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TORTOISE AND TURTLE MEDICINE
By CinnamonMoon

*Note: there are subtle differences between Tortoise and Turtles. In definition both are often
addressed together so you should continue your search under either name. Earthwalker requested
this information so here you go, my friend.

Sea Turtle/Ted Andrews/Animal-Wise:
Marine or sea turtles -- 5 main types: two most common and larger being the leatherback and
loggerhead. If sea turtle has appeared we can expect success and achievement if we persevere.
Our progress in things creative will become smoother. We will encounter much less resistance to
our efforts. Goals will be attained. The worst is over and as long as we maintain our courage and
persistence, we will shortly succeed. A powerful signal that the future looks very good in all
endeavors, especially business.

All shore areas and beaches are doorways between the human world and the spirit world, the
Faerie realm in particular. The sea turtle is especially the keeper of the doors between
dimensions, and its appearance heralds a time of new wonders and rewards if we maintain
courage. New dimensions are opening for us.

The survival skills and strategies of sea turtles are amazing. They have acute hearing, and they
sense subtle vibrations in the water through their skin and shell. The appearance of sea turtle
reflects a heightening of our senses, and they remind us to trust our senses in our pursuits. If we
do, we will be rewarded. They rarely come ashore. Although graceful in the water, they are very
clumsy on land. If it shows up we should examine whether we are trying to accomplish and
achieve in an environment that is not suitable for us. We may be out of our element and need to
look for more suitable surroundings.

They do come ashore to lay eggs and remind us that we are living in a creative environment. But
there must be a practical expression of that creativity. It alerts us to find a balance between
creativity and practicality. Both aspects have to be considered if we are to be productive. We
must plan more carefully and be patient. They lay dozens of eggs at a time so that some will
survive the high rate of predation. It warns that we may be relying too strongly on one or two
possibilities. We need to expand and increase our productivity.

Ask: Are we persisting in our efforts? Are we allowing minor setbacks to prevent further efforts?
Do we need to act with more courage? Are we not hearing and sensing what we should about our
endeavors? Have we taken on too much? Not enough? Are we trying to accomplish too much at
once? Are we giving up too easily? Are we afraid to come ashore and give birth to that which we desire?

*Patricia Telesco/The Language of Dreams
A tortoise that withdraws into its shell is protecting itself and asking you: From what do you feel
the need to hide? In Chinese and Hindu mythology, the tortoise carries the world on its back, and
personifies endurance. What burdens are you carrying for which you need support? In Taoism,
this is the symbol of cosmic and prophetic power. As such, a tortoise appearing in your dream
may presage some positive spiritual developments. The Japanese believe it is a messenger from
the gods of the sea, which equates to a bulletin from your subconscious, intuitive self. Watch and
listen closely!

*Brad Steiger/Totems
The world that the Native American tribes knew existed on the back of a great turtle. All of
North America, including Canada and Mexico, constitute that landmass that traditional Native
Americans still refer to as Turtle Island. The Native Americans were not alone in awarding the
honor of bearing the weight of the Earth Mother to the turtle, for both the Chinese and the Hindu
cultures also award Brother Tortoise the task of balancing the globe on his back.

The turtle is the animal totem that represents peace on the earthwalk. As Grandmother Twylah
explained it, "The turtle rattle is emblematic of peace of mind, and it is used in the dances to help
portray happiness. Peace is a state of mind. It can be attained through daily learning experiences.
We must learn and understand how to walk in balance on the Pathway of Peace."

In china, and among a number of African tribes, the turtle is emblematic of the female principle.
At the same time, the Chinese saw the turtle, with its hard shell, as the perfect totem animal of
the invincible warrior. Conversely, among the Aztecs, the turtle was symbolic of the braggart
and coward, who talks tough, but has a soft underbelly. In numerous cultures the turtle is a
symbol of longevity.

In certain metaphysical thought systems, the turtle represents the slowly developing aspects of
physical evolution in contrast to a rapid burst of spiritual evolution, as might be symbolized by
an eagle or hawk. If the turtle is the animal totem it is a spirit helper that will greatly assist you in
a profound study of the ancient wisdom. It may well be that you have needed steady persistence
to guide you in your spiritual search and to temper your impatience and your tendency to require
instant reinforcement. It may be Turtle's job to help you become more grounded. This spirit
helper can also bring stability to weakened relationships and help you to bolster a family life that
may have begun to deteriorate. Ask Turtle to help you form a true respect for the Earth Mother
and a renewed appreciation of the feminine principle.

