The Thistle is Potent
Concept & Meaning
You already know the heroic symbol of the Scottish national emblem earned its fame as the canary bird of the battlefield, warning the inhabitants of invasion by not-so-discretely spiking the bare feet of oncoming enemies. Thus, its association with prevention, and a cautionary lesson in avoiding the things that harm us.
The leaves, stems and burrs of thistle family plants have spines and barbs, making them an unpopular weed. Despite this, they have been a source of inspiration for artists (Shakespeare, Walter Crane), clothing (Velcro), food (seeds) and medicines (supreme liver protector, cholesterol manager, lactation assistant and insulin balancer).
The 'flower of the sun' with its painful thorns presents us with dichotomy in meaning. Both potentials are present. The wound it makes is pinpoint, teaching us precision, and brings us back to ourselves to source healing power. I came across this plant on an adventure as a child, and for some reason it never left me.
The thistle stands for protection and resilience.
The Thistleist, someone who STANDS TO PROTECT.
A thistleist weaves the transformative weeds into precision medicine for times in which we need some armour, a chrysalis, and a catalyst for change.
At every moment we carry the fruit of our past actions and the seeds of our future.
Farida Sharan
