Know the meaning of cacti!

Cacti are plants belonging to the succulent family and their main meaning is protection. The universe of cacti is not complex. The more you know, the better you understand the importance of this shrub in every way.

More important than recognizing a cactus is to know which plants are not and thus avoid inconvenient situations. A good example is in the plants of the Euphórbias family, which are sold as candelabra cactus or mandacaru.

Plants of this species have latex with toxic substances that can cause serious irritation to the mucous membranes, mouth and eyes. However, the cacti that we will deal with in this article do not represent danger, all their fruits are edible and some generate wonderful flowers. See more below.

Cactus universe

It is true that there are several species of cacti. Although they are easy to care for, they need special attention. They serve as beautiful ornaments and still combine with parties. Keep reading to know this universe!

Different origins and species of cacti

There are more than 1500 cactus species spread and catalogued around the world and this number is only growing. As for its origin, the term cactus appeared for the first time around 300 B.C., in Greece, through a work about plants whose main characteristic was its spiny form.

Today, we know that the cacti or cactaceae are only one of the families of the Succulent group in the kingdom of plants. In Brazil, the most known species are cultivated and their popular names are: Mandacaru, Macarrão Cactus, Pedra Cactus, Pera Cactus, San Pedro Cactus, Peru Cactus and Friar's Crown

Capable of growing in inhospitable places, they are famous for being present in desert lands or quarries. However, they have become a trend for home cultivation, both for their simple shape and easy handling.

Visual characteristics of cacti

Very different from the image they are reproduced by drawings, cacti are visually attractive: depending on their species, they have many shapes and colors. However, the most basic compositions of these plants are long stems, short traces and thick tissues. Their thorns are actually their leaves.

There are cacti with cylindrical shapes as the example of the Button Cactus, in which also grow red flowers. There are also the Pink Cacti, which, as the name suggests, are pink, brief and are found in units. They also fit in very small vases or in cups.

The cacti with flowers give a romantic composition to the environment. But, if you prefer to gather cacti of different species in one place, the result will be a more fun and cozy look.

They are not dangerous, but the ideal is to know how to distinguish what is not a cactus from what is, because there are plants with similar characteristics sold as such.

Physical characteristics of cacti

The physical structure of cacti is adapted to survive in arid places and without water for a long time. Therefore, they are considered by scientists as evolved plants. The tissues of this botanical family are ideal for storing water. Thus, they survive in periods of greater droughts.

The large green body of cacti is responsible for the process of capturing light to manufacture their food - photosynthesis. Their leaves have been transformed into spines over years of evolution to prevent the dull loss of water.

Some cacti produce very beautiful, soft and intensely colored flowers. The May Flower, for example, is one of them. Unfortunately, the permanence time of these blooms is quite short. But it is worth collecting some species to see them appear.

How to care for a cactus ?

Taking care of cacti is a simple task. Their watering is scarce and, depending on the species and the way they are being grown, this time can reach up to 15 days. But, even with this, these plants need special attention in some aspects to prolong their life and keep their colors alive.

The first attention when caring for a cactus is to ensure that they receive plenty of direct sunlight. Shade and humidity are not favorable for their maintenance, so don't skimp on the sun with these little plants.

Another and no less important recommendation is to take care with the cactus pots. It is important that they are made of ceramic or plastic and that they have holes in the bottom. These holes ensure the drainage of excess water, which is ideal for the survival of your cactus.

Different meanings of cacti

There is a spiritual meaning to cacti. In various cultures and religions, the visual and physical characteristics also have a symbolic essence of protection, absorption or removal of negative energies. Read carefully to understand this diversity of meanings.

Spiritual meaning of cacti

Cacti are guardians. This is because they are especially powerful in the spiritual world, they are strong plants and adaptable to live in difficult environments. Having them on windows and doors is the ideal way to keep unfavorable energies well away from you

The guardians keep away envy, malicious enchantments, bad vibes of sadness, demotivation and disputes. They also have the power to transmute these energies, transforming them into good ones. But the ideal is that it is outside the house to exercise its role.