Bobby Lake-Thom/Spirits of the Earth
Turtles of all kinds, both water and land, are good signs and very good powers. The Turtle is
considered very sacred to most Native American tribal cultures. The Turtle is a healer and
protector. It can grant long life, wisdom, and good health. Our elders tell us never to eat Turtle
because doing so can bring bad luck and sickness. Turtle shells are made into dance regalia, and
some whole Turtles sacrifice themselves to be used as a power rattle in healing. If a Turtle comes
at a time when someone is sick, then it usually is assured that the person will get well and live a
long time. But you must make good prayers and wishes to the Turtle at that time in order for the
luck to have a better chance of happening. Otherwise it just might take longer to happen.

*D.J. Conway/Animal Magick
The tortoise can be land-dwelling or land -living pond chelonian and a vegetarian. Tortoises are
members of the family Testudinidae, which have unwebbed feet with stubby toes. The hind feet
are often elephant-like. They have a plated nose and a high-domed shell. They vary greatly in
their shapes and colors.

Turtles are reptiles, Testudinata or Chelonia. There remain about 300 species in 12 families.
They tend to spend their time in and around water. They are slow-moving and have tough, horny
shells protecting their bodies. Turtles have powerful jaws with sharp-edged horny ridges instead
of teeth. All tortoises and turtles breathe air and deposit their eggs in holes in the earth.
To the Hindus, the tortoise is a lunar creature. Their myths tell of a giant tortoise upon whose
back stands an elephant who in turn supports the world. It is also a creature of Prajapati, the
Creator, who was also called the Lord of Creatures. The Chinese also believed that the tortoise
supported the world, and was an attendant of the world-architect P'an Ku. This creature
symbolized strength, endurance, and long life, and was called the Black Warrior. Other Chinese
deities were connected with the tortoise, such as Wu Hsien, called the Transcendent Tortoise,
and Hsi Wang-Mu, Golden Mother of the Tortoise.

In Japanese legend, the Cosmic Mountains were said to be supported by a tortoise. Among the
Ainu of Japan, however, this creature was associated with the god of the sea and was considered
to be his messenger. In Arcadia, the tortoise was connected with the god Pan, while in Greece
and Rome it was a companion of Aphrodite/Venus and Hermes/Mercury. It was sacred to EaOannes
in Sumeria. To the people of West Africa the tortoise symbolized feminine power and
fertility. The Nigerians say the turtle represents the female sex organs.

The images of turtles appear on Mayan stelae but we do not know much about their symbolism
in that culture. To the Aztecs, this creature signified treachery and cowardly but boastful people.
Native Americans associate the turtle with the Elements of Earth and Water. It symbolizes the
energy of the Goddess, the give-and-take cycle necessary for productive life. Its shell is a
physical shield and, therefore, a psychic and spiritual shield. The turtle symbolized material
existence or the massa confusa in alchemy. It represented natural evolution, slow and
methodical.

Superstitions: The tortoise protects itself from venomous snake bites by eating marjoram. If the
right foot of a tortoise is carried on a ship, that ship will not be able to move very fast.
Magickal Attributes: Patience, long life, perseverance. Slow down; enjoy life more; allow your
ideas time to develop properly. Visualize the shell as a spiritual shield to protect yourself from
the negative thoughts of others. Learning to relax and enjoy life. Developing new ideas.
Psychically protecting yourself.

*Mary Summer Rain/On Dreams:
Turtle pertains to a fear of facing responsibility or reality.

*Zolar/Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens, and Superstitions:
Throughout the ages, the tortoise has been held a symbol of longevity, stability, and immortality.
To kill a tortoise is said an ill omen. Tortoise shell bracelets are thought to protect one against
evil. Among Native American Indians, legend has it that a muskrat brought up mud that led to
the creation of the world, and a turtle holds it steady on his back. A turtle causes thunder,
according to the Pueblo Indians. Rattles of turtle shells are used to retain some of its mystical
qualities. Turtle oil has long been advocated for its pain-reducing qualities and for producing
longevity. One is said able to relieve gout by hanging a tortoise's foot on the foot of the ill
person--right for right, and left for left.

