Gorilla symbolism, meaning and the gorilla spirit animal

Gorilla symbolism and meaning includes strength, intelligence, communication, dignity, calm, gentleness and family. Native to the mountains and forests of central and west Africa, the gorilla fascinates those of us who feel a strong bond with these soulful primates. In this post, you will learn about the symbolism and meaning of gorillas, the gorilla spirit animal, gorilla folklore and more.

What does a gorilla symbolize?

Strength intelligence communication Would Quiet gentleness family and friends

Detailed gorilla symbols and meanings

Strength

Known for its impressive strength, the gorilla can lift things ten times its body weight. In fact, gorillas are nine times stronger than us. However, despite their almighty strength, the gorilla is a non-aggressive animal. The gorilla can definitely be described as the strong, quiet type.

The gorilla sets an example for us never to abuse our power. Strength comes in all forms, from emotional strength to intellectual, social and more. The gorilla reminds us to use whatever power we have wisely and with restraint and to be a force for good in the world.

If the gorilla is your spirit animal, you are a person who can muster reserves of strength when you need them – even if you initially think you don’t have them. Gorilla people have internal reserves of strength.

Gorilla Symbolism: Intelligence

The gorilla possesses the rare combination of brain and brawn. Gorillas are considered highly intelligent. Like elephants, they display complex emotions, from joy to humor to sadness. In addition, they have complex social lives that involve their immediate families, extended families including aunts, uncles, and cousins, and relationships with gorillas that are more like friends and acquaintances. In addition, gorillas, like chimpanzees, ravens, and otters, use tools to facilitate the achievement of desired outcomes.

When the gorilla is your soul animal or a gorilla suddenly appears to you, be it in real life, in art or in the media, you are reminded of your own wondrous intelligence. Our minds are capable of so much more than we realize.

As we go about our busy lives and apply short attention spans to our phones, we’re not optimizing our brain power. Ironically, Buddhists call these scattered, out-of-control thoughts the “monkey mind.” in sharp contrast, the gorilla sits quietly in nature and broods. They remind us to take time for deep, contemplative thinking. Maybe it’s time to be more like a gorilla. Sit still for a while and think deeper thoughts.

communication

Many of us know Koko, the gorilla who learned sign language. She showed us that she had an active mind and had things to say. The gorilla may not have our vocal cords, but it can still express itself. They do this through facial expressions, sounds, body language, and in Koko’s case – sign language.

Here’s a video of Koko using sign language with her trainer, Francine (Penny) Patterson:

Among other things, Koko the gorilla taught us how to be a good ambassador when it comes to communication. Koko was willing to learn the alien language from creatures of another species. And with this willingness she taught us her world and got to know ours.

The gorilla’s ability to communicate in a foreign language is a reminder that communication thrives on generosity. Many of us like to talk without thinking about how we are understood. The gorilla spirit animal reminds us that good communication requires empathy and attention.

Would

As they sit in contemplative silence, the gorilla embodies dignity. In their attitude, they demonstrate confidence and self-respect.

Other people can be rude, patronizing, and even abusive. The gorilla is reminding you not to lower your vibration to theirs. If someone provokes you in any way, you have every right to slap your chest and remind them of your limits. In most cases, however, the dignity of your posture is enough to ward off their negative energy.

Quiet

Unlike their noisy primate cousin, the baboon, the gorilla is a gentle, peaceful spirit. Gorillas are known to have a daily routine that includes foraging and eating, napping, playing, and grooming each other. And in the evening they make their bed of leaves and lie down to sleep, with the young gorillas sleeping in trees for shelter. The gorilla lives a quiet life for the most part.

If the gorilla resonates with you, it may be a sign that you need to find more calm in your own life. Think about your daily routine and how you could bring more calm into every aspect.

gentleness

Koko the gorilla with a kitten on her head. Image: The Gorilla Foundation.

For an animal nearly ten times our strength, the gorilla is capable of incredible gentleness and self-control. Finally, what made it believable that King Kong wouldn’t crush Ann Darrow in his palm is the innate gentleness that gorillas possess.

