78. ~ Turtle/Tortoise ~

Turtles can grow to be fifty to four hundred pounds. They are relatively solitary reptiles. They might live to be forty to sixty years of age. Water species can grow to be more than six feet in length. Hatching time takes two to three months. A turtle's shell is thinner than a tortoise. Their head cannot be retracted into their shell. Humans are the turtle's biggest foe. Turtles basically eat whatever they can catch. They can swim long distances under water, but they must surface in order to breathe. Some species can go up to five hours without having to surface. Water is also their mating ground. Out of the forty to a hundred eggs they lay, few of them survive. Turtles date back one hundred to two hundred million years. To Native Americans they have long represented Turtle Island in tribal legends. Turtles can survive the cruelest conditions. Tortoises live on land, and turtles live in the water. To Native Americans they also represent one's female energy. The turtle's shell is called a carapace. Some species have thirteen sections etched sections on their shell. There are thirteen moons in a calendar year. Turtle's have acute hearing. The turtle is a favourite food for the raccoon. The legs of a turtle are attached within their ribs. They have no teeth, but they do have a strong, horny kind of bill. I remember as a young girl getting wet and muddy as I clammered around the banks of the pond behind our house, searching for turtle eggs like I was on an Easter hunt. I remember gently squeezing them, and learning that they would dent, but not break if you were careful. They remind me of small plastic golf balls. The Iroquois told stories that when Mother Earth cracks it means the turtle is stretching.

Medicine:

A turtle is a symbol of stability and sensible thinking. Turtles represent slow and steady workers. Turtles teach us it is time to be dependable. They teach us not to be overly stubborn. The turtle teaches us about great sacrifice, about being willing to give. The medicine of a turtle is a gift of great wisdom and sound advice. They represent longevity and abundance. They tell us it is time to nurture, protect, and to slow down. Too much, too soon, upsets one's balance. The medicine of the turtle tells us to be sure to get enough vitamin D, and take time out four our self. It asks if you are moving too fast. It says to awaken our physical and spiritual senses. Turtle medicine is extremely healing! Turtle rattles are used in several native ceremonies. Turtles help us to balance heavenly and earthly things. Turtle medicine reminds us to look after Earth Mother as she is our Keeper. If we look after her, she will take good care of our future generations, just as she did for our ancestors. Turtle medicine teaches us to learn to adapt to our surroundings, and to follow our inner instincts and intuitions.