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Appendix: Ouroboros

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The Ouroboros has been a symbol of the eternal cycle, constantly beginning and ending, representing the perpetual cycle of renewal. Similar to the Phoenix, it represents life, death and rebirth. It’s an ancient symbol representing a serpent or a dragon eating it’s own tail. Text have described the Ouroboros to also be the mathematical representation of Infinity.

Images of the Ouroboros can be seen throughout history:

  • Ancient Egypt
  • Greece
  • Middle East
  • India
  • China
  • Japan
  • South America
  • Native American culture

Humanity is drawn to the elegance of eternal rebirth. There is something alluring about a continual cycle that is never-ending and eternal. Perhaps it represents a taste of Immortality; or more simply the possibility of Second Chances.

We are flawed and prone to making mistakes in life. The Ouroboros represents the knowledge that one cycle will end, and a new one begins with new possibilities. In a way, The Ouroboros goes beyond the cycle. There is a spiritual Hope in its symbolism.

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Appendix: The Butterfly

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Throughout the ages, the Butterfly has been described as an insect of beauty and grace as it flutters through the air in a delicate dance. Coming in various colors, disguising itself from predators, with indescribable patterns.

But the Butterfly is much more than that!

The Butterfly symbolizes metamorphosis and transformation. From its caterpillar form, it slowly weaves its chrysalis, biding its time until it has fully matured – finally, emerging in all its splendor as a Butterfly.

We all repeat this simple cycle in our lives. We crawl in stages that represent our infancy whether it be actual youth or as a beginning learner. After we have reached a certain point, we realize that we must transform ourselves to that next level. The transformation is slow, but eventual. We attain the pinnacle of our natural state. Emerging with our proverbial wings in full spread for the world to see.

This may occur multiple times throughout our lives for some; but for others – this transformation may only happen once. For very few, this never happens at all.

I would like to think that I’m in my chrysalis stage at the moment. I’m awaiting the end of this cycle. Watching through opaque walls that bind me. Restrained in a bundle, awaiting my freedom. Wanting to emerge, knowing that the beating of my wings in first flight has the potential to cause a tidal wave of change across the world.

Appendix: The Phoenix

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Ever since I was young, I was always fascinated by the mythological creature called the Phoenix. A brilliant, fiery bird that lived hundreds of years only to be consumed by its own flames at the end of its cycle, but its gift is its rebirth! Out of the ashes spawns a new Phoenix only to repeat its cycle all over again!

According to numerous texts, the Phoenix has been an enduring mythological symbol for millennia and across multiple cultures. According to the New World Encyclopedia:

“From religious and naturalistic symbolism in ancient Egypt, to secular symbol for armies, communities, and even societies, as well as an often-used literary symbol, this mythical bird’s representation of death and rebirth seems to resonate with humankind’s aspirations.”

In Ancient Egypt, the Phoenix was associated with immortality, and that symbolism had a widespread appeal in late antiquity. The Phoenix was beautifully colored, bathed in flames, with its vibrant gold and scarlet plumage. Ancient society regarded it as a magnificent gentle bird, often described as eagle-like, and does not kill anything.

In Feng Shui tradition, when the Phoenix was reborn, it quickly grew with grace, power and strength. The legendary bird of the sun represents the four Confucian virtues:

  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Justice
  • Decorum

In Chinese culture, the Phoenix symbolized: the union and melding of yin and yang; prosperity and power; grace and high virtue; and The Empress.

The Phoenix cycle is counter to the Buddhist belief of reincarnation. While the Phoenix goes through its immortal dance of rebirth with elegance & grace intact; the Buddhist doctrine of reincarnation is dictated by Karma and eventually has a finite cycle.