Planetary Color Therapy: a Simple Ritual for Subtle Support

leaning into subtle supports

In a world that offers no shortage of obstacles along the path — some physical, some energetic, some mental, and others more subtle still — I find it helpful to keeping my toolbox stocked with supports that meet the moment. Sometimes it’s a physical tool, like a dietary shift. Other times, it’s energetic, like pranayama. Or something to steady the mind, like meditation. And then there are the even subtler layers (the influence of karma, the movement of the planets) that call for tools of a different kind.

One such practice I use is dressing in the colors associated with the planets, a subtle way to connect with the rhythms of the cosmos.

An Ayurvedic lifestyle practice I learned from Dr. Lad when studying at the Ayurvedic Institute, this is a ways of acknowledging and aligning with the energies of the planet by adorning yourself in something of their planetary color.

⚪️ Monday: सोमवासरः Somavāsaraḥ
we align with the nurturing receptive quality of Moon and mind with white

🔴 Tuesday: मङ्गलवासरः Maṅgalavāsaraḥ
we bow to the sharp, precise cutting nature of Mars in red or orange

🟢 Wednesday: बुधवासरः Budhavāsaraḥ
we invoke Mercury’s clear communication with green

🟡 Thursday: गुरुवासरः Guruvāsaraḥ
we honor the wisdom of the Jupiter, the Guru in yellow

🟣 Friday: शुक्रवासरः Śukravāsaraḥ
we embody sensual beauty of Venus in purple

⚫️ Saturday: शनिवासरः Śanivāsaraḥ
we acknowledge the dedicated tapas of Saturn in black or blue

🔴 Sunday: रविवासरः Ravivāsaraḥ
we bask in the radiant power and life-force of the Sun in dark red

This planetary color practice can be engaged in big or small ways, with clothing, or jewelry, or other accessories. It’s not anything others need to be aware of, it’s just for you. When I pick my clothing for the day, there’s a sense of alignment and support. It bolsters me. It’s like a secret weapon I step into my day with.

Have you worked with planetary colors or other subtle supports?

What are some of the subtle supports you’re using currently?

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