Phoenix is a bird that symbolizes eternal renewal and immortality.

The description of the Phoenix bird is similar in all sources. She resembles a large eagle with flaming plumage in shades of red and gold. Repeated rebirth allows the bird to live from 160 to 500 years (and different sources call different life expectancies). But it is unchanged that the Phoenix bird is directly connected with the cult of the Sun and is a symbol of eternity, cyclicity, and immortality. The magic bird feeds on morning dew and is a positive character, calling for humility, meekness, creativity and goodness.

In some cultures, for example, in China, it symbolizes marital fidelity, and in Christianity it foreshadows the resurrection of the dead. And according to other ancient scriptures, the bird received its immortality precisely for its meekness - it, along with other animals, was placed on the ark by Noah. Phoenix is the only one who did not require food and care, and her modesty did not allow her to attract the attention of busy Noah; in gratitude, he asked the Lord for immortality for the bird. In Russian fairy tales, the Phoenix bird is well known by other names - Finist the Clear Falcon and the Firebird.

Phoenix bird in Chinese mythology – Fenghuang

Fenghuang in Chinese mythology is a symbol of goodness, virtue, prosperity and power. Fenghuang unites masculine and feminine, yin and yang. According to legends, Fenghuang walked so softly that the grass remained untrodden and was fed only by dew. And she drew her strength from heaven, delivering it only to the empress. The image of the Phoenix bird was widely used and is now used in interior design, furniture, and also in the manufacture of jewelry. At the same time, the public allowed only very respected people to wear clothes and jewelry with the image of the Phoenix bird.

Where does the legend of the mystical feathered entity come from?

In order to understand where the legends about the existence of the fire bird Phoenix came from, you should turn to the mythology of Ancient Egypt. Of course, it will not be possible to find specific information about the exact date of appearance of this incredible creature, but it is quite possible to trace the presence of an amazing feathered creature in many legends.

The first legend about the Phoenix bird says that this was the name for the ascent of Sirius, which occurs in a spiral and coincides with the moment of increasing the volume of water in the Nile. This tide meant that the first harvest would soon emerge.

The Egyptians called this creature by the name Benhu.

The world also knows the legend of the gray heron. Historians suggest that Phoenix is the main character of this tale. It says that the first settler on Earth was a gray bird. The creature was sent to the mortal world by the Sun God. The legend originates in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis. Its inhabitants believed that the feathered creature was not immortal. The deity gave him 500 years of existence.

Phoenix bird in the Egyptian Book of the Dead

Perhaps Phoenix has the most tragic story in Egyptian mythology. Day after day, the bird fights the darkness, first of all within itself, resists its own ignorance and kills the love of ignorance. The path to perfection is painful and difficult, going through it over and over again, burning and resurrecting, Phoenix improves and becomes better. There is a secret meaning hidden in these endless cycles: life is a difficult task, and there is no end to the work that needs and can be done, and only eternity can allow us to get closer to the ideal. This is an endless pursuit of truth, and fire also symbolizes the light in the hearts of people who strive to spend even their short earthly lives in the knowledge of the truth.

Phoenix and Sun

Phoenix is a beautiful and incomprehensible creature. He is a symbol of immortality and the endless cycle of life. Many myths say that the Phoenix, the embodiment of the Sun, burns down after its death, turning to ashes, but is immediately resurrected again.

Agree, such views are very similar to the worldview of ancient peoples about the Sun. As in the legends of the celestial body, it speaks of “death” followed by rebirth. Chinese feng shui master Lam Kam Chuen noted:

“This is a mythical bird that never dies. The phoenix flies far ahead and always examines the entire landscape opening in the distance. This represents our ability to see and collect visual information about the environment and the events unfolding within it. The great beauty of the Phoenix creates powerful excitement and undying inspiration.”

