Many years ago, even before starting my own Reiki studio, I wrote an article called “Seeing Colors During Meditation: Purple and More” — and the result was mind-blowing. I had been experiencing this phenomenon of seeing purple behind closed eyes when relaxed since I was young, but didn’t realize how many others also pondered the spiritual meaning of purple in this context… until the excited comments started pouring in.
Hundreds of people wrote in from all corners of the world affirming that they, too, saw aura colors (especially purple, but often also greenish-yellow swirled in) with eyes closed when in a certain relaxed state. Like me, the often saw these hues during meditation, Reiki, acupuncture, massage or other bodywork — and even while cuddling with a loved one. Below is my illustration of what it often looks like to me…
Seeing Purple Behind Closed Eyes
So what does it all mean? Some of the people who wrote in were worried. Is seeing a purple aura when your eyes are closed something negative?
Never fear! This article will help illuminate what this phenomenon means from an energy work or spiritual perspective, informed by my years of hands-on experience, work, and research as a Reiki practitioner. (For more background on this Japanese form of gentle touch, see “What is Reiki?)
As a caveat, please note that this is a Reiki article — if you have a medical issue, please consult a doctor instead.
Spiritual Meaning of Purple
Each of the chakra energy centers of the body is associated with distinct chakra colors, positioned essentially rainbow order. Now, the color purple is associated with the highest chakra in the body: the 7th or Crown Chakra, located at the very top of the head — and is connected with universal energy.
Fittingly, every time I or a client see purple during our session (and that happens a lot), it is because the person is in the process of releasing energy blocks and connecting with positive universal energy — starting to feel life force flowing again. (One of the benefits of Reiki is that the energy work is conducted with the practitioner right there with the client the whole time, meaning it’s possible to discuss what one is experiencing in real time!)
In short, seeing purple visions during meditation, Reiki, acupuncture, massage, cuddling, or other relaxing activities is a very good thing! It means you are connecting with the healing, integrating, unifying, calming powers of universal energy.
Chakra Connections
A quick note: In some versions of the chakra rainbow, the 7th or Crown Chakra is actually associated with a white aura, not purple. That said, from my years of hands-on experience with Reiki energy work, it is always purple that I see behind closed eyes when energy is moving, clearing, and processing well, and thus I assert that the closest color to the healing and soothing powers of Universal Energy is purple.
Spiritual Meaning of Purple, in Sum
I hope this article on the spiritual meaning of purple has been helpful in understanding why many people — like you and me! — see the color purple (and sometimes a yellow or green aura, too) behind closed eyes when in a relaxed state or doing bodywork. What else would you like me to explain from the world of Reiki? Do share!
Want more? See my article on the yellow aura meaning, as it’s often seen behind closed eyes along with purple.
The creator of this site, Lillie Marshall, is a Reiki practitioner who is certified in three different kind of energy work, including Usui and Kundalini Reiki. She began her formal training in 2018, and now runs Healing Touch “L” Reiki in Boston, where she has become one of the top-rated practitioners in Massachusetts, conducting hundreds of sessions with clients. Having been a public school teacher for many years, Lillie is passionate about writing articles to educate people far and wide about the wonderful, natural benefits of Reiki for wellbeing and balance. Find her on social media at @HealingTouchL.