10 Chameleon Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal

The Chameleon is often lauded for its incredible ability to camouflage, no matter what the environment is. To us humans, it would have been a really useful skill. We could hide when we want to, especially when we don’t want to engage with the world around us. We could easily escape, something that more and more people do feel that they need today.

But the true lesson of the Chameleon isn’t in escapism. The Chameleon is a symbol of adaptation. Notice how different this is. As a creature that adapts, the Chameleon can thrive in whatever situation it finds itself in. It does not run away from situations — instead it finds the best way to adapt to that situation so that it emerges unscathed! Now that is something more useful that all of us could learn!

Chameleon Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal

I

Chameleon Symbolism & Meaning

As an animal symbol, the Chameleon represents not just adapting physically but also emotionally. They change colors not just to match that of their environment, but also how they feel about that environment! After all, copying nature’s patterns requires a great deal of observing how those patterns form and what they mean.

If the Chameleon’s colors are its expression of the things around it, then they also represent the uniqueness of that expression. This is why in many cultures, the Chameleon isn’t a symbol of disappearing into the crowd. Instead, it is a symbol of uniqueness, of finding one’s self no matter the environment. This self-expression that also allows you to handle situations better makes it a bonus!

II

Chameleon Spirit Animal

As a spirit animal, the Chameleon is multi-faceted. And we’re not just talking about its color-changing abilities. The Chameleon is a good hunter, able to capture prey (mostly insects) from a distance using its very long tongue. In the real world, this translates to accuracy in communication or being effective and on point.

Their feet are also of special interest, because of its incredible adhesion. This turns them into a spirit animal of sureness in motion. Another interesting aspect is the way that Chameleons never stop growing through their lifetime! Like snakes, they shed skin. This symbolizes growth and the embrace of maturity.

III

Chameleon Power Animal

As a power animal, the Chameleon grants you near-complete control of your personality. Do you want to stand out or to blend in, to express yourself or to keep your opinions to yourself? The Chameleon can help you either way, while also counseling you on how to best approach the situation. Are you stressed out and ready to jump, but you know the situation requires patience and a little bit of wait? The Chameleon is also your friend. Do you think that the environment is betraying you, and that things are conspiring against you? Look to the Chameleon for a lesson on how to turn even dangerous environments into your shield, or your weapon.

IV

Chameleon Totem Animal

Those born under the Chameleon totem are nothing short of spectacular when it comes to adapting to new situations. Be mindful that this does not often sit well with others around you, though. You may end up responding to every single change in your environment, making it confusing for others and even making you look indecisive. There are people who are still stuck in the previous situation, and may be shaken at the “inappropriate” response you are having as of the moment. At the very least, it makes you look distant.

Chameleons also have some of the sharpest pair of eyes in the world (needed for their nature-copying skills) and when combined with their adaptability makes them really good detectives! They can ferret out the truth by causing you to lower your guard. If you’ve ever tried to surprise someone with a Chameleon totem, you’ll know how this is.

V

Chameleon Native American Symbolism

The Native Americans do not have Chameleons (they are African animals) but they attribute pretty much the same symbolism to lizards. Lizards are also good at survival, and are hence totems of health.

VI

Chameleon Celtic Symbolism

The Celts do not have the some symbolism for the Chameleon, since they did not have any interaction with the animal. However, it is known that they use lizards for potion-making.

VII

Chameleon Far Eastern Symbolism

Asia is host to a wide variety of lizards, but none like the Chameleon. While also noted for their survivability, lizards in the Far East aren’t always shown in a favorable light like in the Native American tribes, hence there is not much for Chameleon symbolism.

VIII

Chameleon in Dreams

In dreams, the Chameleon is a symbol of transformation. When you need to have inner strength for a change that is coming through your life, the Chameleon is your friend!

The Chameleon also comes to your dreams to help when you need to have your personal bubble, a place to recede to so you can think about the next best step. When you’re done, you’re ready to shine and become the intense individual you’ve always been once more!

IX

Chameleon Encounters / Chameleon Omens

When you see a Chameleon in life, this usually means that you need to reign in your emotions. The color of the Chameleon you see symbolizes an emotion that you need to get over with, so you can restore balance. Red, for example, may mean anger, and blue means sadness. Yellow could symbolize a lack of effective communication.

X

Chameleon Mythology and Folklore

The Africans have a wealth of Chameleon-related stories. The lore goes that the spider and the Chameleon lizard once had a disagreement, and the former cheated the latter out of his crops and his lands. The Chameleon lizard then devised a magic cloak made of vines and flies, which shimmer in the full color spectrum when struck by the sun. He sold it to the spider in return for some food which came from the stolen land.

The Chameleon’s cloak was eventually gifted by the spider to the Chief of animals. While this is happening, the Chameleon started digging a deep, deep hole. This was where the spider was supposed to put his payment. So the spider sends his children to the Chameleon with the grain, but was perplexed that the payment was not enough (the hole wasn’t filled). At the same time, the flies in the Chief’s cloak started flying away, leaving him half-naked. This caused a problem for the spider! The Chief also got wind of the spider’s mischief, and punished him by asking him to return the fields plus those he owned legitimately! See how the Chameleon’s spirit can turn even a loss into a win?