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☾I will be hosting a years worth of swaps every two weeks (biweekly) based on Deities and Mythology! If you can't join this swap another will begin on January 12th! (Meaning this is the last day to sign up.)
☾For this swap you will send your partner 4 items related to the deity. This can be interpreted how you choose but please include a note explaining how they relate to the deity. You must spend a minimum of 15$USD before sending. Handmade is fine, but please send something you would enjoy receiving. No dollar store items!
☾If you would like a US ONLY version, please comment below
☾ GANESHA
Ganesha is most associated with the status of "remover of obstacles" in ones life. He is also associated with the arts, sciences, wisdom and intellect. Since he is also te God Of New Beginnings he is a perfect choice as our first deity for the year. New Years is a time of rebirth and new beginnings and a perfect time to work on the removal of obstacles from your life for the coming year. Ganesha is one of the most a widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is pictured with a head of an elephant. In Kundalini Yoga he is associated with the root chakra (red/base chakra) in the sacral plexus at the base of the spine. This means he guides/supports all of the other chakras and "governs the forces that propel the wheel of life." Because of this association with the sacral chakra and red he is often honored with sandalwood or red flowers. His birthday is celebrated in January/February on the fourth day of the waxing moon.
More About Ganesha
His broad crown is an invitation to think big. The tiny eyes speak of the importance of concentration and attention to detail for success in any foray. One chief form of concentration is to listen to others more, and talk less. This is symbolised by the huge elephantine ears and small mouth He sports. Ganesh has only one tusk, with the other broken off. This symbolises the importance of holding on only to the good and discarding the bad. The trunk of Ganesh symbolises the importance of being efficient and adaptable in order to be successful in one's ventures. The curvature is also said to represent the rising of the kundalini (spiritual energy that is believed to be coiled serpent-like at the base of the spine) powers. His large tummy points to the necessity of digesting all that life has to offer—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) of His lower right hand symbolises Ganesh's blessings and protection on a person's journey through life, especially the spiritual one. In His upper right hand, Ganesh usually holds an axe, with which He is said to cut of all attachments. He pulls the devotee nearer to the spiritual path by the rope that He carries in His upper left hand. He offers rewards for penances (sadhana) done with the modak (type of confection, usually made from rice flour and a stuffing of jaggery, coconut, etc.) He holds in His lower left hand. The bowls and baskets of offerings at Ganesh's feet are there to symbolise that the entire world, and all its choicest pleasures, are out there for the taking. Ganesh's tiny pet and vehicle, his mouse, bowing down close by, is there to indicate that though a little desire is good, it is essential for one to master it. You have to ride your desires and not vice versa. "
Ganesha's Creation
"Ganesha was created by Parvati using clay to protect her and Shiva beheaded him when Ganesha came between Shiva and Parvati. Shiva then replaced Ganesha's original head with that of an elephant.[44] Details of the battle and where the replacement head came from vary from source to source.[45][46] Another story says that Ganesha was created directly by Shiva's laughter. Because Shiva considered Ganesha too alluring, he gave him the head of an elephant and a protruding belly."
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