Finally, in June 2019, I had the courage to set my turtle mosaic in concrete (it had been ready for months!).
My Turtle Mosaic (detail) 
My Turtle Mosaic 
My Turtle Mosaic (in situ)
Click on the images for larger versions
When we arrived here, there was a simple printed sign by our pond that said ‘Welcome to Turtle Pond’. So this became to us ‘The House at Turtle Pond’.
I loved this for so many reasons. It is factual – we really do have a lot of both Snapping and Painted Turtles. I included elements of both these in my depiction of a turtle.
Snapping Turtle 
Midland Painted Turtle
Turtle symbolism
The symbolism seemed so very much in keeping with where I feel myself to be in my life.
We are immigrants to the American continent, which is referred to as “Turtle Island” in Indigenous folklore. She carries the continent or the earth on her back. The same image exists in both Hindu and Chinese cultures. My turtle carries the world on her back, incorporating the black, white, red and yellow of the medicine wheel. This has so many interpretations but for me was primarily about the wonderful diversity of humankind.
Turtle symbolism includes:
- the Earth/Mother Earth
- the ability to stay grounded, even in moments of disturbances and chaos
- a natural attunement to the elements, land, plants, people and animals
- slowing down, pacing yourself
- determination, persistence
- emotional strength and understanding
- ancient wisdom
- good health and longevity
The turtle totem wisdom teaches us about walking our path in peace and sticking to it with determination and serenity.
I can’t think of a much better list of attributes to embrace right now!
June 2019