Jaguar, Power Animal, Symbol of Solitary Path, Reclaiming Power, Shape shifting, Psychic Vision

By Ina Woolcott

The Jaguar's medicine includes seeing the roads within chaos and understanding the patterns of chaos, moving without fear in the darkness, moving in unknown places, shape shifting, psychic vision, facilitating soul work, empowering oneself, reclaiming power.

The Black Jaguar's medicine includes the same as jaguar but in addition keeper of the circular time continuum, gatekeeper to the unknowable.

The South American name for jaguar, 'jaguara' is translated as 'carnivore that overcomes prey with a single bound.' there is an Indian legend that says the jaguar came by its beautiful spotted coat by dabbing mud on its body with its paws. These spots easily hold the jaguar apart from other big cats. What also holds them apart from other big cats is the fact that they are unrivalled. There are no other predators that can compete with this powerful cat. Those with this power animal generally make brilliant leaders and diplomats.

According to Mayan beliefs, the journey of the sun across the sky and the darkness of night represented the infinite journey of human consciousness and its transformations. The midday sun's position was compared to the Eagle, flying high in the sky, to then plunge below the horizon, just as we plunge into the dark to face our spiritual challenges and to be transformed. The hidden sun was said to be Jaguar, whose spotted skin represents the stars glittering/shining in the night sky. Hence it was called the "Jaguar Sun." Jaguar is the earth father, holding the authority over the sacred power of and in the earth, and the animals who live upon it. The force that lives within the mountains, giving them their volcanic and transformative power, is the same underworld source of energy and power contained within the Jaguar Sun. The Mayan word for Jaguar is IX and it is pronounced 'eesh'.

Similarly to the tiger, this solitary hunter stalks silently and patiently, to then strike with lightning speed. This symbolises the importance of knowing when it's best to take the solitary path in stalking one's own dreams. For the native people of the rainforests, everything contains the essence of the Jaguar.

Jaguar, Leopards and Panthers are very ancient and powerful power animals/totems. They embody aggressiveness and power, but without the influence of solar energy. Black Panther's power is lunar (moon). People with a Jaguar, Panther or Leopard medicine have the ability to multi-task. They tend to be loners and are very comfortable with themselves. Often they are drawn to other solitary people.

If this is your power animal, you must learn to pace your work - in all aspects of your life - and not push too hard. Women who have Jaguar, Panther or Leopard totems often bring their children up alone, whether it be through divorce or just circumstances in their lives.

Either sex holding this power animal have the potential to develop clairaudience, the ability to hear communications from other forms of life or dimensions and should trust their thoughts and inner visions as they are based in reality.

Jaguars have huge paws and a broad head with mighty strong jaws. They often kill their victim by piercing the skull with one rapid bite. The jaguar growls, snarls and makes deep grunts - it does not roar like a lion. People with this power animal generally possess a good command of language, although their words can have a tendency to cut, tear and shred others apart. Learning correct communication skills is of foremost importance for these people.

The jaguar's powerful body is capable of taking them hundreds of miles in the search for food. They are agile climbers. They teach us how to fulfil goals/dreams through pliability and steadfastness.

Jaguars are at home in the dark with their excellent night vision. They move fearlessly, whether night or day, teaching us how to trust our personal instincts. Latent psychic sight may be stirred in those with this power animal.

The jaguars preferred habitat is usually swamp and wooded regions, although they are also able to live in scrublands and deserts. Jaguars live in caves and canyons close to fresh water. In mythology caves are linked with retreat and isolation, a place to go to aid soul work. Water is linked with the emotional body of humans. When the jaguar bounds into your reality it is asking you to go within, to release your fears, to heal your emotions and to awaken your inner sight. When you come out of retreat the jaguar will be there awaiting you. If you choose to follow his lead, he will guide you into the underworld where the secrets of life and creation are to be found.