Ganesha Mantra: G A M

(pronounced G U M)

Lord Ganesha is the Lord of the elements that rule. As the proverbial gatekeeper he is worshipped and offers his blessings to you at the commencement. This could be the beginning of anything; a piece of writing, a journey, a new class, a new day, the entrance to your home. The lord of new beginnings. He was the gatekeeper to Parvati, Shiva’s wife, and myth has it that Shiva was away meditating in the Himalayas and Parvati created Ganesha from the dust of skin on her arm. When he manifested she asked him to keep an eye on the visitors as she was taking a bath and not to let anyone enter. Shiva was coming home from his time in the Himalayas and wanted to see his wife, Ganesha had not met Shiva before and denied him access to Parvati. Enraged Shiva cut off his head. Once he realized the big mistake he had performed he went in search of a worthy head for his son, the elephant head was then placed upon him and he became known as the gatekeeper.

Ganesha gives you access to knowledge, to the information you might need when things are not moving smoothly. Sometimes an interruption in life’s path can be frustrating, on further investigation it can be a blessing in disguise, Ganesha will reveal to you exactly what is needed when obstacles appear on your path.

Ganesha is depicted as an elephant headed being with a nice round belly, he has a tray of prasad (small round sweets called Ladoo) with him, rides on a mouse, offers blessings with one hand, carries some weapons and a noose in the others, he has one broken tusk, and wears a sacred thread around him that is a snake. The layers of symbolism in his depiction are manyfold. Each element offers the suggestion of goodness and freedom. Generally this is an auspicious symbol and one everyone would like to have in their home. It brings good luck. The energy of Ganesha when worshipped first also allows you to honor the Goddesses with success. May his blessings be upon you. Jai Ganesha!