The JCPF charity and
The Way of the Phoenix
The JCPF was conceived in 1967 to represent the renewed interest in psychic and spiritual pathways which had come to prominence through the activities of popular musical groups, their songs, the re-emergence of Eastern mysticism, and Spiritualism. From the very beginning our focus was on healing, learning and subsequently teaching methods and means able to promote body and mind health.
Registering as a charity in 1978 the name, Joseph Carey Psychic Foundation is in recognition of the selfless service provided by the medium and healer Len Burden who as a deep trance medium channelled Joseph Carey who in this life was a Louisiana born American negro who passed away in 1901. Joey as he was affectionately known inspired the founding members to practise and promote the benefits of psychic and spiritual awareness.
The Phoenix was adopted as the organisations symbol as it represents the healing powers of rebirth and the journeying nature of our soul and spirit. Our motto is Carpe Diem, taken from the poet Horace, which means seize the day. The Way of the Phoenix website and apps represents the charity’s approach looking forward to the 21st century.
The Greeks rooted the tale of the phoenix in Western imagination more than 2,500 years ago. The fabled bird is said to live 500 years or more, and when the old bird is tired, it flies from Arabia to land in Heliopolis, Egypt, the “City of the Sun.” There, it gathers cinnamon twigs and resin to build a nest of spices atop the Temple of the Sun. The sun ignites the nest, and the old phoenix dies in flames. A new, young phoenix emerges from the ashes and wings back to Arabia to live another life cycle. The bird’s features have changed over the centuries, but most agree it’s an eagle-like bird with shining red, golden, and purple plumes.