Elephant Symbolism in Feng Shui and How to Use It at Home

by wangjinyao on Jul 01 2025

Introduction

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of harmonizing energy in a space, often relies on powerful symbols to attract and balance positive energy — or chi. Among its most revered symbols, the elephant stands out. More than majestic creatures, elephants in Feng Shui are carriers of strength, protection, wisdom, and good fortune.

Elephant Symbolism in Feng Shui and How to Use It at Home

Why Use Elephants in Feng Shui?

Elephants embody qualities that align perfectly with the core values of Feng Shui: stability, wisdom, family unity, and abundance. Their large, grounded presence brings calm energy, while their gentle yet powerful spirit encourages strong, steady progress in life. This makes them a versatile and meaningful symbol in any room of your home.

Where to Place Elephant Figurines in Your Home

Near Windows (Facing Out)

If there's a water source outside — like a pond, river, or even a swimming pool — place an elephant facing outward toward it. This “drawing water in” position symbolizes the flow of wealth and abundance into your life.

Simulated Water Placement

If no water source is present, place a bowl of water, water plant, or aquarium in front of the elephant to simulate this energy, enhancing prosperity flow.

Beside Sofas, Desks, or Chairs

For furniture lacking strong backing, place an elephant on a nearby side table. This symbolizes support, acting as a mountain behind you — providing strength, protection, and guidance.

Where to Place Elephant Figurines in Your Home

Styling Tips: Harmonizing Feng Shui with Design

1️⃣ Choose Natural Materials

Opt for wood, jade, stone, or ceramic. Wood brings warmth; jade enhances peace and wisdom.

2️⃣ Keep the Layout Harmonious

Avoid clutter. Group elephants in thoughtful pairs or family sets. Match their color and material to your room’s palette.

3️⃣ Match the Mood of the Space

  • Bedroom: Soft-toned elephants for peace and nurturing energy

  • Living room: Gold/brass elephants for vitality and celebration

  • Office: Dark-toned or jade elephants for focus and authority

4️⃣ Pair with Other Feng Shui Elements

Combine with crystals, water features, or lucky plants to enhance elemental balance.

5️⃣ Elevate Their Placement

Never place elephants on the floor — use shelves, tables, or altars to honor their symbolism.

Styling Tips Harmonizing Feng Shui with Design

Feng Shui Tips: Elephant Trunk Positions and Pairing

🐘 Trunk Down: Drawing Water

Ideal near entrances or windows. Symbolizes pulling in wealth and steady energy.

🐘 Trunk Up: Spraying Blessings

Best in living rooms or around the TV. Represents joy, good fortune, and heavenly blessings.

🐘 Use in Pairs

  • Trunk down elephant facing entrance — draws wealth in

  • Trunk up elephant facing inward — invites blessings and luck

🔁 Inward or Outward Facing?

  • Facing outward: Guards against negative energies

  • Facing inward: Welcomes prosperity and positive vibes

Feng Shui Tips Elephant Trunk Positions and Pairing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before placing elephant figurines in your home, be mindful of a few key taboos in Feng Shui. Improper placement can weaken or even reverse their intended effect. Here’s a quick guide to avoid common mistakes:

🚫 What to Avoid Why It Matters
Facing bathrooms Bathrooms are considered sources of negative or draining energy.
Facing kitchens The chaotic fire element in kitchens clashes with the elephant’s calm presence.
Facing sharp table corners Sharp edges create “cutting” energy that weakens the elephant’s protective effect.
Near metal weapons (knives, axes, etc) Aggressive items interfere with peace and stability energy.
Placed directly on the floor Disrespects the elephant’s spiritual significance; always elevate the figurine.
Under low shelves or clutter Crowded spaces restrict energy flow and symbolically “press down” on its strength.
Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Deeper Symbolism of Elephants in Feng Shui

1. Strength

Elephants have long symbolized strength, not only due to their sheer size but also their role in history — used in royal parades, wars, and heavy labor. Yet their power is never reckless. It’s a reminder that true strength lies in persistence, patience, and the grace to overcome hardship with dignity and courage.

2. Wisdom

Known for their extraordinary memory and emotional intelligence, elephants are revered as symbols of wisdom. In many cultures, they represent the ability to make thoughtful decisions, learn from experience, and apply insight to life’s daily challenges. Their calm, observant nature teaches us the value of slow thinking and lifelong learning.

3. Auspiciousness 

In Chinese culture, the word for elephant “象” (xiàng) sounds like “祥” (xiáng), meaning auspicious or fortunate. Considered an auspicious beast, the elephant brings harmony and joy to weddings and celebrations. Our Vintage S925 Silver Adjustable Lucky Elephant Ring echoes this tradition, offering a meaningful gift filled with symbolic warmth.

4. Steadiness 

Elephants move slowly but with unwavering direction. In Buddhist tradition, the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra rides a six-tusked white elephant, symbolizing clarity of mind, inner peace, and spiritual commitment. Elephants remind us to advance through life with steady resolve, mindful steps, and deep-rooted purpose.

5. Loyalty 

Elephants live in close-knit matriarchal families and exhibit profound emotional bonds. They mourn their dead, protect their young fiercely, and care for the sick or injured. As a symbol, they represent trust, responsibility, and the unbreakable strength of loyal relationships — both familial and communal.

6. Peace 

Despite their size, elephants are known for their gentle nature. They avoid conflict when possible and use empathy to maintain social harmony within the herd. In symbolic terms, elephants signify the arrival of peace after turmoil — a grounding presence that restores calm, balance, and emotional stability.

7. Wealth 

In feng shui and other cultural systems, elephants are considered powerful attractors of wealth and prosperity. While historically linked to ivory (now condemned), their symbolism has evolved — they now stand for ethical abundance, grounded success, and the ability to attract blessings through wisdom, effort, and integrity.

The Deeper Symbolism of Elephants in Feng Shui

Final Thoughts

In Feng Shui, elephants are more than decoration — they are guardians, mentors, and energy enhancers. Whether you're seeking support, luck, wisdom, or emotional grounding, the thoughtful placement of an elephant figurine can subtly shift your home's energy. Choose with heart, place with purpose, and let their enduring spirit guide you toward harmony.

 

Related Articles:

Auspicious Beasts and Feng Shui:Cultural Meaning And Powers

Why Does Samantabhadra Ride a White Elephant?

Green Tara: The Embodiment of Compassion and Wisdom

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