(Untitled)

[lupagreenwolf]

So--tell me about your experiences with Elephant (African? Indian? Pygmy? Extinct species?) Or if you haven't had direct contact, what you think Elephant may have to teach.

Remember, make your reply first (mine will be in the comments). Then go back and read what everyone else said to learn more.

Comments

[lupagreenwolf]

I worked with African Elephant when going some chemognostic (drug magic/shamanism) work with alcohol. Elephants are known to not only seek out fermented fruit, but will actually rob humans carrying barrels of beer and other alcohol. So my main personal experience with African Elephant was in exploring the potential magical uses of alcohol, and how to ride that particular headspace more gracefully than average, as well as treating the drug with more respect than it is given in this culture

[primaldog]

Excellent points...something else I forgot to mention, but I'd be interested in hearing the perceptions of how Elephant has grown to symbolize the Republican party and what it represents...as far as pop culture goes, it is the most visible symbol of the elephant in the media.

[primaldog]

Matriarchy. Pride. Family. Community. Secret communication (how they can communicate subsonically amongst one another). Honoring of the dead. Emotion (they were one of the first animals to indicate to scientists that, yes, animals have emotions). Standing strong. Masculine identity. Aggression and violence. Trauma and pain.

In the specific case of the Indian Elephant--Ganesha and his associations. Smashing obstacles, public service. Sacrifice.

I've primarily been in contact with Mammoth--my first great focus was the piece of mammoth ivory you yourself sent me, something that still has a special place in with my tools.

I love all pachyderms, though. I've always had a warm place in my heart for them, they've taught me so much.

[ospreybarf]

elephant is patient and wise. elephant teaches strength in relationships and family,in teamwork and sharing. i believe elephant also teaches bravery. accepting changes in your environment and the ability to shape your surroundings. open and clear communication

this is what elephant means to me <3

[white9_fox]

While Asian elephant hasn't been a big part of my life, it lingers around in the form of childhood memories of a friend, and my little wooden figurine. It makes an impression from time to time, and I enjoy being with them.

There's the intelligence and feminine power there that seems strong in all extant elephant species, but there's also an element of sly craftiness and the deeper bond with humans compared to other species. There's a sense of passion and emotion too; quick to love and anger, prone to both great joy and great sorrow.

[deathofone]

African Elephant is actually one of the animal energies I've been working with most heavily of late. I love it and it's probably been one of my favourite animals to work with. I've had some really interesting meditations/journeys with it.

So far, Elephant specifically seems to be here to work with me on my problems with emotions, teaching me to embrace them more. To not worry so much about rushing to my goals, that I endure better with a steady pace, rather than sprinting. And helping me get in touch with Water element more, as well as maintaining my connection to Earth element.

Some keywords that I associate with Elephant so far: Emotion, family, determination, protection, endurance, stamina, communication over distance, bonds, patience, memories, bones (such as communicating with them, respecting), death (awareness, acknowledgment and respect of it), earth, and water.