What does the lion archetype mean?

The animal archetypes, also called power animals, are gaining more and more attention of people who seek personal and spiritual development. Among them, we have the lion archetype, which is considered one of the most powerful.

This archetype is related to attributes such as strength, courage, self-esteem and protection. It is used by people who wish to work or already work in leadership positions.

Moreover, you can also ask for the help of this power animal in other situations. For example, when you feel weak or vulnerable, want to improve your self-esteem, have a big challenge ahead of you or when you have an ambitious dream.

If the lion is your animal archetype, or if you want to use this archetype, know that in this article you will find all the information you need on the subject. Check it out!

Understanding more about animal archetypes

Before talking about the lion archetype, there are some important concepts that you need to understand. So, see below what are the animal archetypes, what is the origin of the study of this concept, what your power animal reveals about you and the archetypes explained from the Jungian and Shamanic point of view.

What are the animal archetypes?

There are several ways to explain what animal archetypes are, taking into account that this is a concept used by psychoanalysts, coaches, people who seek development and is common in several religious practices.

In Shamanism, which is the religion practiced by indigenous peoples in various parts of the world for thousands of years, power animals bring with them a spiritual aspect. In some cultures, they are considered to be protective spirits that help human beings on their earthly journey.

In psychoanalysis, the concept of archetype refers to a symbol that is connected to a set of characteristics. More specifically, animal archetypes carry with them the qualities and negative aspects of each animal.

As you can see, this concept is not only useful for those who share the beliefs of shamanism or for those who are interested in developing themselves from a spiritual point of view, but it is also a useful tool for those who seek personal development.

Origin of the study of animal archetypes

For thousands of years men have been observing animals and it is from this observation and perception of the behaviour of different species that the idea of the power animal emerges.

In shamanism and in the indigenous peoples who still practice it today it is common to hear about, for example, obtaining the vision of the eagle, or the cunning of the fox. Or even using the archetype of the snake, which is known as the devourer of disease, when someone needs healing.

With the modernization of society, man was increasingly moving away from nature and ended up leaving aside this knowledge. Even because other religions were gaining more and more space.

However, in the early twentieth century there is a rescue of this knowledge, as some scholars became interested in the study of the way of life and religious practices of indigenous peoples. For example, Michael Harner, the anthropologist and writer Carlos Castañeda, the historian Dee Brown and even the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung.

Currently, we see a great growth in interest in the subject and today the concept of power animals is used by many people who are interested in spirituality and personal development.

Power animals from a Jungian point of view

In psychoanalysis, an archetype refers to a symbol that carries a meaning. That is, when you think of the symbol of the lion, for example, you know that it represents characteristics such as strength, grandeur and courage.

According to Jung, archetypes are common to all human beings, they transcend time and space and are stored in what is called the collective unconscious, which is a kind of reservoir of information and collective memories, to which every human being has access, even if he doesn't realize it.

This would explain, for example, why ancient peoples who never had contact ended up giving some symbols similar meanings.

It is also worth remembering that besides this collective idea we have of the most diverse symbols, there is a personal aspect. That is, your own impressions about them, which derive from the experiences you have lived, what you have heard, what you have read about the subject, etc.

Shamanism and power animals

In shamanism, it is believed that each human being is adopted, right at birth, by a power animal. This animal will offer protection and help, and serve as a guide for that person throughout his or her life.

By observing these animals, it is also possible to learn from them. Starting with their qualities, which we can develop to live better. In addition, by observing the negative aspects that they have we will also have the chance to avoid various problems.

When you apply the lessons that power animals teach to your daily routine, you can live in harmony with yourself, other people, and nature. You have more power to face obstacles and create the life you want.

Finally, it is worth pointing out that, according to shamanism, a man connected to his power animal is stronger and even resistant to illnesses. Not only physical illnesses, but also emotional and spiritual ones. In fact, healing is one of the most important functions of shamans and many times it happens precisely by rescuing the connection with the animal archetype.

What does the animal archetype reveal about you?

