Turtle symbolism might be on your mind because you’ve been dreaming about them lately or have crossed paths with one. Turtles are one of the most dreamed-about animals and common enough that it wouldn’t be unusual to encounter one.
Different types of turtles can indicate different things. But if you’re dreaming about any variation, it is a sign that you need to notice. If you come across one on a walk, a jog, or a hike, it is also worth considering what this animal might be trying to show or tell you.
What Does a Turtle Symbolize?
- Perseverance
- Wisdom
- Home and Safety
- Patience
- Tranquility
- Fortitude
- Longevity
- Gratitude
- Acceptance
Types of Turtles and Their Spiritual Meanings
Tortoise
- Like the fable of The Tortoise and the Hare, this type of turtle is a sign of perseverance and the power of showing up every day. We can accomplish anything if we keep trying.
- Tortoises can also be a sign it is time to slow down. If you are working too hard, especially in a job that doesn’t bring you joy, the tortoise might appear to tell you to slow down. This reminds you to avoid burnout, especially if you are working toward goals that matter to your employer, but not yourself.
Sea Turtle
- Sea turtles indicate fertility and creation. They are believed to be what brought Polynesians to the islands of Hawaii. It is also believed that their shells created the Hawaiian islands. Seeing a sea turtle might mean that it is time to take off on an adventure. They can also signify that you should embrace your creative side or that it’s time to start a family.
- According to the National Ocean Service, sea turtles can live to be 50 to 100 years old. They are the longest-living of all turtles and an endangered species. They are a sign to take care of ourselves so we can also live long lives.
Snapping Turtle
- Snapping turtles are a bit contrary to what most of us associate with turtle species. These “go-getters” seek out opportunities and represent determination and focus.
- Snapping turtles also symbolize confidence. Unlike other varieties of turtles, they are willing to put up a fight to defend themselves.
- A snapping turtle can also signal that you are effectively facing inner critics. Or perhaps it indicates your need to stand up to your inner demons, moving out of the shadows and into the light.
Giant Turtle
- Giant turtles have enormous significance. In ancient times, they were believed to be creators of the world. They are often said to indicate a connection to Mother Earth and a desire to protect the environment.
- Because of their relationship to the earth, giant turtles often appear as a sign that we should be grateful for the most elemental things, like the world in which we live. Making small efforts to honor the earth we live on can go a long way. And the appearance of a giant turtle indicates we may not have been mindful enough in recent days, months, or years.
- Because of their size, giant turtles can also indicate a problem that is too big to ignore. We often put off problems when they are small. The appearance of a giant turtle might suggest that something you’ve been putting off must be faced before it gets too big to handle.
Baby Turtle
- Baby turtles indicate a striving toward what we are most inclined to do. Like the hatchlings instinctively making their way to water, we all have something that drives us. The turtle inspires you to pursue what truly matters.
- As much as we might want to pursue something, leaving our comfort zone is uncomfortable. Seeing baby turtles indicates that you must be willing to leave behind what is familiar in pursuit of something better.
Turtle Totem Animal
If the turtle is your totem animal, you will likely live a long life and be grateful for every moment. If the turtle is your totem, choose where you live carefully because when you need to retreat, it’s essential that you have a place to go that feels safe.
People with the turtle as their totem are also deeply reflective. When facing problems, they respond with calmness. They take the time and create the quiet necessary to listen to their inner voice and decide the best path forward.
Because of this, others make seek you out for support and guidance. Those with the turtle totem animal like helping others, but they can become overwhelmed if they become invested in everyone else’s struggles.
Turtle Spirit Animal
Pros of a Turtle Spirit Animal
- Longevity
- Perseverance
- Nurturing
- Patience
- Wisdom
- Protectiveness
Longevity: Turtles are symbols of living a very long time, which requires that they be healthy. If the turtle is your spirit animal, you will likely take good care of your physical and mental health.
Perseverance and Patience: It takes turtles a long time to get anywhere because of the slow speeds at which they move. For this reason, they must keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward to get where they are going, no matter how long it takes.
If the turtle is your spirit animal, you will likely keep pursuing your dreams and goals, no matter how unattainable they seem. You have learned to be patient because the reward is always worth the effort you’ve put into getting to it.
Wisdom: Turtles have been around for millions of years. All this experience has taught them things about the earth we live on. People with the turtle as their spirit animal take the time to learn from nature instead of bypassing it to get to the next thing on the to-do list.
Protectiveness: The turtle’s shell isn’t just its home; it’s a source of protection. Those with the turtle as their spirit animal understand that attacks can come from anywhere and often appear when and where we least expect them.
Cons of a Turtle Spirit Animal
- Laziness
- Stubbornness
- Isolation
Laziness: Turtles aren’t just slow but also a little bit lazy. They can get stuck in their ways and tend to dislike change. Those whose spirit animal is the turtle might be so invested in moving slowly that they stop progressing toward their goals.
Stubbornness: In addition to moving slowly, turtles can be stubborn. They don’t like to challenge their preconceived notions. If the turtle is your spirit animal, you might share this closed-mindedness, which can prevent you from succeeding in life.
Isolation: Like the turtle drawing into its shell, people who have the turtle as their spirit animal may be too reclusive. Being comfortable alone is essential, but those with the turtle as their spirit animal may miss out on forming valuable friendships.
