The Story Behind the “Duality of Turtle” Pendant

Hello my friendly hooters! A couple of days ago, I finished my favorite beaded piece of wearable art to date: a pendant I call “Duality of Turtle.”

As with most of my “Living Out Loud” or “Mystical Jewelry” collection pieces, it has a deeper story and meaning. In this case, the meaning has two elements.

1. The Family Story I first met my granddaughter when she was 10 years old, and ever since, I have been a daily part of her life. I have been living with my daughter and my granddaughter for almost two years now. When I first met my granddaughter and observed her for a while, I gave her the nickname “Turtle” or “my turtle-y turtle.”

Turtle takes things very slowly. When she feels “hurt,” she withdraws like a little turtle pulling her head into her shell. Like most children of her generation, she has her head in her tablet most of the time, but don’t let that fool you. She is a clever girl, very loving, and now being a pre-teen (she’ll turn 13 this year), she has the emotional and hormonal swings of a girl slowly growing toward womanhood.

When you take a closer look at the pendant, you see two turtles in the “yin and yang” position, floating on water and surrounded by green representing the grounding environment around her (think of going from water onto earth, like a meadow or grass). Those two turtles represent the two sides of the emotions she goes through from time to time.

The blue turtle represents those times Turtle is feeling sad, moody, anxious, or misunderstood—times when her emotions are making her feel "blue." Her mood sinks lower, and without help, it sinks downwards. Those are the days when her energy becomes heavier and her interest in anything wanes.

The colorful turtle (green and yellow-white) represents her upbeat times—when she is happy, playful, accomplished, and curious. During those times, she is ready to swim upstream and take on the world.

This is the duality of Turtle. The closer to her teenage years she gets, the more often her mood swings from blue to colorful, but no matter what, she is always surrounded by the love of her maternal bloodline—her mom and I (the blue water she swims on and grows in). Besides, my Turtle loves to be in the water, so I often joke with her and ask... "Are you a water turtle today?"

When I first began this piece, it started as a mental illustration of what I just shared with you. I wanted to make it tangible for someone who is (or has) a “turtle” dealing with the see-saw of emotions and could benefit from being held steady by a pond or ocean of love.

2. The Spiritual Symbolism of the Turtle

• Longevity and Endurance: Turtles are known for great lifespans. They remind us that a slow, steady pace—facing challenges with grace and persistence—wins the race over speed and carelessness.

• Protection and Safety: A turtle carries her safe space with her in the form of the shell upon her back. It reminds us to create our own emotional, mental, and physical spaces to which we can retreat when life becomes too much. Carry your sanctuary with you.

• Wisdom and Knowledge: Turtles represent the wisdom gained from a long life. It reminds us of the value of experience. Life is not a race; Turtle says to take your time and learn as you go.

• Adaptability: Turtles thrive in different environments, from forests to oceans. Turtle reminds us of the importance of staying adaptable to the world around us.

• Home and Security: Being self-sufficient and carrying their homes on their backs, turtles remind us that true safety comes from within.

These are the blessings I send along with this “Duality of Turtle” pendant to the lucky “little turtle” who receives it as a gift—be that yourself or someone you love. I hope you’ll fall in love with this piece, which was created with much care over the span of 14 hours (it required a lot of patience!).

About the Materials The materials were purchased at Hobby Lobby, Temu, and another online store. I know many people turn their noses up at what they consider “lower value” because of the price of materials. Yet, to me, it is not the cost of the materials that creates beauty; it is the love, effort, and time spent nurturing something meaningful into existence.

Like people who are judged by humble beginnings, these materials do not come from places of “high prestige.” But as I wove them together, they became a treasure of symbolic and spiritual beauty.

Because this piece is handmade, it requires a bit of extra care, just like our little Turtle. Do not get it wet, keep it out of direct heat, and be gentle with it. If you treat it with respect, it will be with you for a long time.

The pendant features various sizes of irregular seed beads. I chose irregular beads as a nod to the ups and downs of life. Life is not perfect or uniform, and neither is this piece. I used strong, heavy-duty beading thread, felt for backing, a wire frame for stability, and a layer of cardstock.

Yes, this "Witchy woman" will purchase products from a Christian-owned company like Hobby Lobby because I refuse to be influenced by religious bias or hatred. We each must walk our own path, and still find a way to support one another. I see the individuals working there—fellow human beings who, just like you and I, depend on making a living.

The two little turtles were purchased from a USA-based shop on Temu a year or so ago. Finally, the backing is faux leather. I enjoy working with it and find the texture pleasing to the eye.

This pendant is sturdy and has a nice weight to it. I did not add a necklace, as I wanted to give you the freedom to pair it with your favorite chain or cord.

If you’d like to make the "Duality of Turtle" your own, please visit this listing: [To see the listing and purchase click here!]

("This photo is raw and unedited—just like life, and just like the spirit of this piece.")

Thank you for taking your valuable time to visit my newest blog post and for reading this admittedly lengthy post.  

Until next time, my friendly hooters, 

With love and many blessings 

Oma Regina