One of the largest of the Sea Turtles, Green Turtle likes living in warm, shallow waters where sea grass, Her favorite food, grows. She locates the vegetation with Her excellent underwater eyesight. Swimming at great speeds underwater, She travels near the coasts in search of sea grass.
If you find Green Turtle far out to sea, She is on Her way to Her nesting beaches. She is meeting the male Turtles there for mating. Both male and female Green Turtles return to the same beaches year after year. Usually, these beaches are the same ones from which the Turtles were hatched.
Although Mother Green Turtle is awkward on land, She still comes up on the beach to build Her nest. Mother Turtle drags herself on to the beach to dig a large hole with Her flippers. Once She lays Her eggs, Mother Turtle pushes sand over the eggs. Then, She hauls Herself back over the beach to the sea.
Green Turtle teaches perseverance. Watch Her as She struggles to lay Her eggs. Graceful in the sea, Mother Turtle comes on land, an alien hostile environment, to provide a nest for Her young.
Green Turtle’s Teachings Include:
“As about, so below, and within. The gentle turtle acknowledges the delicate balance between ocean and earth, and reminds us of the importance of respecting both.” Copyright: “Wisdom of Australian Animals”, Ann Williams-Fitzgerald.
Hey kids! For more info on Sea Turtles go to SurfNetKids: Sea Turtles
Ocean Friends Reiki is here to guide you to the waters of love, power, and peaceful healing. This healing system pulls much from the animal totem/shamanic belief about these three very special beings from the sea: The manatee, seahorse, and sea turtle. Come join me on this journey toward heart, mind, and power healing. For more information, go to Ocean Friends Reiki.
Purchase adult and childrens books on Sea Turtles from Amazon.com.
Purchase Sea Turtle toys from Amazon.com.
Conservation Note: Green Turtles are legally protected in most coastal countries. They are on the brink of extinction.
Green Turtle Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Va. Carper
May 1, 2008