Lion archetype: what it is, qualities, shadow side, how to activate it and more!

Animal archetypes, also called power animals, have been gaining more and more attention from people seeking personal and spiritual development. Among them, we have the lion archetype, which is considered one of the most powerful.

This archetype is related to attributes such as strength, courage, self-esteem and protection. Being used by people who want to work or who already work in leadership positions.

In addition, you can also ask this power animal for help in other situations. Like, for example, when you feel weak or vulnerable, you want to improve your self-esteem, you have a big challenge ahead of you, or when you have an ambitious dream.

If the lion is your animal archetype, or if you want to use this archetype, know that in this article you will find all the information you need on the subject. Check out!

Before talking about the lion archetype, there are some important concepts you need to understand. So, see below what animal archetypes are, what the origin of the study of this concept is, what your power animal reveals about you and the archetypes explained from the Jungian point of view and shamanism.

There are several ways to explain what animal archetypes are, taking into account that this is a concept used by psychoanalysts, coaches, people who seek development and is common in various religious practices.

In Shamanism, which is the religion practiced by indigenous peoples from different parts of the world for thousands of years, power animals bring with them a spiritual aspect. In some cultures, they are considered protective spirits, who help humans on their earthly journey.

In psychoanalysis, the concept of archetype refers to a symbol that is connected to a set of characteristics. More specifically, animal archetypes bring with them the qualities and negative aspects of each animal.

As you can see, this concept is not only for those who share the beliefs of shamanism or for those who are interested in developing from a spiritual point of view, but it is also a useful tool for those who seek personal development.

For thousands of years men have observed animals and it is from this observation and perception of the behavior of different species that the idea of ​​the power animal arises.

In shamanism and among the indigenous peoples who still practice it today, it is common to hear about, for example, obtaining the vision of an eagle, or the cunning of a fox. Or even use the snake archetype, which is known as the disease devourer, when someone needs healing.

With the modernization of society, man was moving further and further away from nature and ended up putting this knowledge aside. Even because other religions were gaining more and more space.

However, at the beginning of the 20th century, this knowledge was revived, as some scholars became interested in studying the way of life and religious practices of indigenous peoples. Like, for example, Michael Harner, the anthropologist and writer Carlos Castañeda, the historian Dee Brown and even the psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung.

Currently, we see a great growth in interest in the subject and today the concept of power animals is used by many people who are interested in spirituality and personal development.

In psychoanalysis, an archetype refers to a symbol that carries meaning. That is, when you think of the lion symbol, for example, you know that it represents characteristics such as strength, grandeur and courage.

According to Jung, archetypes are common to all human beings, they transcend time and space and are kept in what is called the collective unconscious. That it would be a kind of reservoir of information and collective memories, to which every human being has access, even if they don’t realize it.

This would explain, for example, why ancient peoples who never had contact ended up giving similar meanings to some symbols.

It is also worth remembering that in addition to this collective idea that we have of the most diverse symbols, there is a personal aspect. That is, your own impressions of them, which derive from the experiences you’ve had, what you’ve heard about, what you’ve read about the subject, etc.

In shamanism, it is believed that every human being is adopted, right at birth, by a power animal. This animal will offer its protection and help, in addition to serving as a guide for that person throughout their entire lives.

By observing these animals, it is also possible to learn from them. Starting with its qualities, which we can develop to live better. In addition, by observing the negative aspects they have, we will also have the chance to avoid several problems.

When you apply the lessons taught by power animals in your daily routine, it is possible to live in harmony with yourself, with other people and with nature. We have more power to face obstacles and to create the life we ​​want.

Finally, it is worth noting that, according to shamanism, a man connected to his power animal is stronger and even resistant to disease. Not just the physical ones, but also the emotional and spiritual ones. By the way, healing is one of the most important functions of shamans and it often happens precisely by rescuing the connection with the animal archetype.

All animal archetypes have a set of characteristics of their own, which differs from others. As you discover your power animal and learn more about it, you will find that many of these traits you share.

It’s worth remembering that every power animal has qualities, which you may already have, or which you can develop with its help. But it also has a shadow side, that is, some flaws and aspects that need to be avoided by you.

As you can see, by knowing more about your power animal, you also gain a clearer view of yourself and gain a lot of self-knowledge. Also, according to some beliefs, these characteristics will be important for you to fulfill your mission or life purpose.

There is some interesting information about animal archetypes that you might want to know. Check below what is the purpose of knowing the animal archetypes, how to discover yours, how many archetypes you can have, what the meaning of the lion archetype is and how to activate an archetype.

The objectives of knowing the animal archetypes are quite varied. Starting with the self-knowledge that is obtained when you begin to study your power animal and start to recognize its characteristics in yourself.

Using archetypes is also a good idea for anyone looking to develop a specific characteristic. In the case of the lion, we have strength, leadership ability, self-esteem, etc. The same goes for working on your shadow side, that is, the aspects of yourself that are seen as negative and require attention in order not to create problems.

Finally, for shamans and healers of indigenous peoples, it is the power animals that often show the way to healing, be it physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual or relationships with others. Therefore, the restoration of some aspect of life is also one of the objectives of knowing the animal archetypes.

Even if you still don’t know what your animal archetype is, you already have an unconscious connection with it. It often shows itself through the admiration or curiosity you feel for a particular animal. Or, because this animal makes a very strong impression on you, unlike the others.

In addition, it is also interesting to observe which animals you keep close by through prints on clothes, paintings, decorative objects, etc. Another possibility is to observe which experiences had a great impact on you, for example, going to the zoo as a child and being fascinated by the lion, the eagle, the snake, etc.

Chances are good that one of the animals you show a strong interest in in some of the above ways is your animal archetype. It is through your intuition that you can find that answer.

If you still have no idea what your power animal is, make a list of your main qualities and compare them with different animals to find out which one you have the most in common with.

Despite this, if you want to be sure of your power animal in a simple and quick way, you can also take an online test, which is available on several websites.

According to the tradition of shamanism, each person has a power animal that will accompany him throughout his life, it is this animal that chooses the person and not the other way around. Despite this, it is also possible to connect with other animal archetypes according to the moment you live and your needs.

The lion archetype, for example, is a good alternative for anyone looking to gain a leadership position in the company, or even at a time when you feel you need strength, protection, courage or need to improve your self-esteem.

The lion archetype is associated with people who have a strong personality, with great leadership skills, strength, courage, high self-esteem and who are willing to protect loved ones and everything they believe to be important or right.

On their shadow side, those who associate with this archetype need to be careful with individualism, laziness and accommodation. Since these characteristics can lead to personal dissatisfaction, as well as conflicts with other people and career problems.

The lion archetype can be activated in many ways, often the fact that you read an article like this one, research the characteristics of this animal or watch videos about it is already a way to start this process.

It is also possible to do specific meditations to connect with your power animal, which can be found, for example, on Youtube and on websites about spirituality. Despite this, the most important thing is to integrate the characteristics of this animal into your waking life, even if it is with simple actions.

Just to illustrate, as some of the main qualities of the lion are strength and courage, you can start practicing them in everyday life. And use them, for example, when doing something you’ve always wanted to do, but were afraid of.

Like all animal archetypes, the lion has its set of characteristics, such as protection, strength and courage. Look…