Cheetah Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Written by Crystal
Updated: June 5, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


The cheetah spirit animal is all about high energy and taking risks.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of upwards of 70 miles per hour. Cheetahs are also famous for their single-minded focus and determination. When they set their sights on a goal, they go after it with everything they’ve got until they achieve it. If you feel like you need a boost of energy or motivation in your life, the cheetah spirit animal is a great one to call on.

Keep reading to learn all about cheetah spirit animal meaning and symbolism.

Are Cheetahs a Good Omen?

The cheetah is a good omen. The animal is often thought to bring luck, power, and good fortune. In many cultures, it is also seen as a symbol of strength, speed, and agility. The cheetah is also known to be a very calm and relaxed creature, which is another reason why they are a good omen.

cheetah looking at camera

A cheetah is only a bad omen if it appears in a dark context.

©iStock.com/Byrdyak

A cheetah is only a bad omen if it appears in a dark context. Pay attention to the circumstances surrounding your sighting. If you see a cheetah in the wild, it could be a sign that good things are coming your way. But if you see a cheetah in a captive environment, it might be a sign that you need to break free from society and embrace your wild side.

What Does the Cheetah Symbolize?

The cheetah symbolizes power, speed, and grace. They are often seen as a symbol of divine guidance. If you feel uncertain about your life path, the cheetah can signify that you are about to receive much-needed guidance. The cheetah can also help you to connect with your intuition and your inner wisdom.

The cheetah is also a symbol of discretion. They move quietly and stealthily when they need to. If you feel like you need to be more discreet or cautious in your life, the cheetah can help you to find the right balance.

The cheetah is also a symbol of transformation. They adapt quickly to changing circumstances. They don’t hesitate to make the changes they need to in order to survive.

Finally, the cheetah is also a symbol of courage. They are not afraid to take risks and are always ready for a challenge. If you’re looking for a little boost of courage in your life, the cheetah can help you to find it.

What Is the Meaning of the Cheetah Spirit Animal?

If the cheetah is your spirit animal, you are a natural leader with many gifts and talents. You have the ability to inspire others and make a difference in the world. You are courageous and determined and always stand up for your beliefs. You are also a gifted communicator who knows how to communicate your point.

When you have an inner cheetah, you have natural speed, agility, and focus. You are also a survivor who knows how to adapt to change. Friends often describe you as spontaneous and fun-loving. You enjoy a challenge, and you are always up for trying new things.

Those who identify with the cheetah know how to manifest success. When it comes to your career, you are ambitious and driven. You are not afraid to take risks and always strive to reach the top. Your competitive nature ensures that you are always ahead of the pack. Cheetah types have a strong work ethic and are always determined to achieve their goals.

The cheetah spirit animal is a guardian or protector. Friends feel secure in your presence, and family members never doubt you’ll provide for them.

The Meaning of a Cheetah Sighting

If you see a cheetah, it means that the universe wants you to know that you are fast, powerful, and beautiful, just the way you are. It’s a reminder to let your wild side out every once in a while, to run free, and not worry about what others think.

The cheetah is also a symbol of grace and poise, so if you’ve been feeling a bit unbalanced lately, this is a sign to focus on your posture and breath. And finally, the cheetah reminds us to enjoy the simple things in life, like the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. Smell the flowers, and live each moment fully.

The Meaning of a Cheetah Dream

A cheetah dream could be a sign that you need to take action on something or make a decision quickly.

©JonathanC Photography/Shutterstock.com

A cheetah is chasing you. You run as fast as you can, but the big cat is gaining on you. Just as it was about to catch you, you woke up. This type of cheetah dream could be a warning from your subconscious to watch out for someone or something that is lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce. It could be a sign that you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable, like you are being chased by something bigger and faster than you.

Alternatively, a cheetah dream could be a sign that you need to take action on something or make a decision quickly. Whatever the case, it’s important to remember that dreams are often symbolic and not always literal. The way the dream makes you feel will give you the best clues as to what it means.

If you feel scared or threatened, then the dream is likely trying to warn you about something. If you feel exhilarated or excited, then the dream could be a sign that you need to take more risks in your life. Trust your intuition and gut feelings about the dream, and don’t doubt your instincts.

Positive Characteristics of the Cheetah Spirit Animal

The cheetah is a magnificent animal known for its speed, agility, and grace. If the cheetah is your spirit animal, you, too, have the ability to move through life faster than others.

Positive characteristics of the cheetah :

  • Athletic
  • Fast
  • Graceful
  • Intelligent
  • Resourceful
  • Agile
  • Nimble
  • Quickwitted
  • Determined
  • Passionate

If the cheetah is your spirit animal, you share many of its positive qualities. You are likely athletic and quickwitted, with the determination to succeed. You may also be nimble and resourceful, able to adapt to new situations quickly. Like the cheetah, you are intelligent and passionate, always striving to reach your goals. Whether you are running a race or chasing your dreams, you move through life with grace and power.

