The Flame of Wisdom: The Journey of the Mystics and the Primordial Bird

Jp Santsil
11 min readAug 9, 2023

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Primordial Bird

At the threshold of time, in a realm forgotten by men, there existed an extraordinary bird whose existence transcended the boundaries of human understanding. It was known as the “Primordial Bird,” a mythical creature that embodied the essence of the universe within its wings.

The legend of the Primordial Bird echoed through centuries, passed down from generation to generation, fueling the curiosity of sages and unsettling the most inquisitive minds. It was said that this mysterious bird possessed the unique ability to be reborn from its own ashes, becoming a living symbol of death and resurrection, immortality, and transcendence.

Its feats were narrated in ancient manuscripts and esoteric texts, found in secret libraries and hidden monasteries. These scriptures revealed that the Primordial Bird held the deepest secrets of the universe, as if it were the very incarnation of cosmic wisdom.

Throughout time, different cultures appropriated the legend of the sacred bird, giving it unique names and attributes. In ancient China, it was known as the “Feng,” representing the Great Empress, the Divine Mother who resides within us all. Its image, intertwined with that of a dragon, symbolized an indissoluble brotherhood, a balance between opposing forces.

In India, the legend of the Primordial Bird took on a peculiar form. A bird, upon reaching the venerable age of five hundred years, performed a solemn self-immolation on an altar specially prepared by a wise priest. However, it was the bird itself that ignited the fire that would consume its body.

From the ashes emerged a larva that quickly metamorphosed into a small fledgling bird. As it grew, all recognized in it the majestic form, shine, and beauty characteristic of the eternal Primordial Bird. However, something distinct radiated in its eyes and in the sheen of its feathers, a new life reborn from the depths of the sacred fire.

In Egyptian mythology, a legacy from the Atlantean times, this divine bird was called the “Benu.” It personified the very soul of the ancient empire, a symbol of resurrection and the rebirth of the eternal spirit. The legend of the Benu spread along the Nile, enchanting the hearts of priests and pilgrims seeking connection with the divine.

The medieval alchemists and mystics of Europe also embraced the legend of the Primordial Bird in their hermetic symbolism. For them, this purple or red bird played a central role in the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone, a mysterious and transformative substance. It was said that the sacrificial fire of the bird triggered an alchemical process that led to the transmutation of matter and the attainment of the stone of wisdom.

The journey of the Primordial Bird extended beyond the borders of ancient civilizations. In Greco-Roman mythology, poets Hesiod and Ovid celebrated its existence. The bird lived nine times longer than a common crow, defying the ordinary cycle of life. Many Greek sages associated both this sacred bird and the owl with the goddess of Wisdom, Minerva, recognizing in her the divine essence of knowledge.

In ancient times in Mexico, the Primordial Bird flew in harmony with the great avatar Quetzalcoatl. Its presence beside this enlightened being symbolized divinity and glorious resurrection. For the early Christians, the bird represented Christ Himself, who had died and risen again in glory.

Pliny the Elder, the ancient Roman naturalist, described the Primordial Bird in his “Natural History.” He recounted its magnificence, portraying it as a majestic eagle with a golden necklace adorning its neck. Its brilliant body was purple in color, while its tail displayed blue feathers with touches of pink. Pliny estimated its longevity to be about five hundred years, after which it immolated itself on a perfumed pyre, rising from the ashes in renewed glory.

Similarly, Isidore of Seville added his own descriptions to the legend. He described the bird as a long-lived creature, with centuries of existence, which, after five hundred years, built a fragrant pyre to sacrifice itself in the fire and be reborn from its own ashes.

The Gnostic symbolism of the Primordial Bird was profound and complex. For Greek Gnostics, the bird lived a thousand years, consumed by flames at the end of that cycle. It would then be reborn from the ashes, living another thousand years, repeating this process seven times, alluding to cosmic cycles of resurrection and reincarnation. It represented the regeneration of universal life and, in its inverted symbolism, could be interpreted as the renewal of the psychological self, the overcoming of human limitations.

Thus, the story of the Primordial Bird wove an intricate tapestry of myths, legends, and interpretations. Its existence transcended human understanding, challenging logic and delving into the depths of the unknown. It was the thread that connected ancient civilizations, a beacon of wisdom guiding truth-seekers toward transcendence and immortality.

And so, the Primordial Bird remained an enigma shrouded in mystery, an eternal symbol of death and resurrection, universal wisdom, and the eternal quest for transcendence. Its radiant presence hovered in the collective imagination, awakening the yearning of intellectuals, mystics, and philosophers to unveil its hidden secrets.

It was a mystical challenge that incited the most inquisitive minds, leading them to explore the vastness of knowledge in search of clues and connections. Scholars embarked on research journeys to the farthest corners of the world, collecting accounts, ancient texts, and enigmatic symbols that could decipher the mysteries of the Primordial Bird.

