Card and Totem for the Day - TURTLE - From Ted Andrews Animal Speak & White Eagle Medicine Cards

A great deal of mythology exists around turtle. In the far East the shell was symbolic of heaven and the square underside was symbolic of earth. The turtle was an animal who could help you unite heaven and earth within your own life. A symbol of a turtle was an invitation to the blessings of both heaven and earth.

The turtle is a shore creature using the land and water. All shore areas are associated with doors to the fairy realm. The turtle is sometimes called the keeper of the doors. Turtles were often seen as signs of fairy contact.

In Nigeria the turtle was a symbol of the female sex organs and sexuality, to the Native Americans it was a symbol of the lunar cycle, menstruation and the power of the female energies. The markings and sections on some turtles total thirteen. In the lunar calendar there are either thirteen new moons or thirteen full moons alternating each year. Turtle is the symbol of the primal mother.

Long life and groundedness within life is part of what turtle medicine teaches us. it doesn't move fast. They hear well, actually they sense vibrations in the water through their skin and shell. They are able to distinguish some colours and have a sense of smell. They hold the mystery of the awakening senses on both physical and spiritual levels. turtle stimulates hearing and clairaudience and can help with vision and clairvoyance. It heightens the sense of smell and discrimination.

Turtle's home is both land and water. We too can learn to flow harmoniously between the two. Earth teaches us to be grounded, practical and stable, allowing ourselves sufficient time to give our projects a good foundation while waiting for the right moment to take action. Water teaches us to go with the flow, allowing ease of body, mind and emotions.

If turtle has shown up in your life 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. Take your time and let the natural flow work for you. Too much too soon can upset the balance. Slow down, heighten your sensibilities and feel the connection to all things.

Turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through Mother Earth and our own inner knowing. They remind us to be grateful for the abundance bestowed upon us daily by Mother Earth. Call turtle any time you feel a bit spaced out or ungrounded. Drawing the turtle card shows you are learning to listen and respect your physical body, the earth of your being. You have learned to pace yourself and gained an intuitive knowing of the right time for some actions.