The Symbolism of the Elephant

In many oriental cultures, the elephant is considered a sacred animal.

In others, it is regarded as the most wondrous creature ever created and is greatly admired.

According to Buddhist beliefs, elephants are celestial animals and one of the sacred treasures of Buddha.

In the application of feng shui, the elephant is considered a sacred symbol. Although it is often used to symbolize power, wisdom, strength and fertility, it can also be used to symbolize longevity, good luck and success. It can act as the grantor of wishes and as the protector of the household.

Applications: How to Place a Feng Shui Elephant

Throughout time, these regal animals have come to symbolize many things including:

  • Wisdom
  • Power
  • Dignity
  • Intelligence
  • Strength
  • Longevity
  • Virility
  • Fidelity
  • Good luck
  • Good fortune
  • Success

There are many applications of the use of elephants in feng shui depending on the material of the elephant and its placement in the home or office. The following are some of the more common applications.

  • Placing a statue of an elephant, or a pair of elephants, at the front door brings good luck, protection and strength to the household. These elephants are sometimes referred to as elephants of many blessings. Many feng shui practitioners believe that these elephants should have their trunks facing upwards as that represents prosperity, good luck and victory. Some people believe that elephants with their trunks facing downward represent longevity and conception.



  • Another use of elephants as guardians and protectors of the household involves them keeping the powers that you attract and maintain inside the house. The elephants act as housekeepers as they guard the door, keeping the powers safely inside.   • An elephant, or a pair of elephants, displayed in the bedroom promotes love and faithfulness between two people. The statues can also be placed in a study or office to enhance the love between couples.

  • A statue of a mother elephant and its baby is as symbol of the love and bonding between a mother and her children and will make that bond grow even stronger

  • A symbol of fertility, couples that want to have a child, or more children, should place elephant statues in their bedroom. Often a statue or a group of seven elephants is used in the bedroom for fertility because in feng shui the number seven represents children. A statue of a mother and baby elephant can be used to represent fertility.

  • Using elephant symbols to bring knowledge and academic success to children is another feng shui application of these magnificent creatures. Place a statue in a child’s bedroom, on the desk, or wherever he or she does homework.   • Depending upon the material the symbolic elephant is made of, it can be used within a specific environment to achieve the proper balance of elements.

Elephants that are holding or supporting an object, such as a crystal, can also be used to balance the elements based on the object they are holding.

  • Placing a statue of a frog on an elephant or a monkey on an elephant in the North promotes career stability.