If the cactus dies, it means that it has fulfilled its cycle of protection. Therefore, it can be replaced by another. They also inspire hope and combat feelings of loneliness and unpleasant feelings of abandonment.

Meaning of cacti in the Bible

The word cactus does not appear directly in the Christian Bible. However, in the book of Jeremiah there is a reference to this little plant by way of metaphor. Chapter 17:06 of that book has the following: "For it will be like a solitary bush in the wilderness and will not see when good comes.

The passage refers to the turning away of man's heart from the will of God. In the same verse, however, in more up-to-date language, the word cactus appears instead of "bush." However, there are other Christian reflections on cacti.

One of them is about being strong and persevering. In this way, we should be like them, because the cactus, a solitary plant, is capable of surviving in hostile environments, where its spines are just strategies to ward off predators. In addition, it is also capable of improbable actions for itself, such as generating flowers.

Meaning of cacti in Umbanda

For Umbanda, cacti attract positive energies. They are among the most important and accessible plants for their power to transform the energies around them. Thus, heavy vibrations can be modified, bringing lightness and protection to the environment.

Having a cactus is essential. Among the bad vibrations that it can absorb are envy, the evil eye, sadness, feeling of unease, fear and the energy of people who are not well intentioned. In addition, it is the plant of the orixá Exu.

This orixá is associated with a deity of light that helps in spiritual works. It is also a messenger spirit that transits in several divine levels and makes the bridge between the human and the immaterial world.

Meaning of cacti for Feng Shui

In feng shui, cacti serve as purifiers. However, there are some important recommendations on how to use it so that it fulfills this role without conflicting energies or getting the opposite effect of what is intended.

Everyone can have a cactus, however the first recommendation is not to grow it indoors because it promotes an increase in the feeling of disturbance. Although it is a wonderful decoration, the appropriate place for it to absorb bad energies is outside.

Another not so good feeling obtained with the cultivation of the cactus indoors is emotionalism or excessive sensitivity to aspects, words and events that are not relevant. Therefore, for the decoration to be in tune with feng shui, it is important that it is in the external area of your home.

Meaning of cacti in love

In relation to love, cacti offer energies of stability and harmony. Just as they can dwell in unlikely places and still flourish, that same strong energy of natural persistence is brought to those who want more affection.

If you want to have a strong love that can withstand difficult periods, having a cactus increases this vibration towards the realization of this desire. In the case of wanting to protect the bonds of love between friends and family, growing this plant as the guardian of the house is a sure choice.

Meaning of cacti in marriage

Cacti are plants with strong and sturdy structures. In marriage, they mean protection and security, so the energy they bring to the marriage union is pleasant.

Cacti are so cherished that their presence in the wedding party setting has become increasingly common for their simple form. They can serve as decoration at the wedding and, with the right design, are even allowed as souvenirs.

The image of the cactus is harmonious with all forms of occasion, as they give vitality while functioning as spiritual guardians.

Meaning of cacti in friendship

Whoever offers a cactus as a souvenir to his friend is also offering him a lasting love. As said before, the cactus is a spiritual guardian, so offering this little plant is an act of goodwill and even more, a true demonstration of love and tenderness.

Cacti drive away bad influences and aspects that are not true. It is a potent purifier of energies in the matter of friendship.

However, these plants are the epitome of durability and endurance. It is said that anyone who receives a cactus from a friend is receiving long life and prosperity. Thus, it can already enter the list of birthday gifts.

Meaning of cactus tattoo

The main meaning of the cactus is its endurance, so tattooing one symbolizes not only your esteem for this shrub, but also your search for a source of strength and protection.

The preference for cactus tattoo has grown as people have started to better understand its representation in the spiritual world. In addition, the bad stigma that existed about this plant has also been eliminated.

Now, the choice for the cactus tattoo will certainly be best interpreted as someone who is able to resist unpleasant situations in the best way and who, besides being evolved, also surprises with the most beautiful flowers.

Meaning of dreaming of cacti

To dream of cacti signifies hope. You will have dreams about this plant when you are facing difficult times. Therefore, you will be warned that this is the time to have faith and stand firm despite everything.

