Symbolic images and symbolic art has been used for millenia to unify people, establish prominence and send a message to others. Researchers are now also discovering the therapeutic value of art as positive visual symbols. These visual symbols can be significant due to the colors utilized, the subjects depicted or the patterns of eye movement created in the viewer.

On the physcial level, the colors used in art can have therapeutic value either for relaxation or stimulation. Warm colors (red, yellow and orange) can be used to alleviate depression and to stimulate metabolism. Cool colors (green, blue and purple) can help to offset fevers, relieve exhaustion and encourage relaxation. Thus, a painting of a bright meadow filled with marigolds or buttercups would be helpful for someone with a "cold" and a blue ocean scene or would be appropriate for someone in need of rest and recuperation.

In addition, art can have therapeutic value due to the symbolism inherent in the subjects depicted. The Victorian language of flowers is an example of detailed symbolism invested in a particular subject. Not only do roses symbolize love, but also each color has a unique meaning. Yellow roses convey joy and friendship, while pink roses represent happiness. Trees, mountains and rivers can all be symbols of comfort and healing. Trees convey strength and shelter; mountains are viewed as inspirational symbols of strength and rivers often represent an effortless journey to a better place.

To understand how art and images can have a healing effect, it helps to look at life from an energetic point of view. All life is movement. Movement consists of vibrations. The movements of a subject are recorded in art. The movements and gestures of the artist are likewise recorded in the art. Finally, and most importantly, the composition of the art directs the movement of the viewer's eye.

The art of the Impressionists, the best-selling and most beloved art style for almost a century and a half, capitalizes on the natural movements of the human eye. Some art historians and scientists theorize that this is because the impressionistic style consists of placing patches or pieces of color next to one another rather than completely blending them as was done in the classical style.

This color placement causes the eye of the viewer to move rapidly back and forth, mimicking the way that our eyes function in an outdoor environment. For example, we are comforted and healed at a very deep level by the movement of leaves as the wind rustles through the trees or the flickering of sunlight on a pond. This shimmering effect is replicated in the impressionistic style. The result is calming, soothing and inherently healing.

Ultimately, all of art is inherently symbolic. Finding symbols that encode healing, wealth, harmony, happiness and well-being in the colors, subjects and patterns depicted is a powerful way to speed your own personal growth and professional success. This class will look at a wide array of symbols to find the ones that are best-suited for each participant to help them achieve their dreams.