The crown chakra, also known as Sahasrara, is the seventh primary chakra located at the top of the head. It is represented by the color violet and is associated with wisdom, spiritual connection, and transcendence. Understanding the meaning behind the color violet and what it symbolizes can provide deeper insight into the nature of the crown chakra.
What is the Crown Chakra?
The crown chakra is considered the gateway to higher consciousness and our connection to spirituality. When this chakra is balanced and open, it allows for alignment with the divine source and feelings of serenity, joy, and inner peace. Some key aspects related to the crown chakra include:
- Location – Top of the head
- Color Association – Violet
- Sanskrit Name – Sahasrara (meaning “thousand-petaled”)
- Element – Thought
- Associated Gland – Pineal gland
- Key Issues – Wisdom, spiritual connection, transcendence of duality
When our crown chakra is underactive or blocked, we may experience feelings of isolation, despair, cynicism or lack of inspiration. However, when it’s balanced and open, we gain access to higher states of consciousness and feel aligned with the universe.
Why is the Crown Chakra Associated with the Color Violet?
Violet is the color most commonly associated with the crown chakra and spirituality. But why is this particular color linked to the crown?
Here are some of the key reasons behind the violet-crown chakra connection:
- Violet is the Color of Transformation – In color psychology, violet is considered the color of transformation and spiritual awakening. This symbolic meaning connects well with the transformational nature of the fully open crown chakra.
- It’s Associated with Higher Wisdom – Violet is thought to be associated with higher wisdom, mystical experiences, and psychic abilities. The open crown chakra gives access to these higher states of being.
- It’s at the End of the Visible Spectrum – Violet is the last color at the end of the visible light spectrum. This correlates to the crown chakra’s location at the top of the head and its representation as the gateway to the Divine.
- It’s Rare in Nature – The color violet is relatively rare in nature compared to other colors like green or blue. This rarity and uniqueness parallels the crown chakra’s connection to the mystical and spiritual.
- It Combines Red and Blue – In color theory, violet sits between red and blue and combines these two colors. Red and blue represent the opposing lower chakras – red for the root and blue for the third eye. Violet brings harmony between these energies.
Based on these symbolic associations, it makes sense why violet has become so strongly linked with the crown chakra and experiences of spiritual enlightenment or transformation.
Violet Meanings in Culture & History
The color violet also has a long history of mystical and spiritual meaning in cultures around the world. Here are some of the ways it has been significant across different civilizations:
- Ancient Egypt – In Egyptian culture, violet was associated with transformation and was symbolic of the “soul becoming free” after death. Dark violet was linked to mourning.
- Ancient Rome – Violet was considered a color of wealth and status among Roman emperors and aristocracy. It was also used in art to represent harmony and balance.
- Hinduism – One of the seven chakra colors in Hinduism, violet is thought to energize the mind and enhance spiritual development when focused upon.
- Buddhism – In Buddhism, violet signifies spirituality and is the symbolic color for Crown Buddha Amitabha, associated with infinity.
- Catholicism – For Catholics, violet represents penance and is worn during the Advent and Lent seasons.
- New Age – In New Age spirituality today, violet aligns with the mystical, visionary and psychic practices of the crown chakra.
Across cultures and eras, violet has maintained this spiritual significance and connection to higher realms of being.
Violet Crystals & Stones
Certain crystals and gemstones that are violet or deep purple in color are also connected to the crown chakra:
- Amethyst – Most famously aligned with the crown, amethyst boosts intuition, meditation and psychic abilities.
- Sugilite – This rare purple stone enhances spirituality, wisdom and communication with one’s highest truth.
- Tanzanite – With its vibrant violet hue, tanzanite aids in transformation, mystical insight and alignment with the Divine.
- Charoite – Charoite’s purple patterns inspire inner vision, psychic connection and service to others.
- Lepidolite – Lepidolite brings calming energy to uplift consciousness and facilitate meditation and astral travel.
If you are looking to work with the energy of the crown chakra, these violet stones make excellent allies to promote spiritual awareness and inner peace.
Violet Essential Oils
Aromatherapy and essential oils are also helpful tools for balancing the chakras. For the crown, try using these violet-hued or spiritually uplifting oils:
- Lavender Oil – With its relaxing floral scent, lavender oil soothes the mind and enhances intuition.
- Clary Sage Oil – This herbaceous oil boosts visions, imagination and self-reflection.
- Helichrysum Oil – Helichrysum sharpens spiritual insight and awakens inner peace and divine love.
- Frankincense Oil – Frankincense has been used in spiritual practices for centuries to deepen meditation.
- Sandalwood Oil – With its woody, earthy aroma, sandalwood centers consciousness and aligns to the Divine.
Diffusing these oils aromatically can provide a soothing experience while opening up greater mystical awareness and clarity.
Foods that Support the Crown Chakra
Diet and nutrition also play a role in our energetic balance and vibrational frequency. Some foods and herbs that specifically nourish the crown include:
- Dark Berries – Blackberries, blueberries and acai energize and protect the crown chakra.
- Violet Vegetables – Beets, purple cauliflower, purple sweet potatoes, and violet eggplant purify the body to elevate spiritual growth.
- Soba Noodles – These Japanese buckwheat noodles lift psychic abilities and consciousness.
- Mushrooms – Varieties like reishi and chaga promote intuition and mental clarity.
- Lavender – As tea or essential oil, lavender brings soothing energy to invite inner peace.
Incorporating these violet foods into your diet more often can support greater crown chakra alignment and intuition.
Violet in Everyday Life
Beyond crystals and foods, simple additions of violet into your home or wardrobe can also uplift crown chakra energy:
- Add violet accents around the house like pillows, rugs, curtains or fresh flowers.
- Paint a feature wall or meditative space in a soothing violet tone.
- Wear violet gemstone jewelry like amethyst earrings or a crown chakra pendant.
- Incorporate more violet clothing such as shirts, scarves, socks or hair accessories.
- Use a violet journal, notebook or vases to bring the color into your regular routines.
Whenever you notice or engage with the color violet throughout the day, allow it to serve as a reminder to tune into your crown chakra and stay aligned with your highest wisdom and intuitive voice.
Violet Light & Imagery
Visualization techniques involving the color violet can also help stimulate and unblock the crown chakra:
- Meditate on the color violet, imagining its light filling your crown and spilling down through your whole being.
- Picture a glowing violet lotus flower blooming above your head as a symbol of awakened consciousness.
- Focus on images of fields of lavender or thunderstorms with violet lightning to invite inner peace.
- Chant mantras like “Om” while visualizing violet light to boost cosmic connection.
- Take time to observe violet forms in nature like lilac flowers, jacaranda trees or vivid sunsets.
By intentionally cultivating violet imagery and visualizations, you can more effectively open up and energize your crown chakra.
Conclusion
Violet has a unique and profound connection to the crown chakra, our path to spiritual enlightenment. The symbolic meanings behind this rich, mystical color speak directly to the higher states of being and inner wisdom that a balanced crown center provides access to. By intentionally engaging the color violet in your practices – through food, crystals, visualization or aromatherapy – you too can unlock the profound benefits of an open and thriving crown chakra.
