Lion Spirit Animal

In the realm of spirit animals, the lion wins the prize for most relentless fighter in the face of life challenges. The lion spirit animal represents courage, strength in overcoming difficulties. The presence of this power animal could also mean that something “wild” or difficult to control is happening. As such, lions symbolizes emotions that are difficult to manage, such a anger or fear.

Lion Totem Meaning

The lion as a spirit animal or totem symbolizes:

• Strength, assertiveness, personal power 
• A common meaning for the lion spirit animal is predatory feelings, such as anger, aggression directed at someone else or towards you 
• Personal struggle to deal with these feelings 
• Lion spirit animals warn about a threatening situation or event in your life

Lion spirit animal, symbol of personal strength and courage

The lion spirit animal is generally associated with a representation of personal strength. If the lion appears powerful to you, its presence as a spirit guide can be interpreted as a positive representation of your self-confidence or personal power. As such, lions point to qualities of strength, courage, assertiveness.

Lions are also animals who dominate other animals in nature. Remember as an example the expression “the lion, king of the jungle”. When a lion appears as your power animal, it could reflect your ability to lead others or tendency to dominate in relationships or at work.

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Lion spirit animal, symbol for anger & personal struggle

Seeing your lion spirit animal could be an invitation to control your temper or your moderate aggressive impulses. For instance, observe if you could really listen to what people have to say before striking back at them. Or explore how to express your needs or anger more openly and constructively to reduce your level of frustration.

If you are dreaming of being chased by a lion, it may represent a situation that brings about personal struggle. Common dream scenarios with threatening lions are as follows: A lion suddenly appears in your dream. You feel threatened by this wild animal known for devouring its prey with no mercy. The lion is now preying on you. You’re trying to escape, but it still behind you, chasing you like you’re about to get devoured.

Lion spirit animals in dreams: When the lion bites you

A lion that bites you in your dream could be a warning from your spirit animal and signify that you’re feeling overwhelmed in your waking life. The source of worries could be about feelings you or someone else may have or a situation that is particularly challenging. The image of the lion bite is a strong call to look at what’s going on in your life that could feel threatening or dangerous before it really “bites” you.

Another interpretation of such lion dream is to ask yourself what is dominating your life these days and see if you can bring more balance.

Scary images of lion spirit animals and the “shadow self”

When you are scared by the presence of your lion spirit animal, whether it’s in dreams or in waking life, this could be an invitation to look at your “shadow self”. The shadow self is a part of yourself that you prefer to keep “in the shadow” or the dark. In other words, a part of yourself you would hide or reject because it’s not likeable, you or other people think it’s unacceptable, not worthy, etc.

Your spirit animal indicates the need to look at these aspects of yourself and resolve the tensions inner conflicts may create. For instance, by just starting to acknowledge parts of your “shadow self”, looking at them, perhaps understanding what they are about, what they are connected with, you can start bringing a better understanding of yourself.

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FACT: ZEBRA CAMOUFLAGE WORKS BECAUSE LIONS ARE COLOUR-BLIND.

We know whether lions and other mammals are colour blind by looking into their eyes or at their genes.

Mammals have special cells that respond to light, which are arranged in a layer called the retina at the backs of their eyes. Two types of cell respond to light; rods detect light but not colour, whereas we have three kinds of cone cell that contain different pigments that respond to red, green and blue light. By stimulating differing combinations of these cones, we can see many different colours. Other animals, including rodents, may have more kinds of cones that detect other colours, including ultraviolet.We can find out which pigments mammals have in their eyes by the different wavelengths of light they absorb, or we can look at their DNA to see which genes are present, which are code for the different pigments. Many carnivores and ungulates have only two pigments, so we know they are colour blind.

Sure, to you and I zebras on the great plains blend in like Richard Simmons on CNN. But when their natural predator, the lion, is completely colour-blind it’s the strong striped pattern that creates the camouflage rather than the usual technique of blending in with the surrounding colour palette. A lone zebra’s stripes break up the general shape of the tasty animal and make it harder to spot. In a herd, zebras cuddle-up close and the stripes blend together making it hard to see where one zebra ends and the next begins. (see technical illustration above)

Dozens of India's Asiatic lions are dying

Gujarat government's last lion census in 2010 pegs their numbers at 411

Is the last abode of the Asiatic lion turning into a death trap for the big cat?Gir in India's Gujarat state is home to Asiatic lions and has seen 256 lions dying in the past five years.

Experts say their population is at risk with the big cats making new homes in human settlements.

Environmentalist Takhubhai Sansur says in the last three months alone, about 20 lions have been run over by speeding trucks and trains.

"Lion numbers have increased, but the challenge is their safety. About 40% of the total lion population now lives outside the forest area. Open wells and live wires on farms, poachers and passing trains and trucks have turned this region into a death field for the Asiatic lion," he says.

'Under control'

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had in 2000 added the Asiatic lion to the list of critically endangered species.

In 2005, when the lion population started swelling and crossed 250, it was removed from the list. Gujarat government's last lion census in 2010 pegs their numbers at 411.

