The story of the Phoenix has come to us through the ages, the Phoenix lore is a kind of composite of Egyptian, Greek & Roman mythology. The Phoenix is said to have been a large and magnificent bird, much like an eagle, with gorgeous red and golden plumage. The Greek word "phoenix" means "bright colored." It is first known to have been sacred to the Egyptian sun god, Ra, and was especially worshiped at Heliopolis in Egypt. From the very beginning the Phoenix was associated with the sun. According to tradition, however, the Phoenix lived not in Egypt, but in Arabia, which was indeed a land of the sun. The bird was always male and was reputed to live for 500 years. Never more than one Phoenix was alive at a time. During its long life the Phoenix strove ever sunward, but, as its span of life was nearing an end, it built a large nest of twigs of spice trees and myrrh. Then the Phoenix set the nest on fire and was consumed by the flames. Out of the ashes came forth another Phoenix, as beautiful and strong as the old, to live another 500 years. As soon as the young Phoenix reached maturity, he took up the remaining ashes of his father, covered them with spices, and flew to Heliopolis in Egypt, where he deposited them with reverence on the altar of the sun. Thus the Phoenix, born of fire out of the ashes, became the symbol of resurrection and eternal life. The Phoenix is the finest symbol of the permanence and everlasting qualities of fraternity. (quoted from www.saemodelta.com/phoenix.htm) Enjoy! :o)

Thank you Tidy for this awesome mesh!!