Lion meanings and symbolism can be found in the folklore of cultures all over the world. Indeed, many of us are quite starstruck by these beautiful creatures. For some, the lion spirit animal is one of their power animals, while others are simply in awe of their magnificence.

Lions once roamed throughout the African continent as well as parts of Asia and Europe. However, today, wild lions can only be found in sub-Saharan Africa, and a small population of Asiatic lions lives in the Gir Forest in India. Yet, if you ask almost anyone in the world what a lion is, they will be able to describe them in detail because, quite simply, lions are superstars.

Lions exist for themselves. They are not here for us. Yet, they have much to teach us. Hence, there are countless legends and pieces of art that have been inspired by these majestic beings.The mountain lion was known variously to the different Native American tribes as a cougar, puma, panther, etc. The mountain lion was the largest cat measuring about 100 to 175 pounds.

Native Americans revered the animal but also had to compete with it for the game. In the Keres Creation account, the Mountain Lion guarded the Shipap – the pre-emergence place.

In Tewa traditions, the supernatural beings living in Sipofene – the pre-emergence place — sent a man to explore the upper world. He returned to Sipofene as Mountain Lion. For the Zuni, the Mountain Lion was the beast God associated with the North.