As many of you know, I have spent this past year engrossed in the study of animal symbolism. As one can see by this animal A through Z podcast series. Today's episode is about one of my favorites, the turtle. This morning, I was watching several painted turtles sunning themselves on a log in my pond. And then I began thinking about how interesting they are. There are about 300 different turtle species in the world, and most are aquatic. They can be categorized into three broad types: freshwater turtles, sea turtles, and land tortoises. Yes, scientifically speaking, tortoises are turtles too. Turtles have many symbolic meanings throughout the world, especially in Asia and North America. Often, they are associated with creation myths, and are said to have a map of the earth and a calendar of the moon in their shell design. Overall turtles represent longevity, protection, adaptability, stability, healing, wisdom, fertility, good luck, steadfastness, and tranquility. Most turtles have long lifespans, and in Buddhism, they represent eternity, and a long healthy life. A turtle has the ability to survive in different environments, showing persistence and success. It provides protection as well as stability. In Taoism, turtles represent the overlapping of the cosmos with earth inhabitants. In ancient cultures, the turtle was seen as one who carries the entire universe on its back. In Feng Shu turtles are a powerful symbol of good luck, and wealth. In most Native American tribes, the turtle represents healing, wisdom, spirituality, health, safety, longevity, protection and fertility. Some tribes believe that a turtle dove into the waters and came up with the mud to create a great Mother Earth. They call it “Mother Island”, and that's still a name used for the earth in some regions of the world. But in the Navajo tribe, a turtle shell is used to dispense medications. The turtle has great healing powers, and no other container from medicine will do. Many tribes craft turtle dance rattles for their ceremonies. With 13 pattern squares on its shell in the center. Some tribes use this as a calendar, making the 13 full moons in a year. The surrounding 28 squares represent the days in the lunar month Lakota tribe members, specifically the mother's make turtle-like ambulants for their newborn babies, and they sew the umbilical cord within them. Their amulet is for protection, to keep them grounded with the Earth as well as connected to their mother and the great mother. Ancient Egyptians believed turtles had magical powers to protect their health, life and ward off evil. They had both turtle guardians and turtle demons throughout their mythology. Sea turtles are central figures of strength, bravery and protection. Their presence is believed to bring good fortune and blessings. Especially in Hawaii. In Norse mythology, a giant tortoise lives above the home of Freya as a thank you for having saved it. Karma is a Sanskrit name for turtle and is the second avatar of the Hindu preserver deity. Turtles are frequently depicted in popular culture, as easygoing, patient and wise creatures, an emblem of longevity, longevity and stability around
the world. They are subjects of painters, photographers, poets, songwriters, filmmakers, children, book authors and sculptures of many cultures. So call in turtle medicine, Call the power of the turtle in your life. Join up with the turtle spirit! “Call IT in With Dar!”
Transcribed by https://otter.ai