Turtle as Spirit Guide

Many Native American traditions have animal totems. They are also common in the New Age movement and in Jungian psychological archetypes. I hadn’t realized how often turtles came to me in my daily life until I realized how much my memories of snorkeling among them was helping me heal. My main focus after the EMDR therapy is to recall a place I call “Turtle Cove.” It’s a place where I’ve often tried to summon the wisdom of the large Green Sea Turtles slowly swimming alongside the colorful tropical fish in a sea of coral.

The image of snorkeling with the Green Sea Turtles is vividly set in my mind’s eye, and when I imagine being there, it makes me feel relaxed and comfortable. I use those mental images often after I feel stressed out or scared.  It was not my idea to do this, but was suggested by my therapist. Now I do it regularly, believing that I am helping myself get better.

I hadn’t remembered those beautiful turtles until I was sent a beautiful turtle necklace to inspire those relaxing times. In fact, I realized that turtles have literally been in my life for many years. There is another place near my home where there is a bridge over a drainage canal. Sometimes on a sunny warm day, there is a turtle basking on a rock structure in the sun. I don’t know what type of turtle it is, but I often see it from the bridge.

After doing a little research about the turtle, I learned that turtles represent a willingness to be careful in new situations and patient in the pursuit of goals.  They symbolize taking things slowly, taking time to assess dangerous situations to decide whether it is time to self-protect and hide, or to extend outward and forge ahead. Some say that, the turtle will show up when there is a need to go into our shell and wait until thoughts and ideas are ready to be expressed. The turtle also teaches adaptation and an effort to discover harmony within the environment.

There are more themes that show a relationship with the idea of turtle as “spirit guide.” The most obvious one is an encouragement to slow down or begin moving slowly. Turtles are known to represent longevity, because they live long lives. They remind us to persevere and to be patient. Because turtles migrate they have a connection with being excellent navigators. Finally, they suggest a spirit of tenacity and also of non-violent defense.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been snorkeling in Hawaii, and “Turtle Cove” is likely even lovelier a place in my imagination. Still I like the quiet still feeling it brings me to think about the place. I can remember slowly wading into the ocean and putting on my mask, snorkel, and flippers. The water feels cool and refreshing, and the ocean seems peaceful and calm and non-threatening.