Endings
Dwarkan - Broken Dreams
Now and again, I come across an image slightly different from what usually draws my attention. It will usually represent a once familiar tune that no longer plays, but the memory of the dance it inspired will rattle through my body. Sometimes it creates discomfort, and at other times, joy. The above picture is an example of something that provokes an old memory. I find myself unsettled at the sight of it, yet I choose to keep looking and let my mind wander as I patiently wait for my head to connect with the soul self.
Looking back at the screen, I think about the symbolic meaning of the swan. The interpretation is likely to be varied between countries. I know that here in the UK, all unmarked mute swans in open water are the property of the crown, although the Queen concentrates her energy on those who frequent the Thames. The yearly Swan Upping is a ceremonial affair which dates back to the twelfth century and is still carried out by men wearing full regalia. My point is that there’ll be some regional differences in the symbolic interpretation to consider along with the regular sources.
We can find the psycho-spiritual meaning of the swan by looking at some of the bird’s prominent characteristics. What stands out more than anything else is that swans are monogamous and usually only separate if breeding fails or one of them dies. Bearing in mind the image is one of a dead swan and with a title of Broken Dreams, it doesn’t take much knowledge of symbolism to work out the picture is talking about the death of a significant relationship.
The man hides much of his face behind his hat and coat. Does this imply that he consciously covers up and controls what he wants others to see? It is interesting to note that only his eyes are showing, and eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. This could suggest that the truth will still be seen in the eyes no matter how he behaves and speaks. Is he wearing dark clothing because he’s in mourning? The hands are the most visible body part in this image, and if we look at how he holds the swan, does this suggest he’s not yet let go of something? He seems to be looking down at the wound, so I’m not getting any suggestion that he’s in denial about the situation.
A dark empty landscape fills the rest of the picture space. There’s a strongly defined horizon which could indicate a boundary between two points; in this instance, the above and below. There’s an unusual amount of light at the man’s feet. I wonder if the swan, or rather what the swan represents, is about to be buried in light.
This ending shows no signs of bitterness or hostility; whoever or whatever the man is holding onto, he sees as graceful and regal, and he is holding it above the light. It reminds me of how those who believe in an afterlife will encourage the dead to go towards the light. It’s a mental action done with love to release the soul from its bondage to the earthly realms. None of this is negative; if anything, these aspects say the exact opposite.
There are two main ways to interpret this image; the first is to see each part of the image as an aspect of self. In this instance, the swan could be a part of us committed to an idea or relationship we initially thought would go the distance. An adult swan has to go through two other stages before its feathers are white, so this aspect of the self likely underwent a maturation process too. The aspect of self I’m referring to will likely mimic those which relate directly to swan, such as grace. Swans are also incredibly temperamental, so there could be some mixed blessings going on here. The part of us represented by the man displays our reluctance to let go, and yet another aspect of self wants to release with dignity and grace.
A second way is to view the image as an event, an occurrence on the path we are walking or have walked. We can’t know how the swan got injured, but the image points to it having suffered from an external blow. If this is the case for you, a relationship may have ended.
Do you identify with the man or the bird? If it’s the man, then life may be telling you it’s time to lay something to rest. If you’re the bird, you may have been fatally wounded on the psyche level and have no energy left to carry on with what you’re doing.
There’s more than a hint of dualism with the contrasting black and white, the reference to above and below, life and death, which could indicate a limited perspective and seeing only two sides. This image may represent a situation that simply can’t be viewed from a wider angle. Sometimes, it is a simple case of yes or no. It either is or isn’t.
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