Like the gorilla, we all have the potential to be mean and even violent. The gorilla reminds us to honor our gentle nature. When we’re feeling grumpy, irritable, or experiencing other negative emotions, it’s important not to take it out on others. We may have a gorilla-sized chip on our shoulders. However, the gorilla spirit animal reminds us to remain calm and to remember our compassion for others.

Here is a video of Koko playing with kittens:

Gorilla Symbolism: Family and Friends

Gorillas live in large groups, sometimes called troops. These troops can have dozens of members. The gorilla forms deep bonds with immediate family members, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition, they form strong relationships with other friendly gorillas. And in situations where the gorilla troupe is very large, the gorillas will interact with each other, but more like human acquaintances do.

The gorilla spirit reminds us to appreciate those closest and dearest to us. They should be the greatest recipients of our energy in this lifetime. We may have a large social circle. But if our closest family members or friends don’t benefit from our presence, we should adjust our lives. The gorilla spirit animal teaches us that putting time, attention, and love into our closest relationships is a life well-lived.

Gorilla spirit animal

The gorilla is a powerful spirit guide. As a symbol of strength, intelligence and gentleness, the gorilla embodies a special combination that is all too rare in the world.

When the gorilla is your spirit guide, you are reminded that you have stores of inner strength that you may not always know you have. The gorilla also reminds you to always keep your dignity. After all, you are the king or queen of your jungle.

If you’re curious about other animals that could be your spirit guides, you can take the spirit animal quiz from – in my overview post on spirit animals.

Gorilla spirit animal

As the name suggests, a power animal can empower you with its most dynamic qualities.
So if you want to change an area of ​​your life, consider the attributes that the gorilla spirit animal represents. For example, you can summon the gorilla power animal in situations where you:

Want to improve your relationships with the most important people in your life. You must deal with a difficult situation with compassion and gentleness. Would you like to improve your communication skills and how you come across. Feel that you are not up to a challenge and need to find an inner reserve of strength and intelligence. Have been hurt or disrespected and you need to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and maintain your dignity.

Gorilla Totem

An animal totem embodies the protective powers of the animal it represents. Thus, a gorilla totem is a helpful talisman when it comes to finding inner strength. It is also a good luck symbol if you are looking to start a family or find a close group of supportive friends. In addition, the gorilla totem is helpful in finding more tranquility in your life.

Gorilla folklore

Gorillas live in the mountainous regions of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in the lowland forests of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, Angola, Congo, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the places they call home, gorillas are important creatures to many locals.

Bulu Gorilla Meanings

The Bulu people of Cameroon believe that the gorilla is one of the wisest animals next to the chimpanzee. They also believe that the gorilla is their closest relative. In fact, in Bulu stories, the gorilla speaks to humans asking for their trust and help.

The Bulu call the gorilla ngo or ngui, meaning positive power. They associate the gorilla with the energy of fire.

In parts of Cameroon, Gabon and the Central African Republic, locals tell tales of people turning into gorillas or being reincarnated as gorillas. In addition, they have sacred gorilla societies, including some that perform gorilla dances.

Kwele Gorilla Meanings

The Kwele people of eastern Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Cameroon tell tales of gorillas being reincarnated with human souls. These gorillas have special powers like witch doctors and they can be friendly or malicious. For these reasons, hunting gorillas is taboo in the Kwele culture.

Some of the locals in these regions say the gorilla is their ancestor. They also say that their herbalists learned about medicinal plants from the gorilla. Therefore, they say that chasing or harming a gorilla can put people in danger.

Gorilla dream meaning

If you dream about a gorilla or a group of gorillas and you are wondering what your dream might be telling you, think about the emotions you felt in your dream. While dream meanings and interpretations are personal to each individual, what we all have in common is that our subconscious emotions don’t lie to us. They can uncover underlying issues that we should address in our waking state.

Gorillas can be both reassuring and intimidating. So, a dream about a gorilla in which you feel threatened can mean that you are feeling…