In forgotten libraries and dusty archives, they found fragments of wisdom revealing the various facets of this mythical creature. Astrological studies, alchemical treatises, and philosophical texts held hidden clues about the nature of the transcendent bird.

Some scholars believed that the Primordial Bird was the embodiment of the creative fire, a primordial force giving birth to life and consuming all in its path. They explored ancient hermetic traditions in search of the key that would unlock the alchemical secret of immortality.

Other philosophers, inspired by Eastern doctrines, saw in the sacred bird a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Through meditation and self-knowledge practices, they believed it was possible to ascend to higher realms of consciousness, much like the Primordial Bird soared to the heavens.

Mystics engaged in spirited debates over the origins and hidden meanings of this enigmatic figure. They sought connections between myths and legends, tracing lines of interpretation that unified different traditions around the Primordial Bird.

Some asserted that the transcendent bird was not a physical entity, but a symbolic representation of cosmic forces governing the universe. It personified the essence of eternal return, the infinite cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that permeates all existence.

The most audacious believed that the Primordial Bird existed beyond the bounds of time and space, inhabiting dimensions unknown to mortals. This conception challenged conventional concepts of reality, pushing mystics to the abyss of the unknown, where new truths might be uncovered.

Thus, the quest for understanding the Primordial Bird transcended the limits of intellect. It was a journey that required courage, imagination, and an open mind to venture into the mysteries of existence. The legend of the sacred bird inspired scholars to delve into the depths of knowledge, surpassing the veils of illusion to touch the essence of the universe.

And even though the ultimate truth about the Primordial Bird remained elusive, its presence was enough to fuel the fire of mystical intellect and awaken an insatiable desire to explore new horizons of human thought.

The figure of the Primordial Bird became a symbol of the search for knowledge beyond established boundaries, an invitation to expand the limits of understanding and dive into the deepest mysteries of the universe.

Mystics gathered in secret societies and academic circles, exchanging ideas, debating theories, and sharing discoveries. They delved into ancient scriptures, esoteric treatises, and philosophical texts, searching for hidden clues and connections that could decipher the secrets of the Primordial Bird.

Discussions were passionate and fervent, each mystic bringing their unique perspective and personal interpretation of the enigmatic bird. Ideas intertwined, forming a complex web of concepts and theories, where each puzzle piece was carefully analyzed and debated.

Some intellectual mystics turned to science, seeking rational explanations for the existence of the sacred bird. Studies of biological and evolutionary phenomena were conducted, exploring the possibilities of longevity and cellular regeneration that could explain the bird’s resurrection. Theories about genetic manipulation and biological engineering were raised, imagining the possibility of creating a bird with the same characteristics as the Primordial Bird.

Others ventured into philosophy and metaphysics, exploring concepts of time, space, and consciousness. Theories about parallel realities, multidimensional universes, and existence beyond death were discussed, seeking to understand the nature of the immortality associated with the transcendent bird.

Psychology also found its place in this mystical enigma. Some believed that the Primordial Bird was a symbol of the process of inner transformation, representing the death of the ego and the rebirth of the soul. They delved into the depths of the human psyche, investigating archetypes and individuation processes in search of parallels with the journey of the mythological bird.

The search for the meaning of the Primordial Bird became an endless mystical challenge. Each answer found gave rise to new questions, and the journey toward complete understanding seemed unattainable. However, it was precisely this relentless pursuit, this insatiable thirst for knowledge, that drove mystics to transcend the boundaries of the known and venture into the realms of the unknown.

And so, the story of the Primordial Bird intertwined with the story of the mystics, becoming a metaphor for humanity’s own quest for understanding the universe. The transcendent bird rose as a beacon of light on the intellectual horizon, guiding knowledge explorers toward the grandeur of human understanding.

And even though the absolute truth remained elusive, mystics embraced the journey itself, finding in the pursuit of knowledge an inexhaustible source of personal growth and intellectual enrichment.

With time, they realized that the essence of the Primordial Bird was not only in unraveling its enigma but in awakening consciousness to the infinite complexity of the universe. The mythical bird became a symbol of mystical humility, reminding scholars that no matter how much knowledge they accumulated, there would always be something beyond their comprehension.

Mystics began to see the quest for understanding as a path of self-discovery, a dive into the depths of one’s own being. They understood that the true meaning of the Primordial Bird was not in the answers found, but in the personal transformation that occurred during the journey.

Thus, mystics adopted an attitude of openness and humility in the face of the unknown. They abandoned intellectual arrogance and surrendered to the wonder of mystery, recognizing that the true value of knowledge lay in the ability to question, explore, and constantly learn.

