Over 7,000 lizard species roam the Earth. You could argue that the spiritual meanings of lizards are just as vast. Across cultures, lizards have great significance and represent many attributes.
Generally, lizards represent prosperity, longevity, and adaptability. As spirit, totem, and power animals, lizards prompt inspiration and perseverance.
Each culture or tribe gives a unique meaning to lizards, according to the environment they were in. Some people found lizards to be bad omens, while others saw them as good omens. Keep reading to discover the mystical nature of these reptiles.
Lizard Symbolism
Prosperity, longevity, and adaptability are just the beginning of lizard symbolism. Lizards also represent protection and commitment. As nocturnal creatures, lizards are sometimes used to symbolize insomnia.
As with other animal symbolism, lizard symbolism is based on their biological traits. First, they have a distinct ability to survive in harsh environments. This is why they represent adaptability and endurance.
Second, they have incredible defense mechanisms, and they can regrow tails or limbs. This is another reason why they represent adaptability. This is also why they symbolize protection and survival.
Third, lizard species have unique qualities, each with its own special strength. This is why lizards also symbolize creativity and inspiration. They remind people to forge their own paths and to stay inspired to reach their dreams.
Next, discover the lizard symbolism in individual cultures worldwide.
Lizard Symbolism: Native American
In Native American culture, lizards had many spiritual and symbolic meanings. The Hopi and Pueblo tribes used the lizard as a clan animal. Many legends about lizards exist in Native American culture, including the sacred blue lizard of the Cahuilla tribe and the lizard that triumphed over grizzly bears, as told by the Californian tribe.
In southwest Native American culture, lizards symbolize prosperity and resilience. They’re painted colorfully on pottery and molded into jewelry and other art expressions. In the American southwest, the desert is unforgiving, so the lizard’s survival ability inspired these Native legends.
In many tribes, spotting lizards was a sign of good fortune. Great Plains tribes had a custom of forming newborns’ umbilical cords into lizard shapes to improve longevity. Many tribes also consider lizards to be spiritual creatures that took part in humanity’s creation.
The Navajo tribe linked lizard symbolism with healing and resurrection. Why? Because lizards have a phenomenal ability to regrow tails and limbs and shed their skin to allow regrowth.
Monongya Katsina is a lizard spirit of the Hopi tribe that is summoned during sacred ceremonies as a spirit guide. This spirit frowns on bad behavior and is a role model for good behavior.
Lizard Symbolism: Eastern
In China, lizards relate to the mystical and mighty dragon. Dragons are heavily prevalent in Chinese mythology, and they’re also spirit guides for the living. The Celestial Dragon guards the house of the gods.
Chinese dragons are symbols of divine interference and spiritual protection. Traditionally, the Chinese believed dragons helped prompt rain so their crops could flourish. There are nine types of Chinese dragons: Bixi, Qiuniu, Yazi, Chaofeng, Pulao, Chiwen, Xi’an, Suanni, and Fuxi.
In Japanese folklore, a lizard-like serpent called the tsuchinoko drinks alcohol and tells tall tales. According to legend, the tsuchinoko will swallow its tail to roll like a wheel.
Thai people have a distaste for the monitor lizard, and generally, they believe lizards bring bad luck. Lizards there are known to creep around in graveyards, and they’re associated with evil spirits. Also, Thai legend portrays them eating rotting flesh.
Lizard Symbolism: Christianity
In the Bible, the Leviathan is a sea serpent representing Israel’s enemies. In the book of Psalms, God kills the sea serpent and offers it to the Hebrews as food. This Biblical sea serpent story is based on the Mesopotamian myth of a sea monster in Baal.
Also, Biblical texts paint reptiles as sinful and evil creatures of deception. In the Old Testament, lizards are unclean animals that must not be sacrificed for God. This creature represents impurity in the Christian world.
Lizard Symbolism: Celtic
Unlike Christian tradition, Celtic tradition paints lizards in a positive symbolic light. The Celtics thought lizards symbolized good fortune, wealth, and protection. Celts also believed lizards had magic powers, and witches used them in magic potions.
The Celtic Goddess of the Night, Evaki, allegedly stole the ability to sleep from lizards and granted it to all the other worldly animals. In Celtic folklore, lizards are friendly and warm creatures and not enemies. Some legendary tales of dragons show that they symbolize wealth and power.
