The Phoenix

The Law

Things learn

The Constellation

The Phoenix is ones of the most easily recognised constellations, possibly due to frequent depiction in Urizen art and iconography. It is rare to find even an Urizen child who hasn’t been taught how to find the Phoenix in the night sky, and then use it to more easily locate The Chain and many other constellations.

Symbology

The Phoenix is the transformation of the self through learning, wisdom and understanding; unlike the Great Wyrm, which is elemental change, the Phoenix is the rebirth of the soul through understanding and education – the awakening of enlightenment.

In some cultures the legend of the bird’s fiery death and rebirth is seen as a metaphor for the transit of souls through the Labyrinth – in others, the fiery end is seen as the strife and toil required to better oneself. Nothing worth learning should be cheap or easy.

Using the Phoenix in Ritual

The Phoenix stands for knowledge revealed and the betterment of all thereby. It is the enemy of ignorance and secrets, the flame that burns superstition and misunderstanding away. It has considerable application in rituals designed to counter or destroy other rituals especially those which cloud or obscure; it is also efficacious when used to raise morale or counter fear and despair.

Tulpas of the Phoenix

The thoughtforms of the Phoenix are always vivid in colour and vigorous in movement; enthusiastic, energetic, rousing and full of fire. Red Jack Firestarter in the Marches, The Flame-Haired Woman in Dawn and The Chimneysweep in The League are all known Tulpas of the Phoenix.

Alignment

Ritualists who align closely with the Phoenix speak of being energised; of knowing that the solution to a problem is literally just within their reach, and of being full of energy and drive, often to unclear purpose. Decisions made in such a state can often be of dubious utility in the cold light of day.