Lion

(Panthera leo)

The lion belong to the felidae Family and is considered to be the King of Beasts. Their length ranges from 5 to 8ft (2.4 to 3.3m) and their weight is up to 551lb (250kg). They live in the sub-Saharan Africa. Formerly, they could be found in a much more extensive area i.e the Balkans, North of Africa and Asia. But there, they were directly exterminated and the Persian lion is currently only in a tiny wooded area, in the Gir forest, in the northeastern India, where there are only 200 to 300 animals. European zoos are trying to save the species.

Lions are the second largest in the family felidae and engage in stable relationships. They live in prides of four to six females and their descendants. Males live in smaller groups and try to conquer the females within their territory. It has a strong body, legs fitted with retractable claws and a long tail ending in a hairy tuft. In the case of adult male lions, the mane, unique among cats, is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species which provides their majestic appearance. Lions have a short coat of tawny or golden fur. Their bite is very strong bite, which tears apart their prey. Lions hunt in prides. Usually, lionesses do most of the hunting for their pride. They have excellent hearing sense and they can see very well at night. All the lionesses of a pride give birth and nurse together. Then, young animals live for a certain period of time with their pride, until the males grow enough to live a nomadic life and, years later, find a new pride.

Lion in Mythology: In Ancient Greece, a lion pulled Cybele and Hera on a cart and it was awarded to Aphrodite and Dionysus; in the case of the Romans, to Venus and Bacchus. In the Egyptian mythology, the Pharaohs were frequently represented with a lion's body. The goddess of war, Sekhmet, was represented with a lion's head. The two lions sitting back to back represent the past and the future of Egypt, dawn and sunset. The lion is taken as the symbol of the Sun; it represents the wealth and the Regency. Many royal families have chosen the symbol of the lion. It also appears in the coat of arms of the British Royal family. African tribes always feared and worshipped the lions and the White Lion was considered especially sacred. It represented the power and the Regency and this is the reason why many leaders were dressed with a lion skin, to highlight their right to power. Alexander the Great was also represented with a skin of a lion.

Within Buddhism, Buddha frequently appears seated on a throne with a figure of lion. The lion is considered to be the guardian and defender of the cosmic laws. Also, it is considered a strong protector of Christianity. (Richard the Lionheart) It represents the Regent, the magnificence, the power and the guidance. Thus, Jesus was known as "the Lion of the tribe of Judah". In the constellations, we find the sign of Leo.

Lion in the interpretation of dreams: It represents the authority and the power. We are encouraged to accept our force and to use it for the common good.

Lion Essence: It gives us greater security and self-confidence, helps us focus on ourselves and enjoy life being able to feel good even though we are the center of attention of other people.

On the body level: It helps us to stay calm and focused so that we can concentrate on our inner strength. If we act from our center, we can use our strength with power and effectiveness.

On the emotional level: The essence helps us increase our self-esteem and our self-awareness. We trust in our own strength and so we can release our fears. We learn to be calm and focused and to look at the difficult situations from a far distance. We are aware of our strength and so we can interact with others with greater confidence and take our place in society.

On the spiritual level: The essence helps us recognize our strength and use it. We remember our union with God, our Creator, from which emanates all power and beauty, and we allow them to flow through our lion heart.