In Hindu mythology, the turtle Akupara is believed to curry the earth and the oceans on the back. An Avatar of Lord Vishnu is the turtle Kurma. In Japanese culture, the turtle is a symbol of felicity and longevity. According to traditional beliefs, the turtle provides a haven for immortals and is a symbol of support, good fortune, and longevity. The turtle is also a positive omen bringing 10, years of happiness symbolizes Kompira, a god of merchant sailors.
Just as in China, the turtle is considered one of the four mythical beasts. Here, it is believed that the Black Turtle protects Kuto from threats caused by the four cardinal directions. This beast protects Kyoto from the north and is called Gen-bu. This guardian may also be shown as a combination of two reptiles — a snake and a turtle. The turtle originated ju ju and appears in fertility rites.
Among several west African ethnic groups, the tortoise is seen as the cleverest of all animals. This turtle is known for his heroic deeds and his mischief as he is also a trickster. This is a highly intelligent turtle that can talk himself out of any black situation. According to the mythology of several indigenous peoples of North America namely the Indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands in particular the Haudenosaunee confederacy and the Anishinaabeg , the Great Turtle carries the world on his back.
This turtle upholds the earth. As such North America is referred to as Turtle Island. The most well-known turtle in ancient Egyptian culture is the Sheta, also spelled as Shetyw or Shtyw. This turtle is associated with Set and by extension, the underworld. Because of this, they were once viewed as evil creatures by nobles and keys especially in the Greco-Roman periods.
Ancient Mesopotamia is known as one of the earliest human civilizations in history. Here the turtle is closely related to Enki, the ancient Mesopotamian God of water, lakewater, seawater, crafts, intelligence, creation, fertility, and mischief. The turtle is used to represent Enki on the kudurrus a stone document used to keep records and also used as a boundary stone. Another ancient Sumerian myth that has survived through the ages is the myth of Ninurta and the Turtle.
Here the god Enki creates a giant turtle to battle his rival Ninurta. The turtle is successful in deafening Ninurta, the rain god. This is where we find one of the most famous depictions of the turtle in a tale.
And that is the Aesop fable of the tortoise and the hare. Here a tortoise challenges an arrogant hare to a race. The arrogant hare decides to take a nap midway through the race. Many lessons can be learned from this story.
The lesson deduced by the ancient Greeks from this story was that perseverance, steadfastness, and zeal can prevail over laziness and arrogance. The tortoise also symbolized the city of Aegina. The turtle was also a symbol of fertility and was associated with Aphrodite, also known as Venus to the Romans. Chinese — The turtle carries the world on its back. This is a symbol of fertility, vitality, and great patience.
The Chinese believed these animals foretold future events. They are the third animal of four that represents water and was thought to be a model of the world. Its upper shell curved like the heavens and its lower shell was flat the way the Chinese at the time believed the Earth was.
They read the future in the pattern on the tortoise shell. The tortoise also supports the world. Its four feet being the four corners of the Earth. It is the Black Warrior, depicting strength and endurance. It was credited with a great life span and was therefore a symbol of longevity. As a warrior the tortoise joined the dragon on the banners of the imperial army. Both representing indestructibility as neither can destroy each other. The tortoise can not be crushed nor the dragon reached.
Human and animal figures are sculpted on a trunk and offerings are made to these sacred totems. They viewed the hard outer shell, which protects a living being, as an analogy to their mother, the Earth, also a living entity. For the Aztecs, turtles were a symbol of cowardice and boastfulness. Hard outwardly but soft inwardly. The turtle is a creature of two elements, Earth and water.
The people of the Turtle Clan share an affinity with both. They enjoy helping things grow, both plants and people, yet require freedom to do their own things, as the turtle has its freedom in the water. For the Japanese, the creature symbolizes wisdom, longevity and luck. It is supposed to bring its owner at least 10, years of good fortune. As in Chinese culture, the reptile is believed to have magical powers. The animal's shell represents the sky and its breastplate the earth. In Japanese culture, we also find this myth of the four sacred creatures.
Their purpose is to protect the city of Heian Kyoto. The black turtle or Gen-bu , sometimes represented as a combination of a turtle and a snake, protects Kyoto from the north. The significance of the turtle in Hinduism is important. In several stories, the term "Akupara" is regularly used. This mystical figure is said to be a turtle that supports the earth and the sea on its back. In popular Hinduism, the god Vishnu has several avatars who are the reincarnation of the deity on earth.
Several temples in India are dedicated to the avatar Kurma. As in other Asian cultures, India is no exception and also associates the turtle's plastron with the terrestrial world and its shell with the celestial world. The Brahmana Shatapatha ancient religious text describes the world as the body of Kurmaraja, the "king of turtles". Hindus say that the elephant symbolizes man and the turtle symbolizes femininity. For Africans, the turtle is associated with fertility , it is the embodiment of femininity.
In Nigerian Folklore, it is described as a slow but very cunning reptile that always finds a solution to every situation , even the most dangerous. In Egyptian history , turtles were often present in artistic works. In fact, a large number of fossils have been found in the country, some of which are very similar to the Galapagos tortoises. It is said to have mystical powers that are supposed to ward off evil.
Several ancient objects such as amulets or vases bearing its effigy have been found during archaeological excavations. There are few philosophical and symbolic traces of the Turtle in European and Western culture. The most notable are identifiable in the writings of ancient Greece. One can in particular quote the very famous fable of Aesop: The Hare and the Tortoise. Other important elements have also been identified in Greek history.
