Birth of a panther
Warning: the normally grounded and rational Panther is about to get all airy-fairy on you. If the mystical and fey make you squeamish, back away. Back away now. Cleanse yourself by some communing with Mr Spock, and thank your lucky stars that you made it out in time.
This all started out as quite rational and grounded. XUP simply asked how we came up with the name for our blog, and she specially mentioned the Urban Panther’s Lair and the Urbane Lion’s Den as being examples that aren’t very self-explanatory. Now, I could have left a quick and dirty answer as a comment on her site, but nope, my story telling brain was off and running.
My fascination with wildcats started as a child. We actually still had bobcats, or lynx, in Southern Ontario. Every weekend, and most of my Summer days, were spent roaming fifty acres of rolling hills in the Hockley Valley. I never saw one of these cats, but I would occasionally come across their footprints, and I could hear their yowls lying in bed at night. Part of me desperately wanted to come face to face with one; part of me was deathly afraid of coming face to face with one.
Then, one day as an adult, I was out for a run. It was one of those runs that I actually felt like I was flying. All of a sudden, a female panther was running along beside me. No, not a real one. Trust me, I would have stopped dead in my tracks and dropped into the fetal position! No, not one that anyone else could see, but definitely a solid mass of feline running with ease beside me. “Hello”, I said. “Hello,” she responded. And that was it for that initial encounter. She ran beside me for aways and then went off to hunt. She would join me for many runs after that, and sometimes we would discuss challenges in my life, and sometimes we would simply share the joy of running.
I started writing for family and friends quite a number of years ago, and I took the pen name of the Suburban Cougar. I was living in the ‘burbs, so that part made sense, and cougar just didn’t seem as feral and exotic as panther. I most definitely was not feeling either feral or exotic. I hated living in the suburbs, and the relationship I was in made me feel dull and listless. Then one day it all ended, and I moved downtown. I was about to write that it was time to redefine myself, but then I realized that wasn’t right. It was a time to define myself. Now was the time to tap into who I really was and get in touch with the primal me, and to really embrace all aspects of my beauty, be it physical, mental, and spiritual. Now I could truly say I felt both feral and exotic. And the Urban Panther was born, literally as a pen name , and metaphysically.
Interestingly, since this birth I have had several people comment on my cat like behaviours. A friend of mine says I move like a cat, graceful and sure of myself. The Urbane Lion says I stretch like a cat reveling in a sunbeam. Sometimes I can be found watching the world go by, like a cat on a window ledge. Other times I rush about for the sheer pleasure of it, as if chasing that dangling string. And if you cross the line with me, I can go from purr to growl in the wink of an eye. Although I have never investigated animal totems, it is very clear to me that I am a panther. And on a gorgeous, sunny Fall day, two beautiful wildcats can be found running side by each for the sheer joy of it.
We are often asked in job interviews the cheesy question “If you were an animal, what would you be, and why?” And we all know they are looking for some pat made up answer, like tenacious terrier or wise owl. Putting cheesiness aside:
- if you were to look deep inside, is there an animal that captures the spirit of who you are?
- and do you embrace that spirit, letting it roam free, or do you lock it up in a cage to be viewed from a safe distance?
Hmmm, I’ve never thought of this question before. The very first animal that comes to my mind is a West Highland White Terrier. I look at my dog and I think, wow, we are a lot alike! Always bounding through new activities, greeting everyone who comes through the door with a friendly wag and excitement and never one to turn down a delicious, calorie-laden treat.
I’m new to your blog and enjoy each post I read, and now I appreciate where the name comes from - something I had wondered about!
My husband and I engaged in this animal question early on in our relationship. My answer without hesitancy is a tiger (he even bought me a large stuffed tiger I still have). The beauty, grace, and power they display, in my opinion, is awesome.
I’m a beagle puppy, sometimes more grown up, but usually a puppy. I get caught up in things that engage my nose, find myself in sticky situations because of it, lose the world completely for all the things my brain creates from the heady sensory experiences (which sometimes means getting schmucked by a truck as I cross the highway without looking - thank goodness for immortal spirit guides!).
I’m also very loyal to “my” people - I get super excited (not quite to the point of peeing - I am housetrained) when I see “my” people, and very defensive when people don’t “smell” right or are threatening my people.
I’m also completely spastic, not quite sure where my arms and legs are at times.
And when I’m in my older beagle mood, I’m very graceful and elegant and quiet.
Oh I can answer this question quite easily. I’m a bird for sure. I’ve always had an affiliation with birds and as they are my little darlings (I have 5) I’m very well connected with them. Our garden is full of native birds and some of them even hand feed from us (they are wild though).
I do nourish the bird within because I like to soar and feel free, that is where my love of travel comes into play I guess.
LOVED this! Course, as you already know, I like knowing and communicating with my animal guide, so I enjoyed reading this about you. For some time, mine was also a panther, I think at that time I needed that strength and confidence to get through what was going on in my life. They are awesome animals! Will always be one of my favs. Thanks for sharing this!
