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:
Â
"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."
Â
104 Comments
As a disabled person, someone who lives in chronic pain, the turtle is my favorite symbol.
He reminds me that slow is ok because I will get to my journeys end regardless. He whispers in my ear encouragement and holding steadfast to determination.
When I think of my Scottish roots and the turtle, I’m reminded of lessons in overcoming challenges of great or minor consequence. I will only lose if I allow myself to flip over and stop fighting.
Lastly, like the noble and wise turtle, my home is where ever I make it. I do not need the burden of accoutrements, only to lay down and rest safely within.
In the 1960’s my father did a lot of work in the Mojave Desert as he was a geology professor. Mys mother, brother, and myself would accompany dad and we had many wonderful moments in that beautiful region. One of the more special things we would occasionally come across would be a desert tortoise. It is very rare to find one in the desert now and to me it represents wonderful family times and moments of wonder.
Turtles move slowly but they have very long life spans. They are soft on the inside but strong on the outside, and can pull into themselves when in danger. It symbolizes to think before you act, and go inside yourself to find answers.
I am a writer and life coach. Writing, paradoxically, requires both vulnerability and a thick shell, so the turtle is the perfect writer’s totem. In addition, turtles can go a long way taking short steps, also a useful writing tool. Turtles are a powerful symbol in life coaching, too, as tangible reminders to stick our necks out, take turtle steps, and remember that we always have a sanctuary within ourselves.
To me, the turtle will always be associated with my favorite fantasy series, Discworld. The Discworld is a flat world that travels through space on the back of four elephants balanced on the back of an enormous turtle. This fantasy
world was based on world myths from many countries.