You’ve probably heard that the Lion is the “King of the Jungle” and much myth and lore surround this animal. But what about the Lioness? There’s quite a bit of lore and power behind this unique animal as well. In fact, the Lioness is considered the quintessential symbol of the power of the Divine Feminine.
So, what does a lioness symbolize spiritually? What is the spiritual meaning of a lioness? Finally, What does a lioness spirit animal mean? Let us see..
In nature, the Lioness is a capable and powerful hunter. Yet she doesn’t go it alone. She’ll hunt in teams with other Lionesses. This gives Lioness as a Spirit Animal the meaning of having ties to community that empower you to accomplish your mission by working in tandem with a group.
Lioness as a symbol of Matriarchy
The Lioness is associated with female power and also with matriarchal societies. If you live in a community that is patriarchal, having a lioness as a spirit animal or seeing or dreaming about a Lioness may be an indicator of the need to shift your perspective and place greater emphasis on the wisdom and teachings of the Lioness. You may be called to pay more attention to the connections you make with women in your life.
If you look to the behavior of Lionesses in the wild, they are actually the more active members of the pride. They care for the cubs but also do the majority of the hunting. Yet they also accomplish so much because they share the responsibilities among each other, emphasizing communal survival rather than individual interest.
These are characteristic to matriarchal human groups and societies as well. Lioness may appear to you when you are doing too much on your own or thinking only of your own ambition. If you need to rely on your team or network more, Lioness may appear to you in a dream or meditation or through symbols to remind you of this message.
The Lioness as a Symbol of Collective Power
Often, the concept of power is easily misconstrued to indicate aggression, dominance or forcefulness. The Lioness spirit animal serves as a reminder that this is a limited way to view power. When you see or encounter a Lioness, remember that though they are powerful enough to hunt and kill prey, they do not resort to dominant or violent behavior within the pride to establish order. In fact, they are viewed as graceful and peaceful. When combat is not necessary, the Lioness avoids it.
They also do not eat first. Rather, they bring prey to their pride and feed others before themselves. This is another reminder of the need to think and act collaboratively for the good of the community. No one who sees a Lioness will doubt their awesome power and presence. Yet they don’t use this power to intimidate or manipulate others.
Spiritually, having a lioness as a spirit animal or seeing or even dreaming of a Lioness may be a lesson in owning your own power. You may be called to use strategy and skill to solve problems in a way that is fair for everyone rather than resorting to conflict or fighting.
Lioness as Symbol of Divine Feminine
The Lioness symbolizes the potency of feminine energy, which is not to say specifically gender but the energy associated with feminine polarity in metaphysics. Thus, the qualities of intuition, creativity, attunement to others’ needs and connection to the earth and water elements are associated with Lioness.
There are also Lionesses depicted as other forms of the Divine Feminine such as the Goddess Sekhmet. In Egypt, this Goddess, depicted as a Lioness, was an important symbol of the Warrior who would lead rulers through battle. Although she is seen as a protective Warrior deity, Sekhmet is also a healing Goddess.
This dichotomy is a reminder that when you are working with the spirit of Lioness, it’s important to balance creativity with the fierce and potentially destructive energies this animal symbolizes. She is both a hunter and nurturer, healer and warrior.
Lioness Meaning in the Bible
Both Lion and Lioness appear in the Bible. The angel Ariel is called the Lion of God, for example. There is also a reference in Ezekial of a Lioness as fierce and protective over her children as compared to people having the same protective qualities.
Yet the Bible also refers to the visual properties of Lion and Lioness as being a cover for false courage as compared to Satan “roaring like a Lion” but to no end. Thus, a Lioness can remind you of the need to be a caretaker or nurturer for others, drawing on your tenacious and protective instincts.
But this animal can also symbolize the importance of not using false power or inflated sense of self to try to manipulate or intimidate your opponents.
The Lioness Spirit Animal: Is Lioness Working with You?
If you are wondering whether Lioness is your Spirit or Power animal, here are some things to consider. These terms often refer to specific Indigenous rituals related to specific cultures. Though the terms have also been used loosely to refer to a special connection with a particular animal as well. If you are wondering if Lioness is working in with you on a spiritual level, here are some things to consider.
If a particular animal such as Lioness repeatedly “visits” you in dreams, or if you encounter Lioness in a dream that seems particularly vivid and lucid, there is a good chance the spirit of this animal is connecting with you on an astral level. You may also know that Lioness is working with you because you repeatedly feel drawn to this animal.
But an animal working with you in spirit may also make itself known through your fears. If you have an overwhelming fear of Lions or Lioness symbolism, or if you often have nightmares about this animal, it could also be a sign that you have some inner work to do to integrate and heal. You may be challenged by Lioness in such cases to overcome your fear and face your own inner power.
If Lioness is working with you, it means you have a role as a protector and provider in your community. Yet it also means you don’t need to work alone to fill this role. You are being led to collaborate with others in a powerful sisterhood. You may also be reminded of the importance of choosing when to use your full power and when to hold back and use your diplomatic skills to solve problems. You may be tenaciously protective of young people and the vulnerable but also humble and understanding that you are part of a collective.
Conclusion
When you see or encounter a Lioness, you are receiving an important message. Along with this sighting is the knowledge that it is time to tap into your Divine Feminine power and align with the energies of intuition, creativity and receptivity. You may also be guided to use your tenacity and protective instincts for the good of a group.
If you’ve been too opinionated or dominating, Lioness can remind you to conserve your energy and find creative ways to collaborate with others and follow the highest good of all. Yet if you have been shy and reserved, the Lioness may be challenging you to express your creative gifts and give yourself permission to walk tall, conveying your confidence.
Lioness is flexible and swift, you may be called to act with grace and diplomacy while not neglecting your power when Lioness is around. This creature reminds you that power doesn’t always require competition or domination.
Angela Kaufman is a Certified Intuitive Consultant, Psychic Medium, Intuitive Empowerment, Life Coach and an LCSW. She is an amazon published author and was Featured on several shows like Discovery Channel’s A Haunting, Echoes from the Past (2007) 14 Degrees: A Paranormal Documentary, Tune In to Wellness Today with LisaMarie Tersigni, and Empowering Entrepreneurs with Melissa Carter as well as numerous radio interviews. She is the author of Queen Up! Reclaim Your Crown When Life Knocks You Down - Unleash the Power of Your Inner Tarot Queen and also co-authored three books on metaphysical spirituality (Sacred Objects, Sacred Space; Everyday Tools for the Modern Day Witch | Wicca What's the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions | The Esoteric Dream Book; Mastering the Magickal Symbolism of the Subconscious Mind). Angela regularly conducts workshops, the Inner Queen coaching program and loves writing articles, that blend social criticism with spirituality.