Staying well in a difficult time is, of course, the farthest of possibilities, so if thoughts don't help you have faith that everything will work out, it's best to turn to strategies that will help with that.

The first and most recommended way to deal with the problems is to look for some pleasurable activity, take a bath, put on your best clothes, go for a walk or watch the sunset. Actions of this kind will make you act according to the guidance of the dream, dissipating the energies of sadness.

Different symbologies of cacti

The cacti have a different symbolism for each occasion. We have already understood that they are great as gifts, souvenirs and that they look beautiful in decorations. In this part of the text, understand what other symbologies the cacti carry and use them in your favor.

Symbology of cacti

On the spiritual plane, cacti symbolize the guardians of the house. They are protectors for absorbing and driving away all bad vibrations. For science, they are evolved plants, resistant and with incredible survival strategies.

It is such a wonderful plant that its qualities serve as metaphors for learning life lessons. One of them is to be strong and face problems with firmness, without complaining. Thus, to be like a cactus is to be persevering and brave.

Adaptation is one of the major premises of this plant, so the energy of being ready for any situation and the ability to fit in and take advantage of what seems impossible is also sustained through the cultivation of cacti.

Symbology of cacti in your home

Having a cactus in your home is to have a guardian of protection against some spiritual evils, in addition to a light and affordable decoration, making your home a cozier and more personalized environment. They can be placed outside, in windows or in hanging vases on the outside of the door.

The larger cacti can also be grown in your home garden. They pose no danger to animals and their sculptural forms are pleasing to the eye.

There are cacti so small that they can be placed in porcelain cups. They can be positioned on the porch or on coffee tables. But the ideal is to leave them outside the house, where they should have free and continuous access to sunlight.

Symbology of cacti as a gift

A cactus as a gift is an act of affection and love. Who receives this plant is surrounded by good friendships, in addition to begin to enjoy a good energy through it.

If you think about giving a cactus as a gift, you are right on the choice. Cacti are easy to care for and always contribute to the lightness of the environment, being alone or together with other plants, as long as it is in its own pot, because its watering is not done daily.

Giving a cactus that blooms is one of the best gifts. This is because the action of caring for it to give its first flowers generates an energy of increased expectations, which is very pleasant for the mind and soul.

Symbology of cacti for Mexicans

For Mexicans, cacti are a symbol that represents an enduring nation, but Mexico is known as the land of thorns because of the country's abundance of cactus vegetation.

They are also part of the design of the Mexican flag. In the image, we see an eagle perched on a branch of cacti with a serpent in its beak. In it, the plant represents not only the earthly composition, but also a symbol of optimism of a land marked by various conflicts.

In spirituality, the cactus most famous for its high energy power is the Nopal. It is typical of the region and easy to recognize by its sculptural shape and flattened branches. Moreover, it is an important plant in the Mexican economy, gastronomy and medicine.

Symbology of cacti for Native Americans

For Native Americans, cacti are a symbol of survival. 3,000 years ago, people known as Apaches inhabited desert regions in Arizona and California. Cacti, however, have always formed the main vegetation in these places.

There were giant species in the Sonora desert in North America. These plants could withstand up to five years without a drop of water. The Apaches, in turn, dribbled the conditions for survival by drawing water from within them.

In spirituality, the sacred cactus was called Peyote and was used by the Native Americans, including the Apache people, in shamanic rituals. Years later, the narcotic effects of this plant were discovered and, with this, religious persecution against the use and existence of this cactus surfaced.

Do cacti have a symbolism of fortitude and persistence?

Cacti have always possessed a symbolism of fortitude and resistance. If before, among ancient peoples, they were synonymous with provision and survival, now, they are the epitome of persistence in difficult days.

Its power as a guardian is credited by Feng Shui, Umbanda and Candomblé. In these practices, cacti are far beyond beautiful decorations, as they are bridges in the search for harmony between man and his spiritual world.

So, if you want to attract good energy into your life and away the bad, nothing better than to take as a basis the knowledge of ancient traditions about this highly evolved plant.