Turtles are some of the most unique creatures on earth. They are known for their shell which they carry on their backs throughout their whole life – a life that may last for over 100 years.
They have adapted to an impressive variety of different environments around the world, thriving both on land and in water.
They embody the virtues of patience, determination, wisdom, and longevity.
The turtle reminds us to slow down and take deliberate action rather than hurrying to the finish line and to get in tune with our intuition and emotional world.
If the turtle has become present in your consciousness, you are likely someone who is patient, grounded, and dedicated to your path.
Let us take a look at the spiritual meaning of the turtle spirit animal and how you can apply its teachings in your daily life.
What Do Turtles Symbolize?
The turtle spirit animal is deeply connected to the earth and is able to stay calm and grounded even in times of turmoil. It is able to handle all different types of emotions, welcoming the fluidity of the psyche and of its home environment.
It symbolizes persistence and determination as well as emotional strength and ancient wisdom.
Sea Turtle Symbolism
Sea turtles symbolize emotional intelligence, intuition, and psychic abilities.
Sea turtles live in harmony with the energies outside of themselves and can draw inspiration and insights from their environment rather than having to go inward.
They are more sensitive than other turtles and require outside attention to tend to their well-being.
Snapping Turtle Spiritual Meaning
Snapping turtles symbolize determination, emotional healing, and chasing big goals and dreams.
They are more aggressive than other types of turtles.
Snapping turtles have a strong drive to go out and realize their dreams, no matter what or how long it takes. They are comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves, knowing they will be protected by their shell.
Snapping turtles also have the ability to go inward and face aspects of their inner darkness which may be holding them back. If the snapping turtle has stepped into your awareness, it may be time for you to explore shadow work.
Turtle Spiritual Meaning
If the turtle spirit animal is appearing to you, this strongly implies that you are drawn to ancient wisdom.
You feel at home when spending time outside with the elements, other people or animals.
You are both determined and in touch with your emotions.
Let us take a closer look at each quality that the turtle spirit animal embodies.
Tranquility
The turtle symbolizes the path of peace and harmony.
It teaches us to be determined and calm at the same time. You may want to take a break from your busy life and give yourself the space to be inspired by the outside world or by your own psychic abilities and intuition.
It is important to slow down when you are feeling overwhelmed. Resting and taking time for yourself will give you the fresh perspective that you need.
As you journey through this life, your personal development will unfold slowly through a series of steps rather than a big burst.
Protection
Just like the tortoise, a turtle carries its home on its back in the form of a shell, and it cannot leave it.
The turtle reminds us that our body is our home. It has the wisdom to protect us.
It is therefore important to consciously express gratitude for your body and take care of it as well as you can.
It is here to keep you safe and enable you to experience all the joy that this life has to offer.
Longevity
Turtles have walked the earth for millions of years and can live for a long time. They are therefore associated with longevity, health, and healing.
Some believe that turtles hold the secret to maintaining health and grace into old age.
You too can call health and wisdom into your life by meditating on the energy of the turtle.
Intuition
Turtles understand the ebbs and flows of the ocean intuitively. They trust their intuition without a doubt, which is how they are able to survive.
You are no different. Take the time to listen to the voice inside of yourself and take it seriously.
If it says go, then go. If it says retreat, then retreat. Your intuition will not lead you astray.
Duality
Turtles symbolize duality.
They are aquatic creatures, but they can also spend time on land.
Their energies are both fast and slow, masculine and feminine, logical and intuitive.
Being in touch with the duality of the universe’s energies will lead you to deep wisdom about the nature of the cosmos and enhance your ability to manifest.
Remember that to thrive in this human experience, you must accept the dualities of life, the light and the dark, the good and the evil.
To move forward in life, it’s important to embrace all sides of yourself. Understanding how to work with your best side and your negative traits is very powerful.
Strength And Perseverance
Many believe that once a turtle is flipped over on its back, it cannot move back into the upright position on its own. But this is not true. A turtle’s neck is sturdy and can help it flip back over.
What’s more, turtles have survived endless changes in the world. There are species of turtle that are now endangered because of humans, but, still, they push on.
Remember that you are capable of so much more than you think.
You are strong enough to change your life, even if things may seem hopeless or if others do not believe you can.
Connecting With The Water Element
The turtle is associated with the water element and therefore with emotion, intuition and fluidity.
It is important to embrace the ebbs and flows of life and to know that whenever there are challenging circumstances, happier times will soon follow.
Similarly, you must welcome the full spectrum of human emotion.
Feeling deep sadness, anger or grief is a part of the human experience just like joy, excitement, and bliss.
Allow yourself to be fully present for the ups and downs. This way, you are truly living life to the fullest.
From the flow of life, you will gain remarkable insights and learn to understand and express your deepest emotions.
Working With Your Turtle Spirit Animal
Call on the turtle when you wish to feel more grounded or need to slow down so that you can continue on your path with a refreshed perspective.
The turtle spirit animal teaches you to be determined and stay strong no matter what obstacles may come your way.
Listen to your gut instincts and trust that you are on the right path. Especially if you are currently working on a long-term goal, it is important to stay dedicated and perseverant.
Base your decisions on careful considerations. It might take you longer to put your plan into action, but the results will be solid and long-lasting. Slow and steady wins the race.
The turtle is protected by its shell. Examine the state of your shell, meaning your environment and the people around you. Make sure that they are your safe haven and let go of whatever is not in alignment.
Learn what it means to have a stingray in your totem.
What Does It Mean When You Dream About A Turtle?
The turtle spirit animal is connected to the throat chakra which relates to communication and emotional expression. When a turtle appears in your dream, it may mean that your higher self is communicating with you.
Go inward and listen to the message that your higher self has for you. It could give you clarity on something you have been pondering.
The turtle can help wake you up to stuck messages and energies, allowing you to understand and process them and uncover your hidden potential.
Remember that whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, it is time to slow down. Taking deliberate steps toward your goal rather than acting with haste will get you to where you need to be.
If the turtle in your dream is hiding in its shell or appearing in any kind of negative context, it may mean that you find it difficult to share your thoughts and feelings with others.
Know that your authentic expression is a gift to the world and will not lead you into danger. Remind yourself that you always have your shell to come back to when you need it, but you should not retreat into it prematurely.
Final Thoughts
When intuitive energies are aligned with perseverance, there is no goal too great to be achieved.
The turtle fully embodies this duality: It is deeply connected to the emotional and fluid nature of the ocean and the universe but also has the wisdom to not let emotions take control.
Instead, it acts calmly and deliberately, moving forward one step at a time, no matter who or what gets in the way.
When embodying the turtle spirit animal, you will be able to not only dream about your visions, but you will also have the strength and determination to bring them to life.
This powerful combination is exactly what you need in order to bring about positive change in the world.
I started Spirit of Sapphire in August 2017 after finally building up the courage to start reading tarot for people other than my loved ones.
At the same time, I embarked upon expanding my spiritual knowledge and skills and so attended various psychic mediumship courses and circles, and I also began to train as a Reiki practitioner.
I’ve designed this site to be a hub of spiritual knowledge. As I learn new things, I want to share them with you.
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