As a group, turtles are more ancient than any other vertebrate animal. There are around 250 kinds, 48 of which are found in the United States. Turtles are usually distinguished from tortoises in that tortoises are land bound. Turtles live in and around the water.

A great deal of mythology exists in regard to the turtle. In the Far East, the shell was a symbol of heaven, and the square underside was a symbol of earth. The turtle was an animal whose magic could help you unite heaven and earth within your own life. A symbol of the turtle was an invitation for the blessings of both heaven and earth.

The turtle is a shore creature, using the land and the water. All shore areas are associated with doorways to the Faerie Realm. The turtle is sometimes known as the keeper to the doors. Turtles thus were often seen as signs of fairy contact and the promise of fairy rewards.

Many Natives refer to North America as Turtle Island because their legends say that when the earth was covered with water, turtle dove to the bottom of the oceans bringing up earth on its back so that the people could have a safe and dry home. If you have turtle energy, you value both the power of the earth, the waters of the earth, and the magic of the heavens, for turtle symbolizes both the grounding quality of earth energy, and the magic of the mystical. Using turtle energy can help you to achieve real balance in your life and your spirit so that you don't get "stuck in the mud". 

Because of its great age and its slow metabolism, the turtle is also associated with longevity. Long life and groundedness within life is part of what is associated with the turtle. It does not move fast. It is as if, on some level, turtle knows it has all the time in the world. Turtle medicine can teach new perceptions about time and our relationship with it.

Turtles have amazing survival skills and strategies. They hear well. Turtles are also able to distinguish some colors, and they do have a sense of smell. Turtle totems hold the mystery of awakening the senses - on both physical and spiritual levels. Turtle stimulates hearing and clairaudience. It can help with vision and clairvoyance. It heightens the sense of smell and higher discrimination.

If turtle has shown up, you may need to ask yourself some questions. Are you not seeing what you should? Are you not hearing what you should? Are you or those around you not using discrimination?

Learn about both adaptability and protection from turtle. It is "at home" anywhere because it carries its home on its back. It does not become attached to places, for it is free to search for new opportunities where ever they may be found. When they sense danger or are in uncomfortable and insecure settings, they withdraw into their shell and are protected. Are you secure enough with your own talents and sense of self that you have the courage to seek new and better things for yourself and those you love? Are you mindful of the need for protecting your own spirit until you are comfortable and knowledgeable about new people, circumstances and surroundings?  Additionally, if a turtle is flipped onto its back, it can right itself using its strong neck and head to flip itself over. For those with this totem, it is a reminder to use your own head and knowledge to right yourself when your world gets topsy turvy. Sometimes turtles show up as a totem to help us during such times.

Turtles are omnivorous. They eat insects, plants, fish, amphibians, and even small mammals on occasion. They are opportunistic. When turtle shows up in your life it is usually a reminder to pay attention or you will miss opportunities. To the Native Americans, the turtle was a symbol of Mother Earth and a reminder that she provides for all of our needs. Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees, and turtle can slow us down to help us see our opportunities.

Turtles do have a slow metabolism, and this can be a strong reminder. Is our life becoming too hectic? Are we not taking time for ourselves? Are we so busy that we can't really see what is going on? Are we going too slow and need to pick up the pace a little? Turtle can help you to decide.

It is believed that turtles use the sun to make vitamin D. Those with a turtle totem may need to check their own vitamin intake and adjust diet and vitamin supplements so that enough vitamin D is taken into the system.


If turtle has shown up in your life, it is time to get connected to your most primal essence. Go within your shell and come out when your ideas are ready to be expressed. It is time to recognize that there is an abundance out there for you. It doesn't have to be gotten quickly and immediately. Take your time and let the natural flow work for you. Too much, too soon, can upset the balance. Turtle reminds us that all we need for all that we do is available to us, if we approach it in the right manner and time.

Turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through the earth. In Mother Earth is all that we need. She will care for us, protect us, and nurture us, as long as we do the same for her. For that to happen, we must slow down and heighten our sensibilities. We must see the connection to all things. Just as the turtle cannot separate itself from its shell, neither can we separate ourselves from what we do to the Earth.


CHANT
Perserverance of effort
Patience in travel.
Protection of home

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