All animal archetypes have their own set of characteristics that differ from others. As you discover which is your power animal and learn more about it, you will find that many of these characteristics are shared by you.

It is worth remembering that every power animal has qualities, which you may already possess, or which you can develop with its help. But it also has a shadow side, that is, some defects and aspects that need to be avoided by you.

As you can see, by knowing more about your power animal, you also gain a clearer vision about yourself and gain a lot of self-knowledge. Also, according to some beliefs, these characteristics will be important for you to fulfill your mission or life purpose.

Further information about animal archetypes

There is some interesting information about animal archetypes that you will like to know. Check below what the purpose of knowing animal archetypes is, how to discover yours, how many archetypes you can have, what the meaning of the lion archetype is and how to activate an archetype.

What is the purpose of animal archetypes?

The objectives of knowing the animal archetypes are quite varied, starting with self-knowledge, which is obtained when you begin to study your power animal and begin to recognize its characteristics.

Using the archetypes is also a good idea for those seeking to develop some specific characteristic. In the case of the lion, we have the strength, leadership skills, self-esteem, etc. The same goes for working your shadow side, that is, the aspects of yourself that are seen as negative and require attention not to generate problems.

Finally, for the shamans and healers of indigenous peoples, it is the power animals that often show the way to healing, whether it be physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual or of relationships with others. Therefore, the restoration of some aspect of life is also one of the goals of knowing the animal archetypes.

How to discover your animal archetype?

Even if you don't know your animal archetype yet, you already have an unconscious connection to it. Often, it shows itself through the admiration or curiosity you feel for a certain animal. Or even because this animal makes a very strong impression on you, different from the others.

In addition, it is also interesting to observe which animals you keep close by through prints on clothes, pictures, decorative objects etc. Another possibility is to observe which experiences had a great impact on you, for example, going to the zoo as a child and being fascinated by the lion, the eagle, the snake etc.

There is a good chance that one of the animals for which you show a great interest in some of these ways mentioned above is your animal archetype. It is through your intuition that you can find this answer.

If you still have no idea what your power animal is, make a list of your main qualities and compare them to different animals to find out which one you have the most in common with.

Nevertheless, if you want to be sure which is your power animal simply and quickly, you can also take an online test, which is available on several websites.

How many animal archetypes can you have?

According to the tradition of shamanism, each person has a power animal that will accompany him throughout his life, it is this animal that chooses the person and not the other way around. Nevertheless, it is also possible to connect with other animal archetypes according to the moment you are living and your needs.

The archetype of the lion, for example, is a good alternative for those seeking to win a leadership position in the company, or even at a time when you feel you need strength, protection, courage or need to improve your self-esteem.

What is the significance of the lion archetype?

The archetype of the lion is associated with people who have a strong personality, with great leadership skills, strength, courage, high self-esteem and who are willing to protect loved ones and everything they believe is important or right.

On their shadow side, those who are associated with this archetype need to be careful with individualism, laziness and accommodation, since these characteristics can generate personal dissatisfaction, as well as conflicts with other people and career problems.

How to activate the lion archetype?

The lion archetype can be activated in many ways, often the fact that you read an article like this, research the characteristics of this animal or watch videos about it is already a way to begin this process.

It is also possible to do specific meditations to connect with your power animal, which can be found, for example, on Youtube and on websites about spirituality. Nevertheless, the most important thing is to integrate the characteristics of this animal into your waking life, even if it is with simple actions.

Just to illustrate, as some of the main qualities of the lion are the strength and courage, you can begin to practice them in the day to day. And use them, for example, to accomplish something you always wanted to do, but had fear.

Qualities of the lion archetype

Like all animal archetypes, the lion has its set of characteristics, such as protection, strength and courage. See below a little more about these and other characteristics of the lion archetype.

Protection

The lion is an animal that protects its territory and cubs when the lioness goes out to hunt. Therefore, one of the main qualities of this archetype is the ability to protect what is important.