And in this journey of search and transformation, mystics found a deep connection with other human beings who shared their thirst for knowledge. Meetings and debates were organized, providing a space for the exchange of ideas and the collective construction of understanding.

The figure of the Primordial Bird, now seen as a symbol of the search for truth and wisdom, united mystics from different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. They recognized that, despite individual differences, all were guided by a common aspiration: the search for understanding of the world and the self.

In this new context, mystical intellectuality became a powerful force, capable of transcending borders and challenging established paradigms. Mystics took on the responsibility of sharing their knowledge and insights with the world, nurturing a movement of intellectual and spiritual renewal. They understood that true mysticism went beyond accumulating information, involving a continuous journey of discovery, self-transformation, and connection with the vastness of the universe.

And even though the absolute truth remained elusive, mystics found a deeper meaning in the quest, discovering that the spiritual journey, imbued with humility, curiosity, and love of knowledge, was an inexhaustible source of growth, inspiration, and connection with the infinite.

As mystics delved deeper into the quest for the essence of the Primordial Bird, they began to notice a curious pattern. The mythical bird seemed to appear in moments of profound mystical and emotional awakening, as if it were a subtle guide that emerged to lead them toward the next phase of their journey.

This realization led mystics to explore not only the theoretical aspects of knowledge but also the subtler dimensions of existence. They began to delve into the philosophy of consciousness, the psychology of the mind, and ancient spiritual traditions, seeking broader answers.

It was in this dive into the deeper layers of consciousness that they discovered the connection between the Primordial Bird and the Divine Spark within, the inner spark that resides in every human being. The mythical bird was not only an external symbol but also a representation of the divine potential within each individual.

This discovery brought a revolution in how mystics approached knowledge. They realized that the quest for understanding was not just an intellectual pursuit but also a spiritual journey in search of the essential truth of existence.

With this new perspective, mystics began to integrate spiritual wisdom into their intellectual explorations. They sought to understand the interconnections between mind, body, and spirit, exploring the relationship between individual consciousness and universal consciousness.

In this journey of integration, mystics became modern alchemists, combining the elements of reason and intuition, logic and mysticism, science and spirituality. They understood that true intellectuality was not confined to the realm of rational mind but included an openness to the unknown, a willingness to explore the mysteries of the universe and the self.

Thus, the quest for the essence of the Primordial Bird transformed into a journey of self-transformation and transcendence. Mystics understood that true knowledge could not be found merely in books or abstract theories but in the direct experience of life and deep connection with the soul and nature.

And as they advanced on their journey, mystics realized that the quest for truth was infinite. The Primordial Bird continued to evoke new questions, challenge their beliefs, and expand their horizons. They learned to embrace uncertainty and dance on the edge of the unknown, confident that the pursuit itself was the purpose.

And so, mystics became the heralds of the Primordial Bird, sharing not only

hidden knowledge but also a passion for the quest, a thirst for discovery, and a willingness to question everything they knew. They became guardians of the eternal fire of curiosity, fueling it with the flame of wisdom and inspiring others to venture on their own journey of self-discovery.

As mystics shared their experiences and knowledge, a community formed. It was a circle of bright minds, united by their common quest for truth and devotion to the Primordial Bird. They gathered in illuminated halls, exchanging ideas, debating theories, and exploring the mysteries of existence.

In these gatherings, they celebrated the diversity of perspectives, understanding that each individual had their own unique path to enlightenment. They shared stories of challenges faced, glimpses of revelation, and moments of profound spiritual ecstasy. And together, they found strength and inspiration to continue on their journey.

As time went by, the reputation of the mystic community spread. They became respected references, sought after by those seeking guidance and wisdom. People came from afar to participate in debates, lectures, and workshops led by the masters of the community.

But mystics always reminded everyone that the true journey was not just in external teachings but in internal awakening. They encouraged seekers to look within themselves, to question their own beliefs, and to embrace the journey of self-discovery. For, like the Primordial Bird, true transformation could only happen when one was internally ignited, leaving behind old concepts and being reborn with a new worldview.

And thus, the mystic community continued to thrive, leaving a lasting legacy of free thought, the search for truth, and the integration of mind and spirit. They became the keepers of knowledge, passing on the flame of the Primordial Bird to future generations, so that the search for truth and enlightenment would never cease.

And even today, somewhere in this vast universe, the Primordial Bird flies freely, inciting curiosity and awakening the divine spark in all restless hearts who dare to heed its call. For the mystic journey never ends; it is an eternal cycle of rebirth and expansion, guided by the radiant light of the Primordial Bird.

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Jp Santsil
Jp Santsil

Written by Jp Santsil

Onde me manifesto… sou como o entardecer, onde o vento passa ao silêncio da morte e as árvores vibram ao ver passar. Se não me manifesto… no nada tudo serei.

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