The phoenix is one of the most well-known Chinese celestial creatures. Probably second only to the dragon.

In fact, together with the dragon, they almost exist as one.

So much so that whenever there is a discussion about dragons, the phoenix would somehow sneak into the discussion as well.

This is because when a phoenix is displayed or depicted with a dragon, the couple is the most multi-tiered good luck symbols in symolic feng shui.

This is probably a reason why in the dragon is a symbol of the emperor and the phoenix represents the empress.

On it’s own, the phoenix is a strong symbol of yang energy. But when partnered with the dragon, it takes on a yin characteristic.

By itself, the celestial bird is also associated with good fortune and the epitome of opportunity luck.

Therefore, it is often the symbol of choice for those that are experiencing bad luck as it is capable in turning around adverse circumstances.

In ancient writings, scholars describe the phoenix as symbolizing 5 human attributes which are also indicated by the 5 colors of it’s feathers.

1. The head is virtue
2. The wings is duty
3. The back is morality
4. The stomach is reliability
5. The breast is humanity

The celestial animal is also said to be the king of all feathered creatures, much like how the chi lin is said to be the ruler of all furry animals.

It is also considered as the God of 4 winds.

Confucius once said that the lack of an appearance of the phoenix, together with other magical animals, is a sign of an unjust government and king.

In some parts of China, the phoenix represents a lover. While in other parts, it is related to the female genitalia.

When two phoenixes are displayed together, it signifies homosexuality described as “false male and empty female phoenix”.

There is also an expression “two phoenixes pierce the blossom” which represents connubial intercourse.

When depicted with peony flowers, it can take on the meaning of the beloved or young lovers.

This is often portrayed in paintings with children riding on the back of 3 phoenixes and carrying vases containing peonies and other flowers.

These days, the phoenix most often makes an appearance when there is a marriage. And together with the dragon, it is used as decorations and motifs to signify a marriage with blessings from the heavens.

In such displays. the dragon is always on the left and the phoenix on the right.

In land form feng shui, the phoenix is one of the infamous 4 celestial creatures. It takes up the cardinal direction of south and is associated with fire energy.

Legend of the phoenix

There is a common saying about “birds adoring the phoenix”. This is also often depicted in auspicious Chinese paintings.

This came about in the story when the phoenix was just a regular bird minding it’s own business and picking fruits discarded by others. It was a period when food was abundant and there was a lot of leftover food. The phoenix then cultivated the habit to keep all the fruits it can find and store then in it’s nest. As the great drought hit, food shortage become widespread and the phoenix welcomed the birds to feed from it’s reserves. As a mark of respect and gratitude, every bird presented the phoenix with one of their feathers. And on it’s birthday, all birds flocked to the phoenix to show their love.

There is also a legend about the cinnabar-colored phoenix.

The story is about a cinnabar-red phoenix born deep in a cinnabar-cave of the mountains at the south pole. This majestic phoenix became know as the Phoenix of the cinna-bar-mountain.

Very suiting as the phoenix is associated with the south and the color red.

Then there is a folklore about a dragon and phoenix appearing on the western and eastern mountains during a period of the Tang dynasty on the dragon boat festival. This was witnessed by a military official with his pregnant wife. His daughter was born the following year and she became the Empress Wu ZeTian. Thus, it became a symbol of nobility and good omen.

There is also a belief about the phoenix’s nirvana.

This is a ritual in which the celestial bird practices where it gathers wood from the Chinese parasol tree to set itself on fire. The phoenix will then rise from the ashes as if reborn like a molting lobster. Stronger and more powerful than before.

Placement of phoenix

Whether it is a carved statue, painting or figurine, the phoenix should be placed on an elevated position in the house.

Having it perched comfortably on top of shelves is a good configuration.

Because of it’s celestial powers, it can be placed in any directional sector of the house without negative effects.

Saying that, it is most potent when placed at the south as this sector is where it feels most at home.

When paintings contain both the dragon and phoenix, it is the symbol of a blessed marriage.

As such, it should be hung either on the southwest or northwest. The east is also acceptable as it is the “home” of the dragon, while the south is suitable as explained earlier.

They shouldn’t have a significant presence in bedrooms.

Used as a personal emblem like a key-chain, the phoenix can encourage positivity, inner-strength, passion, and action.

The peacock understandably bears resemblance to the phoenix.

It is therefore often used by homeowners and feng shui practioners as a substitute to the phoenix, but with the same connotations.

