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.