There are a number of animal figurines that are considered lucky, according to Feng Shui, such as the green dragon, red phoenix, white tiger and black tortoise. The black tortoise, in Chinese mythology, is considered as a spiritual creature which signifies longevity. It also helps in focusing the positive energy in the house.
To help you understand the benefits and right placement of tortoise figurines at home, here is a guide, for you to make the most of this Feng Shui element.
See also: All about elephant showpiece Vastu placement
Crystal tortoise face direction as per Vastu
Turtle signifies wealth. Keeping a crystal tortoise in the home or office will help one deal with financial problems and promote financial stability. A crystal turtle or tortoise also helps eliminate some Vastu defects. The tortoise figurine should be placed in the north direction, according to Vastu Shastra. The direction is ruled by the Lord of wealth, Kuber. One should note that keeping a crystal tortoise facing north direction in home or office is recommended in Vastu Shastra.
Where should a tortoise be placed at home?
Types of Tortoise | Direction for placement |
Wooden tortoise | East or southeast |
Metal tortoise | North or northwest |
Glass or crystal tortoise | Southwest or northwest |
Stone tortoise | West |
Clay tortoise | Northeast, centre or southwest |
Crystal tortoise | Northwest or southwest |
Copper tortoise | Southeast |
Places to keep tortoise at home
- North corner: Place the turtle in the wealth zone to boost career
- Bedroom: Keep the tortoise near the bed. This helps deal with anxiety and insomnia.
- Near an artificial waterfall or fish tank: This helps magnify the power of the tortoise and is considered lucky
- House entrance: This placement protects the house from negative energies
- Backyard: This placement stabilises the positive energy of the home
- In water: Brings happiness and prosperity; metal tortoises should always be kept with its feet immersed in water. Fill water in a small metal dish or bowl and place the turtle.
Place the tortoise in your ‘Tien Yi’ direction, as it can help you in fighting illness. To determine your Tien Yi direction, you need to know your Kua number which can be calculated by adding the digits of your year of birth, till you get a single digit. Now, females should add four to this number while males should subtract 11 from this number, to get the Kua number.
Places to avoid
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
Also read our article on tips for Vastu for business
Where to keep tortoise at home for wish-fulfilment?
According to Feng Shui, tortoise can be used for wish-fulfilment, as well. However, for this, you need to buy a tortoise made of metal that can be opened. Write down a wish on a yellow paper and keep this inside the tortoise and close it. Place this tortoise on a red cloth and keep it in a place where you can see it every day. Once your wish is fulfilled, remove the paper from the metal tortoise.
Where to keep tortoise at home for career growth?
- Place a metal figurine or painting of a black tortoise in the living room or the workplace. The tortoise figurine should have a Chinese coin in its mouth, as it represents growth in income.
- To ensure career growth, position the statue of turtle in home in a way that it faces the main door.
- Place the black tortoise in the north, near water features such as fountains or fish tanks, for career growth.
- There are different types of tortoises available in the market, made of metal, crystal, wood and stone. A stone tortoise should be placed near the main entrance, if it faces the west direction, while a metal tortoise should be placed in the north or the north-west direction. Similarly, a crystal tortoise should be placed in the south-west or the north-west direction. An earthen or wooden tortoise can be placed in the east or south-east direction of your home.
In Vastu Shastra, turtle is regarded auspicious animal. In Hindu religion, lord Vishnu took the form of tortoise in his second avatar. Keeping a figurine of turtle in home brings good luck. Crystal tortoise in Vastu brings benefits. It should be placed in the southwest or northwest side of the house.
See also: Tips for placing 7 horse painting as per Vastu
How to keep Feng Shui tortoise at home for protection?
The best Feng Shui placement of the tortoise, is in the back of the house. In an office environment, you can place a small tortoise behind your seating place. Outdoors, you can place a tortoise in the back of your garden. If you have a stone tortoise positioned close to a west-facing front door, it will bring protection to the main door. If you choose this application of Feng Shui, be sure that the turtle is facing towards the main door.
Where to keep tortoise to promote health?
For combating illness and promoting health, statue of turtle in home should be placed facing the best direction, for the inhabitants of the home. This is calculated by looking into one’s Kua number (a system of numerology based on your birth year and gender), the birth Feng Shui element, as well as the current Feng Shui energies for the year.
Where to keep the tortoise for positive energy at home?
The presence of a tortoise turtle in home channelises the positive energy within the house. To boost feel-good vibes turtle figures can be placed on the back garden or porch. To protect the home from negativity a turtle can also be placed at the entrance. Keeping it at the main door also helps maintain peace in the house. The minor disagreements among the family members do not turn into fights. Placing a statue of a turtle near a waterfall or fish tank is considered fortunate for the house.
Significance of tortoise in various cultures
The tortoise or turtle in home is an auspicious symbol in many cultures and is believed to bring good health, longevity and good luck. Tortoises are considered celestial animals and in both, Chinese and Hindu mythology, they are important. In Hindu mythology, the tortoise is the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu the Kurma Avatar. According to legend, lord Vishnu took the tortoise avatar during Samundra Manthan. The tortoise was sacred to the Greek god Hermes, the messenger god, who was a promoter of peace. Some native American beliefs are that the world is carried on a turtle’s back.
