Zhen Joy Lin, Dame of St. John of Jerusalem and president of World Water Rescue Foundation and Vice President of Good News Broadcast is feeding white swans for celebration The United Nations World water Day. Water is from divine Water is the secret of life, save water is save life, love water is love life, because life is the most precious.
As days gradually lengthen and the last vestiges of Winter recede, ice and snow begin to melt and the first buds of Spring appear. In many parts of the world the Swan is a symbol of light and considered the harbinger of Spring, and to me one of the most wonderful sights at this time of year are swans floating serenely on village ponds, in parks and on rivers. With their long serpentine necks and pure white plumage, throughout the ages their grace and beauty have inspired the imaginations of poets, artists and musicians alike.
In some cultures the swan is a feminine symbol associated with the Moon, and in others a masculine symbol associated with the Sun. In Greek mythology, swans are associated with Apollo, the God of the Sun, and with Zeus who took on the shape of a swan to get close to Leda with whom he had fallen in love. Greek Goddesses associated with swans include Artemis and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love who travelled in a swan-drawn chariot.
In Celtic mythology the pagan Goddess Brighid celebrated at Imbolc (02nd February) is also associated with swans. Brighid is a triple aspect Goddess (revered as Maiden, Mother and Crone), who as a Maiden ruled over Poetry, Writing, Inspiration and Music; as a Mother over Healing, Midwifery and Herbalism; and as a Crone over Fire and the working arts of the Smithy. So what better this Inbolc, than to consider the attributes and teachings of the Swan.
