
Definitions
are supplied to demystify symbolism (and the artwork in this
studio).
Click here to return to the online symbolism dictionary.
Phoenix...
Another symbol for rebirth or transformation
but in an immortal/never-ending sort of way. A continuous
process (like the rising of the sun). The Phoenix burns to
ashes and then is reborn complete and whole. This transformation
isn't so much a transformation into something new or different
(like with a BUTTERFLY) but more
of bringing a life or energy full circle, back to the original
purpose/energy and starting over (again).
Posted: September 05, 2003.
Revised: October 6, 2003.
Updated: April 19, 2004.
Shortcut
links to the (expert) quotes below:
Jung: Man and His Symbols
Biedermann: Dictionary of Symbolism
Vollman: The Little Giant Encyclopedia
of Dream Symbols
Man
and His Symbols, p. 365
...He then tried to destroy their breeding ground by fire.
This is a positive action, because fire can symbolically lead
to transformation and rebirth (as, for instance, it does in
the ancient myth of the phoenix).
Posted: May 02, 2004.

Dictionary
of Symbolism, p. 264-265
A legendary HERON-like BIRD of considerable importance, widely
associated with notions of immortality and resurrection. It's
name goes back to the Greek word for red--the color of FIRE--because
the bird was said to arise again perpetually from its ashes
after a purifying fire had consumed it. Its origin is the
sacred Egyptian bird Benu, or Bynw, a heron said to have been
the first creature to alight on the hill that came into being
out of the primordial ooze. Benu was revered in Heliopolis
as a manifestation of the SUN god;...
Posted: September 05, 2003.

The
Little Giant Encyclopedia of Dream Symbols, p. 335-336
See Peacock. According to the most widely read book
of the Middle Ages, Physiologus, the phoenix of India
is more beautiful than a peacock. After 500 years, and at
new moon, the phoenix flew to Heliopolis, presented itself
to the priest, and then burned itself on the altar. What remained
was a worm from which wings began growing, and the phoenix
was reborn. A symbol of resurrection, rebirth, and transformation.
Posted: January 17, 2004.


Want to know more? Go out and pick up a copy of the book(s) quoted and expand your mind :) These are MY teachers, the people who teach me about symbolism :) I hope the supplied definitions help you understand the art found on this site.
|