Purple: A Colour of Mystery, Majesty, and Transformation

Tell me… Is there a colour that simply lights up your whole being, whenever you are in its presence, without rhyme or reason? You know what I mean, a colour that you intuitively and instinctively seek out before looking at other options? Most of us do have a colour we choose over all other options and mine, for those who aren’t already aware, is purple. And a definitive shade of purple too – not just any purple.

My purple adventure began almost immediately I would say. I have distinct memory of choosing royal purple – my preferred hue – curtain material when we lived in Far North Queensland. It was the early 1970s, so the curtain material was technically rows of big holes masquerading as lace. Mum made the curtains, lined them and hung them. I loved those curtains. So much so they travelled to Brisbane when our family relocated to southeast Queensland. It took many years for me to let go of those curtains. I was in my teens by the time they had to leave!

But the purpleness didn’t end with just the curtains! No. Lilac paint has lined my bedroom walls for much of my life. When I purchased my last house about eight years ago now, the first change I made was to paint ‘Amethyst Stone’ feature walls in every bedroom – before moving in!

At high school, when we were allowed to use pens instead of pencils to write with, everyone else was ruling up margins and pages with blue and red ink. Except me. I was using purple and green or purple and black. To this day I write with purple and black. And again, it must be purple not violet!

A couple of years ago a friend tasked her daughters to count the number of owls in my house as an activity while we moved furniture. The count at that time was 53 - that they could find. I'm not sure how they would have achieved counting all the purple shiny rocks I have. Perhaps a room-by-room count and then a final tally. I'm a wee bit too overwhelmed with the possible results to even take on that challenge! Suffice to say there are a more purple shiny rocks and ornaments than owls - although a few would fall into both categories!

Purple is my peaceful centre. And yet there are some instances I will not accept purple as the colour choice. For example, I’d love a deep purple front door – IYKYK – but a purple house is out of the question! BTW the perfect front door shade for me is Tarot by Resene Paints in fact, hilarious hey! I also shy away from purple foods due to the nightshade’s connection, unless I need them for a health and wellbeing reason. But putting aside these anomalies, I will always have purple on my person at any given point in time, others may not notice, but I know it is there and this is what keeps me calm and balanced.

So what is it about this colour, which is technically non-existent like browns and pinks as it doesn’t have its own light source wavelength, that draws so many of close?

For me, purple instantly grabs attention but refuses to shout. It has depth, character, and an intriguing mix of warmth and coolness. It’s bold yet soothing, vibrant yet reserved. But beyond just being a visual delight, purple has many layers of history, mystical meanings, as well as therapeutic and practical uses.

A Regal Past: The History of Purple

Historically, purple was one of the most expensive colours to produce, making it the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. The best purple dye came from a rare Mediterranean Sea snail called the Murex. Extracting and producing the dye was painstaking and expensive, so only the elite—emperors, monarchs, and religious figures—could afford to wear it. 

The colour – Tyrian Purple – became synonymous with royalty, and used as robes for Roman emperors, European kings, and religious leaders. Queen Elizabeth I even forbade anyone outside the royal family from wearing purple! 

As time marched on and synthetic dyes were developed (thanks to chemist William Henry Perkin in 1856), purple became more accessible. This accidental discovery of ‘mauveine’ ushered in a new era where purple was no longer exclusive to the rich and royals but open to anyone with an appreciation for its deliciousness.

Mysticism & Spirituality: The Deeper Meaning of Purple

Purple has long been associated with spirituality and the metaphysical realm. And like me, many believe it symbolises wisdom, intuition, and divine connection. 

In energy healing and chakra work, purple is linked to the crown chakra, the energy centre linked to higher consciousness and enlightenment. This is why monks, sages, and spiritual seekers are often drawn to shades of violet—it’s believed to foster a deeper connection to the universal energy. 

Many cultures see purple as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. It’s a colour that embodies transformation, creativity, and imagination. Think about dreamers, artists, and visionaries—purple seems to follow us like a muse, inspiring limitless ideas.

The Science Behind Purple

From a scientific perspective, purple is an interesting phenomenon both fascinating and, surprisingly, a bit of an illusion, because it doesn’t exist in the visible spectrum of light the way red, blue, or green do.

Purple is close to violet, which has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency of any visible colour. That’s why ultraviolet light — literally ‘beyond violet’ — is invisible to us but plays a huge role in science, medicine, and technology. 

Violet itself has a defined wavelength, but purple is different—it does not have a single wavelength. Instead, purple is created when red and blue light stimulate the eye’s photoreceptor cells simultaneously, leading the brain to interpret a ‘new’ colour.

So, does this mean scientifically that purple doesn’t exist? Yes and no—it exists in our perception, but not as a fundamental wavelength of light. It’s a beautiful trick of the brain, making it one of the most intriguing colours in science.

And using this information contextually, have you ever noticed that purple is rare in nature? Compared to greens, blues, and reds, purple is quite scarce. Few natural pigments can produce it. But when it does appear—like in stunning orchids, exotic butterflies, or breathtaking sunsets—it feels almost magical.