Negative Characteristics of the Cheetah Spirit Animal

While the cheetah is generally seen as a positive spirit animal, it does have some negative qualities. Being aware of these shortcomings will help you avoid losing your cheetah cool!

Negative characteristics of the cheetah :

  • Arrogant
  • Hot-tempered
  • Jealous
  • impatient
  • Possessive
  • Impulsive
  • Stubborn

If the cheetah is your spirit animal, you may share some of its negative qualities. You may be arrogant and impatient, quick to anger, and slow to forgive. You may also be possessive and stubborn, unwilling to let go of what you believe is yours. While these qualities can sometimes be helpful, they can also lead to problems in your relationships. If you are not careful, you may find yourself chasing after things that aren’t worth it.

Cheetah Folklore and Fables

cheetah mom and cubs laying on a rock

Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land mammal.

©nwdph/Shutterstock.com

Did you hear the tale of how the cheetah got its spots? According to the legend, the cheetah was once a beautiful animal with smooth, sleek fur. However, one day it angered the god Zeus and was transformed into the spotted creature we know today. This story teaches that even something as seemingly small as anger can have lasting consequences.

Another story comes from India, where the cheetah is the “wind chaser.” In this tale, a young prince receives a magical horse that can run as fast as the wind. The prince enjoys using his horse to race against other riders, but he meets his match in a cheetah one day. The two animals race each other across the desert, and neither one can gain an advantage. Eventually, they reach an oasis where they both collapse from exhaustion. The moral of this story is that even those who are blessed with great gifts must learn to use them wisely.

There’s also an African Folktalke explaining why cheetahs have stained cheeks. This story tells the tale of a hunter taking away a mother cheetah’s cubs. The village forced him to return the baby cheetahs, but the mother cheetah had already cried so much her cheeks were stained. The story teaches hunters never to target such sacred creatures.

Spirit Animals Opposite of the Cheetah

Now that you know cheetah energy’s positive and negative sides, it’s time to decide. Are you more like the cheetah, or do you have a different spirit animal?

Opposing spirit animals:

  • Turtle
  • Bear
  • Owl
  • Raven
  • Cat
  • Sloth

The cheetah is the right spirit animal to choose when you’re already feeling enthused about life. However, if you’re feeling scattered and unfocused, you might want to consider calling on a different spirit animal.

Some good options for opposites of the cheetah spirit animal include the turtle, bear, owl, raven, cat, or sloth. These animals are all about slowing down, being patient, and being thoughtful before taking action. They can help you to find your center and to focus your attention on what’s really important. So if you feel like you need to rein in your cheetah energy a bit, consider calling on one of these amazing animals for help.

Spirit Animals Similar to the Cheetah

If you’re positive you have an inner cheetah, consider adopting another compatible guide. Those who identify with the cheetah’s ways have a lot of animals to choose from!

Similar spirit animals:

Spirit animals that share similar energy to the cheetah include the dog, wolf, fox, lion, and tiger. These animals are all about strength, courage, and determination. They can help you tap into your inner power and achieve your goals.

Fox and cheetah make fast friends for a few reasons. Both are quick, agile, and known for their intelligence. They’re also both loners who prefer to live and hunt alone. And while they may not always see eye-to-eye, they respect each other’s strengths and abilities. Sometimes a cheetah will join a coalition and hunt with a team. If you’re ready to reach new levels, consider letting others help you on your life’s journey.

Final Thoughts on Cheetah Spirit Animal Meaning

cheetah

The cheetah spirit animal is a powerful guide that knows how to go after goals with vigor.

©Henrico Muller/Shutterstock.com

What a wonderful animal the cheetah is! They symbolize grace, agility, speed, and so much more. If you’re considering making this your spirit guide, you’ve definitely chosen wisely. The cheetah spirit animal is a powerful guide that knows how to go after goals with vigor.

Use your cheetah power wisely. Going fast is great, but don’t rush things. If you try to take shortcuts or cut corners, you may miss out on important details or make mistakes. Instead of rushing, savor every moment.

And remember to check out other spirit animals to see if another energy resonates with you more than this big cat. Maybe you have the soul of a possum or crow, or even a peacock spirit animal!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/StuPorts


Share on:
About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Ted Andrews (2022) Animal-Speak. Minnesota, US: Llewellyn, 1997.
  2. Dawn Brunke (2022) Spirit Animal Directory. New York, NY: Chartwell Books, 2015.
  3. Dr. Steven Farmer, Available here: https://drstevenfarmer.com/blog/