One might wonder why the Seal has also been called by the name of “Sea Lion”. We see them as cute and smart creatures, the type we see in wildlife shows and circuses exhibiting balls on their noses. In the wild, they certainly appear pretty clumsy on land, living in groups that waddle and huddle together. They seem relatively docile, and it is hard to believe that they are closely named after one of the fiercest land predators.
Seal Sea Lion Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal
Scientifically, Seals and Sea Lions are different creatures, in much the same way that alligators and crocodiles are different. Like the latter example, an untrained eye will have difficulty seeing the difference. For purposes of symbolism, we are considering them as one.
And both Seals and Sea Lions have more similarities to the more familiar lions than we think. They are opportunistic hunters, and are very good at catching prey. They also tend to dominate the waters where they live (unless of course larger predators like killer whales are around). They also have outstanding mobility in the terrain of their mastery!
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Seal Sea Lion Symbolism & Meaning
The Seal can be a symbol of many things, but foremost is the message to finding your ideal arena where you can play your game best. Seals may seem funny on land, but they can be dangerous in the water. We humans may also look and feel very awkward in some areas of life but succeed magnificently in others. All we have to do is find our area of expertise!
Being connected to water, the Seal tells us to do this by connecting to the realm of our imaginations. We have our own hopes and dreams, aspirations that are the universe’s way of telling us where to go. If we use these as a compass to finding a field we can call our own, then success is just around the corner!
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Seal Sea Lion Spirit Animal
Seals are very smart, and they can be easily taught to respond to cues. Hence, when a Seal appears as our spirit animal, we are also being taught to respond to the cues of life. There are many opportunities that will pass us by only a few times, and when we miss them once we should learn not to miss them again. We should learn to read the signs of nature and life so we can learn to act in a timely and appropriate manner.
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Seal Sea Lion Power Animal
When you need to make quick adjustments, especially when it is for something you perceive to make your life better, then it is time to call on the Seal totem. You can also call on them to help you tap into a hidden reserve of creativity that will help bring out your talents to a wider stage. Seals may look playful, but they are very hardworking — they know when and where to use their talents effectively.
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Seal Sea Lion Totem Animal
People born under the Seal totem are often in need of a creative outlet for themselves. Naturally imaginative, they can innovate on the fly and adapt to the changing times without missing a beat. They also have good judgment about their own capabilities, knowing fully well where they excel and where they may fail. This leads them to choose their fights carefully.
Being a Seal person also means you can adapt well to the rough seas of life. You may be chased by problems or buffeted by fate, but you know how to stay afloat. You also know that no matter what happens, there is always a shore you can go back to at the end of the day.
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Seal Sea Lion Native American Symbolism
To the Native Americans, the Seal is associated with oceanic skill and safety. This is more of a homage to the namesake lions, who are also known for their skill and robustness.
There are some clans who use the Seal as their totem, especially those of the Tlingit and Haida. For the Inuits, the Seal is a symbol of innocence, largely because of how they look when on land.
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Seal Sea Lion Celtic Symbolism
The Celts have the legend of the Selkie, Seal people who can transform into humans by shedding their skin. In these stories, the Seal takes on the same quality of innocence that the Inuits attributed to them. Typically, the legend speaks of an unassuming Selkie whose transformation to a Seal is hampered by someone stealing their Seal skins.
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Seal Sea Lion Far Eastern Symbolism
Seals were not native to Asia, and so no cultures were able to attribute them any special qualities. In Japan, for example, the symbolism of the Seal may be split between (at least) the koi and the turtle.
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Seal Sea Lion in Dreams
When the Seal appears in your dreams, it is time to check your emotions. The Seal can be a symbol of joy, one that you are feeling right now or one that you are craving. Depending on your emotion at the time, the Seal may be inviting you to continue on your merry way and not let problems stop you. Alternatively, the Seal may be telling you that you are not happy in your current state, and it is waving you towards finding a way to increase joy in your life.
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Seal Sea Lion Encounters / Seal Sea Lion Omens
When you see a Seal, you should look at the current state of your life. It is one thing to feel safe and protected — even the Seal has a thick skin and a layer of blubber to insulate it from the rough environment it lives in. But this shouldn’t hamper your mobility in life. The safety of your comfort zone shouldn’t stop you from seeing the better (and often more challenging) things in life.
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Seal Sea Lion Mythology and Folklore
Aside from the legends found in Celtic and Native American mythology, the Seal also appeared as a creature that is among the underwater herds of Poseidon (taking the place of cattle or sheep). The Seal also featured prominently in many Eskimo legends, often as an important source of sustenance hence reflecting their daily lives.
The Seal (and Sea Lion) may seem meek and even awkward, but we can learn a lot from their prowess in their areas of expertise. All we have to do is look past the physical and delve into their essence as creatures.
