Cactus Symbol: Understanding its Hidden Meaning
Known for their spiciness but also for their robustness, cacti are sometimes perceived as aggressive and thorny plants.
Yet they are also survivors, resilient and strong despite their arid environment.
Perseverance, wisdom, robustness, conservation: the symbol of the cactus has one of the deepest meanings in the plant world.
Contents :
What are the benefits of a cactus in the house?
Have a cactus as a lucky charm? (TOP #5 reasons)
The cactus: sacred plant of the natives of Mexico
Cacti and botany
The word "cactus" comes from "kaktos", a Greek name given to a succulent and thorny plant commonly found in Sicily.
However, there are cacti all over the planet, from Latin America to Asia, including Africa and the Middle East.
The cactus has long been considered one of nature's most unfriendly plants. With its coat of thorns and sharp spikes, you only need to touch one to feel pain.
When it is also poisonous, the danger becomes downright deadly.
The symbol of the cactus, however, remains the guardian of ancient and extraordinary wisdom. Under its quills lies a real treasure.
Due to their unique ability to retain water, succulents (like cacti) tend to thrive in hot, dry climates and don't mind being a little neglected.
They are therefore well suited to growing by beginners and are ideal for people who want low maintenance houseplants.
Maintenance, watering and nourishing the soil of cacti will be explained in more detail in this guide to take good care of these plants.
What are the benefits of a cactus in the house?
We've all seen a potted cactus on one of our friends' windowsills. It is in fact one of the most widespread indoor plants.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, the cactus has real power in terms of energy management in your home.
This plant brings with it positivity and strong, protective energy.
Be careful, however: using the cactus symbol in the wrong place in a room could have (very) negative effects.
In particular, Feng Shui tells us that lucky cactus plants should never be placed in bedrooms or kitchens.
We should no longer place them next to your front door: their thorns would repel energies, both good and bad, and would bring a sort of emptiness to your home.
Good places to place a cactus are therefore offices, living rooms, verandas or bathrooms.
To learn more about the art of Feng Shui, discover our collection of lucky charms and decorations capable of energizing your home.
Have a cactus as a lucky charm? (TOP #5 reasons)
If this lucky necklace showing the cactus is so appreciated by our community, it is for good reasons.
First of all, it looks rather fun and will go well with light, summery outfits. If you have Mediterranean or oriental features, it will add a spicy touch to your style.
However, it is for its virtues and properties as a lucky charm that the symbol of the cactus is most appreciated.
So let's now discover its main meanings together.
Cactus Meaning #1: Motherly Love
The cactus flower universally represents maternal love because it thrives even in the face of the harshest conditions.
Cacti represent the need to be protected from danger and threats from the outside world.
A bit like the symbol of the lucky cactus with its thorn armor, wearing this lucky necklace will protect you from many attacks.
Watering a cactus brings it growth and flowering. Maternal love brings the same things to children.
Meaning of cactus #2: healing
Cacti are strong, resistant, protective and therefore symbolize a mother's love.
In historical reality, the cactus has mainly been used for medicinal purposes.
There is good reason why many cacti are associated with healing.
It has been found that having cacti at home reduces excess carbon dioxide in our surrounding environment, which increases productivity by activating brain activity.
This is because carbon dioxide makes us tired, restless and can even give us headaches, reducing our overall efficiency.
Meaning of cactus #3: endurance
The spiritual meaning of a lucky cactus is also that of endurance.
It symbolizes the ability to see beyond what is visible to the naked eye and to never falter in the face of life's trials.
The cactus is a succulent plant, and therefore will not dry out, even in arid and desert environments. Even direct sunlight does not damage it, and its resistance capabilities are infinite.
This lucky necklace is therefore ideal for those who seek to triumph over new challenges.
Cactus Meaning #4: Survival
Cacti provide us with a positive example by conserving water and thriving in very difficult circumstances. This is also the theme of this scientific article which teaches you everything about the relationship between cacti and water.
