In fact, the Benu may even have been perceived as the actual physical expression of the soul of Ra. And here, in Egypt, the Phoenix most likely found its origins in the story of the Benu bird, which was closely associated with the Sun God Ra. Both of these symbols tell of the duel nature of the bird, of its unique ability to contain the power of both death, and of re-birth simultaneously. And at other times, the head of the Phoenix held the disc of the Sun. In ancient Egypt, its head often held the Atef crown of Osiris, which symbolized his ruler-ship over the underworld. It was a huge and graceful bird, adorned with red, golden and sometimes purple feathers, and with green, sapphire eyes. But in all cultures, at any one time, this single Phoenix would hold the entirety of its potent legend. Its lifespan was long – Ancient Greek Myth told of 500 years, in Arabia it was said that one bird had lived for over 10,000. Only one Phoenix existed at any one time. But the subtle differences and cultural adaptations only serve to embellish and deepen the patterns, messages and medicine that this mythical bird still carries today. The story woven through its wings comes and goes, crossing boundaries of time and distance, emerging and expressing through cultures from Ancient Egypt and Arabia, to China and Japan. The Phoenix is a legend as ancient as any, but through the ages, it’s meaning and relevance has remained undiluted for tens of thousands of years.

Phoenix bird origin