Turtle Spring

The turtles of Greenlake have emerged from winter dormancy to reassure Seattleites that spring has truly, dependably arrived.

These self-contained, quiet creatures are steeped in mythology; for centuries, turtles have been considered to magically unite heaven and earth. They symbolize longevity, for they are long-lived and seemingly ageless. Turtles represent female energies and the primal Mother Earth. It is said that four elephants standing on the back of a giant turtle hold up the world.

 All winter as Bridget and I circumnavigate the lake early in the morning, I keep watch for turtles on the logs near the shore. I saw my first sunbathing turtle just yesterday morning; a celebratory event captured on film by musician and fellow early-morning-lake-walker Lauralee Smith. The waters of Greenlake are warming up, the sun is sufficiently strong to coax the turtles out onto the logs - I hope we can all take a cue from these basking turtles and find a moment to revel in the pleasures of springtime. 

 

 

Comments

[Teresa Lawson]

It wasn't just the turtles who enjoyed the beautiful sun yesterday! When I took my mother out to the garden, she stretched her head up into the sun and beamed in all directions. Now that I see these pictures of the basking turtles, I recognize their spiritual affinity! (P.S. I'm glad to find your blog!)