Increasingly, big cats are found straying outside of the forest area, appearing on farms and near homes

The Gujarat government annually spends 500m rupees ($8.3m; £5m) on wildlife - half of it on the big cat.

But critics say the amount is less than 5% of what is spent on promoting tourism, for which lions are the biggest draw. They also accuse the government of not being honest about the reason behind the lions' deaths.Wildlife scientist Ravi Chellam, who has been working with lions for the past three decades, believes India's lion population is now at risk.

'Playing politics'

The Gujarat government, under then chief minister Narendra Modi who is now prime minister, fought long court battles to prevent the lions being moved to the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh in central India.

Open wells on farms often turn into death traps for lions who fall into them

For people of Saurashtra, lions are a symbol of pride and many have adopted second names like Sinh and Savaj, which mean lion in Gujarati.

Activists are also worried over the increasing man-animal conflict in thl has knowingly killed a lion," he says.

"People are mostly vegetarian here so there is no dearth of bush meat for the big cat."

The big question, however, still remains - are India's lions really safe region - in the past two years, lions have killed 14 people and wounded 114 others. And two farmers have been arrested for killing lions who strayed into their fields.

State forest officials say lions can be safe only in Gujarat, a view the state government has been pushing.

RL Meena, chief conservator of forests, rubbishes suggestions that the lion may become extinct in Gir.

"There has been no incident ever when a local has knowingly killed a lion," he says.

"People are mostly vegetarian here so there is no dearth of bush meat for the big cat."

The big question, however, still remains - are India's lions really safe? 

     Endangered Asiatic Lion found dead in Gujarat

Gujarat government's last lion census in 2010 pegs their numbers at 411

Symbolic Meaning of Lions

Lion Meanings and Thoughts on Lion Symbolism

The symbolic meaning of lions, as one might imagine, primarily deals with strength.

The fact that it is a nocturnal creature means that the lion is a symbol of authority and command over subconscious thought (as night is an ancient symbol of the subconscious - or dream states).

It's interesting that the lion is considered by many ancient cultures to be a solar animal symbol, however it is primarily a nocturnal creature, conducting its hunting activity mostly at night. Further, the lioness is considered a lunar animal.

This serves as a symbolic message of balance and sound judgment. In that the lion shares the world of both night and day, the lion bears a message of prudence to us. In other words, the lion asks us to not overdo in certain areas of our lives. Rather, keep an even mind and an overall balance in our life activities.

Other than a symbol for strength, other symbolic attributes of the lion include...

Symbolic Meaning of Lion

• Wisdom
• Power
• Royalty
• Dignity
• Courage
• Justice
• Ferocity
• Dominion
• Authority

In Egypt, the lion represented the ferocious heat of the sun and was seen in the likeness of Sekhmet who is the Egyptian goddess known as the Eye of Ra. She is the power that protects the good and annihilates the wicked.

In ancient Greece, lions were identified with Dionysus, Phoebus, Cybele, and Artemis because myth indicates lions drew the chariots for these gods and goddesses. Here, the symbolic meaning of lions revolved around protections and they were viewed as guardians of the dead as well as guardians of palaces, doorways, shrines and thrones. They were also ultimate protectors of hearth and home.

In Hinduism, the lion is an avatar (embodiment or personification) of Vishnu.

In Buddhism the Buddha sits upon the lion as a throne of consistency, strength and wisdom.

In alchemy, the symbolic meaning of lions is associated with the highly idealistic and prized attributes of gold.

Lion Symbolism in Heraldry
The symbolic meaning of lions in England is shown in heraldic art where it is a common emblem of English sovereigns because of these lion-like traits:

• Honor
• Courage
• Royalty
• Strength
• Leadership

Lion Meanings in Astrology

As a zodiac symbol - those with the sign of Leo likely possess some lion's personality traits such as:

• Fiery
• Loyalty
• Passionate
• Intuition
• Generosity
• Territorial
• Controlling
• Self-confidence

Those born under the sun sign Leo are fiercely independent, confident and in control.

They are creative and influential forces and have the internal power to make positive (or negative) changes in their lives and the lives of others around them.

They are very loyal people, and will defend friend and family honor to the death. My friend Goran Jonsson has perfectly captured the strength and ferocity the Leo represents in his zodiac pendant shown left.

Lions as dream symbols indicate we may feel as though we are being preyed upon, or we are in a position to defend ourselves. Dreaming of lions may also be a sign of our need to get in touch with our emotions, and tame them if necessary.

In esoteric studies, the lion makes its appearance in the Tarot where it is illustrated in the Strength card of the Major Arcana.

When we observe the lion in nature, we detect an easy strength and a natural dignity. The lion is born powerful, and power comes naturally to it. There is no false bravado as the lion has no need of it.

When the lion comes to us it is a sign for us to step into our natural birthright of power. Each of us is born powerful and divine. The lion reminds us of this.

