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| Mustard Sinapis arvensis (yellow) |
| Flower Facts: Mustard seeds are used as a spice and, by grinding and mixing them with water, vinegar or other liquids, are turned into a condiment also known as mustard. The seeds are also pressed to make mustard oil, and the edible leaves can be eaten as mustard greens. There has been recent research into varieties of mustards that have a high oil content for use in the production of biodiesel, a renewable liquid fuel similar to diesel fuel. The seeds may be colored from yellowish white to black. They are important spices in many regional cuisines. The seeds can come from three different plants: black mustard, brown Indian mustard, and white or yellow mustard. In the Indian subcontinent they are often used whole, and are quickly fried in oil until they pop to impart a flavor to the oil. Mustard seeds generally take 3-7 days to germinate if placed under the proper conditions, which include a cold atmosphere and relativly moist soil. The parable of the mustard seed compares the Kingdom of Heaven to this seed, which the parable says is the smallest seed, yet grows to become a huge mustard plant that provides shelter for many birds. Much like the English saying Many an oak from a tiny acorn grows, and like the butterfly effect, the parable is usually interpreted as meaning that great things start from just tiny seeds of information, or from tiny actions. It is also assoicated with having the faith to believe in such miracles. |
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| Flower Meaning: Acceptance, Cheerfulness, Courage, Healing, Joy, and Lightness |
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| Bloom and Blossom: Mustard is one of the important plant for the soul's experience of darkness. The soul in need of this flower feels suddenly overwhelmed with feelings of gloom and despair. This mood does not appear connected with obvious episodes or situations surrounding the person's life. Instead, the feelings are much deeper and more overpowering, especially because the consciousness finds it difficult to penetrate to the cause or meaning of such depression. The reason for this experience lies deep within the subconscious memory, and often points to karmic circumstances beyond the present life. If the events preceding the depression are carefully reviewed the individual can usually identify an image, a word, a person, or a place which served as a trigger point for the unconscious to activate this darker material of the psyche. Mustard assists this healing response, helping one to come to terms with deep, unreconciled parts of the past. This flower is very helpful for complex states of depression, such as manic-depressive mood swings. It brings equilibrium and equanimity by helping the Self to balance extreme polarities of light and dark. Rather than experiencing light as separate from darkness, the soul is able to experience darkness as a transformative process. In tihs way, the Mustard flower helps the soul to anchor and stabilize its light, leading to a sustained experience of gentle joyfulness and quiet radiance. The color that represents Mustard is yellow. The positive qualities of Mustard are: Emotional equilibrium, and ability to integrate suffering and joy into a positive whole. |
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