With so many life-changing energies and heavy life issues, I realized the topics that I’ve written about have reflected the general energies mostly around. This does not mean life has been all struggles. But I think for several months many I know have experienced more heavy energy than light, playful, and fun daily energy. I think there is a change in the air.
The other day I was thinking about how I had not had any visits from new mystical or magical beings. I’ve missed those visits from the earthen realm where they would show me something new and fun.
So I guess the lesson is be aware of what you ask for, it just might come to you. I can’t quite remember how the name came to be, but I do remember the sight of my first vision of the Mary River turtle. I was awoken by the fae. Here they said is a friend to meet. A very old, mystical, magical one with a quiet story to tell.
What a sight! In the middle of the night, had it not been for the fae, I’m not sure if my response would have been fright or laughter. This turtle looks like it has a punk or Mohawk bun on its head and a smirk for a grimace.
It is an endangered Australian reptile. The punk rock look is from algae that often grows on its head. What makes this turtle so unique is that it has the ability to breathe through its rear for extended periods of time underwater, up to three days. For this reason, it’s been given the name, bum-breathing turtle.
Its gentle disposition has made it a popular pet, which has added to its endangered status. The Mary River is also primarily a herbivorous turtle, so it is very easy to feed. It eats aquatic plants, especially the algae that gets stuck to its head, some fallen fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates like freshwater sponges and beetles. Though in captivity, they eat high-quality commercial turtle pellets. And they only need to eat 2-3 times a week.
They are very intelligent turtles, able to recognize people and use their sense of sight and smell to show that they can distinguish between caretakers. It’s said that they don’t show affection like a mammal will but will ask a caretaker for food.
These turtles have been around for about 40 million years. They are oddly able to breathe through their cloaca’s organs, that are also used for excretion and mating. Also, they have two rows of tubercles under their chin that act like feelers. And they have an exceptionally long tail that grows up to 70 percent longer than its shell.
This is a unique reptile, native only to Australia. What makes it a unique mystical magical creature was the help it received to be able to breathe underwater for so long.
Early in its existence, a gentle creature lived and thrived. It was a friend to all. The land and water were home. Being shy creatures, their preference was to live a quiet, mostly solitary life. However, they enjoyed an occasional exchange with the children of the fae that was seen as a show of affection when they brought river grass to them in exchange for a treat or two. The children loved the gentle turtles who’d bring them the sweet grasses. And how the children laughed when the turtles smirked at them with each treat offered.
Then one day, a fierce group of red foxes came intent on a fabulous feast of Mary River Turtles. The clever fox waited until they thought the children had left. In the ready they stocked before they pounced. Too shy to share when with a larger group of children, this one child waited behind. As the fox began its attack, one lone shy child had one last treat to share with a favorite turtle. In horror at seeing the skulk of foxes beginning to attack the riverbank basking turtles,who’d enjoyed their own feast of treats from the children, screamed in terror for all the children’s beloved friends. The slow-moving turtles turned in an attempt to escape. Too many were indeed the delighted dinner for the fox. First to arrive to the child’s alarming screams was a wizard.
In one quick move, he spelled the remaining turtles. What better place to survive the fox than the river? He gave them the ability to help them breathe underwater. However, all the turtles were now facing away in their slow run to the river, thus this auspicious spell landed, well, you now know where. And hence these are now the bum-breathing turtles.
As a result, they are also even more shy. Though they remain grateful and continue to be gentle creatures, always willing to smile and receive a treat.
Curious about what it’s like to meet your animal spirit guide(s)? Connect with me!