The Phoenix, the embodiment of the Sun, burns down after its death, turning to ashes, but is immediately resurrected again / © Gonzalo Ordóñez Arias / bestiary.us

Phoenix bird in Slavic mythology

Slavic myths are especially fabulous and interesting, and, of course, they could not do without the Phoenix or Firebird. It was the Firebird that became the object of the hunt, the heroes of fairy tales looked for it, and if they managed to get at least a feather, they returned as winners. The Firebird ate golden apples, which gave health, youth and immortality. Her singing healed the sick, and pearls fell from her beak. The light of the Firebird healed even the blind, and the difficult task was entrusted only to the youngest son, who in fairy tales was usually the kindest.

Preparing the Phoenix for the Next Cycle

After resurrection, the phoenix created a special egg. After that, he went to collect myrrh, the best that exists on earth. Upon returning, the phoenix used its beak to hollow out a hole in the egg, where it placed the remains of its former body, and sealed the hole with myrrh. He handed over this egg to the servants of Heliopolis for safekeeping. It was believed that they were kept in the temple of Ra. After this, the phoenix finally flew away to its usual habitat (paradise, space or other directions).

Some legends generally say that the phoenix was a cosmic bird. This is quite consistent with the Egyptian version of the origin of the bird, for the phoenix was born from nothing and created everything. The Egyptians believed that the phoenix flies far beyond the solar system, to distant systems that were also partially considered its home.

Phoenix as a talisman

It is believed that any image of the Phoenix bird has enormous energy, and such an amulet brings wealth, prosperity and good luck to the house. But only if it is placed correctly and the owner of the amulet knows how to handle it correctly. Those who are well versed in the teachings of Feng Shui are sure that the Phoenix energy can be directed to the implementation of any good endeavors. Who will Phoenix help:

creative individuals: writers, poets, artists;
people who want to unlock their potential;
people who need to gain self-confidence and who are working on themselves, getting rid of bad habits.

The talisman does not tolerate restrictions; the bird needs free space to spread its wings and protect you, your home and your loved ones with its light. It is impossible to achieve the desired result by placing it in limited, enclosed and dark spaces. The southern part of the house is ideal, since according to the teachings of Feng Shui it is a fire zone.

Mystical bird from Ethiopia

Another world myth mentions a creature that came from Ethiopia and got its name thanks to the Assyrians. In the Ethiopian version, the magical bird had a rather strange appearance: it had a fish tail, a rooster's beak, a crane's forehead, a throat like a swallow, a turtle's back and the head of a duck.

The magical creature was simultaneously scarlet, gold, blue, black and white. Each color had its own special meaning. The Assyrians associated the immortal being with warmth, wealth, fire, and a good harvest. She ate bamboo seeds.

Phoenix Bird Meaning:

death and rebirth;
infinity and cyclicity;
purity and chastity;
volatility and change;
meekness and moderation.

It is better to create a talisman with your own hands. It could be a panel, a drawing or something else. The main thing is not to forget about color - bright reds, purples and fiery shades are best suited for decoration. If you use real feathers, even if you dyed them yourself, the effect will be enhanced many times over.

Magical feathered creatures in China and Japan

Chinese myths tell the most beautiful story of the Feng Huang bird. This creature was both feminine and masculine. Today in China, the fiery creature is identified with Onagadori chickens. These creatures have a luxuriously thick tail, exceeding 1 meter in length.

The most beautiful creatures were brought to Japan in the first millennium AD. These birds have changed a lot. Their tail now reaches about 13 meters. Based on this fact, we can say with almost 100% certainty that at least one magical individual has survived to this day.

Phoenix bird in modern cinema

The Phoenix bird was praised and described by poets of the Middle Ages, and in the modern age it has not been ignored either. Here are just some of the films:

"Omen III: The Last Stand";
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark;
"Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow";
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix";
"X-Men".

That is, there is not a single culture where the Phoenix bird does not appear in one form or another. Her image was actively used in heraldry and as emblems. All stories are similar and differ only in details, adapted according to the culture of the country or nation. And since all peoples, regardless of religion, have the same values - this is a benefactor, the desire for perfection during life, then the character of the bird is the same everywhere. This confirms the theory of the need to have an unattainable, immaculate ideal, devoid of worldly sins and vanity, but at the same time being achievable and quite tangible.