The only problem is that only male peacock would resemble it. Thus, when peacocks are used as alternatives, it can only take on the yang role of the phoenix.

Phoenix and Dragon Meaning

Representing yin, the Phoenix is often paired with a dragon which represents yang. Together, in feng shui, the dragon and the phoenix present a balance of yin and yang that perfectly complement each other.

Symbol of Marital Bliss

In total balance, the dragon and the phoenix create a happy celestial couple. A statue or painting of a dragon and a phoenix is a symbol of marital bliss and everlasting love. It also strengthens and rekindles relationships.

Feng Shui Placements of Phoenix

You can place the Phoenix in your home as a powerful symbol of the creature’s attributes. Select the area you wish to activate and choose the appropriate paintings or figurine. You may also wish to represent the Phoenix in your landscaping.

1. In landform feng shui, the Phoenix represents the front yard of your home. You can create a small raised area in your front yard or place a large rock there to symbolize the Phoenix.
2. Many feng shui practitioners place a red phoenix statue, symbolizing the element of fire, in the section of their space representing Fame and Recognition (south sector).
3. You may prefer to place a statue or picture of the Phoenix and the dragon in the southwest sector of your bedroom to symbolize a happy marriage.

The Myth of the Phoenix

You can find the legend of the Phoenix in various cultures throughout history. One of the most popular versions is that of the ancient Greek culture. According to Greek phoenix mythology, the mystical bird lived in Arabia.

The Legend of the Phoenix

According to ancient legend, when the firebird of the sun, called the Phoenix, grows old and tired and is nearing the end of its life, it builds a pyre nest of spices and beautiful smelling branches. Once the nest is completed, the Phoenix sets it on fire. As the fire rages, both the Phoenix and the nest are reduced to a pile of ashes.

Phoenix Rises From Ashes

After several days a young phoenix rises from the ashes, ready to begin life as the solitary phoenix of the time. The young bird carefully gathers the ashes of the old Phoenix placing the remains into a myrrh egg. The new Phoenix carries the egg to the city of the sun named Heliopolis where he places it on the sun god’s alter.

Nature of the Phoenix

The beautifully colored phoenix, with its vibrant gold and scarlet plumage, is now ready to spend its life singing a beautiful melodious song to the sun every day. The magnificent gentle bird, often described as eagle-like, does not kill anything, living completely on dew. In its gentleness, it never crushes anything that it touches.

Other Names for the Arabian Phoenix

Throughout the centuries, the Arabian phoenix has been referred to by many names.

1. King of birds
2. Bird of the sun
3. The Egyptian bird
4. The long-lived bird
5. The bird of Arabia
6. Bird of Assyria
7. Bird of the Ganges

The Phoenix in Different Cultures

The popular mythological accounts of the Phoenix, or its counterpart, existed in many cultures. In each culture, the birds are all identified with, or connected to, the sun. The following are examples of the many countries and cultures that share the legend of the bird of the sun and the names the bird is known by:

1. Greek – Phoenix
2. Chinese – Feng huang
3. Japanese – Hou-ou or Ho-oo
4. Native American – Yei
5. Hindu – Vena in the Rig Veda
6. Russian – Firebird
7. Jewish – Milcham
8. Egyptian – Benu or Bennu

Common Variations of the Legend of the Phoenix

The following are several of the most common variations of phoenix mythology:

1. The number of years the phoenix lives varies from culture to culture. According to different mythological accounts, the lifespan of the Phoenix was commonly said to be 500 or 1000 years. However, other accounts relate lifespans of 540 years, 1461 years and even 12,994 years!
2. Some myths tell of the young phoenix rising from the flames. Others say it rose from the ashes after the fire burned one to three days.
3. The Phoenix is often described as being like an eagle or a heron.

Description of Chinese Phoenix

The Chinese phoenix is known as the Fenghuang. In ancient times, the male phoenix was called feng and the female birds were called haung. In later times, the distinction of gender was ignored, and the bird was simply referred to as she. The Phoenix became the symbol of the Empress. The description of this mythological bird is said to have:

1. Face of a swallow
2. Beak of a cock
3. Breast of a goose
4. Neck of a snake
5. Hindquarters of a stag
6. Back of a tortoise
7. Tail of a fish

Phoenix Mythology in Feng Shi

The Phoenix is a powerful feng shui symbol. It has multiple uses in different luck sectors. When used properly, the Phoenix is believed to bring auspicious chi into your home and life.