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Animals and Witchcraft

(The Witches Familiar)

Lion

Totem Spirit and Medicine:

by Patricia Jean Martin

The Lion ~ regal, majestic, powerful and strong, yet nurturing, devoted, playful and calm. The King of the jungle is respected by all, and when Lion Totem comes, it’s nearly impossible to ignore his call! A native of the continent of Africa and one who roams the lush savannas in that part of the world, the lion is master of his domain. For those who find Lion as their totem, the various types of cats should be looked at and studied for the benefit of seeking greater communion and guidance from this king of the felines, (or mighty queen of the felines, if you happen to be working with the female lioness).

So revered is this king of the cats, that, out of respect, many cultures still refrain from calling them by name. The word “Lord” is often substituted by local tribes who share their habitat with the lions. As your totem, you will find yourself commanding this same respect from those around you, but not for no reason – you will have earned it, as Lion teaches leadership amidst cooperation. Just as lions live in groups called prides, so you may find yourself placed in uncommon situations of leadership or at the very least as an integral part of a group endeavor.

The next lesson with Lion that you can count on receiving is one of cooperation and how best to work with others. Within the pride, it is the female who does most of the hunting. But by hunting alone she would not do quite as well, and so she relies on her mate to do his part. He sits and roars, scaring the prey toward her. She then takes the lead and brings down dinner.

Antelope is their main choice of fare and it is recommended that those with Lion Totem study the qualities of Antelope as well. In the above, Lion shows that cooperation and group endeavors can be very fruitful, but that each member must do his or her share if things are to run smoothly. Between the two, the lioness does most of the work. She is the huntress, the caretaker and nurturer of her cubs, the teacher of survival to her family, and the temptress to her mate whose main job is to protect his family.

 

    

Lion will ask you to also examine your own participation and usefulness to the world around you. He will also ask you to honor and respect the feminine, for the Sun has not always been seen as masculine and attached to male deity. It helps bring forth new life with its warm nurturing rays. This suggests that the balance of yin and yang is ever-present. The Sun and the Moon are lovers, and we should not forget to honor the role of the nurturing Goddess during this Sabbat. Lunar energies are also very much present within the teachings of Lion.

Lion is a strong spirit, and one of the most influential of all animal totems. Even the physical symbols associated with the lion suggest this is true, and they are; the Sun, the precious metal Gold, the god Mithras, and a king’s throne to name a very few. With the Sun, and especially the rising sun which implies hope, promise, and the dawning of greater things to come, Lion Totem yields the secrets to propelling oneself higher in community stature, increasing one’s self-esteem, and energizing the physical body. Lion medicine teaches you how to advance and maintain, and how to balance what may need to be balanced in one’s life. It is no coincidence that the lion in his astrological aspect of Leo rules over a prime summer position in the northern hemisphere from c. July 24 to August 23, the hottest span of days in the solar year. I find it interesting, the lion, so mighty is he, that he even holds a place in the starry night sky. But then again, the stars are our glorious mini suns. Royal power, regal strength, along with noble courage and fearlessness are just some of what Lion medicine will bring to your table, day or night.

Lions, though fiercely independent, can be extremely jealous and protective of their mates, and those with Lion Totem may find themselves exhibiting this same trait. If a predator enters their territory, the lion will fearlessly protect the pride. In all other situations, though, he cannot be bothered with confrontation and will leave the scene with a slow regal gate and royal air, for Lion never fights just for the sake of fighting that is beneath him, and as it should be. Lion will lend you the power to know when to fight and when to walk away. And though he practically demands you stick up for what is rightfully yours, he asks you never to lash out without good cause. A lion will never hunt for the mere pleasure of it, and in this is the teaching that they are not only noble creatures, but do not waste energy and time on things that do not suit them. It is wise for us to do the same.

Lions are well-known for their large manes and mighty roar, but Lion Spirit is not totally all about pomp and power. There is a marked softer and gentler side to this totem. Playfulness and the understanding that there should be a balance between a time for work and a time for rest is another totem message from Lion. In fact, lions revel in a very calm, almost lazy life, basking and preening and frolicking for many hours in the shade of the vast lands they inhabit. As cubs they pretty much lead a carefree life under the protective eyes of their patient parents, and affection roams free. With Lion Totem you can expect to also experience a certain measure of this carefree sense of freedom. As a parent, you may find yourself spending more time nurturing and protecting your own children. And overall, you will find yourself more playful and affectionate. Lion can teach you how to distress and relax.

Sensual, graceful, charismatic and passionate are all adjectives that also aptly describe Lion. With Lion as your teacher, these characteristics will be enhanced within your own persona and you will learn how to use them well and often to your advantage. Your own personal magnetism will increase, and romance and passion are likely to enter your realm.