I embrace my inner dog.
Awesome post! I’m feline in so many ways. Grew up with cats, always had cats (except for first seven years of marriage while we worked on my husband’s allergies), and fell in love with the black panther in the Disney film the Jungle Book. In the martial arts, I fight more mountain lion than anything else. My husband often shakes his head, smiles, and say, “You are such a cat!” I would love to see and converse with my totem or spirit guide, and perhaps someday I will.
I freaking hate that interview question, fortunately I haven’t had to answer that question either, but I did SO enjoy this read Panther.
I would definitely be some kind of feline. Cats, some, are independent, sly, sneaky, watchful, quiet and playful….that’s me. They loved to be stroked and held, (um yeah) but when they’ve had enough, you better leave them alone or they will bite (that’s right) Oh yeah, I embrace it, naturally.
I would have to say I am a little pomeranian dog. Fastidious, spoiled, sometimes affectionate, vain, and can usually finagle my way to the front seat of a car.
And that’s on my good days.
I consider myself a BIG BEAR. (And I’ve often been compared to one).
They’re such awesome critters.
Versatile and adaptible. Intelligent and wary. Extremely powerful and strong. Cuddly and affectionate, when they want to be.
Plus they don’t put up with any crap. They’re not afraid of very much. Including humans.
There’s a gentle side to them. They wrassle. They play. They obviosuly have a sense of humor. They’re not afraid to act like clowns.
Bears RULE…!
If there’s such a thing as re-incarnation, I probalby was one in a previous life.
Now I get it…My blog name is also a reflection of me. I live a life of wonder and new discoveries every day, some good some not so good. This is due to my big family and my profession as an educator. Every time I encounter these new things, I always say Wat da Wat? Since I say it all the time, it became a family mantra when things catch us by surprise.
First of all…after reading Barbara’s post and your comment that you are not getting spam…I suggest it is because you a panther, and they just don’t want to mess with you.
I am seeing three images… a bird…so that I am not boxed in, a golden retriever where I play for a living, and a dolphin - who intuits and communicates…albiet while playing.
Thanks for allowing me the space to think about it.
Great questions! Hmm…I guess I would describe myself as a Gray Wolf. I am very protective of my family, love to wander, and have an instinct for knowing when to act.
I love the story of you running along side your panther. I’ve felt like that, but never was open to seeing images.
Thanks for such a visual post!
I’m a “catcoon”.. My feline DNA is evident to any who know me, from the literal — being able to see in the dark — to the more figurative via my self-knowledge & affinity for Egypt. Yet, I’ve always claimed the raccoon as my favorite animal, in part because citing the cat would be an expression of ego. ~_^
The three of us — cats, coons & coffeesisters — have a number of traits in common; adaptability, curiosity, independence, intelligence & more strength than immediately evident. We’re mischievous, nocturnal & self-assured.. not to mention damn interesting, or is that entertaining? =^@.@^=
I feel incomplete without a feline companion & collect cats as well as raccoons. Truth be told, I’ve always felt a specific kinship to the black panther so feel right at home in your lair. On that note, Bagheera (of Jungle Book) has always been a favorite literary (& Disney) character. ^_^
(|_|*cheers*|_|)
FWIW, http://coffeesister.net/find-your-inner-cat/ ~_~
First I thought, “Oh ya, I should have told her not to mix wine with her cold meds”, but then it got kind of interesting. I spent odd moments all afternoon thinking about my inner animal, but I couldn’t come up with anything. I think it’s been a long, long time since my animal incarnation or something. I’ll have to see what develops. Meanwhile I’ve stopped shampooing my hair.
UP this was such a great post. So well written and it really connected with me, particularly since I am currently a wildcat caged up in suburbia.
My animal has always been a cat. I have always had cats until last year when my daisy girl died after 16 years together. People have often commented on my cat-like behaviours. I stretch out in the sun; love sleeping; snarl easily, but then forget about it; am very independent and tend to do a lot of staring into space and contemplating. I would say I am a wandering wildcat as I tend to walk my path alone and I am happiest when I am free to move onto a new home or locale at any time. I will also scratch your eyes out if you back me into a corner. Best just to let me be. I’ll come back if you give me your undivided attention, tempt me with tasty morsels and rub my tummy…
Kelly
I would have to be a Peregrine Falcon. Usually this bird stays locked up due to family and obligations, but other times I just need to get out and stretch my wings a bit.
Falcons fly with the grace of eagles but the determination and focus of a hawk. They are right in between and that is how I define my inner animal.
Notice that nobody wants to be a slug or a dung beetle.
Just thought I’d mention that.
Karen - Oh, I love Westies! I am not a dog person, but there is something incorrigble and lovable about Westies. I love the image of you running to the door to greet people. Of course, the calore laden treat comment cracked me up.
