Swans don't swipe

Watching the brood of eight cygnets being reared by their parents on the river Wansbeck in Morpeth over the past year has been an enchanting occupation for many locals and visitors. Maybe like me they have found the experience restful and relaxing, perhaps soothed by the elegant movements of the birds on the water. A source of inspiration for poets, artists and musicians for many years, the swan is also revered in the mythology of ancient cultures and spiritual traditions, mystical insights being drawn from the bird's aesthetic qualities and behaviour. Although the swan seems incongruous to our current lifestyle of haste, bustle and increasing coarseness, perhaps the mythology surrounding the swan could offer guidance for us in coping with modern stress.

Dissatisfied with your appearance or circumstances?

Well, remember how grey, scrawny cygnets turn into beautiful white swans. So why not adopt a philosophy of patience, embrace your present stage as just one in a process of change, and trust in life's journey in reaching your potential. Swans were symbolic of Transformation in many cultures, implying a belief in constant growth.

Overwhelmed by the stress of modern existence and its relentless often competing demands, ready to blow-up or give-up?

Observe the swan gliding serenely over the water while paddling vigorously beneath the surface. Maybe we too can achieve such a composure amidst the turbulence about us, working to gain an inner peace while rationalising the pressures placed upon us.  The swan represented Harmony and Balance in some mythologies, especially that between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Tired of your partner and children, fancy a change?                                                         

Swans, notably the mute variety, may offer inspiration as they are renowned for mating for life and jointly rearing their young. They traditionally symbolise love and fidelity, their white plumage representing the innocent purity of a true and lasting devotion, best illustrated in the popular depiction of two swans in mirror-image pose. These days with the lure of open-relationships, dating apps and Tinder, perhaps it’s worth noting that swans don't swipe.

Paul Thompson