According to Chinese mythology, a tortoise has a life span three times longer than a crane. Thus, keeping tortoise figurines denote longevity and long healthy life. Moreover, the tortoise is a feng shui talisman of safeguard and immunity against evil forces.
Types of tortoise
To avoid any ill-effects, you should know that every turtle figurine in your home serves a different purpose. Let us see what the different types are and where they should be placed.
Metal tortoise
Metal turtles should be put in the north or the north-west direction. Such turtle figurines in home attracts good fortune into the lives of children, sharpen their minds and boost their concentration.
Crystal or glass tortoise
Tortoise figurines made of crystal or glass can be placed in the southwest or northwest directions. Such figurines promote good luck, wealth and prosperity. A crystal tortoise can face east or north direction in home or office.
Wooden tortoise
All wooden turtles or tortoises should be put in the east or south-east corner, as it tends to remove negative energies from your home. It is also beneficial for bringing positivity to the lives of your family members.
Female tortoise
One of the popular types of figurines, Female turtle in home symbolises children and family. Place this turtle in your home, to avoid any disputes within the family.
Tortoise with coins
If you can find tortoise figurines, which are depicted with Feng Shui coins, you can use it to attract money and to improve health and family life.
Triple tortoise
Three tired or triple tortoises, as per Feng Shui, symbolise harmony among family and friends. It promotes good luck, love and bonding in the family. Place this turtle in your home to protect the family from bad luck and unfortunate events.
Dragon turtle
There are unique specimens available in dragon turtle form, which is a Feng Shui cure for eliminating negative energies. It is a mystical combination of the energies of the turtle in home with the energies of the dragon.
Hematite tortoise
If you have a family member who is suffering from a terminal illness, you might choose a tortoise made from hematite for its symbolic value in combating health issues. You can also choose one made from rose quartz, as this is believed to improve love relationships.
Rhinestone tortoise
If you have been struggling with a financial crisis for a long time, you can keep a turtle made of rhinestone in the house. Keep it in the north direction of the house with its head pointing inward.
Clay tortoise
To bring stability in your life, place a clay turtle in home. This type of tortoise reduces the fluctuations in life and brings peace, harmony, longevity and money.
The green dragon
To improve your dedication, you can keep the green dragon turtle in home, which is also the guardian of the east direction.
The red phoenix
If you are seeking fame and popularity, red phoenix tortoises should be kept in the south direction, as this is the symbol of reputation.
Black tortoise
If you are seeking career growth or business development, place a black tortoise or turtle in home in the north direction.
Blue tortoise
The colour blue is associated with calmness and tranquillity and denotes the water element. According to Vastu, one can place a blue-coloured tortoise to bring calm vibes in the house.
Purple tortoise
According to Vastu, one can also keep a Purple tortoise in the house. The colour denotes respect, trust and faith.
Yellow tortoise
Yellow is a colour associated with sunlight, optimism and happiness. Moreover, it is considered an auspicious colour with spiritual vibes. Thus, keeping a yellow tortoise at home is considered lucky.
Red tortoise
A red tortoise is considered a symbol of reputation, according to Feng Shui and Vastu. Thus, one can keep this in the suitable direction to gain fame and recognition.
Copper tortoise
Invite good luck by placing a copper turtle figurine in the southeast corner, also known as the wealth sector. You can also keep the turtle near the bed, which promotes sound sleep. The copper turtle is believed to invite wealth, success and power.
Where to place different types of tortoise?
Currently, the market is flooded with different types and varieties of tortoises for home decor. You can choose and keep them according to the table given below. However, keep a few things in mind, such as:
- If you want stability in relationships, do not place a single tortoise – keep them in a pair.
- You can also keep a ‘family’ of tortoises, like a small and big tortoise together, in the south-west direction.
- For relationships, use a brass tortoise as it represents stability.
Type of tortoise | Placement |
Metal tortoise | North or north-west |
Wooden tortoise | East or south-east |
Glass/crystal tortoise | South-west or north-west |
Stone tortoise | West |
Best day to place a tortoise
According to Vastu experts, weekdays such as Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, are considered to be the best days to place tortoise figurines in the house. You can also consult the local priest or choose the auspicious time according to the Panchang (Hindu Calendar).
Benefits of keeping tortoise at home
- Tortoise figurines attract positive energy. It is believed that keeping it in your bedroom can help fight insomnia.
- Tortoises also attract wealth, prosperity, peace, good fortune and strength.
- The long life cycle of the tortoise symbolises immortality.
- Keeping tortoise in water doubles its effect.
- A tortoise brings firmness to your personal and professional life.
- Place the tortoise at the entrance, to safeguard your home from negative energy.
- Keep it near an artificial waterfall or fish tank, to magnify the power of the tortoise.
- Keeping the tortoise in the north, is good for your career.
- A mound-shaped turtle kept in the backyard, is considered essential for safety and security.
