PELICAN
See Mystical WWW : Mystical Birds.

PETRELS
See Mystical WWW : Mystical Birds.

PHOENIX
It is said that the phoenix lived for five hundred years. This legendary mythical bird is surrounded with magical stories symbolising death and renewal. The phoenix just before its death sang a last song and it was then placed upon a funeral pyre. The pyre was made from aromatic herbs and exposed to the sun. The fire was not lit by human hands but by the power of the sun's energy. When the fire settled amongst the ashes a small worm was born. From this the new phoenix would rise anew reborn

PIG
In Ireland pigs were thought to have been able to see the wind. To see a pig hurrying around with straw in the mouth was an omen of bad weather, whilst to have one cross your path would bring misfortune. To avoid bad luck it was advised that the person should turn their back on the animal until it had gone. Death was thought to have been imminent to someone in the family if a pig was heard to make a high pitched whining sound. There is a strong belief too in the power of the pig to foresee changes in the weather at sea (See Mystical WWW Mystic's Menagerie : Fish).

On a positive note, these friendly creatures when young were thought to be a good omen. The sight of piglets when on your travels would ensure that you enjoy a period of success whilst your journey continued.

Traditionally sailors have gained tattoos because of the belief that such symbols had a powerful influence on protection whilst at sea. The tattoo of a 'pig' with a 'cockerel' (See Mystical WWW Mystical Birds : Cockerel) was said to have been often used by American sailors believing that this combination would stop them from drowning. Pigs have long been known to be strong swimmers having no fear of water and perhaps this is one reason for the association with safety at sea. Saying the word 'pig' at sea was thought to bring about misfortune to crew, catch and vessel. Substitute terms were used such as 'grumphie', 'curlie-tail', and even 'guffey'.

To kill a pig in a month when there was no 'R' in the month's name was believed to produce bad results. The pork was thought not to keep for any profitable length of time. Killing during the summer months was sure to make the meat sweat and hence the rhyme.

Pigs were believed to carry the 'Mark of the Devil'. This expression could have developed from the belief in how pigs were believed to be able to see the wind and cause disaster. The markings are said to be visible on the front trotters!

The pig was seen to be an important creature in Celtic folklore. 'Twrch Trwyth' was given by the Underworld of Annwn by Arawn to Pwyll. The gift was a huge boar and is said to indicate that there was unsettlement between the different worlds, causing battle and the death of Pwyll's son Pryderi.

PIGEON
See Mystical WWW : Mystical Birds.

PLOVER
See Mystical WWW : Mystical Birds.

PORPOISE
Once believed to be omens of good weather if seen swimming in a northerly direction with foul seas being associated if they were seen swimming towards the south, these creatures have traditionally seen to be associated with good fortune. Sailors believed also that to see a porpoise at play was a good omen if seen to be at play around the ship, almost as a talisman for the trip ahead. Such play indicated that the journey would have a successful outcome.