Praying Mantis Spirit Animal Symbolism & Meaning

Do you have the patience of a praying mantis?

Stillness is strength, and the praying mantis is aware of this concept. They sit and wait for prey to come to them. This quality of stillness and patience is one that many people aspire to emulate. What else can you learn from this incredible creature? Read on to discover everything about praying mantis spirit animal symbolism.

What Is the Meaning of the Praying Mantis Spirit Animal?

If you have a praying mantis as a spirit animal, you are likely a very patient person. You are the type of person who is able to sit back and wait for things to come to you rather than going out and forcing them to happen. This does not mean that you are a passive person, however. You are simply able to control your own energy and use it in a way that suits your needs.

Praying mantis have a great deal of focus. When you set your mind to something, you are able to tune out all distractions and zero in on your goal. This means that you are usually successful in whatever you put your mind to. You have the ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain a clear head even when things are chaotic around you.

If you have a praying mantis spirit animal, you likely possess great strength and power. You are probably not the type of person to take any nonsense from anyone. When someone tries to cross you, you are quick to put them in their place. You are not a violent person, but you are not afraid to stand up for yourself and those you care about.

If the praying mantis is your spirit animal, you are probably a very wise person who is always able to see both sides of every situation. You have a great deal of knowledge and insight, and you are always willing to share your wisdom with others. People often seek you out for advice because they know that you will always give them an honest answer.

Praying Mantis Meaning Discovery Questions

When the praying mantis comes into your life, ask yourself a few questions. What are you struggling with? Maybe there’s something that’s been on your mind, and it’s time to finally address it.

The mantis is a fierce hunter and will not give up until it catches its prey. What is your prey? What do you need to conquer?

Are you using your mind-body connection? The praying mantis has a unique anatomy. Embrace your body to find new ways of experiencing life. This might mean starting yoga or tuning into your breath.

One of the praying mantises’ most notable features is their large eyes that sit on either side of its head. This gives them nearly 360degree vision. What do you need to see more clearly? What do you need to be aware of?

The mantis is a master of stillness. It can remain perfectly still for long periods of time, even while hanging upside down. When the world around you is chaotic, how can you find that inner peace?

Positive Characteristics of the Praying Mantis Spirit Animal

As anyone who has seen a praying mantis knows, these creatures are undeniably impressive. If this is your spirit animal, you have a lot of strengths to call upon.

Positive characteristics of the praying mantis :

• Agile
• Aggressive
• Adaptable
• Fierce
• Focused
• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Spiritual
• Symbolic

Praying mantis twist and turn their bodies in ways other insects cannot. It’s a sight to see! They are also highly aggressive, using their powerful front legs to snatch prey with surprising speed and accuracy. In addition, praying mantises are very adaptable and able to survive in a wide variety of habitats.

Perhaps most importantly, however, praying mantises have fierce concentration and intelligence. They are able to plan and execute complex hunting strategies, making them one of the most resourceful predators in the natural world. For these reasons and more, the praying mantis is an excellent spirit animal for those who seek strength, power, and wisdom.

Negative Characteristics of the Praying Mantis Spirit Animal

If the praying mantis is your spirit animal, be aware of some of its potential negative qualities. By balancing your light and dark energies, you’ll be able to stay true to who you are.

Negative characteristics of the praying mantis:

• Aggressive
• Territorial
• Vengeful
• Suspicious
• Possessive
• Unforgiving
• Ruthless
• Cunning
• Manipulative
• Predatory

The praying mantis can be very impatient, impulsive, and aggressive. They can also be relatively inflexible in their thinking, and they can sometimes be quite selfish. Additionally, they may have difficulty empathizing with others, and they can be quick to judge. While the praying mantis does have some admirable qualities, such as bravery and determination, it’s essential to be aware of its potential weaknesses to stay on the right path.

What Does the Praying Mantis Symbolize?

The praying mantis symbolizes purity, clarity, and focus.

Other symbolisms include:

• Longevity
• Fulfillment and true success
• Endurance

Praying mantises are one of the most ancient animals on the planet. They date back over 100 million years. This makes them a powerful symbol of longevity and endurance.

Praying mantises are popular for their ability to remain perfectly still for long periods of time. This is a symbol of focus and concentration. When the praying mantis appears to you, it may be a reminder to stay focused on your goals and not get distracted.

The praying mantis is also a symbol of true success. This is because they are one of the few predators that can take down birds. It’s rare, but there are accounts of praying mantises successfully taking down small birds. The praying mantis teaches us that success comes to those willing to go after their goals with focus and dedication.

Praying mantises are also a symbol of purity. This is because they mate for life and remain faithful to their partners. If the praying mantis has come into your life, it may be a reminder to stay true to your own values and principles.

