the tortoise is -
the waters; the moon; the Earth Mother; the beginning of creation; time; immortality; fecundity; regeneration.
In China it is possessed with oracular powers.
The Cosmic Tree grows out of the back of the tortoise.
An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Traditional Symbols by J. Cooper
In the beginning there was a great tortoise who supported the world.
Upon him all ultimately rests.
He is all-wise and can outrun the hare.
in the night his eyes carry him to unknown places.
William Carlos Williams
