Celtic Turtle Symbology
Celtic Turtle Symbology
In Celtic history and lore the turtle is known as the keeper to the doors of the faerie realm. Turtles sense vibrations through water and through their skin and shell, they are amazing survivors; with very good hearing and sense of smell. From "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews, "If turtle has shown up, it is time to get connected to your most primal essence. Go within your shell and come out when your ideas are ready to be expressed. It is time to recognize that there is an abundance out there for you." In the modern story of the tortoise and the hare, the turtle represents patience, tenacity, and longevity. The turtle uses its hard exterior shell as a means to carry the troubles of the world on its back, as well as to protect itself from harm. The turtle is an earth wanderer, grounded, and sure in its footing.
Contest Winner: Tell Us What the Turtle Means To You
We asked you to tell us what Turtle means to you, both here and on our Facebook page, and there were so many interesting and heartfelt stories. The one that captured our hearts the most is by S. Treadwell, whose winning post is this:
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"I am a member of the Long Island Unkechaug, a tribe of fisherman who were 'the turtle clan' and saw the turtle in our native lore as the bedrock under the oceans that created the continents that we live on. The "mother earth" to many is the back of a massive sea turtle, with the dirt and ground being what she pulled up from the depths of the ocean so we could live. It is a powerful, spiritual, and very significant symbol in Native american lore, especially to my tribe."
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104 Comments
The turtle for me means many things but mostly patience, persistance, and strength. I always remember the childhood tale of the turtle and the hare and it helps keep me on task and in focus of my goal. Fascinating creatures of the Earth!
The Turtle is strength and persistence, it unites earth and water. But like the hard diamond it is brittle; have you heard a turtle cry when on its back?
I’m similar to a turtle. The turtle’s hard exterior protects it from harm and I have strong exterior when around others that protects me from being hurt. However, once I am comfortable I express my ideas. I have faced many difficulties, but I am grounded in my faith and beliefs.
The turtle is a slow, gentle animal that can help you see into the future. The turtle has no malice for anyone, he simply wants to get from here to there. The turtle can tell you of a degrading environment by producing few offspring. He can tell you of a greedy environment by watching only a few of his hatchlings make it to the water, he can tell you of a caring environment by observing people helping his offspring make it into the surf. The turtle is a soothsayer because he is a species we can watch to see how healthy our world is. We need the turtle.
Congratulations Sharon – you are a runner up in our turtle contest. Please email janet@celticjewelry.com with your email address so we can send you a gift certificate at celticjewelry.com