Lions are stealthy creatures, able to blend into their surroundings in order to take stock of any threat or opportunity. Their greatest success lies in their knowledge of knowing when to roar and when to stay silent. Your own greatest success will come when you learn this valuable leonine lesson. Like a lion, you will need to stay patient and watchful, learn how to take better control of your emotions, and pay added attention to timing in order to learn how to recognize just when is the proper moment to pounce on the opportunities that present themselves. And there will be opportunities! Just as a lion will prey on animals large enough to feed them for several days at a time, you will be taught how to go after the big tasks...the things you desire most...with stealth and focus. Lion medicine brings good fortune in that it teaches you how to create your own. Ancient Egyptians saw the lion as a symbol of power and wealth, and they were right on the money in their musings. To Buddhists, both lions and tigers are greatly honored and respected, and according to Buddhist belief, these two magnanimous creatures rule the direction South, the land of fire, action, passion, and energy.

When Lion Spirit begins to make his presence known in your life (and you WILL know when he arrives), a new and brighter you will leap to the surface. Will-power, new strength, and a flurry of optimism will begin to flow. Intuition, creativity, and devotion will grow. You will begin to feel safe and secure in your own majestic powers, and opportunities will abound and be as self-evident as a bright sunbeam lighting your path. With Lion as your Totem, all of these things will help bring sunshine and bounty to your life!

 

Lion Chant:

O Sekhmet! Tefnut! Matit! Men’et!

Urt-hekau! Merui! Apedemak! and Pekhet!

Companions to the Sun Lord,

let me know your lion heart.

O King of the Wild and Lord of the Free,

As you guide the golden chariot of Cybele,

so guide me in all your ancient wisdom.

Bring to me your strength and courage,

your devotion, protection and good fortune,

for I have harkened to your mighty call.

 

© Patricia J. Martin - June 13, 2008

References:

 

“Animal-Speak” by Ted Andrews

http://www.manizone.co.uk/elemental-magick-elemental-spirits-elemental-ritual-p-275.html

http://heru-ra-ha.tripod.com/library/catdeities.html

Lion, himself.

 

Pari lives on the East Coast, USA and is a Shamanic Witch. She has been a member of EW since 2003

  http://www.peacefulpaths.com

Best wishes and Blessed Be

 

Site Contents - Links to all Pages

 

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A Universal Message:

 

Let there be peace in the world  -   Where have all the flowers gone?

 

About me:

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Wicca & Witchcraft

 

Wicca/Witchcraft /  What is Wicca /  What is Magick

 

Traditional Writings:

 

The Wiccan Rede /  Charge of the Goddess /  Charge of the God  /  The Three-Fold Law (includes The Law of Power and The Four Powers of the Magus) /  The Witches Chant /  The Witches Creed /  Descent of the Goddess /  Drawing Down the Moon /  The Great Rite Invocation /  Invocation of the Horned God /  The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief /  The Witches Rede of Chivalry /  A Pledge to Pagan Spirituality

 

Correspondence Tables:

 

Incense /  Candles /  Colours /  Magickal Days /  Stones and Gems /  Elements and Elementals

 

Traditions:

 

Traditions Part 1  -  Alexandrian Wicca /  Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC) /  Ár Ndraíocht Féin (ADF) /  Blue Star Wicca /  British Traditional (Druidic Witchcraft) /  Celtic Wicca /  Ceremonial Magic /  Chaos Magic /  Church and School of Wicca /  Circle Sanctuary /  Covenant of the Goddess (COG) /  Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPS) /  Cyber Wicca /  Dianic Wicca /  Eclectic Wicca /  Feri Wicca /

 

Traditions Part 2  -  Gardnerian Wicca /  Georgian Tradition /  Henge of Keltria /  Hereditary Witchcraft /  Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (H.O.G.D.) /  Kitchen Witch (Hedge Witch) /  Minoan Brotherhood and Minoan Sisterhood Tradition /  Nordic Paganism /  Pagan Federation /  Pectic-Wita /  Seax-Wica /  Shamanism /  Solitary /  Strega /  Sylvan Tradition /  Vodoun or Voodoo /  Witches League of Public Awareness (WLPA) /

 

Other things of interest:

 

