Phoenix Symbolism and Meaning in Feng Shui
The phoenix is a mythical animal with great spiritual meaning. Similar to the dragon, the phoenix appears in both eastern and western mythologies. The story of the phoenix varies from culture to culture. However, the most well-known speaks to a divinely graceful bird that spontaneously perishes in fire, letting go of what is no longer needed. Then from those ashes, the immortal phoenix is said to arise and be reborn. Birds, in general, are related to freedom and connected to heavenly energies because they can fly above the earth. The phoenix can swiftly rise up towards the sun like the flames of a fire, and with that same fire, it releases any baggage and impurities. In feng shui, the red phoenix is one of the four celestial guardians. It is a protector and embodiment of the south direction. The other three auspicious animals are the white tiger in the west, the black tortoise in the north, and the green dragon in the east. The phoenix is also connected to the energy of the sun, fire element, as well as prosperous opportunities. The ancient Chinese included the phoenix in many of their decorative art motifs. While the red phoenix is one of the four celestial guardians, the phoenix can be seen depicted in all the colors of the rainbow. In China, the phoenix is often paired with the dragon to represent the union of yin and yang, empress and emperor, feminine and masculine (respectively). On its own, the symbol of the phoenix shifts into the masculine yang role. The phoenix is both yang and yin, which skillfully illustrates the non-dual nature of the concept of yin and yang.
Using the Phoenix Symbol in Your Home
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of examining the spaces around you in order to create positive energetic shifts in your life. The use of symbols and imagery in conjunction with your intention and mindfulness can be powerful ways to work with the feng shui of your home. Similar birds like the rooster and peacock may be substituted for the phoenix. If you are attracted to the phoenix, here are some ways to incorporate this celestial animal and its powerful gifts into your home and life.
Activate the South Sector
You can activate the south area of your property, home, or bedroom and bring in images of the phoenix. The color of this direction is also red, so a red phoenix image can bring in some extra inspiration and wealth opportunities.
Phoenix and Dragon for Relationships
Together, the imagery of the phoenix and dragon can represent a harmonious romantic relationship. This emblem of this magical and happily together pair can be placed in the Relationship area of your home to strengthen your primary partnership. In feng shui, we have a tool called the bagua that can be overlaid on the floor plan of your home. The relationship area, called Kun in Chinese, is typically the far right corner of your home if you are standing in the front door looking in. And if you are single, yes, you can use this feng shui adjustment with the intention to invite in a compatible and blissful partner.
Invite Career Success and Opportunities
There is another area of the feng shui bagua map that is related to your career and path in life. It’s called Kan in Chinese and it’s located in the front center area of your home’s floor plan. You can locate an image of a phoenix here to invite in more wealth, prosperity, and opportunities related to your work and career. Alternatively, if you have trouble finding this bagua area, you can activate your front door. Similarly, your front door represents the portal in which energy comes into your home and life.
Transformation and Letting Go
If you resonate with the teachings of transformation and letting go, the phoenix may be a powerful symbol to keep close to you. The closer it is, the more personal the effect. For example, you can place phoenix images in your bedroom, meditation area, or even wear on your body as jewelry.
