The discussion today  explores the mythology and symbolism of the phoenix across various cultures, highlighting its enduring representation of renewal and rebirth. It traces the phoenix's origins from the Egyptian Bennu to its adoption in Greek and Roman mythologies, and its independent emergence in Asian cultures.

The discussion continues to detail a "Flames of Change" New Year's ritual, using the phoenix as a metaphor for letting go of past burdens and embracing personal growth and new beginnings. This ritual involves reflection, writing down negative aspects of the past year, symbolically burning them, and setting intentions for the future. Finally, the discussion emphasises the ritual's potential for individual and communal transformation as one enters a new year.