In the mythic consciousness, he represents the threshold to new beginnings.
Mudras are various gestures often made with the hands in order to focus the mind and direct subtle energy towards a certain place. They are highly symbolic and are said to be very powerful in the Yogic tradition.
In India several years ago my teacher, Douglas Brooks, introduced us to the hand gestures/mudras at the entrance of the Ganesha Temple. We were shown one ritual to step through the threshold that was sweet. Knock three times on the temples then crossed your arms tugging three times on your ears. Bow with your hands to heart. Walk around the temple 11 times.
As we left the temple, an elephant named Lakshmi tapped us on the head with her trunk and offered me a short ride.
I wondered what the hand gestures meant and here is one story. Elephants have glands on the sides of the head. These glands become inflamed each year and as they fill with hormonal fluids, the sides of the head become painful. An elephant bangs its head against trees to relieve the pressure. As these hormones filter into the body, the elephant becomes excitable and wild. Symbolically the burst of sexual/excitable energy asks us to reflect on what we deeply desire.
We honor Ganesha by a ritual that asks us to wake the inner teacher and listen to our heart’s desire, with the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of ways to move through challenges and obstacles in our lives with an open, expansive heart.
Looking forward to your teachings!