To Be A Lion

Fierce. 
Strong. 
Majestic. 
Protector. 
Respected. 
Courageous. 


That's just what first came to mind when I began seriously considering what has me so wrapped up in all things lion. At first, it was just goofy fun. A handful of people who met me first as that girl in a crazy tutu still call me 'little lion', and it still makes me giddy and happy to hear it. 


All giddiness aside, I eventually began to curiously question why the 'lion' in me was lingering. What is it about 'being a lion' that I couldn't shake? Why would I want to shake it? 


I really wondered how less-than-charming it would quickly become to remain this 'lion'. I'm a person, after all. A girl or something. I never really know how to describe who I am. I only know who I am. Maybe it's easier to be a lion. 


But how does one 'be' a lion?


A tutu doesn't make me a lion. 


A tail can't help me roar. 


My courage will never be dependent upon the size of my mane. 


I was not able to explain it. Not to others and not to myself. It just seemed right. It seemed silly and right. I fell asleep at night with the goofiest smile on my face and in my mind, I saw the lion me. The lion me was smiling too, and napping happily. Sleep followed easily. Being a lion felt warm and peace-filled somehow. 

Then I started to scratch my head in deeper wonder and contemplate the origins of my lion self. Where did this really come from? Could there be a bigger meaning underneath what was once just a costume? 


I started reading about the symbolism of a lion, about a lion as a totem animal, and more generally about the nature and life of a lion. But before I share some of the thoughts that most closely evoked a greater need to 'be' a lion, let me set it up for you a bit. 


In the period between what was simply supposed to 'just' be a fun weekend away and coming to seek the lion within, I had already begun a lot of serious contemplation and soul searching. My time at Unholy Harvest sparked a newfound desire to be serious about the life I wanted to be living. I felt a rekindled urge to find Community. I was compelled to form friendships and relationships and attempt to dig away at the buried bits of me that I had ignored. A simple weekend away caused quite the stir! 


So how wonderful it was when I connected my need for community and a lion's dedication and dependance upon its pride. A lion knows when to fight, and when it's not worth fighting. A lesson I've found difficult at best. Lions spend their energy wisely - something else I've needed to adjust in my life as I have given so much of myself and spread myself so thin, that I'm eventually good to no one and that's hardly healthy. 


As loud as a lion may be with that scary roar, he is also gentle and quiet and peaceful. I talk too much. Ok, way too much. (even this post is way too long and most people will never read this far) 


Learning to be quiet, be still and breathe in the quiet is a difficult thing for me. But I get it. I get why I need to. And if 'being lion' helps me achieve that, then I am blessed. When I am calm and still and quiet, I see more clearly. 'Calm clarity' is apparently true of a lion according to some. 


Lion: Courage


I loved what I read here. Most specifically: "The French word for heart is coeur, the root word for courage. Courage comes from the heart and from one's deep sense of personal authority. When we have the courage to be true to ourselves, we have the power to act in ways that are in accord with our own spirit."


And this made so much sense to me. It really resonated. 

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 (source) 

So, funny how that works. The very things that I've shone a light on in my life. The things I have worked on improving or changing. And the parts of 'me' that hid beneath the surface waiting to bubble up.... all of it suddenly became clearer. 


All because of what was once just a costume.  


Creature of the Sun Lord, beloved of the Lady,
Reveal to me the ancient methods of magic.
Walk beside me as I grow in strength and courage.
Show me when to keep ties strong
and when to break them.
Help me to understand the times for work
and the times for rest.
Mighty lion, lend me your energies.
(from source)

What says 'lion' to you? 






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