Lizard Symbolism: African
African societies have historically assigned different meanings to lizards. In sub-Saharan African communities, lizards are a bad omen, symbolizing death. In Zulu culture, lizards are messengers of the eternal world.
In Bantu culture, chameleons take on a unique meaning. Bantu people believe chameleons delivered news of eternal life. Then, as many Bantu converted to Christianity, the chameleon came to represent Jesus Christ’s message of eternal life.
Lizard Mythology
Lizards, as nocturnal creatures, sometimes represent silence. On the other hand, since they sunbathe, they may also be associated with sunshine and light. Legend has it in ancient Greece that a lizard sacrificed itself to Apollo to gain everlasting light.
Tarrotarro is a mythological lizard of Australian Aboriginal culture. This lizard was a heroic being who created men and women. Tarrotarro also taught people the divine art of tattooing.
Roman mythology also has a special story about lizards. Ancient Romans believed lizards hibernated all winter. Therefore, they were seen as a sign of death and rebirth.
Lizards are reincarnated souls in some African mythology. In Japanese tradition, stories circulated of an evil lizard spirit with magical abilities.
In Persian mythology, there were two creators and two creations. In the Persian creation story, the lizard was created by the darker of the two creators. The lizard’s purpose was to conquer the other creator, that of life.
MORE:
Lizard Symbolism in Your Dreams
If you dream of lizards, the message may indicate a stroke of bad fortune or prosperity and good fortune. As a result, it can take a lot of work to properly interpret lizard dreams. However, keeping a dream journal helps you remember the details and see how it correlates with your life.
Giant Lizard
If you dream of a giant lizard, you may be afraid of it. However, it’s a symbol that you have the perseverance to succeed in your endeavors. It means that no matter how big the challenge is, you have the skills to overcome it.
A giant lizard may also be a warning sign of an illness or financial loss to come. Be prepared to live in discomfort for a while. You may be in survival mode for the next several months, but you’ll survive and be stronger.
Lastly, giant lizards are a representation of your powerful and luminous heart. You have a giant sense of generosity, and you use your confidence to help those around you. You enjoy being selfless, and you choose to volunteer or donate whenever possible.
Crawling Lizard
If you dream of a lizard crawling toward or away from you, it’s a sign of deception. Someone in your life is deceiving you, possibly a family member or friend. In all your interactions, notice how people treat you and try to only keep honest people in your circle.
Also, seeing a lizard crawling on the ground may mean you’re unfulfilled in an area of your life. Perhaps it’s your love life, your career, or the loss of a hobby that you used to love. Take this as a wake-up call that you need to take action to rekindle the joy in your life.
Finally, a crawling lizard represents your deep-rooted survival instincts. You follow your gut, and you carve your own path, which is something to be proud of. You’ve built yourself up from rock bottom and will soon thrive.
Dead Lizard
Dreaming of a dead lizard can be a dark omen of challenging times. It serves as a warning. Although you may have hard times ahead, know that you can call on the lizard power animal for help and guidance.
Dead lizards can also symbolize a coming rebirth or transformation. One chapter of your life is closing, and another is about to start. Remember, the death of one phase of life is normal, making room for more people and experiences to enter your life.
Lastly, dead lizards represent the solemness and reserved nature of your personality. You may tend to keep your fears and desires to yourself, but your heart is strong. You find comfort in silence, and you’re a night owl, enjoying long quiet hours alone in the evenings.
Lizard In Water
If you see a lizard swimming in your dream, it’s a sign of purification and transformation. It’s also a sign of spiritual rebirth and enlightenment. You’ve been working hard at your spiritual practice, and you’re growing from it every day.
Dreaming of lizards in water is also a sign of your adaptability and the flowing state of your creativity. Now is the time to unleash your wild side, to let your left brain take over. If you’ve been holding back on a project, let yourself loose to create and build.
This dream also speaks to your joyous and innocent nature. You act only with good intentions, and you have a good support system around you. You’re well on your way to more prosperity.
Lizards and Fire
If you see a fire-breathing lizard or dragon in your dream, it’s a symbol of prosperity and mighty power. Dragons are feared, and they’re well-known as creatures of strength and dignity. If you have such a dream, it’s a good sign.
