Turtle Medicine

I read Lynn Andrews' Writing Spirit last winter. Ordinarily I speed read, and then return and reread a book. This book slowed me to a page or two a day, otherwise I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

To begin with I was intimidated by the idea of identifying my writing ally or animal totem. I have walked with a myriad of earth’s creatures, winged ones, four leggeds and water beings. How to find the one specific to writing? As well, I love to write and the idea of finding a guiding writing totem now had an emotional attachment, had become important. This I know is the best way to get in my own way. Instead of muddying the waters wondering, I let the want to know go. Occasionally my thoughts circled the question, nothing came and I made no effort to penetrate.

I stumbled across my answer. I waited before speaking that I might sit with the feeling of Cosmic Turtle as my writing ally. I was and am in awe of this totem. There is no possibility of hiding my light from myself when I look in this mirror.

I haven’t returned to Lynn’s book Writing Spirit for guidance or validation. Yet. I feel the truth. The signs have been there. Now I fathom the irresistible urge I followed years ago to carve a swimming turtle from soapstone. I never carved before or again.

Turtle characteristics include: (from the www.geocities.com/~animalspirits/ website)
Symbol of the earth
Connection with the center
Navigation skills
Patience
Self Boundaries
Associated with the feminine
Power to heal female diseases
Respecting the boundary of others
Developing new ideas
Psychically protecting oneself
Self reliance
Tenacity
Non violent defense

I honour and welcome these aspects. I am humbled by the magnificence of this ally.

I am honoured to share this sacred space with you. My spirits rejoices at having a community with whom to share, a community that dares.