Sea turtles are beautiful, elegant creatures. I was inspired from my recent trip to the New England Aquarium to make my next totem piece the sea turtle. The black and white version came out alright but I was much happier with the piece after adding color. The natural patterns of this particular sea turtle resembled flowers and I think the colors really added to that effect.

Turtle symbolism, in general, encompasses Mother Earth and our connection to her. Many different tales speak of the giant turtle carrying the entire world on it’s back. Some portray the turtle carrying the tree of life. Turtle is Earth, the mother of all life and the protector of the universe. We are all born from the Earth and one day give back what was given to us. As long as we love Turtle, love the Earth, she will love us back and we will never be alone. Abundance will follow by simply showing gratitude for what we’ve been given.

Turtle is balanced with earth and water energy. The sea turtle, with it’s strong association with water, further amplifies the meaning of life, feminine energy and fluidity. The seas are also symbolized as the womb of life. It is also home to our dreams, our subconscious and unconscious minds. The water is forever changing, a constant transition like life. We must learn to flow off Turtle’s back, allowing change and rebirth to happen. Water has no shape. Become shapeless like the sea and let new possibilities form more easily.

Sea turtles bury their eggs on the beach under the sands. The sun will do the rest of the work until they hatch and fight their way back to the sea. This tells us we need to let our ideas fully develop before we let them rise to the surface. We must build our strength before we open ourselves up to potential threats. Focus your thoughts and energies before acting to better ensure success.

If the sea turtle has swam through your mind, it is time to reconnect will Mother Earth. Ground yourself with the Universe and remember where we all come from and were we will all return. Be grateful for the life you’ve been given and Turtle will reward you with abundance and love. Show respect for the ancient wisdom that Turtle holds. She is eternal. She is our protection. She is our connection to everything great.

I hope you enjoyed my latest drawing and gained some insight learning about sea turtle symbolism. Thanks for stopping by this week. Check back next Monday for a sneak peek at my next totem animal piece.

Until next time,

“I’m the Turtle, son. I made the universe, but please don’t blame me for it; I had a belly-ache.”

*************************************************

Sources:

• Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson

• Nature Speak by Ted Andrews

• Animal Speak by Ted Andrews

• The Illustrated Signs & Symbols Sourcebook by Adele Nozedar

Ending quote from “IT” by Stephen King