hyena symbolism

Here I'm just going to mention some of the symbolic meanings a hyena might have - for instance in dreams or meditation - and why the hyena is associated with that if I know. Much of this has to do with the popular perception of hyenas, rather than the hyena's actual true nature.

Death

Hyenas are commonly associated with death, because they are scavengers who eat carrion. The hyena can be a messenger or bringer of death.

Homosexuality

Because of the ambiguous genitalia of the spotted hyena, hyenas have been associated with homosexuality since ancient times.

Cowardice

Humans have long believed the hyena is a cowardly animal, again because they eat carrion.

To see one in a dream may tell you that you feel overwhelmed by responsibilities and want to run from them, or that you are already running from your responsibilities.

Humor

Because the spotted hyena makes a noise that sounds to humans like laughter, they have been associated with a sense of humor, or laughter.

To see one in a dream may represent someone in your life who has a sense of humor. The hyena may also represent a lack of seriousness, or a humorous nature.

Leftovers

Hyenas are seen as creatures that wait for the leftovers rather than being aggressive (again because they eat carrion), or who take what is left from others' kills.

To see one in a dream may represent a feeling of leeching off others, of not pulling your own weight, or that you have waited too long for the scraps from others' tables. You may feel that you are taking advantage of others weakness, or that they are taking advantage of yours.

Other

In ancient times, the appearance of a hyena in a dream portended the birth of a sexually malformed child (again, because of the ambiguous genitalia of the spotted hyena).