The Arms of David Francis Michael Cotter II

The relationship between the mullet (star) and wolf defines and expresses the core meaning and purpose of these arms. The wolf is in motion towards the mullet, which both guides him and remains just beyond grasp. This expresses the worth of pursuit over the need for possession, striving towards a guiding principle rather than fixation upon attainment, and a purposeful pursuit of illumination with intention.

The wolf Argent (white or silver) represents strength - ferocious at need, but purposeful and directed, with discipline and restraint. It shows unwavering loyalty, yet stands alone, signifying independence, self-reliance, and unflagging endurance. It is depicted rampant (the position he’s standing in), expressing vigilance and readiness, active engagement, and bold action. It is strength in motion rather than complacency at rest. The choice of Argent emphasizes integrity, clarity, honesty, and a moral foundation underpinning all. It represents purity, sincerity, truth, the use of strength in pursuit of peace, and a heart unblemished by guile.

The wolf’s gaze is fixed on and directed towards a mullet Or (golden star) for which it reaches. This represents guidance, direction, and orientation, both literal and symbolic. Its placement is deliberate: It is ever pursued, yet never fully possessed. It represents the lifelong quest for wisdom and understanding, a treasure more precious than gold. The wolf seeks it endlessly, eyes ever fixed on it, yet is never arrogant enough to claim to have full possession of it. The mullet also represents the North Star, both allegorically and literally. Its eight points reflect those of a compass rose, representing the wild, the untamed, and the unknown, as well as the actual, physical tools of navigation - even by the stars - which the bearer of the arms has used in the wild throughout his life. It is the Star of Bethlehem, divinely guiding even those said to be Wise towards something infinitely greater than themselves. It is also Christ, the bright Morning Star, and His Star of Bethlehem. The wolf, though not at rest, is not restless. Guided by the mullet, its movement is planned and purposeful, directed towards divine grace and goals of greater substance rather than wandering, lost, or aimless.

The Azure field represents loyalty, truth, strength, faith, constancy, and clarity and composure under pressure. It speaks of high aspirations, noble ideals, long-suffering perseverance. It is the skies and waters of the natural world, in which the mullet shines out and the wolf, set against the vast backdrop of its greater peace, depth, and tranquillity, moves.

The shape of the shield recalls The Lord as a shield and defence, with the gold of the bordure showing Him as a strong refuge and fortress surrounding and structuring all. The choice of Or for the mullet and bordure, combined with the Argent of the wolf, represents elevation of the mind, high virtue, and noble character. The Or of the eyes recalls that, “the eye is the lamp of the body," and the claws turned golden represent purification.

The Gules (red) tongue lends an element of naturalistic realism, grounding the arms in the simple, overarching truth of basic, common sense.

Taken as a whole, the arms represent the aspiration towards a disciplined and ongoing pursuit of deeply founded guiding principles undertaken with clarity, endurance, and deliberate intent.