Back in 2011, I was traveling to Phoenix, Arizona with my daughter. It was a beautiful fall day and, as is common for Arizona, we drove through several changes in the weather during our four-hour trip. It had been raining at one point and just as we were heading down the canyon, we saw a beautiful rainbow off to the East of us. Then, to our amazement, that rainbow broke every rainbow rule I have ever known or heard of and reached out to us! It literally moved its arc over our car and suddenly we were bathed in glorious gold-flecked magical color! We started laughing out of pure joy as we looked at each other, both gasping out exclamations of “Can you believe this?” “Oh, it’s beautiful!” “Can you feel that?” To our further astonishment, it was not a fleeting moment, but lasted with us for the space of at least a mile, more than a full minute bathed in that beautiful light!
Participating in a Miracle
Neither one of us have ever doubted that we were witness to, no, more than witnesses, participators in a miracle. We can both honestly say that the belief in a pot of gold is not a myth, but rather a very understated truth. The very air sparkles with it and true happiness is experienced within it.
Even after all these years, the feeling of incredible joy, hope and promise can be recalled whenever I see a rainbow. I’m happy now as I write this, recalling the event.
Rainbows are Symbols
Of course, my daughter and I are not the only lovers of rainbows. Rainbows are a beautiful phenomenon of nature even if you never get a chance to experience being inside one. They are wonderful symbols in every culture and religion.
Of course, we are all familiar with the bible promises of the rainbow, but even those who do not believe in God seem to view it as a symbol with meaning. Most people intuitively feel hopeful at the sight of one. In essence, the rainbow is a symbol of hope and promise – a gift of grace.
Rainbows are Connected to Water
Rainbows are intrinsically connected to water and water is a symbol of cleansing and healing; that which is soiled is made clean by water. So, among the meanings of rainbows are themes of renewal, rebirth and healing.
The Rainbow Body
Some Yogi masters come to what they call “the rainbow body.” This is the highest state of enlightenment or illumination and realization. Some have said it is “the ultimate clean slate” where “the self” comes to a moment of death and the light and energy of the “rainbow body” erases all earthly ties, which allows the soul to restart its experience at a new level.
Rainbows are the physical symbolism of the ascent to inspiration to achieve greater heights and receive wisdom from the worlds beyond. In some Native American cultures, rainbows are the bridge between the spiritual world and the human world. The “Rainbow Bridge” closes the gap between these two realms and allows for the possibility for communication.
The Colors of the Rainbow
The rainbow is pure, white light refracted into seven colors.
Red is the first colored arc of the rainbow because it has the longest wavelength. It represents wisdom and energy. In modern day Buddhism and Hinduism, the red arc corresponds with the base chakra that “grounds” a human being to the physical plane.
The second colored arc of the rainbow is orange, which represents creativity and the ability to enjoy oneself. In the chakra system, orange represents the energy associated with fertility, sexuality and creativity.
Yellow is the third arc of the rainbow, said to represent the brilliance of wisdom and thoughts. Yellow also represents the brilliance of the sun. It corresponds to man’s ego and personal power as compared to how the sun feeds the earth.
Next is the fourth arc of the rainbow, which is green, representing health, wealth, and love. Green is the color of the heart chakra. This is believed to be where the ability to give and receive love abides.
Blue, the fifth color in the rainbow represents connection to water and the spirit world. The throat chakra is represented by the color blue, which is the energy system to communicate with purity.
Sixth in the rainbow is the color indigo. This color represents a bridge between the conscious and subconscious worlds. This is represented by the third eye and the ability to see the unseen.
The seventh and last color of the rainbow is violet, representing mercy and the ability to access the imagination and Divine inspiration. The color violet (a mixture of red and blue) is the color for the crown chakra, which is the point where human consciousness connects with the Divine or spiritual consciousness.
Symbolism of Seven
It’s interesting that there is great meaning in the number of colors in the rainbow as well. The number seven is a highly spiritual number associated with intuition, mysticism, inner wisdom, and a deep inward knowing. It also means rest, wholeness, completeness, being ripe, order, stability, and holiness.
Seven is the number that transcends the natural and moves into the supernatural. Some believe that encountering number seven over and over again means that positive things are flowing freely toward you. Seeing a double rainbow is one of these multiples of seven that is said to mean “the Universe is conspiring on your behalf” and is a sure sign that you’re on the right path.
Watch for Rainbows
Without question, rainbows are one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. Sometimes, rainbows seem far away and out of our reach, but still they symbolize endless possibilities for us that are achievable when we embrace our own potential.
Whenever we see a rainbow, let it be a symbolic reminder to be a better version of ourselves.
The Challenge
Over the next week, contemplate a time when nature shared something with you. Write the experience and any insights that come to you as you relive that moment. If you haven’t yet been aware of these kinds of experiences in your life, take the next week to spend some time in nature just listening. You’ll be surprised by some of the insights you receive. Of course, I would love it if you would share those with me!