Panther

The panther is said to save people from the dragon of evil. As a symbol it therefore can represent 'being saved from.' It also is a symbol of courage, valor and power. The panther has also sometimes associated with the sun, and solar vibrancy in some cultures (South American, and Central American).

Individuals with panther totems are usually people who come into this world with a spiritual knowing - a deeper understanding of spiritual things. These people often are very intuitive, psychic, and many are artistically inclined.

Of all the panthers, the black panther has the greatest mysticism associated with it. It is a symbol of the mother, the dark moon and the power of the night. The black panther encourages us to understand the shadow powers available to us all, to acknowledge these powers and to eliminate our fears of the darkness.
When the black panther totem appears in your life, it is also a symbol of releasing your passions, and starting a new phase of your life. A phase in which you are discovering your desires, and living your dreams.

Source: www.whats-your-sign.com/panther-animal-totem.html

Meaning as a symbol:

Stealth and cunning represent core panther symbolism. Panthers are skilled hunters who move silently through their environment, making them symbols of strategic thinking, patience, and the ability to strike at the perfect moment. This extends to representing those who work effectively behind the scenes or approach goals with careful planning.

Feminine power and maternal protection feature prominently in panther symbolism. The fierce protective instinct of a mother panther defending her cubs has made the animal a symbol of powerful feminine energy, maternal strength, and the protective aspects of the divine feminine. In some traditions, panthers represent goddess energy and lunar power.

Death and rebirth connect to the panther's nocturnal nature and its association with darkness. Many cultures view the panther as a guardian of the underworld or a guide between worlds, symbolizing transformation, the death of old ways, and emergence into new understanding. The panther's black coat reinforces this connection to the mysteries of the unknown.

Courage and fearlessness arise from the panther's reputation as a formidable predator. Panthers symbolize the courage to face one's fears, venture into unknown territory, and confront challenges head-on. This includes the bravery to explore one's own shadow self or unconscious mind.

Solitude and independence reflect the panther's largely solitary nature. They represent those who are comfortable alone, self-reliant, and capable of thriving without constant social support. This symbolism extends to spiritual independence and the ability to find one's own path.

Grace and beauty in power capture how panthers move with fluid elegance despite their deadly capabilities. This represents the integration of strength with refinement, suggesting power that doesn't need to be crude or obvious to be effective.

In many spiritual traditions, the panther serves as a totem of reclaiming personal power and learning to trust one's instincts.