Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity, is considered the removal of obstacles. Worshipped before new endeavors, he is invoked for good fortune, clarity of mind, and success. He conveys symbolic principles: an axe for letting go, a lotus flower for enlightenment, sweets as rewards of spiritual life, and a hand in blessing of fearlessness, sometimes a rope to draw one towards the Truth, sometimes his broken tusk.. He rides a mouse, Mushika, to signify mastery over desire and fear. He also serves as patron of the arts, sciences, and learning.