Spirit animal Jaguar: symbolism and meaning of the encounter
The meaning of the jaguar as a totem animal will help to know the inner strength and get help from the totem at the right moment. Looking at the power of this cute cat, you can guess that the jaguar symbolizes strength and courage, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. These wild cats are much older than we think and attitudes towards them have been developed over thousands of years. To know why jaguars are associated with mysticism and for whom jaguars were gods, read below.
Symbolism of Jaguar spirit animal from Mayan tribes to the present day
Being a powerful animal both physically and spiritually, jaguars have long been heroes of legends and folklore, and for some, an idol to be worshipped.
Maya
The Mayan tribe are known for their deep knowledge and level of development in the sciences and spirituality. The power of the Jaguar had a rather dark shade because the wild cat was considered a symbol of the underworld. The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas were also convinced that Jaguars kept the balance between the two spiritual realms of Earth and the underworld. They control energies that can affect all living things, including the fertility of the earth. Temples, sacrifices and rituals were built to jaguars. For the Aztecs, Jaguars were often depicted as warriors, and to receive a nickname such as "jaguar warrior" was a true "blessing".
Jaguars were also honored as ruling animals that lived by their own rules and laws without obeying anyone.
For the Mayans, the Jaguar symbolized:
- power;
- mysticism;
- a higher power.
Romans and Greeks
These cultures associated jaguars with the god Bacchus (Dionysus). And while many know the god as the patron saint of wine and winemaking, there is another side to it. Bacchus or Dionysus was associated with religious ecstasy, ritual madness and performance. The god was sometimes depicted in the company of or riding jaguars. It was believed that a person who reconnected with the power of the jaguar could transcend cultural constraints and release deepest desires. Therefore, the power of the jaguar was quite alluring but dangerous.
Jaguar symbolism for the Romans:
- liberation from boundaries,
- fulfillment of desire;
- sexual energy.
Teotihuacan
The ancient state used the power of Jaguars to give meaning to its temples and tombs. Jaguar bones have been found among the treasuries of the Temple of the Sun and Moon. Perhaps they guarded the treasures or they were part of them.
Jaguars symbolized:
- a connection to the heavenly bodies;
- protection, both physical and spiritual;
- the preservation of secrets.
The Olmecs
You may not realize it yourself, but you have definitely seen the image of the Olmec jaguar. The jaguar depicted as a werewolf with human features has survived to this day in jade figurines and engravings. The full meaning of the jaguar to the Olmecs is probably not known, but the human-jaguar connection was obvious.
Mexico
When traveling to parts of modern Mexico, you can still see the "Jaguar Dance". The variations of the dance itself have varied a bit, but they are all about releasing power, awakening the deepest energy. Those who dance the Jaguar dance can enter a kind of trance to free themselves from external boundaries.
What Jaguar means in Mexico:
- release of hidden energy;
- the realization of desires;
- expansion of consciousness.
Our days
Today no one doubts the power and capabilities of the Jaguar. The fastest cat symbolizes not just physical strength, but a nobility that comes from within. The Jaguar hunts only when hungry, and they will not use power for fun. The wild cat is self-sufficient and has its own clearly established life values.
For modern devotees of the animal spirit world, the Jaguar is a symbol of:
- noble power;
- the exotic beauty and grace inherent in cats;
- analytical mind;
- strong grip;
- quick and intelligent decision-making;
- telepathic abilities and a well-developed intuition based on intuition;
- noble masculine strength, both physical and spiritual.
Totem animal Jaguar - meaning and power
The spirit animal Jaguar is a powerful protector and possessor of creative inner strength in the right hands. People who feel a connection with the spirit animal Jaguar possess a powerful energy and an attractive inner radiation. Self-control and analytical mind helps them to achieve their desired goals by taking the "leap" at the most opportune moment. Jaguar people sense the situation and can discover a "gold mine" where no one sees it. Strong grip helps to keep the situation under control and maintain self-esteem in the most difficult situations.
The Jaguar is a powerful protector who will always be on your side. Being one of the most powerful totems, Jaguar will fill you with vitality and teach you to adapt in difficult conditions and rapid changes. At the right moment, the Jaguar totem can give you the confidence you need to tackle an issue and take action.
Jaguar is not used to going hungry, so it settles where it can get a large amount of food at the right moment. Abundance is inherent in Jaguars and it will lead you to prosperity if you make a connection with the power of the Jaguar. You can connect with the power of the Jaguar totem animal by meditation and amulets in the form of this wild cat. By wearing a Jaguar bracelet or ring, you will remember the power that helps the animal never give up and soberly assess the danger.