Symbolic Messages the Lion Offers Us

• Have courage, have faith
• Stand tall, remember your birthright of power
• Hold your head high - even in times of conflict - conduct yourself with dignity
• It may be time to defend something that is dear to your heart - defend it fiercely if you must
• Perhaps it's time to show your authority (not in a dominating way) but lead others with a loving heart

As with all signs and symbols, the symbolic meaning of lions should be special and personal to each of you. This only provides you with a brief summary of the various symbolic meanings available. Ultimately it is you who determines your own unique and symbolic relationship with the lion.

Lions sleep 20ft up as a tree offers the only shade in scorching wilderness

It may have felt unbearably hot in the UK this week - but the temperatures have been nothing compared to what these sleeping lions must endure.A pride of the big cats were spotted taking shelter in the branches of a tree as they escaped the blistering sun in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.Around ten lions were seen slumbering 20ft up while sprawled lazily over branches under the shade of the leaves.

Sleeping lions: A pride of the big cats were spotted taking shelter in the branches of a tree in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Sleeping at this height, the lions can also watch over their grassland territory and keep an eye out for any approaching prey while catching some sleep.In this part of the Serengeti, temperatures can reach a staggering 32C by 8am so it's no wonder the lions were taking advantage of the shelter.The amazing pictures were taken by amateur photographer Alexandr Kirichko, 50, from Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.

Mr Kirichko said he was thrilled to see such a rare wonderful sight while on safari and said he got within 15 yards of the animals.Sleeping mainly during the day, lions are primarily nocturnal, which suits the high temperatures of their native habitats.

Comfortable? One lion appears to sleep in an awkward-looking position with three legs dangling 20ft above his grassland home

Sprawled over branches: The lions used the tree to escape the heat while also gaining a good view of their territory in the Serengeti 

Good vantage point: Sleeping at this height, the lions can watch over their territory and keep an eye out for any approaching prey

Making the most of the shade: In this part of the Serengeti, temperatures can reach a staggering 32C by 8am

Did you know about lions?

Roar, If You Like Lions

Eating, roaring, and sleeping are what lions do most of the time. Lions, “Panthera Leo” are also commonly called, “King of the Beasts”. In Africa lions were seen as chiefs. The claws and teeth of any lion killed were placed in the grave of a chief. This ensured that the chief’s spirit would come back as lion, protect the land and control the crops and animals fertility.

What are their eating habits?

One lion can consume up to 88 pounds in one meal. Each adult lion requires 11 pounds of meat per day. Unlike many other Felids, they are able to capture larger prey, because they hunt in groups. Even with that advantage, the lion’s hunt success is still only successful in one out of every five attempts, so they scavenge as much as they can. What they eat includes: warthogs, antelope, buffalo, zebras, gazelles and even small elephants and rhinos. In one year, one lion consumes the equivalent of 30 medium sized prey animals or 10-20 large prey animals.

DO LIONS HAVE GOOD SENSES?

The lion is known as king of the jungle, and he's engineered to rule. Not only does he have good senses -- he has great senses. His excellent sense of sight helps him see large prey, even at night, assisted by hearing and scent-detection. Tactile ability is part of communication with other lions.

Big Cat Eyes

Cats are known for great vision and the lion is no different. If you share your home with a cat, you likely know he can see quite well at night. The lion also has excellent night vision, with eyes six times more sensitive to light than human eyes. His round pupil -- different from a house cat's vertical slit for a pupil -- allows more light into his eye, as does the white circle under his eye that reflects more light into his eye. Compared to similar sized animals, the lion has larger eyes, as well as a second eyelid that helps protect his eye, as well as keep it clean. He can't move his eye side to side very well, but instead, has to rely on moving his entire head around to get a large field of vision.

Smell That!

A well-developed sense of smell helps the lion in a variety of ways. Perhaps you've noticed your own cat make a sneering face when he's smelled something interesting. That's known as Flehman, and a lion will also grimace when a scent passes over the Jacobson's organ, a special organ on the roof of his mouth. This little extra helps a lion determine reproductive status, locate kills by other predators and find prey.

Hearing and Speaking

A lion has good hearing, enhanced by movable ears that can adjust to the direction noise is coming from. As a result, he can hear prey at long distances -- up to a mile away -- as well as listen for his pride members. Though speech isn't a sense, a lion's roar is very important to him. One of only four cats to roar, the lion begins to roar around one year of age. A lion's roar is a method of communication, allowing him to serve notice about territory, speak to pride members and act as a show of aggression to other lions. As well, a female lion can discern the difference between a male's roar, allowing her to avoid males that may harm her cubs. A fully grown lion's roar can be heard almost five miles away.

Touch, Tongue and Tail

The sense of touch is important to the lion, allowing him to engage in a variety of peaceful behaviors, such as head rubbing with other lions in greeting and licking each other. Taste may not be important to a lion, but his tongue is covered in papillae -- small, backward-curving spines -- that help scrape meat from bones and assist in grooming. The lion's tail is still a bit of a mystery. The only cat with a tassel on the tail's tip, the presence of nerves and blood vessels suggests it may be a tactile organ.