Expanding our Symbols Journal

by Kathy Gabler

“Turtle”

      Symbolism is not an exact science to be mastered.  It is a limitless horizon to be explored.  We can research symbols, gather insights and put them in boxes.  We can close the boxes and refuse expansion or new perspective.  However, we contradict the very essence of symbolism when we try to limit it.  Symbolism is subject to many variables such as people, circumstances, setting, etc.   So, when we consider how many different people and unique circumstances and settings there are, how could we hope to master every meaning of every symbol?

      In a recent dream I read, the key symbol was turtles.  Since turtles are known most uniquely for drawing back into their shell when confronted, my first thought about a turtle was the term “hard-shelled Baptist.”  This is a description of someone indoctrinated in their theology to the point of being totally unchangeable and unapproachable.  (This of course, applies to many more denominations and individuals than the Baptist.)  The symbolic essence of the shell is an unyielding, impenetrable mindset or belief into which we can retreat for security and the comfort of familiarity.  While the shell is protection for the turtle, it also stops all progress and forward motion.  It is a picture of surviving and maintaining rather than progressing and taking ground.  Carrying the excessive mindset or belief system is awkward and slows the whole pace of life.  

      Turtles have keen eyesight and well-developed senses of smell and taste but they have no external ear openings, so they do not hear well.  Seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting but not hearing, signifies the belief system he is carrying around to be the product of four senses and experiences.  It is not a product of faith because faith comes by hearing.  Without faith it is impossible to please God.  So, we begin to grasp the significance of a turtle.  They represent the frustrating struggle to carry a belief system that we have acquired through experience or inherited, (possibly born into), without rhema or now faith.  We can get used to the load, even find security and comfort and protection in it, but the awkward, slow grind is wearisome and impedes destiny if it is information or beliefs without active, now faith.  In severe turmoil or trial and testing in life, (like a turtle being knocked on its back), such a belief system can even become a prison, completely stopping all of God’s good plans and fulfillment. 

      Most turtles make no sounds other than a hiss when they become alarmed.  This is a picture of an emotional reaction during attack but again, no word of faith with which to fight; and therefore, no victory that causes needed change.

      Among other things turtles could represent issues or doctrines or generations or paradigms that affect our lives.  The effects would be characteristic of the turtle, leaving us heavy and oppressed, surviving rather than making progress, retreating into protection or perpetuation of certain conclusions rather than moving into new revelation and taking new territory in our destiny.

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