Arm, Elbow

Arms are generally a symbol of strength, agency, and power. Brahma and Shiva are depicted with many arms to signify their power. One can hold the arms in front of oneself as protection, extend an arm in a dominant gesture, let the arms fall without reservation, raising one’s arms signifies surrendering to higher powers, or, as a prisoner of war to the enemy, and so on. (See also Finger and Hand.)

Elbow

The elbow enhances the arm's expression of strength and power, but perhaps of a "lower" quality. We say we "elbow our way forward" when we take a position that does not truly belong to us. We also use our elbows when we want more physical space.

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