Turtle Medicine - To Shake the Earth

Turtle is an ancient symbol for the earth. Many Native Americans refer to North America as Turtle Island because when the earth was once covered with water, Turtle journeyed to the bottom of the ocean, bringing earth up on its back so that animals and people could have a home. The turtle rattle heard on the soundtrack of "Turtle Medicine" is an ancient symbol of Turtle Island. According to the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), when the turtle rattle is shaken, "the earth stops to listen." When Mother Earth hears the sound of the turtle rattle, all of creation awakens and moves to its shaking beat. "To Shake the Earth" is a metaphor often used in Iroquoian communities to describe the purpose of the turtle rattle. Turtle asks us to honor and respect the reciprocal cycle of give and take. Be mindful of returning to the earth what she has given you. Mother Earth provides everything we need to live and flourish. Express your gratitude through prayer and offerings.