Gods and Goddesses (Greek Mythology) /  Esbats & Full Moons /  Links to Personal Friends & Resources /  Wicca/Witchcraft Resources /  What's a spell? /  Circle Casting and Sacred Space /  Pentagram - Pentacle /  Marks of a Witch /  The Witches Power /  The Witches Hat /  An esoteric guide to visiting London /  Satanism /  Pow-wow /  The Unitarian Universalist Association /  Numerology:  Part 1  /  Part 2  /  Part 3 /  A history of the Malleus Maleficarum:  includes:  Pope Innocent VIII  /  The papal Bull  /   The Malleus Maleficarum  /  An extract from the Malleus Maleficarum  /  The letter of approbation  /  Johann Nider’s Formicarius  /  Jacob Sprenger  /  Heinrich Kramer  /  Stefano Infessura  /  Montague Summers  /  The Waldenses  /  The Albigenses  /  The Hussites /  The Native American Sun Dance /  Shielding (Occult and Psychic Protection) /  The History of Thanksgiving /  Auras  - Part 1 and Part 2 /  “Doreen Valiente Witch” (A Book Review) /   

 

Sabbats and Festivals:

 

The Sabbats in History and Mythology /  Samhain (October 31st)  /  Yule (December 21st)  /  Imbolc (February 2nd)  /  Ostara (March 21st)  /  Beltane (April 30th)  /  Litha (June 21st)  /  Lammas/Lughnasadh (August 1st)  /  Mabon (September 21st)

 

Rituals contributed by Crone:

 

Samhain / Yule /  Imbolc /  Ostara /  Beltane /  Litha /  Lammas /  Mabon

 

Tools:

 

Tools of a Witch  /  The Besom (Broom) /  Poppets and Dolls /  Pendulums / Cauldron Magick /  Mirror Gazing

 

Animals:

 

Animals in Witchcraft (The Witches Familiar and Totem Animals) /  Antelope /  Bats /  Crow /  Fox /  Frog and Toads /  Goat / Honeybee /  Kangaroo /  Lion /  Owl /  Phoenix /  Rabbits and Hares /  Raven /  Robin Redbreast /  Sheep /  Spider /  Squirrel /  Swans /  Unicorn /  Wild Boar /  Wolf /  Serpent /  Pig /  Stag /  Horse /  Mouse /  Cat /  Rats /  Unicorn

 

Trees:

 

In Worship of Trees - Myths, Lore and the Celtic Tree Calendar.  For descriptions and correspondences of the thirteen sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft see the following:  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow /  Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

 

Sacred Sites:

 

Mystical Sacred Sites  -  Stonehenge /  Glastonbury Tor /  Malta - The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni /  Avebury /  Cerne Abbas - The Chalk Giant /  Ireland - Newgrange /

 

Rocks and Stones:

 

Stones - History, Myths and Lore

 

Articles contributed by Patricia Jean Martin:

 

Apophyllite  / Amber /  Amethyst /  Aquamarine /  Aragonite /  Aventurine /  Black Tourmaline /  Bloodstone /  Calcite /  Carnelian /  Celestite /  Citrine /  Chrysanthemum Stone / Diamond  /  Emerald / Fluorite /  Garnet /  Hematite /  Herkimer Diamond /  Labradorite /  Lapis Lazuli /  Malachite /  Moonstone /  Obsidian /  Opal /  Pyrite /  Quartz (Rock Crystal) /  Rose Quartz /  Ruby /  Selenite /  Seraphinite  /  Silver and Gold /  Smoky Quartz /  Sodalite /  Sunstone /  Thunderegg /  Tree Agate /  Zebra Marble

 

Wisdom and Inspiration:

 

Knowledge vs Wisdom by Ardriana Cahill /  I Talk to the Trees /  Awakening /  The Witch in You /  A Tale of the Woods /  I have a Dream by Martin Luther King /

 

Articles and Stories about Witchcraft:

 

Murdered by Witchcraft /  The Fairy Witch of Clonmel /  A Battleship, U-boat, and a Witch /  The Troll-Tear (A story for Children) /  Goody Hawkins - The Wise Goodwife /  The Story of Jack-O-Lantern /  The Murder of the Hammersmith Ghost /  Josephine Gray (The Infamous Black Widow) /  The Two Brothers - Light and Dark

 

Old Masters of Academia:

 

Pliny the Elder /  Hesiod /  Pythagoras

 

 

Biographies

 

A "Who's Who" of Witches, Pagans and other associated People

(Ancient, Past and Present)

 

Remembered at Samhain

(Departed Pagan Pioneers, Founders, Elders and Others)

 

Pagan Pioneers:  Founders, Elders, Leaders and Others

 