What it means if you think about Jaguars all the time
A sense of connection with the Jaguar comes when you look at a picture of the animal or observe its behavior in sanctuaries and zoos. A Jaguar may appear to you either in your dreams or in real life. The spiritual meaning of your encounter with a spotted cat in a dream or in reality may relate to issues of your inner strength and action. The Jaguar is active and it will demand the same from you.
Carrying the power of the Jaguar is quite a responsibility, so you must also master the nobility that helps you use such power properly. And, although Jaguars embrace both their light and dark sides, it is important to keep a balance between them. The appearance of a Jaguar can signify:
- a loss of balance and self-control;
- a time to put your power into practice;
- a spiritual transformation that will lead to greater inner strength and wisdom;
- a time to protect yourself from those who openly attack you physically and energetically;
- a time to realize inner desires.
Dream about Jaguar - meaning
If you dream about a Jaguar, note your feelings and its actions. A powerful totem animal can indicate a direct way out of the situation or be a guide to the right path. However, for everyone, dreaming about a Jaguar indicates bursting emotions that you try to stifle when you are awake. If your vitality is dropping and you feel internally imbalanced, a dream of a Jaguar can fill you with the power to resolve issues.
If a Jaguar is causing fear and panic attacks in your dream, it means there are underlying emotions being worked through. You may be feeling trapped in a kinship bond or unable to rid yourself of an abusive relationship. The jaguar indicates that you have the strength to realize this and take action. Trust the animal that has come to you in your dream, as its intention is to protect you and preserve your spiritual path.
If you are not afraid of the Jaguar in a dream but feel your patronage over it, most likely you are waiting for new opportunities to achieve the goal and you are on the right path to prosperity and wealth.
Jaguar's connection with the spirit world helps it to be a guide and, as in the case of birds, the cat may come with the spirit of a recently departed loved one to remind you that the connection is not interrupted and you are protected.
Black Panther or Jaguar - differences in meanings
You may know the black jaguar as the black panther. This species is endangered and is of great value spiritually. The symbolism of jaguars is unchanged, but there is a deep spiritual meaning of seeing a Black Panther.
- Moon Energy. The energy of the moon is very effective on the human brain and body. The power of the Black Panther is associated with hypnotism and mystical influence. If you receive a message from the Black Panther, you should be wary and protect your energy from interference from outsiders and forces.
- Motherhood. Female Black Panther does not allow to interfere in the nurturing of offspring, even the male. Female power is one of the symbols of the Black Panther. You may want to protect your children by using feminine wisdom and power energy. Sometimes your inner child also needs to be protected, so analyze the resentments that have been going on lately and don't build them up.
- Transformation. Spiritual growth happens all the time whether you want it to or not. We learn wisdom throughout our lives through situations, our decisions and conclusions. Knowing and accepting ourselves is one of the primary wisdoms of the Universe. Black Panther can demand focus and time for deeper spiritual development. Recognizing your deepest desires and emotions, however dark they may be, is one step toward self-control. By understanding why you want this particular thing, you will be able to answer the question and make decisions based on consequences rather than giving in to desires. After all, if the desires are not harmful to you or those around you, it may be worth expanding your worldview and realizing the "want".
- Creativity and Revelation. Black Panther can act completely unpredictable. Their strict black appearance does not prevent them at all from being playful and changing decisions without being subject to chaos. People who have the Black Panther totem animal are real revelations to those around them. Balanced on the outside, they can be real rebels on the inside. However, only up to the "life threatening" line. Their instinct for self-preservation helps them not to cross the line. If you come to the line with your self-expression, the Black Panther may warn you of the danger by asking you to take a step back.
Meaning of a Jaguar or Black Panther tattoo
If you're thinking about getting a Jaguar or Black Panther tattoo, delve into the meaning of this powerful symbol. Of course, you want to emphasize your power, but that power should be shown with an effect of nobility. Perhaps you want to work on your self-control, and a Jaguar tattoo on your body is designed to help with that. By getting a Jaguar or Black Panther tattoo, you can attract events that will test your self-control and nobility.
You can explain your own meaning as well, based on the qualities and spiritual meanings of the wild spotted or black cat. Thus, you will designate your own goals for developing your spirit and gaining wisdom.