- Female turtle figurines represent children and family, which helps eliminate disputes within the family.
Benefits of tortoise for students
In Vastu and Feng Shui, keeping tortoise in a suitable direction at home can be beneficial for students as it improves concentration levels. Placing metal turtles in north direction enhances their concentration while keeping them in the northwest direction helps sharpen their minds.
Enhance home décor with good luck tortoise
One can opt for decorative items at home based on the tortoise theme to balance the ‘chi ‘or positive energy, bring good health, and also promote bonding in relationships. In a balcony or garden keep a decorative tortoise planter for good luck. One also gets miniature tortoise pots in various colours which are ideal for indoor plants. Enhance the beauty of the room with a centre table that has a tortoise as a pedestal. Turtle designed wallpaper, wall art or turtle-shaped cushion especially in the North direction increases positive energy. Turtle shaped metal Diya stands have been traditionally used in puja rooms to attract good fortune. Keep a decorative tortoise water fountain at home to attract prosperity.
Is it good to keep a live tortoise at home?
Tortoises have been associated with auspicious results when placed in the Vastu-recommended direction. Further, according to Vastu experts, keeping a live tortoise at home is highly auspicious. They denote abundance and attract wealth and prosperity in the house. A live tortoise should be kept in the north or north-east part of the house. The north direction is associated with wealth, positivity and prosperity. The north direction is associated with Kubera, the god of wealth. Hence, keeping a tortoise in this direction is regarded auspicious.
A live tortoise at home can be kept in a large tank with a few aquatic plants, basking wood, sand and adequate water. Choose the tank size that it is comfortable the tortoise.
Is it good to place a tortoise in the office?
Keeping tortoise figurines in an office or workplace is considered to be auspicious, according to Vastu. Placing a tortoise in the north corner of one’s office functions as a protector and prevents all negative energies.
Which tortoise symbolises family and children?
The female turtle denotes children and family and helps prevents any disputes that arise within the family unit.
FAQs
Which direction should the tortoise face?
Tortoise figurines should always be placed facing the east direction.
Is it lucky to keep a tortoise at home?
Yes, depictions of tortoises are considered lucky.
Is turtle good for Feng Shui?
Yes, turtles are good, as per Feng Shui.
What is the symbolic meaning of a turtle?
Turtles symbolise longevity, wisdom,wealth, perseverance, retreat, tranquillity, hope, the Earth and change.
What is the difference between a turtle and tortoise?
Turtles can be aquatic, semi-aquatic, or mostly terrestrial. Tortoises live on land and are herbivores. The word tortoise or turtle are often used interchangeably. It is one of the sacred symbols in Feng Shui.
Can one keep artwork with tortoises at home?
One can place tortoise artwork, such as paintings or photos at home, to attract positive energy, wisdom, protection and longevity for the inhabitants.
Is it lucky to keep a tortoise in the office?
Keeping a silver turtle in the shop or office is auspicious when starting a new business and to enhance luck.
Can one keep a tortoise in the garden?
Yes, it signifies good luck and also aids in protection from bad energy.
What are the benefits of keeping Jade tortoise at home?
In Feng Shui, jade is considered auspicious and brings good fortune. Jade tortoise improves health and harmony among the family members and also gives protection from negative energy.
Can turtle figurine be used as a Vastu remedy?
Yes, a tortoise figurine when placed in the correct direction can reduce the architectural defects of the house. Brass tortoise works as an aid to Vastu correction as it has the power to balance and harmonize the environment. Vastu Dosh tortoise should be placed in the Vastu fault area as per suggestions from an expert.
Is gifting a tortoise figurine good?
Tortoises symbolise good luck and longevity, as per Vastu. Thus, you can consider gifting a glass or crystal tortoise to someone to wish them good luck in their endeavours. Keeping tortoise figurines at home also helps remove negative energies from the house.
Where should you keep a brass tortoise at home?
As per Vastu experts, you can keep a brass tortoise figurine in the north or northwest corner of the house. This will attract positive vibes and invite good fortune for the family members. This is especially beneficial for children and improves their concentration levels.
What happens if tortoise dies in home?
When a tortoise dies, it does not bring any bad luck. It should be removed from the house. According to Feng Shui, tortoises only bring good luck and blessings. However, in some cultures, a tortoise death is regarded as bad luck or symbol of evil.
What does seeing tortoise in dream mean?
Tortoises are associated with patience, wisdom and relaxation. Generally, seeing a tortoise in a dream denotes career and fortune.
Where to keep tortoise in home to resolve financial problems?
Keep a crystal tortoise at home in the north or south corner, which will help resolve financial issues and bring stability. The crystal tortoise should face north direction when kept in offices and homes, which attracts wealth.
(With inputs from Surbhi Gupta and Purnima Goswami Sharma)
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Harini is a content management professional with over 12 years of experience. She has contributed articles for various domains, including real estate, finance, health and travel insurance and e-governance. She has in-depth experience in writing well-researched articles on property trends, infrastructure, taxation, real estate projects and related topics. A Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, Harini prefers reading motivational books and keeping abreast of the latest developments in the real estate sector.