Difference between revisions of "Symbolic Meaning of Lions"
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The [[symbolic]] meaning of [[lions]], as one might [[imagine]], primarily deals with strength. | 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 {{Wiki|ancient}} [[symbol]] of the subconscious - or [[dream]] states). | + | The fact that it is a nocturnal creature means that the [[lion]] is a [[symbol]] of authority and command over {{Wiki|subconscious}} [[thought]] (as night is an {{Wiki|ancient}} [[symbol]] of the {{Wiki|subconscious}} - or [[dream]] states). |
It's [[interesting]] that the [[lion]] is considered by many {{Wiki|ancient}} cultures to be a {{Wiki|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]]. | It's [[interesting]] that the [[lion]] is considered by many {{Wiki|ancient}} cultures to be a {{Wiki|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]]. | ||
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Authority | Authority | ||
| − | In {{Wiki|Egypt}}, the [[lion]] represented the ferocious heat of the {{Wiki|sun}} and was seen in the likeness of {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|Egypt}}, the [[lion]] represented the ferocious heat of the {{Wiki|sun}} and was seen in the likeness of {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|ancient Greece}}, [[lions]] were identified with {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|palaces}}, doorways, [[shrines]] and thrones. They were also [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[protectors]] of hearth and home. | In {{Wiki|ancient Greece}}, [[lions]] were identified with {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|palaces}}, doorways, [[shrines]] and thrones. They were also [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[protectors]] of hearth and home. | ||
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[[Lion]] [[Symbolism]] in Heraldry | [[Lion]] [[Symbolism]] in Heraldry | ||
| − | The [[symbolic]] meaning of [[lions]] in {{Wiki|England}} is shown in heraldic [[art]] where it is a common emblem of English sovereigns because of these lion-like traits: | + | The [[symbolic]] meaning of [[lions]] in {{Wiki|England}} is shown in heraldic [[art]] where it is a common {{Wiki|emblem}} of English sovereigns because of these lion-like traits: |
{{Wiki|Honor}} | {{Wiki|Honor}} | ||
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Territorial | Territorial | ||
Controlling | Controlling | ||
| − | Self-confidence | + | [[Self-confidence]] |
Those born under the {{Wiki|sun}} sign Leo are fiercely {{Wiki|independent}}, confident and in control. | Those born under the {{Wiki|sun}} sign Leo are fiercely {{Wiki|independent}}, confident and in control. | ||
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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 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 {{Wiki|honor}} to the [[death]]. My [[friend]] Goran Jonsson has perfectly captured the strength and [[ferocity]] the Leo represents in his {{Wiki|zodiac}} pendant shown left. | + | They are very loyal [[people]], and will defend [[friend]] and [[family]] {{Wiki|honor}} to the [[death]]. My [[friend]] Goran Jonsson has perfectly captured the strength and [[ferocity]] the Leo represents in his {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|touch}} with our [[emotions]], and tame them if necessary. | + | [[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 {{Wiki|touch}} with our [[emotions]], and tame them if necessary. |
In [[esoteric]] studies, the [[lion]] makes its [[appearance]] in the {{Wiki|Tarot}} where it is illustrated in the Strength card of the Major Arcana. | In [[esoteric]] studies, the [[lion]] makes its [[appearance]] in the {{Wiki|Tarot}} where it is illustrated in the Strength card of the Major Arcana. | ||
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Perhaps it's [[time]] to show your authority (not in a dominating way) but lead others with a [[loving]] [[heart]] | 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]]. | + | 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]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-meaning-of-lions.html www.whats-your-sign.com] | [http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbolic-meaning-of-lions.html www.whats-your-sign.com] | ||
[[Category:Lion]] | [[Category:Lion]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:32, 6 January 2024
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.
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.
