Although the panther is not directly mentioned in biblical texts, the Bible frequently references large predatory cats such as lions and leopards (see Daniel 7:6, Hosea 13:7). These animals often symbolize both peril and divine authority. In a dream, a panther may represent a formidable trial or adversary permitted by God to refine faith, or it could signify concealed sin or temptation lurking in one's life. Alternatively, the panther may echo the imagery of God's protective strength, as the Lord is likened to a powerful lion defending His people (Proverbs 28:1). The panther, then, becomes a cipher for both the dangers that test us and the divine might that shields us.

In Buddhist symbolism, animals represent facets of the mind. The panther, with its stealth and power, may symbolize the untamed or unconscious mind—kleshas (mental afflictions) such as fear, desire, or aggression. Dreaming of encountering or befriending a panther can indicate progress in taming these afflictions through mindfulness and compassion, while being chased by one suggests the need for greater awareness and non-attachment. The panther thus embodies the ongoing struggle and potential mastery over the mind's wild tendencies.

Across cultures, the panther is revered as a symbol of mystery, protection, and feminine power. In Native American traditions, the black panther is a spirit animal representing courage, stealth, and the ability to navigate darkness. In contemporary culture, the panther often stands for independence, resilience, and the embrace of one's unique identity. Dreaming of a panther may reflect archetypes of the mysterious outsider or the powerful protector, encouraging the dreamer to draw on inner resources and assert individuality.

In Hindu tradition, large cats like panthers and leopards are associated with deities such as Durga, who rides a lion or tiger, symbolizing the conquest of evil and mastery over primal forces. Dreaming of a panther may represent shakti (divine power), the awakening of kundalini energy, or the need to confront and transform negative tendencies (vasanas). Befriending a panther suggests harmony with one's inner power, while being attacked may indicate unresolved karmic struggles or the need for spiritual purification.

In Islamic dream interpretation (ta'bir al-ru'ya), wild predators like panthers are seen as symbols of formidable enemies, covert threats, or the nafs (lower self) that must be subdued. Classical interpreters such as Ibn Sirin often link predatory animals to adversaries or internal struggles. A panther stalking or attacking in a dream may indicate a powerful foe or a divine test, while befriending a panther can symbolize mastery over one's desires or the triumph of faith and reliance on Allah (tawakkul). The panther thus embodies both external and internal challenges that require vigilance and spiritual resilience.

From a Jungian perspective, the panther is a potent symbol of the shadow—the repressed, instinctual, or unacknowledged aspects of the psyche. Encountering a panther in a dream suggests a confrontation with these unconscious elements, inviting the dreamer to integrate and accept them. Befriending or transforming into the panther indicates embracing one's own power, sensuality, and independence, while being pursued or attacked by it points to unresolved anxieties or internal conflicts. The panther thus serves as a guide to self-knowledge and psychological wholeness.

Spiritually, the panther is often seen as a guardian of the unseen, a symbol of courage, transformation, and the journey into the unknown. Its appearance in dreams may signal a call to face one's deepest fears, trust intuition, and awaken latent strengths. The panther's presence can herald a period of spiritual awakening, urging the dreamer to embrace mystery, personal power, and the transformative process of inner growth.