There is a Swan Swimming in your Soul...
If you have ever strolled by the edge of a pond or a lake, among the ducks or geese or other water fowl you may have witnessed a swan gliding gracefully on the water. With white, and sometimes black, elegantly smooth feathers, it’s neck long and curved, a swan can inspire a sense of awe and wonder. Most often, you will notice swans in twos as swans mate for life and usually live in pairs. Across cultures, the swan is a symbol of beauty, love, spiritual development and union.
The Hindus have long regarded Swan as the epitome of worldly non-attachment, showing us how to be of the material world, but not enslaved by it. Indeed, swans can swim, fly and walk, sometimes migrating great distances. They mirror our own freedom and our essence that is made up of all the worldly, and even otherworldy, elements.
Hans Christian Andersen’s faery tale, The Ugly Duckling, is a story of transformation. This story illustrates how we grow from awkward adolescence into self-actualized adulthood. Even more than that, though, this story speaks to how necessary the love of others has been, and is, in our lives. Yet another illustration showing us that as we glide through the rushes and thickets of time, we must support ourselves and others in their development. What an amazing metaphor for how hard this support and acceptance might be to give, but is essential at every stage of life. One very important item to remember? The Swan is the Swan even in her “duckling” phase and she is only able to get the assistance she needs, and gain the valuable insight of truly seeing herself, because of her fearless pursuit of knowledge, her integrity and her will power.
Swan also reminds us that even though there is ugliness and hardship in the world, we are surrounded by beauty and spirit. Even though most swans do travel to warmer climes when it is cold, they return again in Spring-time, often to the same nesting areas. This can give us hope that even in the darkest and depressing time, joy will return.
So this spring time, look for Swan in the wild, in your dreams and in your art. Spread your wings and let the water slide off your back with ease, even on stormy days.
