The crest on Plate 9, Image 2 (Pl. 9. cr. 2.) is described as a mullet (or star) environed with (or issuing from) clouds.
Surnames:
- Crioll (England)
- Inglis (Newtounleyes)
- Inglis (St Leonard’s)
- Innes (Thurster)
- Johnston (Clathrie)
- Kerioll (England)
- Lightbody (Merchant, Glasgow)
- Lightbody (Scotland)
- Sinclair, Sir, Of Ulbster, Bart. (Scotland)
- Steddert Of Sellith-House (Scotland)
- Stoddart (Scotland)
Symbolism of the Crest Mullet (or Star): The mullet (often represented as a five-pointed star, though sometimes six, as noted for Innes) is a classic symbol of honor, achievement, and divine guidance from above; it denotes some divine quality bestowed from above, whereby men shine in virtue, learning, and works of piety like bright stars on the earth. Clouds: Clouds in heraldry often represent the realm of the spirit, mystery, or the obscuring of truth before a revelation; when combined with a star or sun, they frequently symbolize hope, suggesting light emerging from darkness or guidance through difficult times.
General Symbolic Meaning The imagery of a star or mullet issuing from or surrounded by clouds serves as a potent allegory for hope, resilience, and spiritual guidance. It suggests that even amidst obscurity, difficulty, or the “clouds” of life, virtue and truth will eventually shine through. It implies a lineage that values perseverance and looks to higher powers for direction, embodying the sentiment that light follows darkness, as seen in associated mottos like Post nubes lux (Light after clouds).