Lexicon of spirit animals: swan

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Mode of life:

Of the seven swan species currently in existence, five can be found in the Northern Hemisphere, while the two other species are endemic to Australia and South America, respectively. They are closely related to geese and ducks, and their most prominent features are their often times purely white plumage( rarely black) as well as long and flexible necks. Moreover, swans have webbed feet and vigorous wings that can span up to two meters. They are almost entirely herbivorous, only occasionally they feed on aquatic animals. Swans prefer temperate environments interspersed with lakes, rivers and ponds. On their search for food in water, mostly hydrophytes, they don't dive but rather dabble on the surface, which is why they feel less comfortable in deepwater. Swans like to mate for life, yet in the event of nesting failure or partner death the remaining swan will mate with another swan. Male and female raise their babies together, and they will furiously retaliate when somebody attacks their chicken. Swans' lifespan can vary between 10-20 years.

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Spiritually light aspects:

Swans inspire our creative expression and bestow on us the gift of seeing the beauty in all creations. When we think that sparkling creativity is a prodigy reserved only for a few lucky ones, connecting with the swan will help us realise that the creative seed is within everything waiting to be activated. They encourage us to express our creativity irrespective of whether we or others deem it good or not. Success with our creativity is not measured by financial rewards we receive but by the satisfaction and fulfillment we feel during the creative process. This is the basis, everything else a side effect. In this very manner, swans open our eyes toward seeing and feeling the love in every single creation; we achieve this not by judging the physical result but by accessing the Soulful spirit behind the creation. We will literally feel the joy and passion that was present during the process. Yes, we might resonate more with some creations, less with others, but at the end of the day we acknowledge that limitless expression of creativity is ultimate freedom.

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Spiritually dark aspects:

With the swan as their spirit animal people might face particular challenges with the balance of giving and taking. No matter how much they give from their Heart, they struggle to accept others' gifts without feeling that they have encumbered themselves with debts that need to be squared as soon as possible. Having said that, swans fall into a spiral of excessive giving without being able to take. When this is the case we might play down our own achievements, making us feel as if we don't deserve to receive blessings. Because of that, swans often have self-worth issues.

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Much Love and Light,

Alex