The mythical phoenix animal totem is the keeper of the fire in all of creation. It represents transformation, death, and rebirth in its fire. As a powerful spiritual totem, the phoenix is the ultimate symbol of strength and renewal. As both a fire and solar symbol, the phoenix animal guide is symbolic of the sun, which "dies" in setting each night only to be reborn in rising the next morning.
In this sense, it never truly dies; rather, it is an immortal creature continually rising from the ashes. All of its attributes stay on theme with these ideas. In addition to the above mentioned traits of power, transformation, rebirth and life, the phoenix spirit totem is also widely regarded as a prominent symbol of season, coherence, longevity, imagination and protection.
Phoenix Associated Traits
Rebirth, Transformation, Immortal, Power, Coherent, Imaginative, Protective, Balanced, Hopeful
Symbolic Meaning Of Phoenix
The phoenix symbolic meaning has made its mark on various cultures throughout history. For example, the Chinese believe that this spiritual bird was sent to Earth to assist in the development of mankind. Typically, they view the phoenix as coming in twos, one male and one female, representing yin and yang energy.
In this regard, it signifies the inherent necessity for balance in the world. The female phoenix totem symbolizes yin energy, characterized as passive, psychic, and a deep thinker. She is also paired with the moon, darkness, and the winter season. In turn, the male phoenix deals with yang energy, an icon of assertion and bold action. He is thus paired with the warmth and light of both the sun and the summer season. Together, they form the dynamic phoenix symbolic partnership. As an emblem of a two-person alliance, a pair of phoenixes was often given as a wedding gift in Chinese culture to wish the couple a happy and loving marriage.
This process signified its ability to live on forever, resurrecting from its death sentence. Another Greek, the poet Hesiod, also made bold claims about the phoenix animal totem, writing that it could live longer than nine generations of ravens, which were highly symbolic of longevity in that time (about 700 BC). The Greeks thus placed a high value on the phoenix, utilizing its message in many different avenues of artistry.
Across the Adriatic, the Romans also took great symbolism from the majestic phoenix. In fact, it was employed as a symbol of the everlasting continuation of the mighty Roman Empire. It was even featured on their monetary coins, reminding all who touched them of the invincible strength of the Empire and its law. Although the Empire eventually collapsed, the people of the region continued to hold on to the legend of this creature, notably after the time of Christ.
The phoenix's ability to sacrifice itself willingly to death only to be reborn was a strong representation of Jesus for Christians. Even up until the Middle Ages, people of this region associated the phoenix in ashes with Christ dying on the cross and returning from the dead after three days.
When the mighty phoenix animal totem presents itself to you, it is sending you strong messages of hope in the midst of despair. We all experience tough times that drag us down and make us feel engulfed in negativity. It is sometimes hard to imagine pulling ourselves out of them.
During these times, we can call upon this phoenix symbolism for strength and a renewal of energy to keep us fighting the good fight. No matter what trials we encounter in our lives, the phoenix symbolism is always there to remind us that we can endure. By helping us to transform our lives and live more purely, it allows us to get into deeper connection with our spiritual awareness.
