Friday, November 11, 2011

Totem Guides ~ Black Panther

A few years ago, I had a series of vivid dreams.  Each of them had one thing in common:  a black panther...
  The first dream began while I was walking in the woods with my lover at dusk.  I saw the panther approaching us from the side, and I initially felt afraid.  But, as the panther drew closer, I began to feel comforted and safe.  The big cat walked beside us for a few moments, then turned and sprinted toward the trees.  He looked back at me once.  I'll never forget those haunting eyes.

In the dreams that followed, I was no longer afraid when I saw the panther; I was relieved.  I felt as if I were being watched, guarded, and protected.  Curious about what these dreams meant, I did some research and discovered that I was dreaming about my "totem animal".
 
Many different animal spirits come and go at different points in our lives, and they often come to us in our dreams.  They reveal things we need to learn about ourselves or provide us with something we need.  However, we all have one specific Totem Animal that stays with us for life.  Mine is the Black Panther.  Here is what I learned about this spirit guide, and what it reveals about me:

The Panther is a very ancient and powerful spirit guide. Their power is lunar (moon). In Egyptian rites a panther tail was worn around the neck or waist to help protect and strengthen the individual. Panther has been a symbol of the "Argos of a Thousand Eyes," who protected the heifer IO whom Zeus loved. After his death, the eyes were moved to the feathers of the peacock.
Black Panther's Power Includes astral travel, guardian energy, symbol of the feminine, death and rebirth, understanding of death, reclaiming ones power, ability to know the dark, aggressiveness and power without solar influence, reclaiming Power.

Panthers are generally loners, extremely comfortable with themselves and are often drawn to other solitary people. Women with Panther, Leopard or Jaguar power animals frequently find themselves raising their children alone, whether it be through divorce or circumstance. People with this power animal can develop clairaudience, the ability to hear communications from other forms of life or dimensions. They must trust their thoughts and inner voice/visions as they are based in reality. This is an animal guide to assist you on your path, sometimes in the form of a real person such a mentor or teacher. The Black Panther is endowed with great magic and power, which will increasingly be experienced. 
Panther holds the secrets of worlds that are unseen and are associated with lunar energies. Within the darkness of night resides the truth of creation. Black panthers have great mysticism associated with them. They represent the life and power of the night. They can show us how to welcome the darkness and rouse the light within it. Those with this power animal contain knowledge of a galactic origin, and have a responsibility to look after and respect this knowledge. Caution must be used when sharing it with others. When the student is ready the teacher appears, and vice versa. If the student isn't ripe the information given could trigger negative consequences.

Panthers possess acute sensitivity. The hairs that cover their lithe bodies, especially on the face, pick up subtle vibrations. This is symbolic for those with this guide. It is an indication of a need to pay attention to their feelings and honour the messages those feelings transmit.

Touch can be a significant path to explore to awaken ones concealed gifts. The black panthers sleek, smooth and sensual coat has been linked to sexuality. If panther comes into your life it may be asking you to resolve old sexual issues, or to embrace your sexuality fully.

When experiencing the presence of panther, one of their most striking features is their unblinking stare. It seems to see right through the body. Those with panther medicine can use their eyes as a healing tool and have the potential to heal on a cellular level.

Panther is a powerful guide to have, always bringing a guardian energy to those to whom it comes.
 (source:  Shamanism)

My research explained so many things ~ my fascination with all things dark and mystical, my connection to the moon, why I feel so comfortable being alone (I've been divorced for 16 years, and yes, did indeed raise my children alone), and why people have frequently commented on my "hypnotic gaze" (I also have the moon in Scorpio in western astrology, which enhances this trait as well).  The panther also appeared during a time when I was embarking upon the greatest love affair of my life.  Part of me was afraid to jump in, let go, and be vulnerable, but I believe the panther was trying to reassure me that I was safe with this man.  Three years later, we're still loving and growing together
 Have you explored your animal spirit guide and its meaning?  I'd love to hear about your experiences.

~Barbara

27 comments:

Linda said...

