In Chinese lore the tortoise is a revered figure of wisdom and knowledge. He is said to carry the pattern of all existence on his back. He also represents Creation. The tortoise may, of course, simply be an image of a pet as an object that is loved. It may also, however, be a symbol for long life. For those undertaking esoteric studies, the tortoise in dreams may signify the need to consider Chinese systems of belief. The tortoise for most people suggests slowness but also perhaps thoroughness. It also in dreams signifies a shell that perhaps we or others round us have put up in order to protect or defend ourselves. Consult the entries for Chinese in Indigenous Peoples and Pet as well as the information on Reptiles in Animals.
Longevity, patience, persistence over time; self-protection, hiding, withdrawing, fear of social interaction or showing one's true self. Dreaming of this animal can represent:
Having too much of one of these qualities, or that you could benefit by being less this way
Not having enough of one of these qualities, or that you could benefit by being more like this
Someone or something in your real life with whom you associate one of these qualities (an event, situation, threat, etc.)
For more clues, pay attention to what the animal was doing or any particular characteristic that stood out.