Elephant animal totem
If the United States is Turtle Island,a continent supported on the back
of a turtle,then India would be Elephant Island,a continent supported
on the back of an elephant.Throughout the centuries,Indian tradition
dictated that all royalty the rulers of the land,be home on the backs of
the children of the great beast that carried the world through space.
The elephant was the totem animal of the god Shiva,the Destroyer,
who seeks to banish illusion and to encourage a clearer perception
of reality Shiva and his goddess-spouse,Radha,produced among their
children the elephant-headed god Ganesha,who,as Lord of Ilosts,
impregnated the virgin Maya to bring Buddha into flesh.
Especially sacred in India was the white elephant,considered far too
priceless to be used for work or warfare,but to be maintained by its owner
in the finest of style.When we speak today of a "white elephant" purchase,
we have realized too late that we have purchased an object at a price that
exceeds its true value.
Sometimes seen as a symbol of great sexual prowess in the Asian countries,
the Chinese portray the elephant as representative of royalty,strength of
purpose,and discretion.
In the widest,most universal,and most obvious depiction of the elephant it
is a symbol of strength.At various times in Medieval Europe,the elephant
also became an emblem of wisdom,moderation,and eternity Then,
accomplishing a complete change of cosmology,there appeared the
elephant-headed demon,Behemoth,a favorite in Dark Side sorcery.
If you have accepted the elephant as your totem animal,it may not be long
before you are asked to assume a role of great responsibility in the workplace
or in your community.If you feel attracted to the elephant as a totem animal,it
is likely that you are involved in social work,public service,or politics.You
may also feel a strong commitment to caring for the ill,the very young,
and the elderly.
Whenever you sense an injustice,you will be there on the side of the underdog.
As your spirit helper,the elephant will be able to draw you back to a greater
appreciation for the ancient mysteries than you have previously experienced.
You will soon discover that your guide is extremely concerned about your
maintaining always a solid balance of body,mind,and spirit.Under the
tutelage of this spirit helper,you will place your time in the Silence as your
top priority.You might find yourself wishing to burn some incense while you
are meditating with this totem animal in order to help create an environment in
which exploration of other higher levels of consciousness will be the rule,rather
than the exception.