1 Phoenix (Spirit)

Freedom from suffering and past karma, reincarnation

The Phoenix represents the transformation of our past. This doesn't mean fleeing from it, denying it, or furiously "burning bridges." The Phoenix uses an advanced technique described in yoga as burning negativity through practices and selflessness (Tapas). The essence of the Phoenix is with us when we begin to understand that we have suffered too long and it's time to change something. We stop and finally decide to live consciously, instead of being controlled by the subconscious with its long list of fears and aversions. In this moment, the Phoenix spark ignites, and the great bird helps us burn all our baggage. We no longer run from who we are, what happened to us, or what we have done. "Blockages" and "dead weight" crumble to dust, and purity of consciousness and light emerge. While stagnation continues to smolder, the Phoenix lifts our souls higher and higher, and we begin to recognize ourselves again. We can see a new gleam in our eyes that wasn't there before. Look closer... This is the sign, this is the fire of transformation on your wings.

Ancient yogis believed that the heaviest karma resides in the first chakra. This earthly center is also called Muladhara, or our root. The Phoenix's ascent begins here, and as karmic blocks begin to burn, it rises from the ashes to the navel center. Again and again it rises from the first to the third chakra, purifying our essence, freeing us from the past.