as a Magical Colour
In The Name of the Wind, the protagonist Kvothe comes into contact with various magical elements. One of the more memorable moments involves the purple lights of magical energy. Purple, in this context, symbolizes the unseen, mystical aspects of magic that Kvothe seeks to understand and control. The color becomes tied to moments of intense arcane power.
“The Inheritance Cycle” by Christopher Paolini – Purple Magic in the World of Alagaësia
In the Inheritance Cycle, purple magic or “Shade” magic is tied to the dark arts, often associated with the evil sorcerer or creatures who wield destructive magic. The colour purple here suggests dark, powerful forces at work, and the purple Shade symbolizes corruption and the abuse of magic.
“The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon – Purple and the Spirit World
In The Bone Season, a dystopian series set in a future where clairvoyants are hunted, purple is a significant colour tied to dreamscapes and the otherworldly. The dreamers see purple lights when accessing psychic powers or connecting with spirits. This purple aura indicates a connection to the spiritual realm and other mystical entities.
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