We have seen the Black Panther rise in popularity as the titular hero of a Marvel movie. But did you know just how accurate that movie was in its depiction of a Panther’s symbolism? The movie was about the achievement of one’s potential, the overcoming of adversity, and the rediscovery of one’s inner strength. These are the same things that the Panther stands for.
Black Panther Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal
Scientifically, these animals are any of the big cats (usually jaguars or leopards) whose genes give them a black coat instead of the normal yellow spotted ones. They are different and unique, but sometimes this can make them an outcast. This difference, though, is where they draw their strength from. The Panther is not the biggest, nor the fiercest of the big cats. But it is one of the most cunning. It knows how to use its sleek black fur coat to stalk its prey during moonless nights, and the unsuspecting target doesn’t know any better until the Black Panther’s jaws clamp down.
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Black Panther Symbolism & Meaning
The Panther is a symbol of elusiveness, of working efficiently in the shadows. The Panther always gets results, but it does not flaunt how it does so. They can masquerade as anything they wish, concealing their efforts beneath a facade of their choosing.
Hence, the Panther is a veritable agent of the shadows. It dislikes prying eyes, and this, combined with their natural swiftness, gives it an uncanny — almost supernatural — illusion of speed. Of course, nothing is faster than something you haven’t even noticed before!
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Black Panther Spirit Animal
As a spirit animal, the Panther’s cunning is the perfect representation of making fast choices. This is especially important, as not everyone can make the same choices at the same pace. In nature, the Panther is a loner. In humans, one guided by the spirit of the Panther may trek a lonesome path simply because no one else could keep up with its pace.
The Panther is also an exemplary spirit of hindsight. Physically, the Panther is not very durable and could only run in short bursts before having to slow down. This is normally enough to give it a head start versus others, and it often uses its slower pace for contemplation. This gives it a better sight of what it has done, and gives it room for adjustment in case anything needs to be corrected.
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Black Panther Power Animal
If you feel disadvantaged, or if you need to work through a problem primarily by your mind, call on the Panther as your power animal. You may be different, but that does not mean you cannot find the answer on your own. You may need to start off on a journey that has a lot of slip-ups and pitfalls, but don’t fret because the Panther is supporting you there — and in the same rough journey you will find everything you need to achieve fulfillment.
The Panther is also a fitting power animal for single parents. They have drawn the short stick in raising their kids, but they too can do it in an exemplary manner. In the wild, Panthers typically raise their children alone. Hence, they need to be dominant and sure in their steps.
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Black Panther Totem Animal
Those born under the Panther totem are naturally persistent, and have a great self-image. They know that for the most part, they can only rely on themselves. Because of this, they build themselves up over time with the skills and supplies they need to succeed.
Panther people are also especially adept at navigating the shadows of life. They are cautious all the time, and they are good at finding the right path even when their path is blocked by illusions. They can also be artistic, with their pent-up energies being released through some form of art (often done in complete solitude).
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Black Panther Native American Symbolism
To the Native Americans, the Black Panther is symbolic of deadly abilities. Their interpretation of the Panther focuses mainly on its jaguar variety, which is known for its accurate and deadly blows. Hence, the jaguar is known as a death bringer, with some South and Central American cultures hailing the jaguar as a god of the Underworld.
The Panther is also a symbol of royal leadership, and is sometimes invoked in coronation ceremonies.
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Black Panther Celtic Symbolism
The Panther is almost non-existent in the Celtic mythology, because its habitat very rarely reaches out to these regions. However, Norse mythology has stories of Freya, the fertility goddess, riding on a chariot pulled by two Black Panther-like creatures. This is significant, considering the relationship the Panther has with motherhood.
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Black Panther Far Eastern Symbolism
The Black Panther appears in Chinese symbolism very rarely, but when they do, they appear as symbols of taming aggression. This jives with the Panther’s traditional meaning of overcoming one’s own adversities, as aggression is considered one of the “shadows” that could obscure one’s vision in life.
The Panther’s base form, the leopard, is also considered a royal animal being one of the grades of a royal official.
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Black Panther in Dreams
When Panthers appear in dreams, it is time to reach out from within and unleash your personal power out into the world! This could range from putting your foot down and making a statement, or making an artistic mark upon the world. The dream visit could also be a herald of good luck coming your way.
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Black Panther Encounters / Black Panther Omens
When you meet a Panther on your way, you may need to start looking at your inherent weaknesses and embracing them as a part of yourself. These weaknesses may be troubled waters for you, but the Panther grants you the ability to power past them. It is not always pretty, nor is it always easy, but it is something much better than running away from your fears and letting your boundaries stagnate just because of them.
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Black Panther Mythology and Folklore
The Panther is very significant in the Egyptian rituals of old, with priests using them in ceremonies to portend safety and strength. In ancient Greece, the Panther is a symbol of protection thanks to Zeus’ decree. There is also a medieval belief that Panthers devour all animals (except for the dragon). In the Native American beliefs, jaguars are spirit guides who can cross between worlds.
What adversary are you meaning to defeat? If you are willing to take the hard but good and persistent fight, then the Panther is ready to help you out.
Superb ,
very good information…