Hey it’s Jivita from reikiamazes.com and welcome back to Ashta Lakshmi Reiki. This is session 2: Symbolism In Ashta Lakshmi Reiki
In this lesson, we’re going to talk about various symbols associated with Goddess Lakshmi, we will also discuss their meaning, so that you can easily relate to various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.
So let’s get started!
In Ashta Lakshmi Reiki you will find several symbols related to Goddess Lakshmi, and they denote a specific meaning to that particular form of Lakshmi. Here are the symbols and their meanings:
- Lotus: The lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual growth. It represents the idea that one should enjoy material wealth without becoming too attached to it.
- Four Arms: The four arms of Goddess Lakshmi represent the four directions (East, West, North, South) and her willingness to help and assist in all directions. They also symbolize the four ends of human life – dharma (duty), Aartha (wealth), kama(material pleasure), and moksha (liberation).
- Eight Arms: In some depictions, Goddess Lakshmi is shown with eight arms, which represent the eight directions, (Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest). This means that Goddess Lakshmi is willing and available to help and assist in all directions, indicating her ability to bestow blessings and boons in all aspects of life.
- Red Color: The red color symbolizes activity and energy. The golden lining on Lakshmi’s red dress represents prosperity.
- Golden Coins: The golden coins falling from Lakshmi’s hand symbolize her ability to provide wealth and prosperity to her devotees.
- Lotus Seat: Lakshmi is often depicted standing or sitting on a lotus. This symbolizes that while living in the material world, one should enjoy its wealth but not become too attached to it.
- Amritakalasam (Pot of Ambrosia): This symbol signifies that Lakshmi is the bestower of immortality. It represents the divine nectar of life and the eternal bliss that comes from being in harmony with the divine.
- Elephant: The elephant is a symbol of strength, power, and wisdom. In many depictions, Lakshmi is shown with two elephants on either side of her, symbolizing her materialistic aspect and her ability to bestow wealth. In her materialistic aspect, Lakshmi appears with two elephants on either side of her. The elephants symbolize strength, stability, and abundance. They are often depicted holding beautiful vessels, which represent the showering of wealth and prosperity. The presence of the elephants signifies the ability of Lakshmi to bestow material wealth and blessings upon her devotees.
- Owl: The owl is considered a bird of ill omen and a symbol of darkness. However, it also symbolizes wisdom and intelligence. In Lakshmi’s third vehicle, the owl represents the pernicious aspect of wealth.
- Garuda or Eagle: In her enlightened aspect, Lakshmi accompanies Lord Vishnu on Garuda. Garuda is a divine bird and the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Garuda symbolizes power, speed, and protection. It represents the ability to swiftly reach and assist those in need. Lakshmi riding on Garuda signifies her ability to provide help and assistance to devotees in all directions.
Ok, let’s recap, in this session we discussed various symbols that are associated with Goddess Lakshmi, in the next lesson, we are going to learn 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi, also known as Astha Lakshmi.
I’ll see you there