In professional life, for example, who has the lion as power animal will defend his position or position with strength and determination, even if other people try to take it.

Moreover, this protection is also offered to those who need it, whether friends, family, loved one or even strangers. In general, those who possess this archetype of power will protect everything they believe is important, such as their dreams, principles, ideas, feelings, etc.

Libido

Generally, a pack of lions is composed by an alpha male and several females, besides, in its fertile period, the coitus of the species can occur up to 50 times a day. So, one of the aspects related to this archetype is the libido.

Those who associate with the energy of the lion archetype may also feel an increase in libido, so this archetype is also used by those who wish to rekindle passion in the relationship.

Go to

Undoubtedly, strength is one of the main qualities of the lion archetype, after all, this animal can bring down a buffalo of 900 kg with just one step. Thus, who has this animal as archetype is usually someone who is not easily shaken by the challenges of life and faces obstacles with courage.

When someone is able to recognize this strength within themselves, they often have great goals, which are even considered impossible by others. But they still see it as something that can be conquered with effort and dedication.

Self-esteem

Who has the lion as archetype tends to have high self-esteem, these people are aware of their own value and know how to use their strengths to achieve what they want.

Besides, they have a very clear vision of who they are and what they want for themselves, so they don't let themselves be shaken by other people's opinions or criticism. In fact, this is a great archetype for those who need to improve their self-esteem.

Courage

Undoubtedly, the lion is a great symbol of courage, since in nature it faces any animal to defend its territory. Besides being a powerful predator, which hunts even animals much larger than him.

Therefore, people who possess this archetype usually demonstrate this courage in their waking life in various ways. Whether it is by striving for ambitious goals, facing great obstacles, exposing themselves to situations that are outside their comfort zone, and facing their own fears.

Reign

The lion is known as the king of the jungle, so one of the main aspects associated with this archetype is the capacity for leadership. For this reason, this archetype is often used by authority figures, such as people in management positions in large companies.

Who has the lion as archetype usually has a strong personality and, therefore, may have difficulty following rules, especially if they do not make much sense. This is one of the reasons why these people feel more comfortable leading.

Shadow side of the lion archetype

All archetypes have a shadow side, that is, a set of characteristics that need to be avoided. In the case of the lion, they are the accommodation, the laziness and the individualism, which we will talk about next.

Accommodation

One of the main aspects of the shadow side of the lion is accommodation. In the wild, males are responsible only for the protection of the pack, while females take care of the cubs and hunting.

So, those who have the lion as a power animal need to be careful not to become complacent, which can bring discontent and even that feeling of dissatisfaction for not using their strength and potential.

Laziness

Lions are active about 5 hours a day, the rest of the time is spent resting and conserving energy. So, laziness is also one of the aspects of the shadow side of this animal.

Who is associated with this archetype should pay attention to this factor, otherwise you may have several problems, not only at work, but also in other areas of your life. Especially if you have big goals, which require dedication and effort.

Individualism

The individualism is also one of the aspects that you need to be careful when using this archetype. For being someone strong and have high self-esteem, who is associated with the lion can end up feeling that their own wills are more important than others.

Besides that, it is also common to find people with this archetype who have difficulty working in groups and following rules. This can generate problems and conflicts mainly in the work environment.

What are the advantages of knowing your animal archetype?

First of all, by knowing your animal archetype, you will have the chance to gain self-knowledge, since many of the characteristics of this animal are shared by you. In addition, if you want to develop a quality that it possesses or even avoid one of the aspects of your shadow side, using it in your meditations is a good alternative.

The archetype of the lion can also help in some specific situations. For example, when making an important decision, facing an obstacle, fighting for an ambitious goal or when you feel you need protection or divine guidance.

Finally, it is also possible to ask for the help of your animal archetype when you need to heal, repair or harmonize some aspect of your life. Since according to shamanism, someone connected to their power animal is much stronger to face life and even more resistant to diseases.

If the lion is your animal archetype, or if you want to connect with this archetype, now you know how to do it, just put into practice everything you learned in this article.