I love to watch and observe birds in the wild - they may be in flocks or solitude. They may be very still, waiting for their preys or diving from heights into the waters for catch or even engage in mid-air stunts and maneuvers. They have numerous calls, usually, and sing melodious songs.
I also love the mythical bird, phoenix. I saw it in my mind this morning so did an expression of it- which turned out quite different... hehehe... It emerged from the dark and in front of the moon. Without realising that it symbolises the Sun, Ra, this was actually a Tao symbol, balancing the yin and yang, sun and moon.
This mythical bird is a symbol of hope, renewal, rebirth, immortality, resurrection, solitude, and grace. Just like the phoenix emerges from its ashes, so can man after devastation and loss. It is a very heartening symbol to see, especially during this times of uncertainties, where I hope for greater transformation, for the greater good of all and the earth and our environment. Loss is not always negative. There is opportunity for renewal and grace with every loss. There is appreciation and gratitude. Loss is necessary for growth - loss of old thinking, old habits that no longer serve, outdated mindsets and attitudes, old structures and way of doing things, even maybe old era... Phoenix is a very timely reminder to declutter the old and stuck energies to transform and break out of the chrysalis. In place of the void created, we can fill it with things that we wish such as loving kindness, compassion for those who are suffering and healing for everyone.
In many cultures, including Chinese, the phoenix symbolizes yin, and the yang – the male and female. This is why; it does not need a mate to continue its species. Therefore, a phoenix may also mean: go forth and worry not that you are alone for all that you seek is within you.
Phoenix spirit animal represents a magical and gentle soul. It brings good luck, harmony, peace, balance, and prosperity. This magical creature symbolizes fire and passion – the flames of true inspiration.
The phoenix is also the firebird symbol. It is also one of the symbols of rebirth. It represents the continuation of life in flames of change. When the bird grows old, it flies into the sun and dies. But it rises again from its embers by first developing into a worm.
The worm then becomes the great sun eagle, thus signifying the power of transformation in response to hopelessness and devastation. Thus, the phoenix spirit animal has the ability to lift us from the ashes of destruction into the blue skies of optimism and renewal.
In the worst of times, it teaches us how to be victorious. Out of suffering, we grow in spirit. In heartbreak and sadness, this beautiful and gentle creature sings an enchanting song of optimism, renewal, rebirth, and hope.
More interesting read on phoenix here.
Notes to self: As I drawn this and coloured the background, some past memories surfaced and emotions came up as if the past was happening in the moment... I couldn't recall the event exactly but recalled the emotion, anger. The colour I was using was red... As I continued to colour without engaging actively in the memories but just noticing the emotions that were triggered, something else occurred. I didn't judge nor spin a story nor analyse the memory but allow it to surface... after awhile, I intuitively reach for another colour-it was blue... as I coloured using blue, the anger dissipated... and my body relaxed (I didn't even realised that it tensed up as I felt anger rising just a moment ago!) And after that, the anger did not return, nor did the memory... art can be used as a therapy, a form of expressive outlet 🙏😁❤
