Elephant Tattoo Symbolism

Elephants and there symbolic meaning

Symbolic Meaning of Elephant:
Wisdom, Power, Strength, Peace, Luck, Longevity, Memory, Wisdom, Happiness, Nobility, Family/Community, Creation/Maternal, Good judgment, Fidelity, Determination, Invincibility, Consideration

Elephant's, unless provoked have a quiet even temper. thus symbolizing an extremely powerful and dominating force that prefers to keep peace and keep things calm. 

Elephants are extremely protective of their young and members of their herd.

The elephant is sacred to Buddha. Legend shows that before Mahaprajapati Gautami's incarnation as the Buddha, he developed in the womb as a white elephant so the white elephant is seen as a pristine symbol of Buddhism to this day.

Ganesha is a well-known Hindu deity that has the head of an elephant. Ganesha is believed to bring luck, and move obstacles out of the way in you have pure intent and are pure of heart. Ganesha serves as a reminder that all hindrances can be removed faith and pure intent. Ganesha, is also a patron deity of arts, sciences and is considered a god of great wisdom and discernment.

In Tibet and India the elephant is associated with creation, ancient writings tell of an elephant holding up the entire universe. An elephant seen in ancient architecture holding up vast structures, carved in pillars and in foundation stonework symbolizes the stabilizing presence of the elephant keeping the world on in place. 

Aristotle wrote that the elephant abstained from sex while his mate was pregnant, two years, and thus the symbolizes chastity, patience, consideration and thoughtful devotion in a relationship.

The Roman philosopher Pliny dealt with elephants when he served in the Roman Empire Army. He said "the elephant was every bit a sacred animal and symbolized renewal". Pliny wrote "when elephants bathed in the rivers at night, this was symbolic of purifying itself in the new moon."

Romans also thought the elephant to be legendary for their long lives - thus believing the creature symbolized immortality, longevity and living in harmony with the divine and nature.

In Alchemically, the elephant is attuned with Mercury, as such shares the symbolism of high intellect, communication, commerce and shrewd discernment.