PHOENIX: a symbol for survival, strength, rebirth, new beginnings; ReINCARNATION
For a long time now, I have aligned with the symbol of the Phoenix and have used it as inspiration for my own “ReINCARNATION” and journey. Not long ago, during a meditation my Phoenix came to me. I knew she was there to guide me but she always kept her distance and I just couldn’t get close to her, no matter how hard I tried. Later that afternoon I fell asleep on the couch and had one of those amazingly “real” dreams. In my dream, she revealed herself to me; all of her; her mission, her legacy AND her name:
PHILYRA [ f ee l EE r aa]. When I woke from that dream, it was as if I had always known her. But where did her name come from and what does it all mean??
This is where it gets interesting. The parallels seem far more than coincidence...
The name Philyra means ‘lover of music.’ Hmmmm....
Mythology says Philyra was an Oceanid, a water nymph. I’m a Pisces, a water sign. Oceanids are believed to help with healing and enlightenment; spiritual awakening. They possess a strong intuition and are to be relievers of stress. I have been seeking peace and calm, trying to heal and find a place of enlightenment since my sobriety founded in 2021. Philyra was the mother to a bastard child born out of wedlock and adultery; he was born the first Centaur (half man, half horse). Many years ago, I had an idea for a record label and was going to name it ‘Centaur Records’ (before I knew the classical label already existed). Philyra’s shame of her affair and “disfigured” son was too much for her and she asked to be transformed into a Linden tree where she would spend eternity. As if I wasn’t enchanted enough...
The Linden tree is considered sacred in many cultures throughout the world and sometimes even a symbol of divinity. They have a special place in symbolism – love, prosperity, friendship, peace, justice, happy life, good luck, fidelity. Yes, ironically, even fidelity. They are considered healing trees, protective trees; trees that keep away diseases and evil spirits. In history, many couples choose to be married under a Linden tree to ensure fidelity and eternal love. Unbeknownst to us at the time, my husband Darren and I were married under a Linden tree. The Linden tree is part of the genus ‘Tilia.’ Darren’s and my first favorited wine we drank together (and often) was named ‘Tilia.’ In astrology, people born under the Linden tree sign (March 11th - 17th) are talented, have a rich imagination and are loyal in love. I was born March 16th.
I’m sure for many, much of this can be skeptically interpreted in the same manner as when reading about astrology or one's zodiac. Perhaps it is the same. For me, the parallels are much stronger and reach further and deeper than any coincidences and for that I will keep believing.
PHILYRA is my Phoenix, my alter-ego, my guardian. She is my muse and my protector. One might say she is my ‘Spirit Animal.'