Hi Barbara!! I Love your blog!! This was such an interesting post on the Panther...being a Scorpio I see why they are so appealing...I am glad you found someone and are now happy...I tend to be solitary as well and so does my hubby that is why we are well suited...but it is still nice to have a special someone..

I am looking forward to more of your posts...

Peace, Linda :)

Barbara said...

Hi Linda - thank you so much! I'm so happy you've decided to become a follower; sounds like we have much in common! And Scorpios are endlessly fascinating...

'Til next time,
Barbara

Tara said...

Great post! My totem animal is actually the black panther/leopard too! I found out years ago when I had a very surreal dream with a black panther. I woke up a wrote it down and have never forgotten it to this day. I've had other dreams involving them since then, and sometimes other cats such as lions. But the black panther is a very special animal to me. And I've had the pleasure of being somewhat up close and personal with them a few times, at some wildlife sanctuaries near to where I live. Thank you for sharing your story. It sounds like we have alot in common! Blessings )O(

Barbara said...

Goddess, thank you for sharing your experience! And what an amazing experience it must have been to see these magnificent creatures in person. What an interesting thing to have in common!
~Barbara

lightoracle said...

Hi Barbara. I love your post. I did some research about the Black Panther Animal Totem. Because I can see the black Panther every day in my mediations..OMG your story is very similar like mine...thanks this helps me a lot to understand what is going on..:-)

Barbara said...

Hi lightoracle! I'm so glad my post helped you to understand the black panther totem a little better; it really is a great thing to have this spirit guide with you!
All the best,
Barbara

lightoracle said...

Thanks Barbara..Yes I just start to understand and experience the black panther energy in my life. I must say..there are some major changes in my life right now. Things that I never have experienced before....

Goodbye said...

the black panther came to me in a dream. i was lying on the beach, she approached from the left and I was afraid. As she passed by in front of me, she turned and gazed directly into my eyes, and then I wasn't afraid. After that she kept going and went away. I was glad to see her, and take hope every time I catch an image of a black panther anywhere. I don't know what her visit meant, but I do know that I have a method of dealing with 'enemies' that is in the nature of the black panther. When I've used it, it works. I also have become the sort of person one really trusts or hates since she showed up. And it's because I can detect hidden lies like no one's business. It's an intense power that comes with this totem, and I'm looking forward to discovering more of its secrets.

Barbara said...

Goodbye, thank you for sharing your dream...sounds very similar to my own. I have the same ability, too..seeing right through people. A wonderful gift from the panther!

nature baby... said...

Many months ago I had a vivid dream... but it felt more like astral travel... since I was conscience of my surroundings. This experience happened twice. In the "dream" a black panther came up to me and was very affectionate and leaned up against me like my Golden would. At no time was I ever afraid and was happy.. I remember as a child, when asked what my favorite animal was I would say black panther or panther. So is this an animal guide or ?? and what was the purpose of these visits.

dipty said...

hi barbara, I really liked your post. Even I am a lunar scorpio and yes, it is an emotionally vulnerable period for me. thnks

Unknown said...


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Tricia Reid said...

I happened upon your site searching for some insight into black panther.

I awoke this morning to the "seeing" of a Black Panther stretching as if from sleep with a silver collar on its neck.

I have never seen this animal in my dreams or insights and was curious. I felt it was important and should investigate further.

I have known many animals that have come to me over the years such as she wolf, dogs in the form of German Shepard, & a male Lion among many.

What do you make of this?

Unknown said...

Hi, I found my black panther totem during a shamanic journey...I resonate with all of this totems traits except I am not a loner, I am a social butterfly, but I enjoy being by myself.... I have been trying to understand that part, maybe I need to get back to a shamanic practitioner...? Any input is appreciated

Unknown said...

Hello Barbara, I was meditating at night yesterday and when I closed my eyes and everything was pitch black I saw this black panther walking towards me, it didn't seem harmful at all it was calm just walking towards me. I felt this comfort and protection like you said. I am Cancer and my ruling planet is the moon, it makes a lot of sense that the panther is meaning of the dark and lunar power. I am rather strange and like being alone most of the time. One thing I'm curious about is that I was born male and always have had this feminine side to me that many people see, My face is rather androgynous. It's good to know there are other people with Panther totems out there.
-Daniel, 22

Panther Night said...

