Lynx Pagan Symbol of Secrets
Totem of Wisdom: Knows Hidden Knowledge of the Arcane and People
Jul 10, 2007
Lynxes are nocturnal solitary territorial animals who are rarely seen by humans. The felines live in the United States, Canada, Asia and Europe. They are skilled hunters and have keen hearing. The tufts of fur on their ears amplify sounds. They are totally carnivorous and prey on hares and other rodents, fish and birds. Their favorite meal is the snowshoe hare. The lynx will kill deer and other hoofed animals who are weakened and will eat carrion. Except for humans, they have no known predators; however it can be assumed that larger carnivores will prey on the kittens. Lynxes are usually a brownish yellow with muted spots and short tails. They have manes circling their faces. Their bodies are muscular and cobby. These felines are about the range of medium sized dogs. The males weigh 40 pounds or more and the females 18 to 30 pounds. These felines’ paws are furry and large. When they hit the ground, their toes are spread which enable feet to serve as snowshoes.
Pagan Symbolism of Lynx
- Lynx appears to have a secretive smile like the clichéd cat who ate the pet bird. It is a smile of knowing that which others do not.
- Her phase of power is winter which is symbolic of wisdom. Lynx’s energies include visions of the visible and invisible and secrets.
- The Celts believed Lynx had the powers of keen sight, vigilance and suspicion which lead to understanding arcane secrets and shamanic mysteries. She also symbolized helping with divining talents, developing psychic abilities and finding out the truth of people and those who are close to them.
- During the Middle Ages, it was believed that Lynx’s urine could solidify and turn into a carbuncle which is a ruby or a stone that sent out its light instead of reflecting it.
- The Native Americans call Lynx the Keeper of Secrets. She knows the secrets, but is not the guardian of them.
- Lynx gives the power of clairvoyance to have inner visions of others and what they keep hidden from all, even themselves. She teaches when to speak and when to hold silence. At times, what is known is not to be spoken of. There is might in silence. When Lynx is asked for help in knowing these secrets, she is extremely wary about sharing it if she decides to share any of them. Lynx teaches personal power and things one has forgotten about oneself while Panther symbolizes reclaiming one’s power.
Black Panther: Pagan Power Symbol is about the symbolism of this big cat.
Sources:
Animal Magick, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1996)
Animal-Speak, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 2002)
The Medicine Cards, Jamie Sams & David Carson, (Bear & Company, 1988)
