The black panther, or ‘yanapuma’, is a common presence in the visions of those who drink ayahuasca. She represents many things, such as the lunar feminine ‘yin’ energy, as contrasted with the jaguar, who is seen as the solar masculine ‘yang’ energy, as well as the darkness of night and death. I have heard her lesson described as the courage to seek out and consume the weakness within ourselves, to transform it into strength, just as the panther seeks out her prey and consumes it for her nourishment. For me, she was the fierce protective energy of motherhood.