The Magic of Panthers

I also made a video on this one. It’s at the bottom of the post right before the sources.

General Info

Black Panther is not actually a species of cat. It’s terminology used to refer to cats that are part of the genus Panthera and that have black fur. The Panthera genus includes tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, and snow leopards.

www.wildcatfamily.com

“Black panther” most often refers to black-coated leopards and black-coated jaguars. However, other cat species can contain black-coated varieties. There is a gene in these animals that is expressed causing large amounts of melanin in the fur that vary in darkness. If you look at one of these beautiful animals, you will still be able to see their leopard or jaguar spots in their fur. From a distance, they tend to look solid black.

http://dinoanimals.com/animals/black-panther-myths-and-facts/

Lifestyle, diet, hunting, etc are all determined by which species the panther is.  A black panther jaguar may have different habits than a black panther leopard. Leopards are found in Africa and Asia and are considered a vulnerable species. Jaguars are found in Latin America and are considered a near threatened species.

http://dinoanimals.com/animals/black-panther-myths-and-facts/

Panthers in Folklore and Mythology

Black panthers are in many cultural mythologies. Some believe they are symbols of the feminine, the dark mother, the dark moon, darkness, death, rebirth, and the protector of the universe.

Black panthers are prominent in African mythology. In ancient Egypt, panthers were sacrificed to Gods and priests wore their skins. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, there is a king who wears a black panther skin to pass through Heaven.

Panthers are symbols of strength. They are used as sports mascots, military symbols, and flags, for example.

https://www.universeofsymbolism.com/

Panther as an Animal Guide

The panther is my Guide. That’s why it was on the list of animals for me to do these posts on. :smile:
The black panther spirit cloaks itself in darkness. You only know it is there if it wants you to know. Panthers are also fast and move gracefully, as most cats do. Panthers tend to be solitary as well. If you are trying to connect with a panther spirit, you will most likely have to wait for them to come to you.

Giphy

The panther is tied to the feminine and the moon as well. They help us get through darkness. They are also protective.

People with a panther totem tend to take on these traits being solitary, graceful, and elusive. They are also curious and passionate. They tend to be private people.

Panthers in dreams tend to symbolize personal power.

Giphy

Panthers in Pop Culture

In Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book and in the movies, Bagheera is a panther who befriends and protects Mowgli.

Giphy

The Marvel universe has a character named Black Panther, real name T’Challa. He first appeared in a Fantastic Four comic in 1966. Most people know of the movie that just came out that has been a big hit.

Giphy

The Black Panther Party was founded around 50 years ago to protest police brutality and racial inequality.

Professional sports teams using panther as a mascot:
  • Carolina Panthers - NFL
  • Florida Panthers - NHL

Some colleges using Panther as a mascot:
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Florida International University
  • Georgia State University
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • University of Northern Iowa
...and many more, not to mention high schools


Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/animal/black-panther-mammal
https://www.wildcatfamily.com/panthera-lineage/
http://www.zawadee.com/blog/ca/the-majestic-african-black-panther
https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/black-panther-symbolism-meaning/
http://marvel.com/characters/5/black_panther
All gifs from Giphy.

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