Hi,
I just want to say how interesting and knowledgeable Your story and Research info you found on Black Panthers. I Myself believe that this Animal Spirit or Power Animal is my Guide. Like you ( Barbara) the black panther came to me in a dream. And i asked for a sign or answer of "what is my Animal Spirit?" And had a day dream but still counts as a dream. About how i transformed and turned into a black panther to protect someone i loved. I took that as a sign that the Black Panther is my Animal Spirit. So i started doing a little bit of research as well. But your research and what you found some parts i didn't know about. And reading certain parts in this information somethings clicked. And made me understand those somethings, that i couldn't understand the reasoning for them amd how they could be connected. Reading this info makes me just how sure and makes me feel more confident that the Black Panther really is my Guide and Animal Spirit. One that i talk to, and believe in to guide me and protect me. I can see visions sometimes from "her" my black panther. I can almost feel how her fur and her warmth and her purring that vibrates and rubbles in her chest. I can see Her and me in the forest or jungle of some kind and her standing right next to me. :) How she brushes up against me reminding me and telling me that she is here and with me. I was inspired to write a short story about a Black Panther. Again another sign to me that this animal is indeed my Animal Spirit. There are other signs or things that have happened in my life and will probablly keep happeningin my life, that will tell me that it is my Animal Spirit. The one does things in my life to help guide me on my path. And i believe everything happens for a reason! So great great information, i loved it. Hope you keep exploring and searching about the ways of the Black Panther. And i will do the same. :) BB Hope to read more, of your reasearch!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I dreamed I was in a house, that was mine, a large McMansion type of house, different levels, open plan. It was on farmland and I had all sorts of farm animals.
Looking out one of the windows, I saw the black panther lurking around the perimeter of the house, I ran to make sure the doors were locked, but the doors were flimsy and came thru them. He pushed me down and laid his massive head right on my chest, over my heart. He closed his eyes and sighed. My hands went up to his head and ran thru his fur. Now, I also had fear, black panthers can be unpredictable, so I stayed as still as I could. Both fear and awe, with a sense of honor overwhelmed me.
He left and I continued to gather the children and find a safe hiding place for them. The panther came back, we were in a large empty room and he pinned me to floor and spoke to me, he told me that we were going to join, that he would give me his essence and I would then belong to him. Right there, on the floor, on my back, he entered me. And in my dream, I really felt it. (And no I have no beastiality tendencies), he came inside me, and he was done, I belonged to him. On a deep physical, heart, cellular level I can't explain.
I wasn't the only woman he was joining with, he searched out other women also.........
What a vivid and intense dream. The one part where his head was on my chest, the emotions it evoked in me.........I've never dreamed of a black panther before.

Reikibornhealer said...

I recently learned that the Panther is my spirit guide. In doing research I was so overwhelmed (in a good way) I cried in reading the entire description. It fits me like a glove. I do know instinctively that having a Panther as a spiritual guide is going to be amazing, beautiful, astounding, and profound. I am already feeling change take place. But it is familiar, a reclaiming of power I was born with. With great power comes great responsibility. In my meditation I was taking a great journey. Dawn of a new day. I am especially sure Panther is my guide because I have been very sick for last 5months.I almost died 2x and spent over 30 days in the hospita. I believe that it was the negative energy trying that hard to keep me down and what potential I have. When meditating and Panther came to me I actually said No! I don't care for Panthers and such. (I've always liked dragonflies and dragons.) funny how the cosmic universe knows what you ACTUALLY need. My black Panther did not leave, or judge. I never felt fear. I am a natural born healer, clairvoyant, empathic and all the qualities of Panther are me. I am powerful. I am strong. I will succeed.I send loving energy to all. Namaste

Tammy. said...

