The myth of the phoenix or the wonderful power of resilience

Carl Gustav Jung explains in his book Transformation symbols (1912), that the human being and the phoenix have many similarities. That emblematic creature of fire capable of rising majestically from the ashes of its own destruction also symbolizes the power of resilience. That is, that unmatched capacity, from which we can renew ourselves as stronger and more luminous beings, after going through various difficulties.

If there is a myth that has nourished a good part of the doctrines, cultures and legendary roots, it is undoubtedly the presence of this feathered figure. It was said of him that his tears were healing, that he had great physical resistance, control over fire and the ability to offer hope to whoever observed him.

For Jung, it was one of the most powerful archetypes. It represented both creation and destruction, life and also death. The phoenix, for psychology, is a beautiful therapeutic metaphor. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always an opportunity to be reborn and that process of transformation can be very beautiful.

The phoenix through history

The myth of the bird that renews itself through ashes is part of our collective imagination.. We could say that this image is rooted in many different cultures. One of the most outstanding books to know the history of this fantastic being, we find it in The Phoenix: An Unnatural Biography of a Mythical Beastfrom mythical creature expert Joseph Nigg.

The phoenix is ​​the supreme icon of hope and rebirth, and its origins date back to ancient Egypt and Arabia. It is said that the Romans venerated this figure and that, for this reason, their coins showed the head of the emperor, on one side, and this bird, on the other. It was the representation of Rome itself, always invincible and eternal.

Let’s analyze a few more touches of the history that created this mythical being.

The phoenix in Egypt

Ovid explained in his texts that, in Egypt, the phoenix died and was reborn once every 500 years. For Egyptians, as a study in the ISLE magazine points out : Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environmentwas a majestic heron called Bennu.

It was a bird associated with the flooding of the Nile, the sun and death and which, as they explained, had been born under the tree of good and evil. This fantastic creature understood that it was necessary to renew itself from time to time to acquire greater wisdom. and to do this, he followed a very meticulous process.

He flew all over Egypt to build a nest with the most beautiful elements: cinnamon and oak branches, tuberose and myrrh.. Afterwards, already settled in his nest, he sang one of the most beautiful melodies that the Egyptians had ever heard, and then let the flames consume him completely.

Three days later, the phoenix was reborn full of strength and power. Next, he took his nest and left it in Heliopolis, in the temple of the Sun, to begin a new cycle with which to offer inspiration to the people of Egypt.

The Greco-Roman phoenix

He Bennu Egyptian also emerged in the works of Greek and Roman authors, such as Pliny or Seneca. In these cultures it was called Phoenix, word that would give rise to the one we use today.

In these texts the phoenix is ​​spoken of as a creature capable of challenging the gods due to its eternal nature, for being capable of dying and being reborn. Pliny, for his part, described him as a being of great beauty: his neck had golden sparkles and the rest of his body was purple. His tail was an electric blue, with a few pink feathers and a striking crest adorning his head.

He fenghuangthe Chinese firebird

The figure of this immortal bird transcended the borders between countries. The University of Wenzhou, China, highlights in a work that in these lands, the phoenix was known as fenghuang. It is speculated, however, that it would have no connection with the Western mythological figure, since its mentions date back 7,000 years (even before the Bennu).

He feghuang symbolizes virtue and grace, in addition to yin and yangthe masculine and the feminine, peace and also the threat.

The phoenix in North America

In the North American indigenous peoples, the symbolism of this bird takes on other nuances: it changes from fire to thunder. Among the aboriginal peoples It is a supernatural being that creates thunder by flapping its wings and lightning with its eyes. He is the owner of the upper world and is the punisher of humans who break moral norms.

The Christian Phoenix

It is interesting to know that there is a Christian version of the phoenix myth. It is reported that the bird lived in the garden of paradise and nested in a rose bush. But, when Adam and Eve were banished, a spark arose from the sword of the angel that expelled them and set fire to the phoenix’s nest.

For being the only beast that had refused to taste the fruit of paradise, He was granted several gifts, such as the power of fire, light, and immortality (when he was reborn from his ashes).

On the other hand, some Christian theologians, such as Saint Ambrose, have pointed out that the phoenix dies consumed by the sun and from its ashes a worm emerges that grows inside an egg, from which a celestial bird emerges, in this way it closes. the cycle. The use of this figure is adapted in the Christian religion to explain the concept of the resurrection.

The phoenix or the art of rebirth in psychology

Jungian or analytical psychology integrates the figures of archetypes and myths into its model as a form of self-knowledge and reflection. The figure of the phoenix is, in fact, an element of great importance for this approach. Books like Jungian Perspectives on Rebirth and Renewal (2013) They delve into the legacy that Jung left in this matter, and the usefulness of delving into this type of knowledge.

We analyze it.

Carl Jung and the myth of the phoenix

The phoenix symbol had a special meaning for Carl Jung, as he points out in his book: Transformation symbols (1912). He His family’s coat of arms included this mythological creature. Likewise, he spent many years studying the history and the entire mythological corpus that accompanied this being. But it was in his work Liber Novus o Red Book, where he dedicated more than 100 references:

For Jung, the phoenix symbolizes our inner light, and the ability to transform ourselves in moments of adversity.It also represents our ability to alleviate anger and repression, and thus rise into freer beings who conquer their individuation and plenitude.by leaving aside “the shadow” or that less developed area.

On the other hand, we must also remember that the father of analytical psychology made several trips to India. It was in this country where spirituality acquired greater relevance in his person, by integrating the myth of the phoenix as an alchemical concept, deeply rooted in the psyche and the collective unconscious.

Resilience or how to build our “nest” of transformation

As we have seen, the Egyptian myth of the phoenix is ​​a beautiful story. However, let us now analyze some of its details. Let’s stop, for example, at how the phoenix builds its nest. He seeks the richest materials of his land, those that combine: delicacy, strength, and that will help him in his transformation, and in his ascension.

If we think about it, this process is very similar to that which makes up the psychological dimension of resilience. Because We too look for those magical elements with which to build a very resistant mental shelter., the one that will allow us to better face adversity. Let’s look at some keys to achieve it.

How to boost your resilience

We all come into the world with the capacity to be resilient. This psychological competence that allows us to better manage stressful circumstances, acts, according to a work published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, through a neurological mechanism that mediates our well-being. And we can learn to develop it:

Resilience is not about remaining firm and imperturbable in the face of adversity; It is adapting to it, being flexible.We must maintain a positive and hopeful view of the circumstances. Let us try to learn from failures. Let us trust our abilities and potential. Let us accept that we do not have control of everything that happens to us. Let us clarify our values. Let us remember our strengths. Let us always keep in mind what we It gives us meaning and significance.Let’s keep a long-term view: pain doesn’t last forever.

Final note: myths that inspire learning

The myth of the phoenix is ​​a valuable therapeutic metaphor and an exercise in reflection. As Carl Jung told us, this figure symbolizes hope, the value of being resilient and transformation. Life is change, nothing lasts forever and we are forced to be reborn several times from our own ashes.

However, let us remember: those ashes will not be blown away by the wind, on the contrary. They will be part of ourselves to shape a much stronger, greater and wiser being. Someone who may serve as an inspiration to others, but who, above all, allows us to move forward with our heads held high and our wings wide open.

You might be interested…