In many cultures around the world, elephants hold a significant meaning and symbolism. So what does the elephant symbolize in our lives in general? Elephants are considered wise and gentle spirit animals, which exemplify power and strength. But there are several different interpretations, meanings, and symbolism that we can associate with elephants. Usually, the animal is pretty significant in the Asian culture, particularly with people that practice Buddhism and Hinduism.
Elephant Symbolism
Strength
Generally, the universal meaning of the elephant is power and strength and could refer to both the mind and the body. Elephants are also considered as a spirit guide that can help us with our journey through life, encouraging us to be more patient.
Wisdom
The elephant may also symbolize wisdom, stability, loyalty, intelligence, sensitivity, peace, determination, and reliability. All these characteristics are what you can observe in the traits of the elephants while in the wild. These gentle giants are among those animals that know how to show their care towards their offspring and herd. They symbolize determination, loyalty, and responsibility.
Patience
Elephants also signify patience. They are known for their calm and gentle nature. Compared to other creatures in the wild, the elephants are mellow, unless of course, they are threatened and most especially if it involves the herd. Nevertheless, these animals are slow to anger and are a great representation of calmness and patience.
Power
Elephants are humungous animals. They are capable of doing a lot of damage if they want to because of their gigantic physical appearance. However, being destructive is not really their nature. This is why elephants are also seen as a symbol of power. And because of their gentle nature, they are more admirable.
What Does It Mean When See Elephants in Your Dream?
If you are seeing an elephant in dream, this could mean a lot of things. Since the animal is seen as the symbol of patience, your dream could mean that you have to be more understanding and patient of people around you.
If you consider yourself an introvert, the elephant that you see in your dream may actually be a representation of your own character. In some instances, people see themselves riding an elephant on their dreams. This could signify that you’re someone who wants to be in control of things or that you possess some leadership skills.
Determining the elephant dream meaning would also require understanding your actions and reactions towards the gentle giant. For instance, if you’re afraid of the elephant, this could mean that you’re also afraid to confront certain issues in your life. On the other hand, if you yourself is the elephant in your dream, this could mean that you have to start to express your opinions and yourself more.
Read More: What Do Dreams About Whales Mean?
Spiritual Meaning of Elephants
When it comes to the elephant spiritual meaning, the message may have something to do with your ability to connect with someone else. Are you losing intimacy with your partner? Is there someone in your life that you have lost touch with? You may need to take some time to meditate and hone your empathetic skills. That way, you’ll be more attuned to the people around you at the deepest level.
During drought, the mother elephant exemplifies selflessness. She will make sure to look after her calf and keep them cool using the water on her own stomach. In this regard, you may need to think about your commitment to your family and see if there’s something that you lack in terms of your responsibility towards the people around you.
People who are struggling with sexual issues might also find elephant in dream too often. The elephant can help to expand your awareness of all your sensuality and senses. This can somehow help to unleash your affection that will stem from compassion and trust.
Far Eastern Symbolic Meanings of the Elephant
The elephant is a significant feature in the Far Eastern symbolism. Its most striking meanings are those that can be found in different religions practiced by many people around the world. The animal is understood to mingle with the Divine figures and the world.
In Hinduism, the elephant is seen as Lord Ganesh, one of the most popular deities in Hindu mythology. Lord Ganesh has the head of an Elephant and when he is paired with Lakshmi, they are seen as the openers of a certain way. This could refer to getting a new career, personal transformation, new relationship etc. Lord Ganesh himself is considered a God of good fortune, protection, and success.
Elephant Symbolism in Buddhism
The elephant is not only a significant symbol in Hinduism but also in Buddhism, which stems from the birth of Buddha. Queen Maya, Buddha’s mother, is said to have gotten pregnant after a white elephant appeared in her dream. In the dream, the elephant offered her a white lotus flower. Upon waking up, she knew right then that the dream was an omen of the divine and that’s when she conceived a child.
The color of the elephant also represents different meanings. For instance, a grey elephant could mean different things from white elephants. While the grey elephants are seen as agitated and untrained, the white elephant is considered to be a perfect symbol of purity, calmness, and divinity.
Elephant Symbolism in Hinduism
The elephant plays a powerful role in the Hindu religion. In fact, Ganesh, which is one of their most favored gods, is depicted as an elephant. Lord Ganesh is said to be the god of removing obstacles and challenges in life. He is also the god of fortune, protection, and luck.
Elephant Symbolism in Christianity
The elephant has a different symbolism in Christianity. In the Christian religion, the elephant is seen as a symbol of patience, chastity, and temperance. The animal is depicted in different ancient works and is believed to represent Adam and Eve.
Conclusion
As you see, the elephant has many different meanings and symbolism. But what it is really trying to tell you is to take good care of your well-being before you think of other people. We won’t be strong and young forever in this world. Therefore, you must make some effort to keep your mind, body, and soul nourished!
I dreamed a total of 3 elephants, character was mom baby and boss of the baby. So i see that mom sends of the baby to work, the baby cuts tree branches and is being hurt by the boss near the ear by snatching one of the branch. The mother sees the wound of the baby elephant and goes to the boss and talks. That’s it. What’s the interpretation of this?
I dream that multicolored like purple- white rainbow color elephant offer me a milk from his trunk.
please what it mean?
Very nice
There is a situation in your life where you see things that are not right. It will get sorted but no one really wants to address the real issue. If there is an elephant in the room then it will get dealt to by the one person.