Leopard Symbolism & Meaning

Tired of blending in with the crowd? Want fearlessness in the pursuit of your greatest passion? Leopard, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Leopard teaches you how to live in balance and with simplicity! Delve deeply in Leopard Symbolism and meaning to find out how this Animal Spirit Guide can encourage, uplift, and motivate you!

Leopard Table of Contents

• Leopard Symbolism & Meaning
• Spirit Animal
• Totem Animal
• Power Animal
• Native American Symbolism
• Celtic Symbolism
• Leopard Dreams
• Far Eastern Symbolism
• Back to all Mammals
• Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings

Leopard Symbolism & Meaning

*****Note*****

Black Panther, Leopard, and Jaguar are very similar and share much of the same Medicine. The meaning of all three creatures is combined in this article, and you will see why as you dig deeper into the information provided.

The symbolism and meaning of Leopard resonate through many cultures. Regarding the origin of the word “Leopard”, you’ll find the term comes from two Greek words translating as “Lion” and “Male Panther.” It’s a reference originating from a time when people felt Leopard was the child of both Panther and Lion.

In the wild, Leopards are stealthy, fast hunters, and strong enough to transport and hide their food. Their strength goes further into how Leopard protects its territory. Leopard does not appreciate the surprise guest and will go to great lengths to return to their lair, avoiding contact with anyone or anything when possible. Combine the latter-mentioned attributes, and Leopard becomes an emblem of swift movement, strength, isolation, and a home’s defender.

Leopard also has remarkable senses. Their vision is far greater than humans, and they can hear twice as good as people; this implies that Leopard Medicine has strong ties to awareness. Leopard helps you to discern what you might miss. Even better, the Leopard’s coat provides camouflage, which leads to many stories of Leopard as a shapeshifter.

In the Totemic realm, Leopard feels no need for showiness. Instead, their center has strong Power, confidence, dignity, and restraint. They embrace freedom and venture into the night, fearless while using their senses as a guide. With this in mind, Leopard also represents the psychic self, future telling, and keen-mindedness.

The Egyptians regarded Leopard as a sign of Divinity, so when this magnificent beast encounters a person, the individual’s path is holy. Leaders would seek the counsel of Leopard in important matters. Here, the Leopard Spirit Animal is a Sacred Being and giver of sound advice. By comparison, Leopards represent successful warriors. African lore tells you Leopard is the Guardian of the Dead who escorts them to the next realm.

The story of how the Leopard got its spots begins with two principal characters, an Ethiopian and the Leopard. The two hunted together, using all their skills to blend into the background. The Animals caught on and moved to a safer location. When the Leopard and Ethiopian found the Animals, they noticed a difference. Zebra had stripes while Giraffe had golden patterns; this made the newly-colored creatures harder to hunt. So, in the Spirit World, if you can’t beat them, join them; both the Leopard and Ethiopian permanently changed their skin to return to successful hunting. The story ties Leopard to shapeshifting abilities.

In Nepal, people believe that Llamas make journeys to Tibet using the form of a Snow Leopard. Here, they gather herbs unavailable anywhere else. In this region, Leopard is the Guardian of the fields, keeping livestock away from edible crops.

Folklore says that Snow Leopard and house Cats came back to the mortal realm to purge themselves of sins committed in previous lives. Should you kill one of the reincarnated, all their sins from previous lives become yours to expunge.

As an interesting aside, there are sacred stones known as Leopard Pearls. Carrying the pearls gives the owner all the Leopard Spirit’s characteristics and energies, including grace, powerful memory, and occult awareness. Lightworkers, Mages and Shamans alike sought after these stones, trusting their magical power.

Leopard Spirit Animal

Leopard as a Spirit Guide often comes to you after tremendous suffering. The Animal is a healer and counselor in such times. When all seems lost, Leopard comes to help you take back your Power; this is the time to look at the skills you have and appreciate them. Get rid of negative patterns and embrace fresh approaches on all levels of your being.

Another reason Leopard may approach you is as a reminder of the old aphorism: “A Leopard can’t change its spots.” Certain things are intrinsic to your Spirit and imprinted on your soul (spots) such as past life lessons. Wear your spots with pride—there is no need to hide them. Be persistent in pursuing your goal while using your uniqueness to inspire yourself and others.

When Leopard works with you, you will notice yourself growing and transforming in unexpected ways. You will intensify your spiritual knowledge, becoming more independent, and embrace your will to guide the magic. As this continues, Leopard often reminds you to respect yourself and others. Don’t give in to apathy. Take the reins of control back and move ahead.

Other people may want to chime in on the changes they see, but this is the time to listen to your heart and Higher Self. Leopard asks: What inspires you? Draw from the well of inspiration for motivation. It’s time to step up and into a new facet of your life.

Leopard Totem Animal

If you were born with a Leopard Totem, people see you as resourceful and attuned to the world around you. You know who you are and feel comfortable in your skin. When inspecting a situation, you are very inconspicuous while you gather information. Leopard Medicine is all about trusting your instincts and not second-guessing yourself.

Like your Leopard, you can navigate the dark and grey areas of life because of your intuition. The only problem a Leopard Person is that they are not direct when confronting a problem. Like the Leopard, they prefer to attack from behind, which eases the discomfort of confrontation.

One way you can better express your Leopard Totem is by learning the Leopard style of Kung Fu. Leopard relies on strength, speed, and its agility to win. This style emphasizes patience and Power to overcome your opponent.

Leopard Power Animal

Call on Leopard when you face tough challenges and fights. The Leopard’s energy supports your efforts without overexposing you. When you need to hone your instincts, Leopard Medicine is helpful as support. A third application for Leopard Energy is when you practice the art of shapeshifting.

Because of the power of Leopard Medicine, it’s important to approach Leopard Spirit with a hearty bit of humility. There’s no coercing the creature into helping you. Leopard evaluates and then acts. If the Animal Spirit finds you worthy, you are most fortunate.

Leopard has many other virtues that you might call upon in rituals and spells. These include cunning, personal survival, psychic skills, problem-solving, bravery, and dignity.

Native American Leopard Symbolic Meanings