The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) represents the Earth and is the keeper of the Earth elemental in the oral tradition of many Native American nations. In Southwestern cultures, the tortoise has ancient significance: the earth was at one time all water until a giant tortoise arose from the water and offered her shell as a home for all creatures.

The unique characteristics of tortoises – their physical form, long life, slow pace of travel – express the ideals of stamina for survival, enduring patience, and courage in hopeless situations; and contribute to their aura of sacredness.

"Tortoise reminds us that the way to heaven is through the earth. Mother Earth is all that we need; she will care for us, protect us, and nurture us as long as we do the same for her. For that to happen, we must see our connection to all things. Just as Tortoise cannot separate herself from her shell, neither can we separate ourselves from what we do on or to the Earth."