Elephant Symbolism & Meaning (+ Spirit, Totem & Omens)

Are you interested in the Elephant Spirit Animal? Then this guide is for you!

Because of their sheer size and intelligence, elephants are respected by other animals and humans alike.

Despite their massive strength, these creatures are referred to as the gentle giants – until you cross their path, that is!

The presence of the elephant spirit animals teaches you to temper your power and strength with humility.

What’s the Elephant Meaning and Symbolism?

Spiritual Connection

In some parts of the world, the elephant is reverentially treated as the messenger of the gods. This gentle giant calls on you to examine your spiritual and moral strength.

If your spiritual compass is on course, everything else in your life becomes manageable.

Good Luck and Fortune

The elephant invites tons of positive energies into your life. When the elephant becomes your spirit animal, small miracles start manifesting in your life.

Obstacles become easier to handle, and everything you do attracts good results.

Loyalty and Faithfulness

Elephants work in herds where they fiercely protect one another, especially their young. This should remind you that family is everything.

Regardless of where you are or what you are doing, you should always remember that your family is irreplaceable.

Stability and Security

The sheer size of this mammal communicates stability. Your elephant spirit animal wants you to ground your life on firm principles.

Build a stable and secure foundation upon which you can work on your dreams.

Memory and Wisdom

Studies have shown that elephants have one of the most enduring memories in the animal kingdom. They also exude wisdom passed down from generations of tried and tested ancestors.

The elephant totem helps you utilize your skills and talents to make your life flow in harmony.

Symbolic Meaning of Elephant Spirit Animal in Various Cultures

Elephant Symbolism in Christian Culture

The elephant features prominently in Christian art and literature. It has attracted a lot of attention because of the power and majesty it displays.

The elephant’s size, intelligence, and grandeur remind Christians of God’s wonderful works of creation.

A Christian myth has it that the elephants raided the food stores in Noah’s Ark and almost finished all the food supply.

The elephant grew so huge from all the eating that it almost tipped the Ark over. Noah and his sons had to step in and start rationing food, so that the other animals don’t go hungry.

This narrative teaches Christians to be kind and generous to one another. It ties in with the biblical teachings of supporting each other in times of need.

Elephant Symbolism in African Culture

The elephants have roamed the African jungle for centuries. In all this time, Africans have learned a lot from the wisdom of the elephant.

The African elephant was perceived as a mediator. It helped people to settle their differences amicably.

It was also a symbol of wealth and power. Mansa Musa of the ancient Mali Empire owned hundreds of elephants that served to display his opulence as an emperor.

Most of these elephants were used as porters in times of war. Their presence in any army led to decisive victories.

Although elephants are not by nature violent, having them on your side scared the enemy away and ensured your victory.

Many communities in Africa believed that elephants carried the souls of their ancestors.

For example, among the Yoruba and Ashanti of Western Africa and the Ameru of Eastern Africa, elephants were treated with respect as the physical manifestations of their ancestors.

It was believed that elephants were keeping a close eye on the environment and its people on behalf of the powerful agents of the divine realm.

Elephant Symbolism in Native American Culture

Although elephants did not exist in North America, their predecessors the mammoths did.

Most Native American tribes looked to the mammoths for inspiration as it was believed these beasts had a connection to the divine realm.

Because of their size and uncanny display of intelligence, mammoths represented power, strength, and good fortune.

The Natives were particularly excited when the mammoths trumpeted close by. This was an indication that this animal was sending forth positive vibes for healing and recovery.

The Natives also used these beasts as a source of food. They would hunt them down and utilize every part of the mammoth’s carcass.

The meat was shared amongst members of the tribe. The hide was made into items of clothing and drum skins.

Elephant fat and bones were used to enhance fertility in couples that had trouble getting children. It was believed that medicine from the tusk was guaranteed to make a woman bear a male offspring.

The elephant’s ivories were used to make pieces of jewelry for both men and women.

Elephant Symbolism in Eastern Culture

The elephants held much cultural and spiritual significance in the east. In Japan, India, and China elephants were believed to be connected to powerful deities.

In Hinduism, the elephant-headed god, Ganesha, was the god of new beginnings. People paid homage to this deity before embarking on any major enterprise.