Denise Linn/Secret Language of Signs:
Native Americans--the legend goes that once there was only water and there wasn't anywhere
that people could live. Turtle made a very great sacrifice and let everyone live on her back. Thus
she became the spirit keeper of the earth. When Native Americans enter into the darkness of a
covered dome structure for the sacred purification ceremony of the sweat lodge, they believe
they are entering into the turtle, into the very essence of the Mother Earth. It is a time of spiritual
death and rebirth.

A sign of slow but steady progress toward reaching a goal, or completion through diligence. A
turtle pulls into its shell when frightened. This sign may signify a wish to withdraw from a
problem or a need to go withdraw and go inward to gather forces.

Lady Stearn Robinson & Tom Gorbett/Dreamer's Dictionary:
These strange creatures are a symbol of frustrated ambition due to hidden hostility; if you
persevere, you may dispel the opposition; however, if, after a reasonable time, the obstacle
remains, you should reassess the position with an eye to altering your aim or your approach to it.

BeWater's contribution:
By Jamie Sams and David Carson from Medicine Cards
Turtle: MOTHER EARTH
Turtle . . . Great Mother,
Feed my spirit,
Clothe my heart,
That I may serve you too.

In Native American teachings, Turtle is the oldest symbol for planet Earth. It is the
personification of goddess energy, and the eternal Mother from which our lives evolve. We are
born of the womb of Earth, and to her soil our bodies will return. In honoring the Earth, we are
asked by Turtle to be mindful of the cycle of give and take, to give back to the Mother as she has
given to us.

Turtle has a shell which is similar to the protection that Earth has employed for centuries as her
body has been defiled. Mother Earth's protection has come in the form of Earth changes, new
plant growth, the creation of new land masses by volcanoes, and climate alterations. Like Turtle,
you also have shields that protect you from hurt, envy, jealousy, and the unconsciousness of
others. Turtle teaches you, through its habit patterns, how to use protection. If you are bothered
by the actions or words of others, it is time to go inside yourself and honor your feelings. If you
are attacked, it is time to give a warning snap.

If you have chosen the Turtle symbol, you are being asked to honor the creative source within
you, to be grounded to the Earth, and to observe your situation with motherly compassion. Use
the water and earth energies, which represent Turtle's two homes, to flow harmoniously with
your situation and to place your feet firmly on the ground in a power stance.

Turtle is a fine teacher of the art of grounding. You may even be able to overcome some of your
"space cadet" tendencies if you align with Turtle medicine. In learning to ground, you are
placing focus on your thoughts and actions and slowing to a pace that assures completion.

Turtle warns of the dangers of "pushing the river," as evidenced by the plodding pace it keeps.
The corn that is harvested before its time is not yet full. However if it is given the chance to
develop at its own rate, in its own season, its sweetness will be shared by all.

Turtle buries its thoughts, like its eggs, in the sand, and allows the Sun to hatch the little ones.
This teaches you to develop your ideas before bringing them out in the light. Look at the old
fable of the tortoise and the hare, and decide for yourself whether or not you would like to align
with Turtle. Bigger, stronger, and faster are not always the best ways to get to a goal. When you
arrive, you may be asked where you've been and you may not be able to remember. In that case,
arriving prematurely can make you feel very immature.

If you draw the Turtle card, it augurs a time of connecting with the power of Earth and the
Mother-Goddess within. This is a reminder of the ally you have in Mother Earth. It does not
matter what situation you have created: ask her for assistance, and abundance will follow.

CONTRARY:
Pulling the Turtle card in the reverse means that Mother Earth is calling you to reconnect in
some way. If you have become flippant and forgotten to place waste in its proper place instead of
throwing it out the car window, she is calling. If you have been struggling financially or have
little to eat, or if you have desired a child and see no pregnancy in the near future, she is your
medicine ~ use it. You are not alone . . . ever. You are a child of Earth. All acts of pleasure, joy,
and abundance are given by the Mother of the creative force. Use her energy to aid you, and you
will be healed enough to share that energy with others.