Abramelin the Mage /  Agrippa /  Aidan A Kelly /  Albertus Magnus - “Albert the Great” /  Aleister Crowley - “The Great Beast” /  Alex Sanders - “King of the Witches” /  Alison Harlow /   Allan Bennett - the Ven. Ananda Metteyya /  Allan Kardec (Spiritism) /  Alphonsus de Spina /  Amber K /  Ann Moura /  Anna Franklin /  Anodea Judith /  Anton Szandor LaVey /  Arnold Crowther /  Arthur Edward Waite /  Austin Osman Spare /  Balthasar Bekker /  Biddy Early /  Barbara Vickers /  Bridget Cleary - The Fairy Witch of Clonmel /  Carl " Llewellyn" Weschcke /  Cecil Hugh Williamson /  Charles Godfrey Leland /   Charles Walton /  Christopher Penczak /  Christina Oakley Harrington /  Cornelius Loos /  Damh the Bard - "Dave Smith" /  Dion Fortune /  Dolores Aschroft-Nowicki /  Donald Michael Kraig /  Doreen Valiente /  Dorothy Morrison /  Dr. John Dee & Edward Kelly /  Dr. Leo Louis Martello /  Edain McCoy /  Edward Fitch /  Eleanor Ray Bone - “Matriarch of British Witchcraft” /  Eliphas Levi /  Ernest Thompson Seton /  Ernest Westlake /  Fiona Horne /   Frederick McLaren Adams - Feraferia /  Friedrich von Spee /  Francis Barrett /  Gavin and Yvonne Frost and the School and Church of Wicca /  Gerald B. Gardner - The father of contemporary Witchcraft /  Gwydion Pendderwen /  Hans Holzer /  Helen Duncan /   Herman Slater - Horrible Herman /  Heinrich Kramer /  Isaac Bonewits /  Israel Regardie /  Ivo Domínguez Jr. /  Jack Whiteside Parsons - Rocket Science and Magick /  James "Cunning" Murrell - The Master of Witches /  Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone /  Jean Bodin /  Jessie Wicker Bell - “Lady Sheba” / Johann Weyer  / Johannes Junius - "The Burgomaster of Bamberg" /   Johann Georg Fuchs von Dornheim  -  the “Hexenbrenner” (witch burner) /  John Belham-Payne /  John George Hohman - "Pow-wow" /  John Gerard /  John Gordon Hargrave and the Kibbo Kith Kindred /  John Michael Greer /  John Score /  Joseph “Bearwalker” Wilson /  Joseph John Campbell /  Karl von Eckartshausen /  Lady Gwen Thompson - and "The Rede of the Wiccae" /   Laurie Cabot  - "the Official Witch of Salem" /  Lewis Spence /  Lodovico Maria Sinistrari /  Ludwig Lavater /  Madeline Montalban and the Order of the Morning Star /  Margaret Alice Murray /  Margot Adler /  Michael Howard and the UK "Cauldron Magazine" /  Margaret St. Clair - the “Sign of the Labrys” /  Marie Laveau - " the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans" /  Marion Weinstein /  Martin Antoine Del Rio /  Matthew Hopkins - “The Witch-Finder General” /   Max Ehrmann and the "Desiderata" /  Michael A. Aquino - and The Temple of Set /  Monique Wilson /  Montague Summers /  Nicholas Culpeper /  Nicholas Remy /  M. R. Sellars /  Mrs. Maud Grieve - "A Modern Herbal" /  Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and Morning Glory /  Old Dorothy Clutterbuck /  Old George Pickingill /  Olivia Durdin-Robertson - co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis /  Paddy Slade /  Pamela Colman-Smith /  Paracelsus /  Patricia Crowther /  Patricia Monaghan /  Patricia “Trish” Telesco /  Paul Foster Case and the “Builders of the Adytum” mystery school /  Peter Binsfeld /  Philip Heselton /  Raven Grimassi /  Raymond Buckland /  Reginald Scot /  Richard Baxter /  Robert Cochrane /  Robert ‘von Ranke’ Graves and the "The White Goddess" /  Rosaleen Norton - “The Witch of Kings Cross” /  Rossell Hope Robbins /   Ross Nichols and the " Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids" (OBOD) /  Rudolf Steiner /  Sabrina Underwood - "The Ink Witch" /  Scott Cunningham /  Selena Fox - founder of "Circle Sanctuary" /  Silver Ravenwolf /  Sir Francis Dashwood /  Sir James George Frazer and the " The Golden Bough" /  S.L. MacGregor Mathers and the “Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn” /  Starhawk /  Stewart Farrar /  Sybil Leek /  Ted Andrews /  The Mather Family - (includes:  Richard Mather, Increase Mather and Cotton Mather ) /   Thomas Ady /  T. Thorn Coyle /  Vera Chapman /  Victor & Cora Anderson and the " Feri Tradition" /  Vivianne Crowley /  Walter Brown Gibson /  Walter Ernest Butler /  William Butler Yeats /  Zsuzsanna Budapest /  

 

 

Many of the above biographies are briefs and far from complete.  If you know about any of these individuals and can help with additional information, please contact me privately at my email address below.  Many thanks for reading  :-)

 

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