In this dream I was a smuggler and keeper of truths (by high oral tradition) somewhere in India. I had a co-worker guarding a secret shrine area with me. No one dare venture into our land however, so the job was boring. Until one day a man came in. When he asked if we'd accompany him without hesitation, we said yes, and even offered to take some of our trusted treasures. On our journey to wherever, we stopped at an elephant pen. He spoke to a large elephant and it went inside. Soon, a small, baby white elephant came outside. It was a holy moment for the man we were accompanying, as the white elephant meant peace and prosperity.
We went on some more and hoisted camp with our holy shrines at a park (which consisted of me stepping on many dead spiders and their nasty webs), where there was a girl there that, in the dream, I had a crush on, and she insisted one of the shrines block her view of me, to my disappointment.
Further along our way near a tourist city of luxury, we came across Days of Our Lives filming and I scoffed, as I recognized none of the actors playing some of the parts that I had grown up watching. it is then that I awoke.
Elephant-symbolism is somewhat complex for it embraces certain
secondary implications of a mythic character. In the broadest and universal sense,
it is a symbol of strength and of the power of the libido (42). Indian tradition has
it that elephants are the caryatids of the universe. In processions, they are the
bearers of kings and queens. It is interesting to note that, because of their rounded
shape and grey colour, they are regarded as symbols of clouds. By a twist of
magic thought, there arose first the belief that the elephant can create clouds and
then the mythic postulate of winged elephants. A mountain-top or a cloud, elephant-like in outline, could represent an axis of the universe (60), and this idea—
clearly primitive in origin—is probably what lies behind the use of the elephant
in the Middle Ages as an emblem of wisdom (49), of moderation, of eternity, and
also of pity (8).
To see an elephant in your dream, indicates that you need to be more patient or more understanding of others. Or perhaps there is a memory that you are holding on to for too long. You need to let go of the past. The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, faithfulness and intellect. Alternatively, the elephant's introverted personality may be a reflection of your own personality. In particular, if you see a white elephant, then it symbolizes royalty.
To dream that you are riding an elephant, indicates that you are in control of your unconscious and aspects that you were once afraid of.
To dream that you are afraid of the elephant, suggests that there is an enormous problem that you are afraid to confront.
To dream that you are an elephant, suggests that you need to make your opinions and views known. You need to be more vocal and voice your ideas. Express yourself. Alternatively, dreaming that you are an elephant may be reflective of your conservative views. The elephant is the symbol of the United States Republican party. Perhaps you are sharing the same views as the Republican party.
To dream of riding an elephant, denotes that you will possess wealth of the most solid character, and honors which you will wear with dignity. You will rule absolutely in all lines of your business affairs and your word will be law in the home.
To see many elephants, denotes tremendous prosperity. One lone elephant, signifies you will live in a small but solid way.
To dream of feeding one, denotes that you will elevate yourself in your community by your kindness to those occupying places below you.
Good health, success, strength, prosperity, intelligence.
Seeing an elephant in your dream, suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others. The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, and intellect. Alternatively, as a creature with an introverted nature, the elephant may thus be depicting your own personality. Dreaming that you are riding an elephant indicates that you are in control of your unconscious and aspects that you once were afraid of.
Elephant Meanings and Symbolic Thoughts about the Elephant
Symbolic elephant meaning deals primarily with strength, honor, stability and patience, among other attributes.
To the Hindu way of thought, the elephant is found in the form of Ganesha who is the god of luck, fortune, protection and is a blessing upon all new projects. Ganesha in all his magnificently vibrant elephant glory, is intent on bulldozing obstacles on your behalf (funnily, male elephants are termed "bulls").
In many western cultures, the elephant meaning pertains to:
Reliability
Dignity
Power
Royalty
Pride
In Christian symbolism the elephant is an icon of temperance, patience, and chastity.
As a Chinese symbol, the elephant is considered a symbol of:
happiness
longevity
good luck
Some Asian cultures also believe the elephant is a cosmic creature, and carries the world upon it?s back (much like the tortoise does in some tribal Native American myths).
As a dream animal, elephants come into our dreams it is a message that we are able to deal with any obstacle we are faced with at this time. Dream elephants represent power, sovereignty, stability, and stead-fastness. If you dream that you are riding an elephant this suggests you have a tendancy to be the leader of the family, and others are heavily depending on you. If you dream of elephants in a circus this suggests you have a cavalier attitude about a situation in your life and you may want to invest more attention to it.