Dreaming of lizards and fire is a strong symbol of your desire and passion for love and joy. You won’t stop creating the life you desire, especially regarding your love life. Now is the time to boldly declare your love and give thanks to all the loved ones you have.
Lizards and fire also represent business success and abundant wealth. You may soon be offered a prosperous business opportunity. You have the confidence to take what the universe offers you and to share it with others, too.
Lizard Omens
If you see a lizard in real life, it usually indicates good luck and dedication. The larger the lizard is, the greater prosperity you will find. In short, lizards remind you that good things are to come and you have the dedication to succeed.
Lizards also remind you to appreciate the little things and all the beauty in your life. In life, there is no way to become successful without help from others, so take a moment to be grateful for them. Also, congratulate yourself for keeping your faith and working to build your dream.
When you spot a lizard, it may also symbolize new beginnings and reformation. Do you have the opportunity to change your work or relationship that you’re unsure of? Seeing a lizard might signify that it’s time to make the change and trust your gut.
On the topic of changes, lizards may signify a difficult time of change. However, knowing that you have the survival instinct to get through it is important. Although the ebbs and flows of life can be difficult to maneuver, the lizard proves that adaptability is a skill you have to overcome it.
Lizard As a Spirit Animal
Lizards are demanding and prosperous spirit animals. As spirit guides, they’ll help you change your behavior and habits to switch from surviving to thriving. Lizard spirit animals facilitate change and represent good fortune.
As spirit animals, lizards inspire action and show that hard work pays off. If your spirit animal is a lizard, you throw yourself wholeheartedly into any project. When you start a task, you’re sure to finish it.
Also, if the lizard is your spirit animal, you’re a resilient and steadfast person. You don’t take commitments lightly, and you’re always on time. You’ve learned that success requires patience and effort, which you bring to your goals.
As your spirit animal, the lizard is imprinted on your soul. You will always be the person who survives, no matter the circumstances. If the night is dark and you’re struggling, you’re the type who can patiently wait for the sun to shine.
Lizard As a Totem Animal
Lizard totems help keep you connected to your dream. They help harness your creativity and offer inspiration and guidance. Lizard totems remind you that you’re brave enough to face your fears.
Further, lizard totems bring a spirit of rebirth and regeneration. If you keep a lizard totem by your bedside, you’ll be reminded every day is a new chance to start fresh. You are the author of your own book of life.
A lizard totem also reminds you of your ancestors. If you have a loved one who recently passed away, it can help summon their energy in your life. When your heart longs for them, take comfort in your lizard totem.
In short, use lizard totems to keep yourself focused on your dreams, kindle rebirth and growth, and stay in touch with your ancestors. You’ll find that having a lizard totem is a valuable asset in your spiritual life.
Lizard As a Power Animal
As a power animal, you can call on lizards for their abundant and transformative energy. Call on them to receive cleansing energy so you can shed your toxic environment and start fresh. You’ll be inspired and joyful when you receive these healing powers.
When you summon the lizard power animal, the universe will work for you to help clear the path. You will not only summit the mountain you face but also share your wisdom with others to help them grow. The lizard power animal helps you reconcile your past mistakes and use them to propel you toward success.
Lizard Tattoo
Lizards are a striking, fun tattoo to add to your body art. You have a wide range of lizards, whether a tiny gecko or a giant dragon across your back. The colors, design, and species of lizard you choose change the meaning of this tattoo.
Common lizard tattoos represent agility, courage, and good fortune. Tribal lizard tattoos represent your connection to your ancestors. A green lizard tattoo represents financial freedom and abundant wealth.
Dragon tattoos symbolize power and courage. Komodo dragon tattoos represent fearlessness and aggression. Artsy gecko tattoos represent creativity, inspiration, and joy.
No matter what your lizard tattoo design is, it will surely bring good fortune into your life, along with many compliments from onlookers!
Conclusion
To sum it up, lizards have many spiritual and symbolic meanings. Lizard symbolism is as broad as lizard species are. People will always be fascinated by the mystical nature of these reptiles.
Whether you’re dreaming of lizards, seeing them in real life, or calling upon their power animal energies, lizards will always be a part of your life. When they emerge, notice their presence carefully and reference this guide to help determine their meaning.
MORE:
- White Rose Meaning
- Number 5 Meaning In The Bible
- Life Path Number 3 Meaning
- Dove Meaning
- Black Dog Dream Meaning