The idea of a Turtle helplessly trying to right itself after it has been flipped upside down can also
symbolize contrary Turtle. You are not a victim, and you are not helpless, no matter how much it
may seem like this is the case in your present situation. To right the ill-dignified Turtle, you need
only list the things you are grateful for, and from that grateful place in your heart, look for the
abundance of alternatives that Mother Earth gives.
Medicine open for discussion. *S*

Earthwalker:
Cinnamon, Thank you so much for the information about the Sea Tortoise. Like all of the animals, birds,
reptiles tree and stones they each become very special and have a personality of their own. The Whale,
Orca, and Tortoise I usually see as part of saying good morning. I can typically gauge the day based on
their reactions. When all is in balance the three of them are swimming in the gentle waters and surf. Often
the tortoise will come and take hold of my left wrist suggesting to watch the pulse of the day. When she
doesn't come out of her shell I kow it is a day to keep my big mouth quiet. Sometimes it is just nice to sit
with her and feel a slower pulse to life. These turtles are ancient and have not become extinct as many
other have. She seems to teach survival skills when burdens maybe around. I like her a lot. She has helped
me a great deal with feeling as well. Her neck skin has a different feel to it. It’s not like that of the whales
it is so much more pliable but also rugged. She helps one learn to swim since she has four limbs as do we.
I also like her since she has a sense of humor, she is awkward on land and knows it but never-the-less
goes there. Yet she is not self-conscious and completely accepting of her environment; she seems to
exemplify acceptance and that carries over into my day. Thank you again for all of the information

CinnamonMoon:
You're welcome and thanks for sharing your insights too. I like the part about acceptance, especially with
the pace of life, we are all so impatient aren't we?

Katt:
I absolutely love sea turtles. She carries the world on her back, and her home is where ever she
happens to be. She teaches me about what's really important to me, and what can be left behind.
On a personal note, I was in Maui 8 years ago. While snorkeling off a ship, these sea turtles came
up to us and swam all around me. It was an amazing feeling! Other people would try to get close
to them, and off they'd glide, but they seemed interested in me, and stuck close for about 10
minutes or so. Truly beautiful! But this quote:
“All shore areas and beaches are doorways between the human world and the spirit world, the
Faerie realm in particular. The sea turtle is especially the keeper of the doors between
dimensions.”
Made me think of my daughter, since she has a strong relationship with the Fae, and I came
home from this trip newly pregnant with her. I wonder if they knew? I suspect they did, and were
welcoming her.

CinnamonMoon:
Katt, Do you know if Alyssa has Turtle/Tortoise Medicine? Does she have a strong interest in them or talk
about them at all? It sure sounds like they liked you and I can imagine they were welcoming her. Perhaps
the link of the feminine energies (motherhood) was what they sensed. Have you had any further
encounters with them, either in journey work, visions, or dreams? If not they may have been more for
Alyssa as you suspect. How excited does she get when she sees them at the zoo or an aquarium? I know
she loves the Fae, and yes, shorelines, like forest edges, are border realms where dimensional shifts are
located.

Earthwalker:
Katt, What an absolutely beautiful experience. It is such a wonderful gift when an animal in the wild is
somehow drawn to you. Thank you for sharing it!

Katt:
She likes them, but I'm not sure if it's because mommy has some representatives of them in the house.
*grins* I've worked quite a bit with turtle in the past, not much in the last two years or so. Hmm...may be
time to start working with her again.

BanjoSally:
I was first introduced to a large sea turtle a few weeks ago during the first journey I'd had in
months. He appeared at the mouth of the cave and I found myself riding him.... he was large and
green. Strangely I was surprised that it wasn't a desert tortoise since I live in the desert, but I
guess totems don't discriminate by location. He took me to the underground tunnels of the large
dam where I work, and told me that there was a lot of pain in those rock walls.
Since then, I've been coming across images of turtle just about everywhere I go. And a couple of
nights ago, when I was extremely distressed about a situation, I dreamt that I was being
presented with an award from the manager of the dam. The gift was a large green turtle,
"wrapped" between two sheets of brown paper but his legs and head were sticking out. I took
him lovingly and hugged him to my chest... I couldn't wait to get home with him.

