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Animals and Witchcraft(The Witches Familiar)The Phoenix
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.
Original Art and Poem © Patricia J. MartinThe 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, Claudian (Claudius Claudianus, Roman author), c.370-c.404 Sources:
Magickal,
Mystical Creatures, D.
J. Conway http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Labyrinth/8952/phclassic.html
http://www.mythinglinks.org/ct~animals~FirebirdPhoenix.html
Phoenix,
himself ©
Patricia J. Martin, November 22, 2008 Pari
lives on the East Coast of America and is a Shamanic Witch.
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