The Turtle

North America is called Turtle Island in many tribal traditions, as the world was created on a turtle's back. Turtle represents Mother Earth, grounding, and the foundation of existence. Turtle medicine teaches patience, protection, and connection to the earth.

The turtle is one of the four sacred animals, representing longevity, wisdom, and the north. The Black Tortoise is a celestial guardian. Turtle shells were used for divination. Turtles symbolize immortality, stability, and cosmic order.

The turtle (Kurma) is an avatar of Vishnu who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the cosmic ocean. Turtles represent the foundation of the universe, divine support, and the stability that allows creation to occur.

The turtle (kame) symbolizes longevity, good fortune, and support. Urashima Taro rode a turtle to an underwater palace. Turtles represent 10,000 years of life. The minogame (ancient turtle with tail of seaweed) is especially auspicious.

In many African traditions, the turtle is a clever trickster who uses wisdom rather than strength. Turtle represents cunning survival, the protection of the vulnerable, and the wisdom of those who cannot rely on speed or power.

The lyre was invented using a turtle shell. Turtles were sacred to Aphrodite and Hermes. They represented fertility, music, and the creative arts. The tortoise symbolized silence, patience, and domestic happiness.

The sea turtle (honu) is a symbol of good luck, endurance, and long life. Green sea turtles are considered aumakua (family guardians). They represent wisdom, the ability to navigate vast distances, and ancestral guidance.

The turtle represented the earth and was associated with thunder and rain. The turtle shell was a symbol of the celestial vault. Turtles connected the underworld to the heavens and represented the cycles of time.