CinnamonMoon:
Sounds like you have a very special new friend, Sally. Good for you, and I hope the information in this
thread is helpful to understanding how to work with him. Ask if you need help and we'll do what we can.

BanjoSally:
Cinnamon, this hit me like a ton of bricks as soon as I read it: “If sea turtle has appeared we can
expect success and achievement if we persevere. Our progress in things creative will become
smoother. We will encounter much less resistance to our efforts. Goals will be attained. The
worst is over and as long as we maintain our courage and persistence, we will shortly succeed. A
powerful signal that the future looks very good in all endeavors, especially business.”
A year ago, I took a job that was technologically and economically less that what I'd been doing.
It's been frustrating to try and move up to where I'd been before my freelance work dried up. I
was getting impatient and was (and still am) thinking of looking elsewhere for employment or
going back to freelance work. The very day I chose to read this thread, I'd just had a meeting
with the IT Director, who told me that it's her plan (and management's) to eventually move me to
the career of my choice (I'm a webmaster, a technical writer, and I do a little database
development). Then I logged on here and read something about sea turtle that I hadn't already
read. Pretty cool, huh?

CinnamonMoon:
It sure is Sally, and it never ceases to amaze me how our Guides can steer us to just the right things to
turn our lights on so we can see where we're going. It may not be the whole road lighting up ahead of us,
it can be pretty dark out there, but we do get headlights to find our way. I'm glad this was a good one for
you!

Mouse:
Turtle Clan
Elemental Chief: Earth
Elemental Totem: Turtle
Birth Totems within Turtle Clan: Beaver, Bear, Goose
Keywords: Cautious, Industrious, Dependable, Stubborn

Turtle Clan individuals are the Clan which prepares the soil for planting. You will remember
form the Hawk Clan that they are the trailblazers, the scouts of the clans that envision the land.
Now the Turtle Clan follows and tills the earth to prepare it for the planting of all that is Good.
As such, these souls focus on the tasks at hand with the determination and perseverance of one
with a true Mission. They have been instilled with a desire to connect to Earth Mother and to
assist Her in the process of creating Life.

In Earth Medicine, the Earth Mother is represented by the Turtle, as the provider of all Life.
Think of Sister Turtle as she walks along at a slow, yet steady pace. She has no worry of shelter,
for she carriers her home upon her back. She has no concern of how fast she is traversing the
Path, as she knows that she will arrive where she is going exactly when she is meant to. She
doesn't fear attack from predators as she knows that the armor like covering of her shell will
protect her from all threats. This is the Blessing of being born of the Turtle.

The challenge for one who is a member of the Turtle Clan, is to come to understand the Wisdom
to be had in going Within in order to absorb the lessons they are faced with. Yet, these lessons
may instead be seen by a Turtle, as an irritating obstacle to be ploughed through, instead of as a
lesson to be resolved. Yet every obstacle, in point of fact, is merely another step along the Soul's
Path to be acknowledged and absorbed, rather than ignored in the stubborn resolution to
complete the Journey. When Turtle Soul raises her head into the warm light of awareness and
operates from quiet perseverance, tempered with reflection, then She/He has attained the true gift
of having been born of the Turtle Clan.
(From: wolfs_moon.tripod.com/clanturtle.html)

Earthwalker:
I had mentioned in a thread that the underside of the turtle rattle seems to be what I have seen most often.
However, I have not been very successful in finding a possible meaning. After finding Beethoven, my son
wanted to still go on vacation so we went to the Maine coast for a few days. I was looking for a book to
read and pick up one called the Book of Herbal Wisdom by Matthew Wood. In the chapter on Herbalism
and Dreamtime, I happened upon this section. Since Turtle is with SL I thought I would share it here
although it can be placed under the thread on tortoise /turtle rattles if anyone has a preference.
Mathew Woods writes o page 14 of this book that “Turtle Medicine is very powerful. The old people say
that the lessons of the Medicine Lodge are inscribed on the back of a turtle shell. “Everything there is to
know” is already there to be seen on the shell before anyone is initiated into the society. Let us pick up
the shell and look at it carefully.”

