I had a totem painted on my drum

Last year in November I took a class and made my own drum. We used Mexican cowhide. This year I decided to have a totem painted on it. I picked the turtle/tortoise as my totem.  I thought about the eagle but my son had a land tortoise for several years.  I took care of her when she was first born and was with her the day she died. Her name was Rocket. So I am honoring “Rocket” by having a tortoise painted on my drum.

Here is the meaning behind Turtle as an animal totem:

Turtle is a symbol of longevity, endurance, persistence, and the continuation of life (sometimes against incredible odds). 

It is also a powerful totem for protection because you can withdraw into your shell. Which makes it is an amazing self-defense mechanism.

Affirmation for Turtle Medicine – “I am open to moving with the flow of life that I will find fulfillment.”