Ganesha — Remover of Obstacles

No prayer in the Hindu tradition begins without first addressing Ganesha — the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati who governs beginnings, who removes obstacles for those who honor him and places obstacles in the path of those who don't, and who is the lord of all arts, sciences, and intellect. He broke one of his own tusks to use as a pen so he could transcribe the Mahabharata as Vyasa dictated it. He is the patron of writers, travelers, businesspeople, and anyone who is trying to start something new. He appears at thresholds — above doors, at the beginning of books, at the start of every important undertaking — because he decides what passes through.

These signs carry the elephant head, the broken tusk, the modak sweet, the mouse, and the blessing of every beginning.