Cactuses have for millions of years. The fact cactuses continue to grow for hundreds of years and exist all around the world, in every climate, shows how strong and evolved the plant remains.
Cactuses are spiritual emblems. The indigenous tribes of both North and South America worshiped the prickly succulent plant. It was used for food, for water, and even for shelter.
This wove its way into legends of cactuses protecting its people when they needed it most. One Pampa legend says that a young couple whose father did not want his daughter to marry a man of lesser standing in their tribe eloped.
When her father and his men were upon them, Pachamama the goddess of Earth opened a hole in the ground to hide the lovers. There they grew into a cactus and stayed together safe forever.
A cactus tattoo design can often mean that no matter the circumstances they can survive.
The look of a cactus creeping, say, up your back and its arms reaching out onto shoulder blades with an explosion of blooms. The idea signals tremendous power and grace.
Cactuses are strong, succulent, and self-sufficient. Just like you are.