Rules for working with a talisman

If you decide to work with this symbol, then it is best to buy or order (make) an amulet from iron. Wood or stone are weak vessels for its energy. You can use the talisman during your magical practices; it enhances the words spoken by you and activates powerful flows of energy. Just put it around your neck and wear it during the ritual.

There is also a list of recommendations for working with the amulet:

During the ritual, 9 red candles must be lit.
Do not start work with a headache or during illness, the energy of fire is the energy of the strong in spirit.
It is best to wear the amulet on a naked body under clothing or your ritual costume.
Do not use a wooden amulet with a phoenix - it will be a poor conductor of energy.
The Phoenix will not tolerate water nearby during the ritual.
Don't organize a spontaneous ritual.

Otherwise, this is a simple symbol to work with. It will give you the necessary boost of energy needed for magical practices.

Phoenix tattoo on hand

The most universal and widespread solution is the image of a phoenix on the hand. This tattoo is chosen by those who want to show others their attitude to life and all the beauty of the design. The phoenix depicted on the wrist is a very common tattoo. This tattoo is usually found in a small size. Many people choose a picture when some of its parts, for example, the tail or wings of a bird, move to other parts of the hand. A tattoo on the forearm looks very beautiful and bright. Here the picture will not be as large as on the back, but due to a certain technique it turns out to be original and voluminous.

Ritual for working with a talisman

If you decide to start working with this amulet, then be prepared - you will have to concentrate specifically on fire magic. A traditional spontaneous ritual will not work here. You will need candles - the more, the better.

The sacred number 9 will be the beginning of the countdown. There must be at least 9 red candles, but if you want to take more, the number must be a multiple of 9 (18.27...90). Carefully place candles around the room where you see fit. It is very important to illuminate the corners - darkness is hidden in them, which can hinder you during the light ritual.

The thickest, largest red candle should stand on a wooden pedestal. In this way you create the moment of death and birth of the phoenix. Take an unvarnished expensive tree.

Light all candles clockwise.
Take the phoenix talisman in your right hand and light the main candle with your left.
Say:

This text is an alchemical formula for the emergence of a new substance.

Now you can feel that the room is getting hotter, the candles are burning brighter. You have called upon the powerful fiery forces that are born right here to help you.

Raise the talisman above the candle and hold it there until you feel that it is sufficiently saturated with energy.

Let the candles burn for a while longer and then extinguish them with your fingers.

Interesting Facts

Phoenix-inspired makeup

Phoenix-style makeup has long been used in fashion shows and photo shoots. In such images, makeup artists focus on the eyes and ignore the lips.
The image of a mystical bird is used on the coat of arms of Voskresensk near Moscow and the Latvian city of Dagda. In heraldry, the bird is also found on the medals of Elizabeth I of England.
The amulet that depicts the Phoenix is a constant companion of mystics and fans of the occult sciences.

Fashionable phoenix tattoo on leg

A more feminine option is a printed image on the leg or thigh. For such a drawing, sketches with softer and more delicate lines are selected, where the phoenix bird is depicted flapping its wings upward. The tattoo of the mythical phoenix bird on the shin, although not so large-scale, also has a wonderful appearance, where extraordinary detail of the picture is allowed.

Classic Arabian Phoenix

The most famous was the Arabian Phoenix, known to us from Greek sources. This fabulous mythical bird had the size of an eagle. She had brilliant scarlet and gold plumage and a melodious voice.

Settling down at the well at dawn every morning, she sang a song so enchanting that even the great Apollo stopped to listen.

Phoenix's life was very long. According to some sources, he lived for five hundred, according to others - a thousand, or even almost thirteen thousand years. When his life was approaching the end, he built himself a nest from the branches of fragrant myrrh and fragrant sandalwood, set it on fire and burned. Three days later, this bird, rising from the ashes, was reborn young. According to other legends, she appeared directly from the flame.

The young phoenix embalmed the ashes of his predecessor into an egg and transferred it to Heliopolis on the altar of the sun god.

Phoenix is a victory over death and cyclical rebirth.