“The upper, outward side is hard and protective. This represents the outward, material realm of Nature,
the world in which we live, as opposed to the inward, living creature or realm. It also represents the outer
wall of the medicine lodge, closed to the outside world, within which the mysteries take place. Upon this
hard shell are engraved little circles or “eyes” which are separated from each other by lines. Each of
these eyes represents a mystery, story or stage setting, which tells about the history and meaning of the
world, from the beginning of time down to the present. Grandfather Turtle is the repository and guardian
of that history.”

“On the underside of the shell we see an X-ray picture of the body of the turtle within the shell (What
light made that x-ray?) Pick up a turtle shell and look at this image. (There is no replacement for
experience.) This represents the soft underside of the creation, in which we see the signatures of the inner
world impressed upon the outer. Grandfather Turtle is the teacher of hidden wisdom.”
“Then there is the body of the turtle inside the shell. This represents the living reality, Mother Nature,
alive inside the material garment of the outer world. Here we meet the inhabitants, the denizens of that
magical fairy land. Grandfather Turtle is alive.”

“Just as the great sea turtle rose out of the great water in the beginning of time to form the basis for
earth, so do the Turtle Medicines correlate with the separation and cooperation between liquids and
solids in the body. This function relates particularly to the kidneys, but also to the spleen-lymphatics,
through which the flesh of the body is built up by the assimilation of food out of watery lymph. Turtle
Medicine is very ancient, quiet and powerful. Gravel Root is the only medicine I can place here.”
Although I am not sure of the complete meaning here, I am thankful for the synchronicity and timing of
finding this answer.

Minna Earthkeeper:
From a wonderful, wonderful place that seems to have just disappeared: Owlsdottir
web.archive.org/web/20030306103625/www.owlsdottir.com/totems/turtle.html

p.s. please forgive me if somebody already posted this here - I didn't look first - I was so glad to
find this in a web archive. Love, Minna

Turtles and Tortoises and Turtle Dragons
Keynote: Longevity, Awakening to Opportunities
Turtle/Tortoise's Wisdom Includes:
Symbol of the earth
Connection with the center
Patience
Self-boundaries
Developing new ideas
Psychically protecting oneself
Self-reliance
Tenacity
Nonviolent defense

In primitive times, when only natural objects were available, people were happy to discover hard
and durable turtle shells, in which they saw the shape of the universe. From a belief that the sky
was round and the world was flat, they would create many objects representing heaven and earth.
Yet here was the tortoise, a creation of nature that carried its round shell over the ground, like
heaven, and had a flat bottom, like earth. With a profile resembling a mountain and the turning
motion of its four toes, it seemed to be a depiction of heaven and earth changing constantly
through the seasons.

When humanity was still groping toward an understanding of nature and its myriad beasts, the
body of the turtle seemed to encapsulate the order of the universe. Seen in this light, turtles
became a link between heaven and earth, and were frequently used in divining ceremonies.
Because the seven northern stars formed the outline of a turtle, the turtle came to represent the
north. The universe was thought to be built of five basic elements: metal, wood, water, fire and
earth. Since the turtle lives in water, it also came to represent the element of water.

The turtle is a shore creature, using the land and the water. All shore areas are associated with
doorways to the Faerie Realm. From the perspective of the ancient Chinese the eastern fairy
mountains, in a distant fog, were a paradise, a place where gods and immortals lived. Those
mountains were said to be carried on the back of a strong-shelled turtle, who would rise and sink
on the ocean waves, causing the mountains to be visible for only fleeting glimpses. The god of
the sea was also said to ride on a turtle's back.

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. All turtles and tortoises move with
slow, carefree gaits. They breathe less often than humans and eat and drink little. Indeed,
teachers of qi-gong breathing techniques always want their students to model themselves on the
turtle. And in popular kung-fu novels, heroes escape danger using "turtle breathing" to play dead.
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.

The tortoise is also known as the "xuanwu," which means "black soldier." The Book of Rites
explains that turtles and tortoises have armor-like exteriors (hence "soldier"), and they are dark in
color (hence "black").

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.

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
Perseverance of effort
Patience in travel.
Protection of home