For example, it is known that the reptile was the main symbol of the city of Aegina. Seals and coins struck with the image of the tortoise were found on the spot. Another important story is that of Chelonia and Zeus. It is moreover Chelone who is at the origin of the word " Chelonien " scientific name attributed to turtles.
The turtle is a sacred figure in Native American belief. It symbolizes Mother Earth. It is equivalent to good health and eternal life. According to Native Indian legends, it plays an important role in the creation of the world. The reptile's thick and strong shell is protection. It was also used for healing purposes or for spiritual rituals. Myths say that this animal saved humans from the flood.
The Amerindians had noticed that certain species of turtles have 13 sections on their plastron. They thought this represented the cycle of the thirteen moons. For the Indians, the moon is a strong celestial symbol that is synonymous with motherhood. The Amerindian motifs of the turtle were represented on many objects such as teepees, totems, musical instruments, clothing and war paint.
For the Maya people, this creature symbolizes the alliance of water and earth. Many writings seem to give a strong importance to the shells. They are often associated with thunder and noise.
This can be a creative project, a relationship or partnership, or a new business venture. Turtles, after all, were built to last. The steady turtle is also a symbol of perseverance and steadfastness. The turtle spirit is a wise teacher who reminds you that once you are clear about your goal, stay true to your path, even if your progress seems slow and arduous.
Seek it out. Study, explore, meditate, and reflect. This process is also part of your journey. The turtle spirit also embodies perseverance. In a world that can be negative, harsh, and cruel at times, the turtle reminds you to put on your shell of resistance and keep moving forward. With their hardened shells, turtles are the ultimate symbol of protection.
Native American mothers used turtle medicine to protect their new babies, including holding sacred medicine in turtle shells. Summon the turtle spirit when you are going into a situation where you need protection. This could be a negotiation, a confrontation, or simply a new experience where you are pushing your limits. We all need to retreat into our shells from time to time, away from the chaos of the world. Then, you will be better equipped to stick your neck out, embrace new experiences, and bask in the sunshine of life.
As they are symbols of protection and retreat, turtles are also powerful symbols of healing. And, it goes without saying, always seek out help from your Higher Power and your Angels. If you have ever seen turtles basking on a log in a lake and absorbing the sunshine, you know they are peaceful beings. They would rather be peacefully coasting under water or soaking up the sunshine on shore. Summon the turtle spirit animal when you need tranquility.
Even looking at turtle images and videos can have a calming effect. In Hindu and Native American cultures, the turtle symbolizes the Earth.
In stories from both of these cultures, there are depictions of a great turtle carrying the world on his back, as well as being the creator of the world. Thus, turtles are symbols of both the vastness of the world and the Earth as a foundation for all life.
The turtle spirit asks you take a holistic view and think in terms of the big picture. If you feel unwell, focus on your overall health, not just treating symptoms.
If you are unhappy in your life, perhaps a major lifestyle change is in order. It is full of interesting people, natural wonders, and countless experiences that you have yet to discover. Get out of your shell and explore the world. As semi-aquatic animals, turtles are symbols of transformation. All of life originated in the sea, and eventually, some creatures made their way to land, including the turtle.
Yet, the turtle never completely disconnected from the water. Sea turtles especially evolved and returned full-time to the water. Although they still make the pilgrimage to land to lay their eggs. Just as their babies, once hatched, will make the journey across the sand and back into the sea. Going into water is a symbol for diving into your subconscious and your super-conscious — an altered state from your day-to-day life in the material world.
The turtle spirit embodies the ability to transition back and forth between these states. The turtle spirit animal invites to expand your consciousness. There is so much more going on than we experience in our day-to-day conscious states. The turtle spirit animal reminds you that you have the capability within you to transform any area of your life, including your thoughts.
You are the Universe in ecstatic motion. When the turtle is your spirit animal, you are blessed with an ancient understanding of the world. Instead, they choose you. Your spirit animal might come to you in a vision quest or through prayer or meditation, or in another powerful way that impacts your human experience on Earth.
If a turtle or sea turtle makes themself known to you, whether in real life or through art, the media, or elsewhere — pay attention. There are no coincidences.
As the name implies, a power animal can empower you with their most dynamic traits. For example, you can summon the turtle power animal when you:.
A turtle totem is a symbol that encapsulates the positive attributes of the animal is represents. So, a turtle totem can be a good luck talisman for bringing healing and protection in your life.
It can also be a good luck symbol when you are undergoing a transformation and hope for positive outcomes. Sea turtles, however, are a bit younger than land turtles, at about million years old. Compared to these ancient animals, we humans are youngsters. When we arrived, the turtle was already here. So, this may very well be when turtle symbolism and mythology began to take shape in the minds of our distance ancestors.
While hominids have changed much over these millions of years, turtles are pretty much the same as they ever were. Apparently, no one saw a reason to break the turtle mold. So, you can say that turtles and sea turtles are truly ancient beings who carry in their DNA the wisdom of the ages. Not only are they ancient, turtle are everywhere.
There are over and they live on every continent except Antarctica. Thus, turtles appear in the mythology and folklore of many cultures. Here are some of those stories:. Every Native American culture is unique, with their own set of traditions and beliefs. However one thing they all have in common is a deep reverence for animals and nature. For many Native American tribes, the turtle is a powerful being.
For the Native Americans, the turtle symbolizes the Earth Mother. Most turtles have 13 scales, or scutes, on the back of their shell. To Native Americans, these scutes represent the 13 full moons that we have each year.
For the Native Americans, these 28 sections represented the 28 days in a lunar month. Thus, turtles were considered a celestial symbol of Mother Earth. There is a Native American creation myth about a great flood, which covered the Earth with water.
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