Jaguar Spirit Animal

The jaguar spirit animal is the gatekeeper to all that is unknown. A mystical totem, the jaguar offers lessons about reclaiming your inner power by awakening your inner core energy (sometimes referred to as Kundalini). When the secretive, graceful jaguar enters your life it is time to resolve old issues and to make way for a spiritual rebirth. Understanding the darker side of life is what offers this powerful animal totem its mystery. With understanding comes the ability to embrace change and life’s multitude of cycles.

Jaguar As Both Sun & Moon

Although this graceful, yet ferocious, feline was once associated with the sun, as in Mayan culture, it has also been associated with the moon. As a protector, the motherly jaguar encourages us to embrace the power of the unknown as a catalyst to release our fears.

Jaguar And Communication

Jaguars have large paws and a broad head with very strong jaws. They often kill their prey by piercing the skull with one quick bite. Unlike lions and tigers, the jaguar growls and grunts instead of roars. People with this spirit animal generally possess a good communication, but their words can have a tendency to cut, tear and shred others apart. Learning correct communication skills is very important for these people.

Cultural & Religious Prominence of the Jaguar

Revered in Mexican, South and Central American cultures as a god, the jaguar is associated with royalty and the less than regal aspects of human society such as war. In Mayan culture, the jaguar power animal was viewed as symbolic of darkness and the underworld.

In many tribes, such as in Mayan society, the jaguar was the force that kept man connected to all the elements that offer structure, balance, foundation, and energy to his life including fertility, the earth, and the darkness of the underworld. Along with the Aztecs and Mayans, the Inca also built temples to the jaguar.

The Jaguar In Folklore

Throughout ancient cultures the jaguar animal totem’s character was versatile when it came to storytelling. From trickster to powerful leader and warrior, the jaguar was also sometimes seen as a shape shifter. In some South and Central American tribes it is not uncommon for there to be stories of jaguars that shape shifted into human form in order to mingle and procreate with human women.

In Mayan culture, the jaguar represented the outsider. The large cat was a sacred figure that lived outside the confines of structured society and was considered the “lord of the animals.”

Jaguar & Your Desires

The jaguar has also been associated with the Roman god Bacchus. According to legend panthers supposedly nursed Bacchus. In some depictions he is also riding a chariot pulled by jaguars. While Bacchus is often thought of as the god of wine, he is also linked to the unleashing of desires.  The panther is also a symbol of subconscious urges and desires.  Both the Aztecs and Mayans spoke about the power of becoming half-jaguar and half-human. According to these cultures, a person who can become half jaguar and half human can be rid of all of his cultural restrictions and inhibitions.  Such a person can finally act upon his hidden desires.

When Jaguar Enters Your Dreams

To see a jaguar in your dream is a sign of aggressiveness, emotions, and life force. As a protector, the totem’s presence may mean it is time to take a closer look at where you are in life.

The key to growth and maturity is the ability to embrace change and change cannot happen without death. This death may not necessarily mean physical death, but could be the ending of a relationship, a situation, or simply your decision to not continue with the same old habits.

When a jaguar stalks into your dreams, it may be time to lick your wounds, growl a little and move forward. Adopt the jaguar’s grace and confidence to make positive changes that are best for you.