Part of the Sky Above Earth Below Oracle Deck I created in 2014. Mixed Media

Swan (Grace, Purity)
Swan skims across the pond. Unlike many other birds swans have a tendency to mate for life. Though separations do occurs they are rare and usually involve nesting failure. Male swans will help build the nest where the female will lay 4-7 eggs. Both sexes will protect the nest, sometimes even aggressively. Swans are the largest of all waterfowl species. They are distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Although variation exists most swans are white; perhaps leading them to be linked symbolically with purity. Swans live in water and land. They are generally herbivores but may ingest small bugs and worms. The bill colour of swans vary, some breeds are yellow, others are black. All swan bills have serrated edges that help them eat. Swans prefer temperate weather and will migrate with the seasons if necessary in order to stay in that climate.

Swans are often a symbol of love and fidelity because of their long-lasting bonds. Swan meat was often consumed in Elizabethan times and was considered a delicacy. Zeus, disguised as a swan wooed Leda, the Queen of Sparta. Their union produced Helen of Troy. In Greek mythology Apollo was also linked to swans. The belief was held that a swan would let out the most beautiful song upon its death, thus giving rise to the phrase ‘swan song’. The idea of swans being synonymous with beauty can also bee seen in the folk story ‘The Ugly Duckling’. In Celtic beliefs the swan was often able to travel to the Otherworld. It represented the human soul in the otherworld. Swan maidens, women who could transform into swans, was also prevalent among European folklore and may have been the basis for the ballet ‘Swan Lake’. Native American myth varies regarding swan. Some tribes see swans merely as an extension of goose and duck. Other tribes see it as a symbol of beauty and a messenger of faith. Because of its white plumage the swan was often linked to solar energy.

When swan skims into your cards it brings a message of grace and purity. Are you moving through life with grace? What place does purity have in your existence? Are you only skimming the surface of your true beauty? Swan isn’t linked to any particular element, but a study of air, water, and earth may be helpful as swans can move easily in all three.

Astrology- (Celtic Sept 2- Sept 29) This Celtic sign is eloquent and evolved. Known as the equalizer, it is linked with the plant vine. Artistic swan has a keen eye for beauty that may not be obvious to others. Those born under this sign should watch for mood swings and coming across as cold. Refined swan can be exacting in detail and have specific ideas about how things should be done. Perceptive and passionate, swan makes wonderful public servants with a great capacity for empathy.

Stars and Constellations
Beauty, Sensitivity, Healing, Soul, Creativity