An elephant for a spirit animal is different from any other type of spiritual guide. While normally serving as a guide on your life’s journey, an elephant is more than that. She is a family member, and she is a friend.

Wild elephants live in families of their own: at-least twelve individuals and a Matriarch who leads them. Young females will often assist in the raising of their siblings, and both genders of elephant will show reverential behavior toward the dead, even if the dead elephant in question was not raised within the same family-group. Given this type of behavior, it’s no wonder the elephant is often seen as a symbol of protection. They are incredibly family-driven, and loyal to their very last breath.

Without a family to call her own, the Matriarch in this painting seeks out humans who will hang her on their walls, so that she may protect and watch over the family as the designated spiritual guide and familial leader. Her preferred place for protecting the family would be in a place where the family often congregates: a sitting room, or playroom, perhaps. Some may prefer that her energy be focused more on the children, in which case the Matriarch would find it accommodating to be hung in a Nursery or child’s bedroom. Whatever the case, her spirit will protect and guide your mind. She will not lead you astray.