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 Turtle in your life, 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, it's 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 have Turtle in your life, it augers 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:
If the Turtle is in your life in the reverse, it 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 felt alone in your time of
need, 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 give by the Mother of the creative force. Use her energy to aid you,
and you will be healed enough to share this 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 alternatives that Mother
Earth gives.