Through this image, they remind us that we are stronger than we think and that we have unexpected resources at our disposal.
This jewel will remind you that even the most painful situations will come to an end, one day or another.
Meaning of cactus #5: perseverance
The cactus survives thanks to its thorns and its capacity for perseverance.
This plant thus carries a message of unparalleled courage: it reminds you that your true source of power lies within you.
Through the choices you make, you lay the groundwork for not giving up on future trials, exactly as the cactus does when it develops its defenses and water reserves.
The cactus: sacred plant of the natives of Mexico
As a species, cacti are flowering plants found all over the world.
However, it is in North and South America that most varieties are found, with more than 2000 different types of cacti.
Some of them are extremely common (like the cacti in the Arizona and Nevada deserts). Others are much rarer, or even on the verge of extinction.
In Mexico, the cactus is seen as a sacred and highly spiritual plant.
Peyote, Mescal or San Pedro are all hallucinogenic species that Aztec or Mayan priests used to experience trance states.
The cactus therefore had cosmological, ritual and religious functions.
Fun fact, some giant cacti were used as altars for human sacrifices by the Aztecs. Indeed, these Mesoamerican people believed they could obtain the favor of the gods by sacrificing a victim at the top of a cactus.
If Mexican culture, past and present, interests you, you can take a look at this collection of lucky charms dedicated to Central America.
Seeing a cactus in a dream: what messages
Interpreting our dreams is difficult. There are lots of (general) resources that can help you with this.
This list of the meaning of certain dreams, for example, will allow you to analyze some messages.
But what about the cactus symbol?
Aloe vera, fig tree, agave, sedum and other cacti: the analysis of the cactus symbol in dreams can take three main interpretations, which are here.
Message from the cactus #1: you will bloom
In a dream, seeing a cactus bloom means that you will bloom wherever you are planted.
This message tells you that there is no right or wrong path, that no decision will be entirely right or wrong, and that you will simply have to believe in your destiny.
Planted in the right soil, in the right pots and watered correctly, cacti will produce vigorous stems and delicious figs.
Cultivating yourself will also produce magnificent fruits.
Message from the cactus #2: you will heal
As cacti can also be used for healing purposes, seeing one in a dream can be a sign of healing (physical, spiritual, or emotional) to come.
In some contexts, this image can be a sign of future fertility and prosperity.
If the cactus you dream of also has succulent leaves (the characteristic leaves of succulent plants), their symbolic sap will have even greater effects on you.
Message from the cactus #3: you will be positive
In many cultures, the lucky cactus is said to have a positive effect on the mind.
Seeing one in your dreams could therefore be synonymous with future happiness, more positivity and a happier daily life.
The cactus is an amazing little plant and, yes, it can indeed help you live a peaceful life.
Meaning of a cactus tattoo
Several meanings can be found to a cactus tattoo.
All the lessons we have given you in this article remain relevant but, in the specific context of tattoos, other messages can be found.
Here is a short list:
- Cacti are known for their ability to adapt to temperature changes. Therefore, cactus tattoos symbolize adaptability
- Change and the desire to constantly try new things and throw yourself into new situations are also cactus tattoo meanings.
- Cactus tattoos are for people who never give up, those who have earned the title of survivor.
- Some people get a cactus tattoo after surviving a horrific event to represent the miracle that they are still alive, much like the plant that survives in the desert.
- These tattoos can also be for someone who wants to accept the fact that they can die at any moment and who doesn't want to live in fear of that moment.
- Logically, the cactus represents the desert. Many people get cactus tattoos to capture the power and solitude of the world's deserts.
- As is the case with most other tattoo designs, some people get a cactus tattoo simply because they like the look of the plant. After all, that’s still reason enough.
To inspire you even more, here are some examples of cactus tattoos with their meanings.
Lucky charm featured in this article
American Desert Cactus Necklace
See more