White Panthers

As well as bringing into our lives a spirit wolf pack — we’re talking waist high at the shoulder and gleaming bright eyes — my Native American shaman husband brought into our lives a spirit panther cub. We are used to the wolves being with us wherever we are. Day or night, we turn around and there they are. What I especially appreciate is that they are less likely to herd us and bump into us than our dogs. No question, somewhere in our dogs’ background are shepherd genes.

The panther, much like the corporeal species, appears less frequently. Typically, it disappears during the day. When it wishes to be seen it waits until evening or night. The cub is very friendly and playful.

Not long ago that changed.

On a recent evening I looked and our cub was no longer a black cub. It was an adult. It was also white.

It gave me the same direct, quiet gaze as the young panther. I suppose most people would think that rather challenging. As a playful little black cub our panther has been with us many years. At this stage I would find it rather odd if the panther didn’t look me in the eye.

It was a warm reassuring feeling. Not at all like I was about to be attacked or devoured by a wild cat. More like seeing an old friend in a different light. A different aspect from a new point of view.

It was wonderful.

Immediately it brought to mind the day we met the leader of the wolf pack. We were in a town in the Appalachian Mountains. Not that long ago all of that territory belonged to one of the Native tribes from which my husband is descended. There had been wolves there. Most had been hunted by farmers and plantation owners. None of those wolves were as large as any of the spirit wolves.

Maybe they were as bossy.

Just like our dogs, the spirit wolves sometimes come up beside us and bump us into place. It’s not a theoretical or mystical thing. Imagine being shoved around by a creature as tall as a Great Dane and as solid as a Bernese Mountain dog or Saint Bernard.

You get the gist.

When the wolves see spirits of an unfriendly nature, they push us back and give the spirits a silent warning. Not even a growl. Just a look. To date it has never failed.

The panther looked at me, took a couple steps back and disappeared.

Before I even got to say hello.

It was a surprise to see our little cat as an adult for the first time. But, the reason for the visit was not lost.

Among other things, panthers are the symbols of courage, reclamation of power and knowing the dark.

Any time someone has written about my work with the angels in battling the forces of evil and dark, the panther’s strength is precisely what comes to mind. Although it never occurs to me that I have any particular courage or need to hunt some up. My core belief is that if God is crazy enough to ask me to work for It beside the angels, It can take care of me.

That’s like being asked if I’m not afraid of performing exorcisms, of sending devils back to hell. Why should I be? I would never know an exorcism needs to be done had God not put someone in front of me asking for help. So long as God is in control, my card will keep getting stamped. The day I hit the heavenly time clock and check out, God will have finished with me.

There will be nothing to see.

Because like the sweet, courageous little panther and the strong wolves around us, I will know when it’s time to go Home.

The panther showed itself both white and as an adult to be a reminder. Yes, there will always be less than perfect times in life. Some days we get sugar on our cereal, some days we go without.

However life may appear on the outside, what occurs inside is what truly matters.