Profile of a Spirit Animal - The Lion

Lions are an iconic symbol of nobleness and pride. It is clear that the lion signifies what it means to be powerful and influential, especially in today's society. The lion also plays a vital role in mass media perception with popular films such as Disney's The Lion King as well as The Wizard of Oz.

Lions may be considered the most social amongst the big cats. They usually live in communities called prides. Within these prides, the females serve as hunters who work cohesively with other females to take down their prey and also act as the primary caretakers of their young offspring. The males in the pride protect their family unit from unwanted predators. Lion cubs are extremely playful and live a carefree existence, seemingly unaware of the dangers that surround them. Both the male and female adults in the pride show great affection towards the young cubs.

As a spirit or totem animal, the lion ideally represents courage. Coeur is the French word meaning heart, the root word for courage. Courage comes from the heart and manifests itself from one's profound sense of personal authority. When we are able to prove that courage comes from within ourselves and be honest, we have the power to act in ways that align with our spiritual beliefs. So when you think of courage or how the lion may be able to display an act of courage, think of the lion's distinctive roar. Therefore, the meaning of the lion may represent the family bond as well as cooperation and community. The lion's proud roar reminds us that working with the lion's guidance as a spiritual teacher means that one must be able to understand and interpret their own well-being. This is inherently based on being able to live and work together in harmony with others without sacrificing one's individuality or pride.

This is also the true meaning of self-esteem where one is able to bypass the illusion of it by not comparing oneself to others or deflating their sense of self-worth through degradation. It is said that one who demonstrates the true sense of self-worth generates their own feelings of self-appreciation that can often inspire and provide encouragement for others around them. One who relates to others from their heart exemplifies the ideal embodiment of achievement and leadership, showing success that engages those surrounding them to follow in their footsteps. According to ancient Egyptian mythology, a young lion symbolized the rising sun; therefore, through channeling the lion's spiritual connection throughout our bodies, we may experience a transformation - the emergence of our own radiance as human beings.

In addition to courage, the lion is a symbol of power. The lion is power, even though it may be contained. He gives strength to those who channel him, often in quiet command. I think the lion has much to teach all of us. He may teach you how to carry yourself with such an unyielding presence that it will cause those around you to become filled with respect and awe. Use the lion's strength as a catalyst to build complete confidence in everything you do. Speak calmly. Speak with authority. Like the lion's roar, let your voice ring high above the raucous din of those crowding your personal space by glowing with this newfound confidence and sense of self. Look into yourself and discover the personal strength and wisdom aching to be free from the hidden crevices of your mind and inner soul.

Walk with grace. Show your strength. Hold your head high and be proud of who you are, exactly as you are. If the lion is your spirit animal, do not be afraid to let these qualities come out. And every once in awhile, make others aware of your presence by giving out a great, magnificent roar. You are the lion after all.

© 2008, Lara Ameen. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint this article.

Lara Ameen is a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in English with a double minor in Creative Writing and Disability Studies. She enjoys writing about her favorite paranormal television shows and is fascinated by the relationship between psychology, spirituality and the paranormal. Her biggest aspirations are to be a fiction novelist and television screenwriter.