Quetzalcoatl, literally translated from the Toltec Language, means"plumed serpent" or "serpent and sacred bird." It refers to the symbol of the bird unfolding from within the serpent and reaching the sun. There, it stands in the fire but doesn't burn. It is the firebird. After reaching the sun, the bird returns and teaches other serpents the way of reaching the light and giving birth to the bird (Quetzal) within.

As the bird of transformation returns to the Earth, it views the world with "medicine eyes" also known as "ojo de Dios" (the eye of God). It can see what is within others, the potential Being that lives within them. This is a deep vision. Powerful vision. The Quetzal doesn't guess that the potential bird lives within others. The Quetzal "knows" this. It knows this by its own experience. That is why this path is known as "the path of personal knowledge" or simply put "the way of knowledge."

The knowledge of the Quetzal is above beliefs: The Quetzal knows. Others may have brief moments of light, experiences of unusual lucidity when time seems to disappear. But then the moment ends, and the extraordinary light goes with it. The Quetzal not only has reached the light, the sun, and has become the sunbird. It becomes the firebird; he brings the fire with him. Here he comes. He brings the sun to us. We not only perceive the light: we feel the warmth that goes with it. Just to be in the presence of the Quetzal helps us advance in our path of releasing our own light. Not even words are required for this to happen. The silence around the Quetzal carries the fragrance of his light.

The Ancient Mayas have left us a poem that reflects on the Mythical Quetzal that lives in our heart. Here is their poem

If you love a bird

Love its flight,

If it is by your side, don’t cut his wings

He will no longer be a bird.

If you love a bird

set it free

If it returns to you

It is yours

If it doesn't

It never was.

You will never see a Quetzal in a Zoo, Quetzals do exist. To see one is a rare phenomenon, but it is possible. You just have to respect their freedom, for Quetzals do not tolerate captivity. The moment they are caught, they immediately die. Their country is freedom.