While the leopard is elusive in the jungle, their lessons and messages are accessible for us to absorb. The wisdom of their symbolism and spiritual meaning will help us understand them and ourselves more.
Leopard Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal
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Leopard Symbolism & Meaning
Leopards are graceful hunters. They symbolize elegance in spite of adversity and looming danger. They are great representations of warriors and hunters. It also symbolizes stealth and strength. Both traits are good to have if you’re hunting or seeking something.
Sensuality and passion are usually attributed to them. Additionally, they are considered symbols of privacy and secrets.
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Leopard Spirit Animal
When the leopard approaches you, it is sending you a message of power. It wants you to know that this tunnel is about to end and you are about to reach the light. Keep going. While pain and pressure won’t be avoidable, the leopard will be on your side in every step.
Another reason that the leopard would come to you is if it wants to help with a current negotiation. It wants to show you the right path and to tell you that your opportunity is here. You don’t have to hold back your sunshine.
As they are known for their agility, the leopard comes to you to share their way of dodging possible danger and threats.
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Leopard Power Animal
Call upon the leopard if you are feeling helpless and need reminding of the power you possess within. If you need guidance in dealing with your shortcomings or just handling your weaknesses, the leopard is ready to jump in. If you need help with coming out of your shell, the leopard will be on your side until you make it.
Should you feel like you’re getting angry and are having dark thoughts, call upon the leopard to help you release them. If you’re not feeling like yourself, they will show you how to be the person you want to be.
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Leopard Totem Animal
You are lucky if you are born under the leopard totem. It means that you exude confidence and power. Your friends look up to you and often seek your advice. You are independent and you immediately know what you want whenever you’re making negotiations.
Leopard people are trustworthy, fearless and steadfast. They focus on solving the problem rather than dwelling on it. They are free-spirited and they hold that with importance.
When a person with the leopard totem commits to something they actually desire and believe in, they will take charge and push through with determination.
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Leopard Native American Symbolism
It is believed that the native American word for leopard and its cousins translates to “he who kills with one blow”. This animal’s fearlessness and ferociousness are revered by the native tribes. They believe that the leopard’s spirit is helpful to shamans, as they are watchful and mystical. It could also be the reason that they were linked to the moon.
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Leopard Celtic Symbolism
The leopard symbolizes violence, destruction and unrest for the Celtics. Their emblems were used to symbolize a warrior’s determination and courage.
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Leopard Far Eastern Symbolism
In Chinese culture, the leopard symbolizes punishment and cruelty. This spirit animal was seen very much in the martial arts symbolism as they represent great fighting skills and bravery. It is said that to mimic the leopard’s moves, you will use fists and knuckles to tire out opponents.
For the Buddhists, leopards are guardians of sacred spaces. They represent wisdom — both worldly and supernatural.
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Leopard in Dreams
Leopard dreams can have dual meanings. It would depend on the details of your dream to determine this spirit animal’s message.
If the dream includes a leopard and its cubs, it means happiness, peace and reconciliation. Additionally, if the leopard is tame in your dreams, it means that you are subconsciously wanting to make peace with an enemy. Same goes if you’re petting the animal in your dream.
It might mean differently though if you are feeling fear while you’re petting it. It could be the same as if a leopard is chasing you, which means that you are having anxiety issues.
If you’re getting attacked in your dream, it is a warning of a difficult patch ahead. Should you dream of a leopard inside your home, it relates to feminine power and authority.
Differently colored leopards in dreams could mean different things. A snow leopard is a warning of an enemy in disguise. Beware of who you let in your circle. If it’s a black leopard, it is a message that you have been holding back your feelings about something important to you. In any chance that the leopard in your dream is blue, the spirit animal is telling you to look forward to the good times ahead of you.
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Leopard Encounters / Leopard Omens
Crossing paths with a leopard means that you have been feeling very helpless. It’s a reminder that you should not let anything keep you down. There is power inside you and you shouldn’t be afraid to unleash it.
Another possible interpretation of a leopard encounter is to encourage you on your current ongoing battle. It is telling you that you are about to hit the finish line so you should not give up.
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Leopard Mythology and Folklore
Fūjin is the japanese wind god humanoid who is said to be sporting a leopard skin Shinto garb carrying a bag of wind. Meanwhile, the greek god of wine Dionysus is said to be accompanied by a leopard as he journeys the earth.
The leopard was mentioned in a myth from the 77 A.D. It is once believed that they are a hybrid — born from a lion and a “pard”. People used to believe that a “pard” is a bloodthirtsy beast. According to a book from the 13th century called Bestiary, “pards” are believed to have a demonic nature. It even considered the bible’s antichrist as a “pard”. “West African Folktales” by William H. Barker and Cecilia Sinclair narrates an origin story of why leopards live in the wild while the rams are tamed and domesticated.
Very helpful