Phoenix

"Phoenix". A fabulous bird that periodically regenerated itself, used in literature as a symbol of death & resurrection. According to legend, the phoenix lived in Arabia. When it reached the end of its life (500 years), it burned itself on a pyre of flames, & from the ashes a new phoenix arose.
 As a sacred symbol in Egyptian religion, the phoenix represented the sun, which dies each night & rises again each morning. According to Herodotus the bird was red & golden and resembled an eagle.

 O sacred Fire Bird, to the Sun take flight,

Bringing purity, hope, and renewal of Light.

I look to thee, O mystical glorious bird,

For renewal and rebirth, I've been told and heard

That of these and more, you will take my hand

And teach me well the secrets of this land.

So let me fly with you in eternal splendored grace,

With fiery courage I take my rightful place,

And rise from the ashes to reveal my true face.

 Poem © Patricia J. Martin

The Phoenix, known as Benu (or Bennu) to the ancient Egyptians, as the Feng-Huang to the Chinese, Zhar-Ptitsa to the Russians, and at times as the Thunderbird by Native Americans, is an ancient mythical bird known for its ability to be reborn from it's own ashes; thus becoming a symbol for resurrection.

When Phoenix comes to you as a Totem, it is likely that you, too, are ready for a significant change - be it a renewal, a fresh perspective, or even a life-changing transformation. Symbolizing immortality, reincarnation and eternal light, the Phoenix brings with it a desire for change - a desire to reach for the stars. And since it is believed that there is only one of its kind in the world, you can expect that whatever you find yourself reaching for will also be quite unique. In working with this Totem, you may find yourself suddenly switching gears, trying on the wrappings of a new lifestyle or relationship, or totally changing a current mindset or pathway. Unparalleled and exceptional prospects will unfold and fortuitous events will begin to manifest, as Phoenix assists you with these changes.

Over the centuries, the image of the Phoenix has been widely used in art. Its legend began in Arabia where it is known as the King of Birds, and it is usually depicted as an enormous but graceful bird with a head resembling that of an eagle, a body resembling that of a pheasant, and tail plumage resembling that of a peacock. The word "Phoenix" derives from the Greek word "phoinix" meaning "purple-red" and refers to the bird's brilliant feather coloring of iridescent purple, crimson, gold and a touch of blue. This magnificent totem will also color one's life in vibrant hues. Things will seem crisper, clearer, and fresher in the new dawning light. You will also become more keenly aware of the cycles of life. The moon's phases will hold added meaning, the rising of the sun will bring more vivid inspirations, and the changing of the seasons will offer brilliant insights.

In legend, the Phoenix was known to sing each morning only for the Sun God. In return, the Sun God took a shine to this glorious bird and blessed it with eternal life. The Phoenix is said to live for 500 years (some say 1,000 or more), where after it flies westward gathering various aromatic woods and spices - usually myrrh, cinnamon, cassia and spikenard. Upon returning home, it builds a new nest with these pungent and fragrant plants in the tallest of palm trees. Here the bird sits and sings its most beautiful song. So beautiful is the sound, that it makes the Sun stop in its track and its rays shine with such brilliance and heat that the spices are ignited, setting the nest aflame, wherein the Phoenix dies within its own funeral pyre. Nine days later, a young Phoenix rises from the ashes, reborn, and once again begins singing its praises to the Sun. The Egyptians tell of the fledgling then flying the ashes, which have been embalmed in an egg made of myrrh, to Heliopolis where he places them on the altar in the Sun Temple.

Phoenix Totem may prompt you to go on your own quest. And though it may be one that promotes some sort of personal sacrifice, it invariably will lead to fortunate and beneficent change...for just as the bird is said to subsist merely on dew (some say air), so may you have to temporarily forego your usual fare in order to gain what treasure awaits you. The Phoenix is the ultimate totem for bestowing the wisdom of life, death and rebirth, but what it most strongly portends is hope and freedom from depression and despair. Phoenix people are always optimistic. Because of its beauty and tales of its relationship with the Sun, the Phoenix is associated with Apollo (a.k.a. Phoebus Apollo) and many other versions of the Sun God. It has been called "the soul of Ra" and "the heart of the renewed Sun." Through the teachings of this most exquisite bird come the gifts of cleansing Fire and uplifting Air.

So sing for the return of the Sun! And as His smile once again shines down upon you in gratitude for your song, know that you are as eternal as the Phoenix.

The bird proudly willing to burn,

So that he may live again,

Chooses the flames of fires

That burn the aged Phoenix

The nature stands still

Till a new young bird starts again,

and begins the legend of the Phoenix.

Claudian (Claudius Claudianus, Roman author), c.370-c.404