Different Color Turtle Symbolism
Blue
Blue turtles are bringers of wisdom. They bring truth and inspire inventiveness. Seeing a blue turtle could signify that you must learn something or face reality. It might also be inspiring your creative side.
Gold
Also described as yellow, these turtles symbolize grace and beauty. They indicate primitive emotions. Seeing a golden or yellow turtle could mean you are developing healthy self-esteem. Or it could be a sign that you are dealing with a primal instinct, like anger or sadness.
Orange
Orange turtles symbolize emotional expression. Seeing one could indicate that you are dealing with some repressed emotions. Or you are failing to deal with them, and the orange turtle is a way of signifying that you need to address those issues.
Black
Black turtles indicate safety and a long life. Seeing one is typically considered a good sign.
Green
Green turtles are lucky. Seeing one indicates that things are moving in the right direction in your life. They are also known as guardians and guides. Even if it seems like you are going the wrong way, seeing a green turtle means you just need to stick to it a bit longer, and you will get where you are going.
Purple
Purple turtles indicate peace and prosperity. This is particularly true when that insight has come from the advice of others.
White
White turtles signify truth but also healing. Seeing one can mean facing a reality that may be difficult to accept. Or it could mean you require healing.
Are Turtles a Good Omen?
Turtles are a good omen that reveals the universe’s interconnectedness. They often appear to show people they are on the right path in life and to encourage forward movement.
Dead Turtle Symbolism
A dead turtle signifies moving on from a long chapter or the need to change your belief patterns. It could be time to move on from a career or relationship. Or it may simply mean you must start thinking differently about your current situation.
Turtle Tattoo Meaning
People with turtle tattoos tend to be wise beyond their years but also at a point where a spiritual transformation or reawakening occurs. They might also be lovers of nature and the environment.
Those with turtle tattoos will likely live holistically in connection with the Earth.
What Does a Turtle Symbolize in the Bible?
Turtles are mentioned only once in the Bible, where they are labeled as unclean animals. They were likely avoided by most devout practitioners. But a turtle’s slow and steady pace often appears in homilies, where it is used as a metaphor for devotion and faith.
Turtle Symbolism in Astrology
In astrology, the turtle is most closely associated with the Cancer sign, known for their wisdom, family loyalty, and a strong sense of home. Like turtles, Cancers persevere and weather difficult times and situations. They are always there to help support family and friends.
What Does Seeing a Turtle in Your Dreams Mean?
You Must Endure Challenges and Persevere
Seeing a turtle in your dreams can be a sign that, like the turtle, you must keep moving slowly toward your goals. It can mean that you are struggling and need to stick to the path no matter how difficult it may become.
You Are in Over Your Head
Most turtles spend time on the land and in the water, and seeing one in your dreams could be a sign that you have gotten farther into something than you should have. Like the turtle who has waded too far into the water and is now challenged to return to land, you may have gotten too involved in something and need to back out.
You Should Trust Your Instincts
On the contrary, a dream about a turtle could indicate that you need to trust your instincts about where you are in life. Evaluating your life is essential to ensure the message you take from your turtle dreams is right.
How to Interpret a Turtle Encounter
Turtles are common in many areas and pose little risk to humans whose paths they cross. They often appear around lakes and by the ocean. They may be protective if they have a nest nearby. Otherwise, if you leave them alone, they should do likewise.
Crossing paths with a turtle may, however, be a sign.
It’s Okay to Be Alone
If a turtle crosses your path, it could indicate that you need to become more comfortable being alone. Turtles are not pack animals and tend to travel solo.
They are completely content on their own, and one crossing your path may be a sign that you need to embrace that same sense of solitude.
You Need to Break Your Mental Boundaries
A turtle crossing your path might also mean that you are stuck in your way of thinking and should reconsider your approach to life. You’ve become accustomed to a lifestyle like a turtle in its shell.
You may need to stretch your head out of your shell, look around, and reevaluate your surroundings.
You Are About to Receive Wisdom
Turtles are said to carry ancient wisdom from all the years they’ve roamed the Earth. Crossing paths with one could mean you are about to receive some of that wisdom, too.
Be open to receiving messages and knowledge if you have recently crossed paths with a turtle.
What Should You Do When You See a Turtle?
When you see a turtle, the best thing to do is leave it alone unless it is in imminent danger. If you find one in the road, do your best to move it out of the traffic flow to the side closest to a water source if it is available.
Larger turtles can be picked up with one hand on either side of the shell. If you are moving a snapping turtle, consider using a shovel, being careful not to hurt the turtle.
Turtle Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
Native American Turtle Symbolism
Native Americans believed the turtle symbolized stability. Turtles walked the earth and were thought to be well-grounded. But they also inhabit the waters, representing the connection between man and creator and the spirit and the mind.
Turtle Symbolism and Hawaiian Culture
Hawaiians consider the turtle sacred and believe it represents calmness and safety. They are common animals in this culture, and the odds of crossing paths with one are reasonably likely in this environment.
Chinese Turtle Symbolism
The Chinese associate the turtle with opulence, prosperity, and femininity. Their symbols are used as charms to help stimulate fertility.
Sufism and Turtle Symbols
The Sufis believe hatching turtles heading to the sea indicate a return to God’s guidance.
Turtle Symbolism in Christianity
Christians believe the turtle carries the weight of its shell as a burden representing sin.