Uses of the Elephant Symbol in Feng Shui

Elephant Symbolism

Native to Asia and Africa, the elephant was highly admired and on par with mythical animals like the dragon and phoenix. Buddhism originated in India and expanded to Eastern Asia along with its symbols and teachings. Elephants are revered in Buddhism and are one of the seven precious treasures of the universal monarch. Like a snow mountain, the elephant embodies dignity, majesty, and power.

In much of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, deities ride on elephants and are considered honored vehicles for transmitting spiritual teachings. In the Vedic systems, Ganesha is one of the most popular and loved deities. He has the head of an elephant and the body of a boy. In ancient times, elephants were trained to battle because they were so powerful that they could remove any obstacles. Therefore Ganesha is the deity that is called upon to remove obstacles.

White Elephants

All elephant images are symbols of protection, good fortune, and wisdom, however, white elephants are especially auspicious. It is said that the Buddha’s mother dreamt of a white elephant before she gave birth to him.

Protection at Entrance

A pair of elephant statues can be placed near the entry of a home, similar to fu dogs, to offer protection. The two great and mighty elephants can fiercely guard the home. In ancient times, elephants were trained from a young age for wartime, so in the present day, we can think of them as symbols of protection.

For feng shui, they can be positioned to face outward to guard at the main entrance of the home. The symbols can be placed on either the interior or exterior sides of the entry, your choice.

Good Fortune

Elephant imagery in the home invites good luck and fortune. Elephants are often depicted with the wish-fulfilling jewel, to grant good fortune. You can place elephants at the entry door to invite in this positive energy. They can also be located near the desk for more luck in your career.

Abundance

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of abundance, is often depicted with four elephants. Elephants are a particularly powerful image of prosperity and royalty. Elephants are also connected to gray rain clouds, to bring bountiful harvests.

Elephant for Every Bagua Area

If you’d like to use the elephant as a feng shui symbol in your home, see below for applications for each area of the feng shui bagua map.

Zhen: Family, New Beginnings

Bring in some mighty elephant imagery in the Zhen area of the home to protect your family. Elephants can also bring in the power to kick off new beginnings.

Xun: Wealth

The wealth area of the feng shui bagua map is also related to royal abundance. Elephants in this area may help you receive more abundance and treasures in your life.

Tai Qi (Center): Well-Being

The stability of the elephant symbology can ground your home, offering overall wellness for all the inhabitants.

Qian: Helpful People

Elephants are associated with the trigram Qian, and the area of the bagua called Helpful People. This Qian energy invites support and blessings from the heavens to bring benefit to your home and family.

Dui: Completion, Children

Create more protection and wisdom for the children in your home by supporting this bagua area with elephant imagery.

Gen: Self-Cultivation, Knowledge

The wise elephant is a wonderful symbol to activate the Gen area, related to your self-cultivation and knowledge. 

Li: Fame, Reputation

The powerful elephant can help you push through obstacles related to your visibility, passion, and inspiration. Activate the Li area with the strength of the elephant.

Kan: Career

This area of the feng shui bagua map relates to wisdom and your path in life. Use the symbol of the elephant to represent your aspiration to develop deep wisdom and power in your career.

Kun : Love, Partnerships

A pair of elephants in the love corner of your home can be used to bring more strength and endurance to your primary relationship.