Happy Holidays

We here at Charlotte’z We[b]log wish you a Merry Christmas. Or Happy Hanukkah, or whatever holiday it is you are or were celebrating this week. Maybe Boxing day - now see, I’m a little confused about this particular holiday because it represents one of my cousins - the Box Turte, or does it not? Needless to say - or, rather, it goes along to say - Whatever holiday you are celebrating this time of the year, if any….. may your days be merry and bright.

The World Turtle

Remember how I keep mentioning that thing about the turtle carrying the weight of the world on HER back?  Furthermore, for the sake of accuracy, take notice to the femininity of said reptile, SHE is as our Earth; our MOTHER.  

Let us dig a worm out of this and discuss a little deeper-

These religious cultures that believe(d) that the world is supported by a turtle held up by four elephants...It is a belief held most significantly in the Hindu religion - though there is mention of it within the Chinese culture, as well as the Iroquois Indians of North America, and other Indian tribes, too.

This is an account of the beginning of creation which is recognized throughout several other religious civilizations as well.  Nearly as popular as the story of Genesis in the Christian religion, the story of the turtle as a worshipped entity dates back millenia to the early Mesopotamian people.  Turtles have represented divinity and closeness, if not oneness, with GOD.  If you’ll note - Mesopotamian cultures are some of the first documented of your species - homo sapien sapien.  Think on this now, the first people of documented time in the essence of history were noted to have worshipped turtles, first, above all other entities.  

There is actually a temple in India dedicated to “Kurma” a turtle avatar that saved a local tribe as they called for their God to guide them to victory in war, sometime in the 16th century.  Perhaps you are familiar with Vishnu, a God with Great Powers and influence in the Hindu religion.  Vishnu has four arms and is said to have derived his powers from the turtle through an incarnation of life.

Needless to say - we are rounding out our definitions of turtles within the simplicity of their representation of Peace and other mythological symbols.  Allow yourself to embrace the tranquility that the the turtle brings you, as a higher deity might.  While science says the world is round, some people say we are merely walking along on a turtle’s back.  Should this be the case, perhaps we should pay some homage to the one with all that strength.

 

Peace

Oh how the tidings sing a merriful tune...

 

I do so hope you are all settling in to your cozy chairs by the fireplaces and enjoying the carols of the season.  Here at the pond, the decorations are going up and the music is cheery.

 

In continuting with our spiritually signifcant influence of the turtle, this week we are discussing the folklore of the Chinese, and the prominence of the turtle upon their culture.

Whilst sharing this valuable lesson, may the truth of the Chinese Proverb for happiness be with you always:

 

To obtain happiness for one hour - drink WINE.  To obtain happiness for one year - be MARRIED.  To obtain happiness for a lifetime - grow a GARDEN. 

 

I like gardens!  My human drinks wine!  We are going to live for a long long time!

 

Moving along..... Spirituality is an important component of life, love and much much more. And so, in speaking of sitting in your comfy chair by the fire, let us focus our attention to the representation of happiness and good health in which my ancestors play a pivotal role.

 

In ancient times and throughout today, the turtle has been and continues to be an illustration for (good) health.  (Need we really mention here, the longevity factor?)  One should mimick the very way of the turtle in order to live sustainable, healthy, peaceful lives.  Even without the wine, the marriage or gardens.

 

Also be reminded of previous reference of the impact upon so many ancient civilizations in the account of the purity of life which turtles represent because of their strength, endurance and propensity.

 

Now, remember the FOUR elements of our lives? ...

Immediately we should recognize the turtle representing the life element for WATER.  Among the others, Earth, Wind and Fire.  Of course, we also know the turtle represents EARTH in other fables around the world and therefore, we must take into account the purity and fundamental component of exemplary value which the turtle offers. 

 

Because of these extremely influential elements in our lives and the vital role they play in sustainable, peaceful living - the turtle is also a strong element in Feng Shui, which is 'a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy.'  In other words, a fancy definition for decorating your home with the correct energy for your own spirit (as the Chinese believe).  This can teach us the influential role of the turtle even whilst you may not have one in your home.  The turtle, in Feng Shui is one of just four 'celestial' animals which serve as powerful forces of energy within the home - real or not.  Notice, the Green Dragon, the White Tiger, the Red Phoenix and the Black Turtle listed as animals which should be placed throughout the home in separate corners, all corresponding to their energies which will bring peace and harmony to said home. 

 

Following the same precedent:  There are only four "animals" that were worshipped in ceremonies as possessing spirit within the ancient Chinese civilizations - the Horned Rhino, the Phoenix, the Turtle and the Dragon.  Kinda makes one wonder if the Phoenix and the Dragon may have reallly existed at one time because of the significance in the folklore regarding these ever majestic souls.

 

And now, as a new year approaches and a season of joyful time and laughter is upon us, may we rejoice in the simplicity of the turtle and the peace she brings.

Totems

As the yuletide season is upon us throughout so many cultures this time of the year, we find it prime time here at Charlotte’z Weblog to speak of the history of the significance of turtles throughout these different civilizations. This week the focus is on Totems. Recognized by several Native American Indian Cultures as animals which depict certain characterized determinations in our lives, turtles are said to be the totem which teaches us determination and instinct. If you’ll remember the mention in a previous post, in ancient times, the turtle represented the WORLD itself. That’s a pretty big weight to carry. No wonder we wear these heavy duty shells! This particular history resonates within the Native American culture most notably as the American continent itself is represented as the “Turtle Island”. Although, this is also a known remembrance in the Hindu and Chinese cultures. “Turtle shows us it’s time to slow down”… Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? It could have been the turtle and the rabbit, too. Depending on when you grew up, and where. Nonetheless... the turtle, in some cultures and religions holds many sacred attributes even relative of their characteristically slow moving status. They are known figures of perseverance and protection. Turtles represent creation and longevity in so much as many of these cultures throughout the world celebrate their traditions with the turtle in mind. The American Indian was no exception. A sure culture representative of determination - could be because of their undying faith to their totems. The wisdom of totems offer specific areas of dynamic value within each animal of the kingdom. In this, the turtle specifies the way of Peace with a heavy influence on feminine energy - serving as the energy of Mother Earth herself. Mother Earth, which requires Peace and Harmony. Turtle teaches us balance and provides us with positive energies. I like to think, even while ‘Turtle’ is not my human’s totem animal… I can provide her with the influences of my spirit. While each person roaming this gigantic planet has their own totem animal, only some of us may ever learn, perhaps by the guidance of the turtle, which wild beast rules our universe. In the meantime, you and I may celebrate this holiday season in whichever tradition we may so choose. Perhaps your spirit animal is the bear and you are hibernating this time of the year. Or maybe you have a Wolf watching over you and you will be close with family and friends. Whatever your guidance… remember, as turtle does, follow your heart (which is where your instinct lies anyway).