THE PHOENIX

Eternal spirit in the cycle of life
Infinite potential forged of fire
Keeper of the fire, consumed by flame
Sacred spirit living beyond time
Rising from the ashes reborn and renewed
Transformational magic of healing tears

The Phoenix is an ancient legend and myth that is close to my heart.  The myth and stories of this ancient archetype reach back to 1500 BC and beyond, probably originating in ancient Egypt or in the Middle East.  However, the mythological theme of the Phoenix seems to be universal with similar stories found in ancient Greece and China.  The Hindus, Japanese, Tibetans, and Native Americans have stories with similar connotations as well.

There are many versions of the Phoenix legend that seem to shift and blend depending on the story.  It may have started out as a humble bird that was reborn from a fire.  It may have been an immortal spirit that refreshes itself with fire.  However, all of the stories have similar threads of being reborn from a fire.  The most frequently told version states that the Phoenix is a powerful immortal spirit who, after 500 years of life in its body, builders a nest of aromatic herbs.  It then sets the nest and itself on fire.  The Phoenix then allows itself to be consumed and purified by the fire.  It is only after the fire consumed the old body that the Phoenix can rise from the ashes renewed and vibrant.

In most of these stories, the Phoenix is associated with the sun god.  It is a symbol of illumination, clarity, and rising from the darkness into a new day.  It is a symbol of creating new beginnings or fresh starts.  According to one Persian legend, it is a symbol of universal wisdom and purification.  The magical Phoenix is a symbol of empowerment.

As a spirit animal born of fire, the Phoenix is a keeper of the eternal fire.  It is the magic of rebirth and renewal.  The Phoenix is a spirit of passion, creative fire, and transformation.  This spirit tell us to get up and rise from the ashes to shine brighter and stronger after life knocks us down.

The Phoenix embraces the sacredness of life and the cycles of life.  It danced through the trial of fire to get to the point of renewal.  It is a powerful healer and teacher.  The tears of the Phoenix are said to heal both body and spirit from even the deepest wounds.  It is a reminder that you too are of unlimited potential and that you too can free yourself from your self imposed limitations.

Challenges will come into every life, and mine has had its share.  Every time challenges have come along and knocked me down, I have drawn on the power of the Phoenix to get up and thrive in abundance.  The ability of the Phoenix to rise from the ashes when everything that was is burned away is my reminder to take courage and rebuild even stronger than before.

This an archetype and guide that I work with frequently. This is what it means to me.  The Phoenix is a healer, teacher, and keeper of ancient wisdom.  It is a sacred spirit that represents both the cycles of life and the ability to step out of time and into the infinite.  This is a powerful spirit that has the ability to fly through the "cracks in the universe".  It is a reminder of infinite potential.  Most important, this powerful healer and teacher reminds me of my obligation and responsibility to the greater good of the Earth, society, and my community.

Here are some of the sources for this article
uniguide.com
spiritanimals.com
whatismyspiritanimal.com
tinybuddha.com
Manitu Okahas

While this piece of artwork is not for sale, here is some of my other artwork
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Artwork by Manitu Okahas for sale

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The Rising of the Phoenix