We gather more symbolic meaning of elephant by observing it in nature. Specifically, the elephant is considered a symbol of responsibility because it takes great care and responsibility of its offspring as well as their elders.
The elephant also has immense determination and loyalty - always standing up for others and always defending members of the group in its natural habitat.
Elephants also express advanced sensitivity and social connection, particularly during time of death - they travel to a specific place upon their death - fulfilling personal responsibility - even at the end of their days.
The sense of smell is very important and is a symbol for the importance of learning discernment. Also, elephants show great affection and loyalty. Those with this power animal will be given the opportunity to establish powerful family ties by caring for the young, the elderly and the sick.
Wisdom and power, strength, warrior, excellent memory, poor eyesight, relies on smell (higher form of discrimination), aroma therapy may help clear of ills and ease tensions, reclaim family ideals and strengthen the connection with family members and shows how to care for the young and the elderly. Are you applying your wisdom to help others at this time? Are you discerning and aware? Maybe it is time for a family outing to ease the tensions and stresses of everyday life? Elephant can teach this balance of family and occupation.
To dream that you are living in luxury, represents your lavish lifestyle. The dream may be telling you that you are living beyond your means. You need to be more thrifty with your spending.
To dream that you are surrounded by luxury, indicates much wealth, but dissipation and love of self will reduce your income.
For a poor woman to dream that she enjoys much luxury, denotes an early change in her circumstances.
Up to a certain point it corresponds to landscape-symbolism in general,
of which it forms one representational aspect, embracing the important symbols
of level and space, that is, height and situation. With the dawning of history there
arose, according to René Guénon, a true, ‘sacred geography’ and the position,
shape, doors and gates, and general disposition of a city with its temples and
acropolis were never arbitrary or fortuitous, or merely utilitarian. In fact, cities
were planned in strict accord with the dictates of a particular doctrine; hence the
city became a symbol of that doctrine and of the society which upheld it (28).
The city walls had magic powers since they were the outward signs of dogma,
which explains and justifies Romulus’s fratricide. Ornamental reliefs on capitals,
lintels, and tympana of the Middle Ages often depict the outlines of a walled city,
although in a way which is more emblematic than symbolic. These ornaments are
a kind of prefiguration of the heavenly Jerusalem. An angel armed with a sword is
sometimes to be seen at the city gate (46). Jung sees the city as a mother-symbol
and as a symbol of the feminine principle in general: that is, he interprets the City
as a woman who shelters her inhabitants as if they were her children; that is why
the two mother-gods Rhea and Cybele—as well as other allegorical figures derived from them—wear a crown after the pattern of a wall. The Old Testament
speaks of cities as women (31).
To see a city in your dream, signifies your social environment and sense of community. If you dream of a big city, then it suggests that you need to develop closer ties and relationships. You are feeling alienated and alone. To dream that you are in a deserted city, indicates that you feel rejected by those around you.
To dream of a city in ruins, denotes that you are neglecting your social relationships and allowing them to deteriorate.
To dream of an underground or underwater city, represents your unconscious and how through deeper understanding of yourself, you find commonality and shared experiences with others.
To dream that you are in a strange city, denotes you will have sorrowful occasion to change your abode or mode of living.
Seeing a city in your dream means a sense of community and your social environment. Dreaming that you are in a deserted city or that you feel alienated from the activity of the city, then it suggests that you feel rejected by those around you. Seeing a city in ruins means that you are neglecting your social relationships and allowing them to deteriorate.
To dream that you are a tourist, denotes that you will engage in some pleasurable affair which will take you away from your usual residence.
To see tourists, indicates brisk but unsettled business and anxiety in love.
To see a tourist in your dream, indicates how you are in a position to provide help to others.
To dream that you are a tourist, suggests that you are unsure of your surroundings and environment. Perhaps you are feeling a little lost in the world. Alternatively, it indicates that you are ready to explore hidden and unknown aspects of yourself. You are welcoming the changes that are occurring.
Seeing tourist in your dream means insecurity in love and unfinished tasks. Dreaming that you are a tourist indicates that you will go on a short and pleasant trip.