Ganesha was much revered by authors, scribes, bankers, and intellectuals.

Elephants played an important role in the formation of the world. After creation, they were tasked with holding the four corners of the world to prevent it from falling.

In Japan, the elephant was very close to the Shinto religion. It was believed that the deities would work through elephants, dragons, and leopards to bring about the seasons.

In China, elephants were regarded as royal animals. It was believed they were the physical manifestation of gods that were guarding the palace of the Ming Emperors.

Elephant statues were erected on the path leading to the palace to remind everyone that the emperor was not only under divine protection, but he was also a god.

When the Elephant is Your Spirit Animal

The elephant spirit animal inspires you with its strength and intelligence to take charge of your life. This spirit animal wants you to transform certain areas of your life.

To benefit fully from the presence of this spirit guide, think about its qualities and what they mean to you.

In other words, what comes to your mind when you think of an elephant? How can this help you in your current situation?

This is called being proactive. It sends signals to your spirit animal that you need help. Without delay, the elephant spirit animal will move to help you overcome the obstacles on your path.

It will guide, protect, and care for you as you go through the process.

The Elephant Power Animal

Call on the elephant power animal when you need an infusion of positivity into your life. The elephant medicine will help unclog the toxic energies that have been pinning you down.

The elephant power animal teaches you to be calm. You see; there isn’t much you can concentrate on when your soul is troubled.

But when you quiet your mind and heart, you allow the wisdom and intelligence of the elephant to flow into your life with ease.

The elephant power animal opens your mind’s eye to the opportunities around you. It enables you to see that what you thought impossible is actually possible and doable.

The Elephant Totem Animal

If you were born with the elephant totem, you should know that you are in safe hands. This totem wants you to have the very best of life.

It infuses into you the harmony and connectedness to see your life as it truly is. You will begin appreciating your strengths and tackling your shortcomings.

The elephant totem will constantly blow its trumpet to remind you of your relationship with your friends and family.

People with this totem are keen to establish working relationships with their family and friends. This is where your elephant is guiding you towards.

It wants you to realize that regardless of your pursuits in life, you should never forget your family. As far as things go, family is everything.

Elephant Encounters and Omens

An elephant omen gives an idea about the outcome of a problem. Elephant omens were used by kings and emperors to determine how a war would fair.

Seeing an elephant today awakens your consciousness. It is a reminder that you came into this world with a specific mandate and purpose.

Take a close look at your life and determine whether you are still on course.

An encounter with a wailing elephant indicates bad luck. If the elephant is injured, this is a prediction of sickness or death.

To see a running elephant is an omen that you need to stay alert. Things are changing around you, and they may affect your life in ways you had not anticipated.

To encounter blood-stained elephant vomit, urine, or feces means that someone important will pass on.

In the old times, this encounter predicted the death of a chief, king, or emperor.

Elephant Tattoo Meaning

Are you devoted, committed, and loyal to those you love? You may want to consider wearing an elephant tattoo; it communicates all these traits.

People with the elephant tattoo are saying they know how to temper their power and strength with gentleness.

They are wise and make sound judgments.

An elephant tattoo tells the world you are committed to protecting the earth’s biodiversity. You would like to get more involved in conservation efforts to make the world a better place for all.

What’s the Meaning of Elephant Dreams?

Dreaming of an elephant walking toward you urges you to exude power and wisdom. Put these abilities to good use to achieve your goals.

Dreaming of an elephant standing still indicates changes are coming. These changes are likely to affect your family and professional engagements.

To dream of a herd of elephants tells you to be confident in your endeavors. Pursue your goals confidently with thoughts of victory on your mind.

To see an elephant chasing you in your dreams signifies responsibilities. Get ready to take on additional tasks either in your personal or professional life.

Dreaming of the death of an elephant means that someone close to you will encounter misfortune. In the olden days, this dream meant that someone important – such as the village chief – would die.

To see a sick elephant in your dream is a warning. You need to get rid of negative habits before they ruin your reputation.

Final Thoughts…

The elephant is a symbol of devotional beliefs for many cultures across the world. The largest mammal on land has a thing or two to teach you concerning your spiritual growth.