| Jaguar |
| In a Shawnee tale, the bobcat is outwitted by a rabbit, which gives rise to its spots. After trapping the rabbit in a tree, the bobcat is persuaded to build a fire, only to have the embers scattered on its fur, leaving it singed with dark brown spots. The Mohave believed dreaming habitually of beings or objects would afford them their characteristics as supernatural powers. European settlers to the Americas also admired the cat, both for its ferocity and grace. |
For the Zunis of Turtle Island (Southwest United States), the Cougar was the Master Hunter, known for its high intelligence, its knowledge of other animal and life forms, its physical prowess, its strength of will, and its intuitive ability. The Cougar sees the maintenance of its territory as essential for its survival. Poshaiankia, the father of the Medicine Societies, designated the Cougar the duty of carrying messages from humans to the higher spirits, because of this animal’s personal power, superior knowledge, strength of will, and steadfastness. Therefore, the Cougar represents the link between ourselves and the most powerful spirits in Zuni Mythology: Mother Earth, Father Sky, and the Originator of All. |
It is said the ancient Greeks believed the lynx could see through mountains and American Indians tell stories about the hypnotic eyes of the lynx with their captivating powers of seduction. Once the lynx has successfully tracked its prey, he will sit and quietly observe the whole environment before moving for the kill. Watching for intruders, other prey and passersby, the lynx will absorb all the various activities and weigh all the options before taking action. These characteristics are valuable life lessons in general terms for humans! |
| "An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language." |
| "The intellect of animal is different from that of man. Animals are taught differently and speak in different ways. When intelligence is measured in human terms, the animal does not fair well, but if the test were reversed, humans would fail to measure up to animal standards." |
Lynx's Wisdom Includes: - Keenness of sight - Divination - Developing psychic senses - Keeper of all secrets and mysteries - Movement through time and space |
Cougar
| Native American Haida Cougar SymbolTraits: Power, Swiftness, Balance Description: Cougar was the Master Hunter, known for its high intelligence, its knowledge of other animal and life forms, its physical prowess, its strength of will, and its intuitive ability. |
Cougar/Mountain Lion/Puma's Wisdom Includes: - Using leadership power wisely and without ego - Balancing power, intention, strength - Gaining self-confidence - Freedom from guilt - Cunning |
| "If you talk to the animals they will talk to you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." Chief Dan George |
| bizhiw = lynx (Ojibwe/Chippewa) |
| Bobcat's Wisdom Includes: - Clear vision in dark places - Vigilance - Suspicion - Seeking ancient mystical mysteries - Ability to live in solitude - Ability to see through masks |
| Bobcat = gidagaa-biziw (Ojibwe/Chippewas) |
More Coming Soon!
Jaguar's Wisdom Includes: - Seeing the roads within chaos - Understanding the patterns of chaos - Moving without fear in the darkness - Facilitating soul work - Empowering oneself - Moving in unknown places - Shapeshifter - Psychic sight |
| "It is a dweller of the forests... It is the lord, the ruler of the animals." - Fr. Bernardino de Sahagun |
| The jaguar was the most feared and respected beast in the Mesoamerican world (the mountain lion of the southwest was his counterpart) of native American cats. |
Throughout pre-Columbian America the jaguar was worshiped and feared for its ability as a hunter. Its nocturnal prowling through the moist, lowland forests led it to be mystically associated with the night, the underworld, rain, and fertility. The hunter, the warrior, the ruler, and the priest wore jaguar skins in order to share the power of the jaguar. Mayan priests often had jaguar names and sat on symbolic jaguar seats, while warriors dressed in jaguar skins, believing that they took on some of the powers of the jaguar. |
Bobcat in Navaho
Geometry
Geometry
Lynx
Cougar
Bobcat
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