Lynx Magick: Symbolism and Practices in Witchcraft

Mysterious, elusive, mystical, and free-spirited, lynxes have fascinated humankind for eons.

The word lynx is derived from Ancient Greek, meaning to shine in reference to their light reflective eyes. Lynx played a significant role in ancient mythology and are still formidable symbols today.

We’ll look at the lynx’s symbolism, history, lore, and use in modern witchcraft.

Background

Lynx are small members of the cat family with thick blotched or spotted coats. Four species, known as the Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, and bobcat, occur in forested areas across the northern hemisphere.

Smaller than many wild felines, lynx are renowned for their compact strength. While they generally feed on hares, small deer, rodents, and birds, these fierce predators can take down prey three to four times their size.

Although not found in Africa today, all lynx are believed to have evolved from a single species that roamed Africa and Europe thousands of years ago.

Once common in tree-covered areas, the Canadian lynx, Eurasian lynx, and bobcat are threatened, and the Iberian lynx is endangered due to human encroachment.

Symbolism

Across time, lynxes have held esteemed symbolism in many northern hemisphere cultures.

Beauty, clairvoyance, discretion, elusive, independence, mystery, and protection are ranked highly among common symbolism.

Other lynx symbolism includes:

-beyond space and time

-clarity in spiritual matters

-clairvoyance

-enigmatic

-intense eye contact

-invisibility

-keen eyesight

-keeping secrets

-magnetism

-perception

-personal boundaries

-protection

-reservation

-seduction

-seer of the unseen

-shaman’s companion

-solitude

-unraveling of secrets

-vigilance

History and Lore

The lynx is most prominent in ancient Greek, Norse, Roman, and North American mythology. However, it doesn’t feature strongly in Celtic mythology aside from Lugh, the Celtic warrior god of light and the sun, whose symbol was the lynx.

The name Lug is derived from Celtic for lynx or light. Lugh, also known as Lug or Lugus, was likened to the Roman emperor, Julius Caesar, to the Roman god Mercury, the messenger of the gods and mediator between the living and the dead. Lugh’s following was widespread, and his legacy continues today in place names like Lyon and Leiden.

Ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus claimed that lynx urine solidified into the semi-precious stone amber. This theory was supported by Roman naturalist and philosopher Pliny the Elder and Roman poet Ovid. The view held strong until medieval times when scholars began pointing out that amber was mined in areas of Italy.

Roman mythology tells of Triptolemus, the demi-god of sowing and milling wheat, who was sent by the goddess Demeter to teach agriculture to the world. While teaching King Lyncus, the king began plotting the murder of Triptolemus as he slept. As he raised his sword to commit the deed, Demeter transformed him into a lynx.

Galileo Galilei was a member of a leading academy founded in Italy around 1603 by Italian naturalist and scientist Federico Cesi called Accademia dei Lincei, which translates to the Academy of Lynxes. The academy’s founders were inspired by an illustration of a lynx and used it as their emblem. It depicted a lynx battling the multi-headed hound of Hades, Cerberus, representing its ability to penetrate through falsehood to expose the truth.

German astronomer Johannes Hevelius named a constellation in the northern skies “Lynx” in 1687, not because it resembles a lynx but because it could only have been found with the sight of a lynx.

In some North American cultures, the lynx was known as a “secret keeper.” It was also said to have supernatural eyesight that could see through solid objects.

The Lynx in Modern Witchcraft

The lynx can be a commanding ally in witchcraft, given its powerful symbolism.

Its prime correspondence is the organic crystal amber that comes to us directly from the arms of Mother Nature. Amber is one of the few organic crystals made of ancient tree resin that seeped from trees in ancient forests.

As the resin hardened, it encapsulated prehistoric insects, organisms, and plant matter. Gradually it fossilized under the sun’s rays until the forests were covered and cradled in Mother Earth’s womb, waiting to be rediscovered.

The lynx’s keen eyes were frequently compared to the glow of amber.

As amber resonates with the sacral and solar plexus chakras, you can use amber and lynx energy for spells and rituals to heal these two chakras. Amber absorbs pain and repurposes it into joy, which is housed in the solar plexus chakra.

Both lynx and amber also have potent protective properties. Combine them for powerful protection in spellcraft or carry them as a talisman for safety.

Use the ancient earth energy of the lynx and amber in meditation to tap into ancient wisdom or in shamanic rituals.

Another perfect lynx/amber energy combination is when doing work around death, grief, and mourning. The lynx brings clarity to spiritual matters and clairvoyance. At the same time, amber is associated with eternal life and as a soul repository. In ancient times, amber was used during rites of passage to guide and protect the soul on its journey to the afterlife.

Whether on its own or blended with amber’s energy, there are limitless ways you can harness the lynx in your craft.