A lion appearing in a dream typically points to courage, pride, and a claim to authority -- qualities you may be stepping into or wrestling with. Facing a lion calmly can reflect a confrontation with your own power that you're finally ready for, while fleeing from one may suggest authority, yours or someone else's, still feels intimidating. The lion asks what it would mean to lead without apology.
All rebellions breaking out at the beginning of the year, are not easily suppressed. - William Lilly (1602.-1681.)