At one time, Leopard (Panthera pardus) lived from British Isles to Japan and though out Asia. Now restricted to Africa and Asia, He has been able to survive, in spite of humans. Opportunistic in his feeding habits, Leopard will eat anything from Insects to Giraffe Calves. A solitary wanderer, Leopard is extremely difficult to spot in the wild. So great are his skills at being stealthy that Leopard can move through Cattle herds without notice.
The strongest climber of the Cat Family, Leopard keeps a low profile until He is ready to launch an attack. A smart hunter, Leopard constantly reviews the situation. He will try one way, change his mind, double back, detour around the prey, and then try again. After making his decision, then with laser-like concentration, Leopard silently stalks his prey. Just before attacking, He deliberately stamps the ground to distract his prey
Because of Leopard’s fierce reputation, many peoples associate Him with evil and pride. Egyptians linked Leopard with Set, their God of Evil. Since the Romans used Leopard to kill Christians, He became the Christian “Beast of the Apocalypse”-- a Leopard with seven heads and ten horns. However, in Africa, Leopard holds the power of life and death. Only African royalty, who could wield such power, are allowed to wear leopard skins.
Achieving your goal is what Leopard teaches. Instead of doing things only one way, He assesses the situation. After trying several options, Leopard settles on one. Then with intense concentration, He approaches and kills his prey.
Leopard ! Panther’s Teachings Also Include:
“Not so the leopard, the most catlike of all cats, the quintessential cat. Secretive, silent, smooth and supple as a piece of silk, he is an animal of the darkness, and even in the dark he travels alone.” Copyright: “The Cats of Africa”, Maitland Edey.
BLACK PANTHER (LEOPARD)
Because of Black Panther’s color, great mysticism is associated to Her. In China, She ruled the North with Winter. Associated with the Dark Mother, Black Panther sees into every soul. With her penetrating yellow-green gaze, She can also look into the future.
Black Panther’s Teachings Also Include:
“We can call upon Leopard to understand the mysteries of the darkness, the subconscious, the shadow aspect of our innermost selves.” Copyright: “The Way of the Animal Spirits”, Dolfyn and Swimming Wolf.
“Black Leopard Dreaming augments over inner perspectives, while instilling a deep sense of self-love, self-worth, and self-appreciation, while helping us to forgive our past.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers”, Scott Alexander King.
Note: Panther is a commonly used word for several Cats. Puma (Cougar), a member of the Small Cat Sub-family, is called “panther”. Leopard is also called “panther”. Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is a separate species in the Big Cat family. However, Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is neither a Small Cat nor a Big Cat.
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Va. Carper
November 10, 2007