Praying Mantises in Folk Stories and Legends

Praying mantises are a common sight in gardens and fields, and they have long been a source of fascination for people around the world. Stories and legends about these strange creatures abound, and they provide valuable lessons about nature, life, and death. In many cultures, the praying mantis is a symbol of wisdom and strength, and it is often said to have mystical powers.

One popular folk story from China tells of a young boy who befriends a mantis and learns to imitate its movements. The story teaches that people can learn from nature and that even the smallest creature has value.

In another story, a mantis helps a group of animals escape from a hunter. This story highlights the importance of helping others in need, regardless of size or species. Legends about the praying mantis abound, and they provide valuable insights into the natural world.

The Meaning of a Praying Mantis Sighting

If you see a praying mantis, it means that you need to listen more. Your spirit animal is trying to tell you something. These amazing creatures are popular for their clarity of vision and their ability to focus intently on their prey. They are also symbols of stillness and patience. In many cultures, the praying mantis is a spiritual guide, helping people find their way. If you find yourself drawn to these creatures, take some time to listen to what they have to say. They might have the answer you’ve been looking for.

The Meaning of a Praying Mantis Dream

Praying mantis dreams are about finding inner peace. How could you practice stillness, grace, and focus? If you find yourself dreaming about a praying mantis, it might be time to take a step back and assess your life.

Are you moving too fast? Are you feeling scattered? The prayer mantis can help you to find a center and focus so that you can live your life with intention. Let the qualities of this amazing creature inspire you to live a more deliberate life.

Are Praying Mantises a Good Omen?

In many cultures, praying mantises are considered to be good luck. This is likely because of their role in controlling pests. Praying mantises are predators and will consume any insect they can catch. Praying mantis eat destructive pests like mosquitoes, aphids, and locusts. For this reason, farmers and gardeners often encourage praying mantises to live near their crops. In some cultures, the sighting of a praying mantis is believed to be a sign that good fortune is on the way. So if you see one of these striking insects, consider it a good omen!

Praying Mantis Tattoo Meaning

Considering getting a praying mantis tattoo? The little insect has a lot of meaning behind it. For some, the praying mantis tattoo can be a way to honor the insect itself. There are over 1,800 mantis species to choose from. So, the sky’s the limit when choosing an artistic expression.

The qualities of the praying mantis, being agile, patient, and sly, can be interpreted as positive traits to aspire to. If you’re looking for a unique tattoo design, the praying mantis is a great choice. There are many ways to incorporate the creature into your ink, whether you want a small and simple tat or an intricate and detailed piece. No matter what your style, a praying mantis tattoo is sure to turn heads.

Spirit Animals Similar to the Praying Mantis

Praying mantises are unique creatures, and it’s no surprise that they would have unique spirit animals. Their particular ways align with several other spirit animals. You’ll get along great if you meet somebody with one of these spirit animals.

Similar spirit animals:

• Spider
• Dragonfly
• Grasshopper
• Butterfly
• Bee

Like the praying mantis, spiders are patient hunters who build intricate webs. Dragonflies are also similar to mantises in their hunting style, and both dragonflies and mantises represent transformation.

Grasshoppers and butterflies share the ability to leap and fly, and bees are hardworking pollinators like mantises. Each of these animals has special qualities that complement the praying mantis spirit animal, making them great friends.

Spirit Animals Opposite of the Praying Mantis

The praying mantis is notorious for eating its mate after mating. That’s why this spirit animal is the opposite of some of the more gentle animals out there.

• Bear
• Wolf
• Tiger
• Salmon
• Deer

Bears and mantises rarely see eye to eye. They’re both so strong-willed! But that doesn’t mean that the praying mantis and bear can’t get along. It just takes more effort. If you’re feeling meek and mild, befriending someone with a tiger or wolf spirit animal can infuse your life with energy. Just be careful not to get too carried away! You’ll probably need to take breaks from your friendship to maintain inner peace.

Final Thoughts on Praying Mantis Spirit Animal Meaning

Overall, the praying mantis spirit animal is a symbol of patience, focus, strength, power, wisdom, and insight. If you have this spirit animal, you are probably a very well-rounded individual who is always able to handle whatever life throws your way. You’re the type of person who is always up for a challenge, and you never shy away from new experiences. Embrace your inner mantis and go out there and conquer the world!

Bonus: Where Did the Idea of Spirit Animals Originate?

Astrology, or the philosophy of stars, dates back as far as ancient Greece and Babylon. It was defined and developed by the mathematician and astrologer Ptolemy in his work Tetrabiblos, published around 1,800 years ago.

The idea of spirit animals is a more modern development, though certain indigenous cultures, such as Native Americans, regarded various animals as guides to protect them or animals whose traits they shared, as well as animals they may just admire. 

In the 1990s, Pagan and Wiccan enthusiasts adopted this way of looking at animals for themselves, viewing them as spiritual guides or totems that take on animal forms. As the internet advanced, these groups created quizzes to help curious folks discover who their spirit animals were.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ryzhkov Oleksandr/Shutterstock.com