Stacey - hey, I’m glad you enjoy the visits here. Tigers. Yes, much more majestic than panthers. Good one! And quite mythical. The panther is more me. More earthy. Now the Black Panther is quite majestic, I find, but mine is definitely the plain old mountain lion.
Alex - omg, this just cracked me up. You are so a beagle puppy. I had tears streaming down my face. Of course, now the Lion is a bit nervous that you are going to show up and piddle in his hallway. *grin*
Monika - birds! That’s great. Do you have dreams of flying? I love those dreams. Interestingly, I have no desire to soar like you describe. Just in my dreams.
Miss E - from panther to snake. Well, both stay very close to the ground, and move with silence. I actually like snakes. Used to pick up garter snakes all the time as a kid and trot around with them.
Julia - another dog person. Dogs - 3, wildcats - 2, birds - 1, snakes - 1, so far.
SpaceAgeSage - yes, I definitely senses a fellow feline. The Lion is allergic to cats and I was petrified I would have to give up the Siamese and the Calico Kitten. The first week was bad for him, but that was basically it! If I don’t vac for awhile it does bother him. I try to be good about that.
Natural - I try not to bite, at least not physically, but I have been known to bite with a caustic remark. I know, I know, hard to believe, but it’s true.
Pink Ink - finagle your way to the front seat..okay, laugh out loud. I am getting great visuals with these comments. Welcome to the Lair!
Friar - they aren’t afraid to act like clowns, but I know one bear who is certainly afraid of them!
Chris - did you just have an epiphany right here in the Lair?! Wow!!! Way cool!!!
Harmony - hey, that could be! Panthers do defend their territories, do they not? Very good coming up with different animals for different aspects of yourself. I love dolphins. I love watching them move and play. And there is a keen intelligence in their eyes.
Karl - I was waiting for a wolf. As for seeing images, I have been *seeing* things all my life. Just ask my parents. I used to completely freak them out. However, I believe it can also be learned with meditation techniques. But if you are feeling your wolf that is wonderful. You don’t have to see him.
Dorian - catcoon. Very interesting! My brother, Alex, had a Maine Coon Cat, Baron. I don’t think you’d want to be him. He drools! Far better to stick to your cats and raccoons seperately I think.
XUP - I’d say falcon. It’s the first thing that popped into my head for you. Mull that over and see what you think. And keep me posted on your poo-less experiment.
Kelly@She - and you aren’t any cat, Kelly. You are the orange tabby who lives in all the backyards in our neighbourhood. She’s a fantastic mother, but don’t pin her down to a single home. She needs to roam, and ideally come and go as she pleases. I love her spirit and I now have a name for her!
Sal - yes, they sit quite patiently with their blinds on, and their leather ankle straps. It always amazes me how calm they are about it. But then take off the blind and the straps and they take off.
Friar - see now the warning was for the likes of you. I was shocked, shocked I say, that you actually wrote a serious comment about your bear-ness. Couldn’t do it could you? Just had to come back and point out that nobody wants to me a dung beetle.
OK, I started thinking about this (along with the theme for my domain jungleoflife). It has to be a jungle animal!! My first thought was a lion (but you guys already have that one…). A little more thought, and I’m going with the wise character from “The Lion King” - Rafiki. The mandrill. A monkey of sorts…I think it fits…I like it. Well, except that we was “old” and wise. I’ll take the old part out…
Panther,
Neat post. I’ve always believed that I was a cat once, if reincarnation exists. Slinky, sexy, quietly efficient, ultra-relaxed and que sera sera, kinda antisocial, cuddly if I know you well. Very cat, since I was a really little kid.
I’ve been chased by plenty of dogs, so that confirms it for me.
There was a side of me that wanted to say “slug,” just so Friar would be quiet. (That would be my claws coming out.) After his cute bear description and all.
Friar—I totally could have guessed that about you. Growl, growl, go hunt for fish.
Regards,
Kelly
Lance - a mandrill! That’s excellent! Old…nooooo never….wise, yes.
Kelly - I think everyone who says a cat, should now be specific. Domestic or wild? Tabby, calico, Siamese? You are definitely describing an Oriental. Not my Siamese though. The Lion seriously thinks he’s autistic. That’s him in the photo. He spends 98% of his time in this position, asleep and awake.
Falcon? Bird of prey? Why a falcon? I don’t really like birds much. I like goats a lot. Could I maybe be a goat? Please expand.
XUP - goat it is then. Falcon, only because you sit quietly observing and listening intently to the conversation around you, then you swoop in with a comment, the swoop out again for more quiet observation and intent listening. But it’s you totem, so let’s here it for goats! *smile*
That is easy! I have a lion inside of me and I keep it locked up to be seen from a safe distance.
Davina - a lion. Very impressive. Given it’s a lion as opposed to a lioness, for the most part in his locked up state he’s likely lying on a rock in the sun, eh?