I have a panther as a totem animal. and i am also a scorpio in terms of starsigns. When researching about the panther as a power animal, i was quite happy, as it seems to fit me quite well. I like to be alone at times, and i dont often share inner secrets. I have an interest towards the moon, and i am also very alert towards things. But the thing that kind of freaks me out, is the part where female who have a panther as a power animal tend to raise their child alone. This... tugs a part of me. I'm a high school student by the way, and I'm looking forward to some things of being a panther like " teacher and student " situations. The only thing that tugs me is the 'raising a child alone'. Do all panther totem people raise their own child? Or is this not a very common thing?
(I found my totem animal through a history lesson where our teacher helped us unfold ourselves)

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara,

Its a wonderful post and it has been a guiding tool for me since am in similar situation and had seen black panther in my meditation and was wondering what it means. ur blog gave me an accurate insight and am really grateful to you for the same...

Lotsa luv, blessing & gratitude,
Sanika.

Unknown said...

Would like to know why I have panther dreams when I know nothing of panthers, can't remember the last Time I've seen a panther. I tried to hit the panther in my last dream with a pool stick lol. He looks at me like dont do that again and snarls. He walked away and glanced back with an I'm confused panther face.. I wasn't scared when I hit him, I'm just not comfortable with a panther within pool stick range is. Js

Goodbye said...

Dear Barbara,

It's been a few years since I wrote - I'm 'Goodbye' above and had just written here after my first visit from Black Panther in a dream/vision. Since then I've had more 'visits' in vision-dreams and twice in this world. She (Black Panther) comes to let me know how I'm doing as I make my way through a difficult and lengthy transition, she gives me hope, protection and help (in this world, too). I was just wondering if Black Panther still visits you, and what you have learned from her since you first posted this discussion. I often read up on Panther on-line, searching for new ways to understand her and appreciate her. I think of your posts as one of my favorites, because of how much you honor and respect her. I feel the same way about her. I love her like a best friend. In the past year, she 'introduced' me to Lioness in one of my vision-dreams, who I think is one of my other totems now, and I am hoping I will get to know Lioness and love her as I have come to do that with Black Panther.

swordwhale said...

Tripped over this site while searching "black leopard spirit guide". There have been many animals that are significant in my life, guides if you will, some real animals, some just appear in books, films, dreams etc. As a kid I read kipling's Jungle Book, and Bagheera the black leopard was my utterly favorite character. I'm a Leo and a cat person, so of course. Having re-read the stories (on the heels of the Disney live action film, Kipling is still far better) I wanted to see what meanings this animal has in spirit guide land. many of the interpretations fit my experience and situation.

Carry on, great site! I shall certainly visit again.

Kim said...

I don't know if you still get this but I hope you do, I usually have vivid dreams, ones that sometimes come true very soon, or soon. Today I dreamt about a black panther, it seems to be talking to me but this panther wasn't mine, infact I came to it accidentally it was wounded but she's telling me to keep the head after her death somehow I have the head as if the panther had cut his head. Next scene I saw some people worshipping this panther's lifeless body, rolling it side to side like a burial ritual also saw some animal paying respect, I felt connected to this panther and felt sorry she's lost her life. Now am stuck with the head of a panther like there is something am supposed to do to bring her back to life. What does this mean?

Barbara said...

Hi Kim,

Wow, that's an intense dream! So sad. Whenever panthers come to you in a dream, it means that you are entering a period of dramatic transformation. Since panthers represent protection, I suspect she was telling you that even though she was dying, to keep her head so that you'd be protected. Having a panther with you is powerful protection, a good thing.

Thank you for sharing your experience!
~Barbara

swordwhale said...

This must be archetypal: there are many faerie tales in which a talking animal is a spirit guide on a journey, and at some point demands that the hero/heroine cut off the animal's head.

"It is the animal within us, the primitive, the dark brother, the shadow soul, who is the guide. ... have done such-and-so with my help, then you must kill me, cut off my head." And the hero must trust his animal guide so wholly that he is willing to do so." Ursula LeGuin, Language of the Night.

It can represent death to the ego, to one's past... the cutting sword is a symbol of clear and objective intellect. The animal is often transformed into a handsome human, the hero now finds his true selfhood.

It can also be about bringing the dead parts of one's self back to life (the way Thor's goats are resurrected from the bones and skin after they are sacrificed for a feast).

In many faerie tales the helper animal demands the hero slay him so he can resume human form.

This may be an echo of ancient shamanistic traditions.