Purple in Psychology: What Recent Studies Say

Psychological research continues to explore how colours impact our emotions and mental health and well-being, and purple is right up there! After doing some poking around, recent studies have highlighted some interesting insights: 

1. Purple Mental Health Study: This research suggests that purple environments may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Preliminary findings indicate that exposure to purple might even influence serotonin and melatonin production, which are key hormones in emotional balance and sleep regulation. The study highlights how colour therapy with purple can also complement traditional mental health practices. (Purple Mental Health: Color's Impact on Emotional Wellness).

   
   

2. Colour-Emotion Correspondences Study: This is a systematic review spanning 128 years of psychological research which analysed over 132 peer-reviewed articles to determine how humans link colours to emotions. The findings suggest that light and saturated colours tend to evoke positive emotions, while darker colours are associated with introspection and mystery. Purple, in particular, was noted for its creative and mystical qualities. (Consistent Color-Emotion Correspondences Across 128 Years | Psychology Today)

   
   

3. Purple Colour Psychology Study: This study explores how purple influences creativity, ambition, and spirituality. It discusses how purple has historically been associated with royalty, luxury, and mystery, but also plays a role in unlocking imagination and fostering introspection. The research suggests that artists, writers, and dreamers are often drawn to purple because of its ability to stimulate creative thinking. (Purple Color Psychology: Meaning and Impact Revealed)

These studies reinforce the idea – and my reality – that purple is more than just a colour—it’s a psychological and emotional tool that can shape mood, creativity, and relaxation, making it a valuable colour in environments designed for peace, introspection, or creative work.

Day-to-Day Uses of Purple

Putting aside my obsession of the colour purple and having it on my person 24/7, there are several ways beyond the historical and psychological, where purple shows up in everyday life in subtle yet powerful ways: 

1. Healing & Therapy

   As you may know, I trained as a colour therapist some years ago now. Colour therapy, also known as chromotherapy, is a holistic healing method that utilises colours to influence emotions and well-being. Purple plays a vital role in this practice – and not just because of my passion for purple. Shades like lavender and lilac are known to relax the nervous system, aiding in stress relief. Deeper purples can stimulate mental clarity, making them excellent for problem-solving and creative pursuits. Like many other colour therapy practitioners, I may recommend visualising purple light to help with stress relief, sleep improvement, and intuition. I may even suggest adding purple into your meditation or yoga as way to enhance spiritual connection and relaxation.

2. Interior Design & Workspaces

   I’ve already shared how I’ve used purple throughout my house, and designers also often use purple in homes to create a calming atmosphere. Lighter shades, like lavender, are great for bedrooms, while deeper shades can add drama and coziness to living spaces.

   
   

   Along with bedrooms, purple is often used in meditation rooms, and therapy offices to create soothing atmospheres. Some healthcare facilities use purple lighting or décor or even uniforms to reduce patient stress and promote healing. Offices and studios with creative workspaces may incorporate purple accents to stimulate imagination and problem-solving. 

3. Fashion & Expression

   When I was 15, I had my colours done. At the time my Mum was knitting me a deep purple jumper. Colour choice was mine. My Mum also knows how particular I am when it comes to colours and clothing styles. Let’s just say there was a giant sigh of relief when we discovered I am a True Winter, and this deep purple jumper matched the purple in my colour palette perfectly. Pheewwwww… Forty years down the track, I still have that jumper and many, many other pieces of purple clothing as for me, and others, it conveys creativity, individuality, and a touch of luxury. From deep, royal purples to soft lilacs, it carries a unique energy—both sophisticated and playful. 

   
   

4. Marketing & Branding

   Companies use purple in branding to symbolise innovation, luxury, or creativity. Think of brands like Cadbury, Yahoo, and Twitch—each harnessing the power of purple to stand out. 

Conclusion: A Colour of Many Faces

Purple is more than just a beautiful colour—it is a symbol of transformation, creativity, and spirituality.

It is a colour of contradictions, much like me really —it’s regal yet humble, bold yet meditative, scientific yet spiritual. It has been revered for centuries, whether as a symbol of power or as a gateway to deeper awareness. Whether you wear it, paint with it, or simply admire it, there’s no denying the profound affect purple has on our emotions and perceptions. 

Have I swayed you to join the purple admirers? With its therapeutic effects, its mystical significance, or its luxurious history, purple remains an enduring force in my part of the world and potentially across human culture.

So, next time you see this rich, enigmatic hue, take a moment to appreciate its depth and profound influence on the world around you, because behind its stunning beauty lies a history and mysticism that’s richer than you might have ever imagined. And in that moment, perhaps you may discover you too are a Purple Avenger! Welcome to my world!

International Best Selling & Indie Reader Approved Author, Soulful Intuitive Mentor and founder of Elegant Rebel, Peta-Ann inspires and supports neurosparkly and spiritually curious souls to feel safe and heard when unmasking their magic, by following their inner voice instead of societal norms. P-A is late verified neurodivergent and a breast cancer thriver, choosing to stay flat almost a decade ago. She’s also an Oracle Card Author, Holistic Counsellor, Happiness Coach, Colour Therapist, Reiki Master, and Soul Coaching® Oracle Reader.