Our minds are influenced by many visual cues. Our perception of color in the world can influence our mood. The following is a list of colors and their psychological associations.

Blue- The color blue is associated with calm and relaxation. The color represents peaceful things such as clear blue ocean and blue sky. This color is often appears on the walls of psychiatric and correctional facility walls to provide a soothing effect. Conversely, blue is also associated with masculinity and is the preferred male clothing baby color. In the extreme of calm, in addition to the soothing properties, depression or sadness is also known as “having the blues”. Overall the mood is calm and subdued.

Pink- The color pink is associated with youth and femininity. Unlike blue that is a color worn by both sexes, the color pink is basically reserved for females, in particular young females. It is a “young” color represents blushing and flower petals. It is often seen in the form of prom and young bridesmaids dresses and signals budding female sexuality. It is meant to set a romantic mood.

Red- Unlike pink, red is associated with adult sexuality and passion. This is seen in the archetype “Lady in Red” and “The Scarlet Letter”. This letter also signals energy and power. A politician, dressed in the most conservative dark suit may add a tie with at least a splash of red to signal that he means business. Like a traffic light, red tells the mind of the observer to “stop and look”. Some people find that wearing or seeing the color red invigorates them. This color sets an exciting mood.

Black- The color black is associated with death and the unknown. It is the color traditionally worn by mourners and seen at funerals. It is also the color of the occult as well as the clergy, signaling spiritual mystery. The color otherwise is usually reserved for evening wear, as in “black tie” affairs and the “little black evening dress”. This color sets a mood of dark enchantment.

White- The color white is associated with purity and goodness. It is the color of bridal gowns and angels. As it shows up impurity so easily, it invites scrutiny. It is the color that “goes with everything” i.e. “can do no wrong”. As there are so many bendable shades of white, it is the color that most walls are painted. Like the cowboy who wears the hat in the western movie, white is the color worn by “the good guy”. White sets the mood of purity.

Yellow- like the yellow traffic light, yellow signals caution. It is the color most often bought for an unborn baby before the sex is known. It is associated with sun, which gives warmth but you shouldn’t get too close or you’ll get burned. Yellow is not often worn by itself; it is usually blended in a pattern or an ensemble, as it is so benign. It is also associated with cowardice, as in “turning yellow”. However, for the most part, as the popular song commutates, yellow sets a mellow mood.

Green- The color green represents rebirth. Being the color of grass, trees and money it signals fertility and (along with gold) wealth. It is a friendly color and many people feel a healing force from this color. It is the color of many industrial uniforms and is attributed to having healing properties, as it is “natural”. It sets a mood of nature and growth.

As personal tastes vary, some individuals may be affected differently by some colors (in particular, those who are color blind concerning red and green) and it is wise to experiment with different hues and keep track of how they correspond to your mood to find how "color therapy" can work for you.