When I think of my patronus it would be a Phoenix, the symbol meaning I admire its–resilience because it comes back to life after death, rebirth for obvious reasons; and rising from ashes symbolic of human wishful thinking where the proverbial cake on table one side can outweigh untold problems behind it.
Despite all of its associations with destruction phoenixes also mean a new start: they are born again. It emanates from vicissitudes and grows stronger on pressure Because it was originally a creature of death, the phoenix is now seen as offering new hope. Thus the metaphor is richer.
Just as in times of fear and darkness a Phoenix rises to light up the night, so too–like Fawkes in “Harry Potter“ -stands always faithfully by her master just when she needs him most. My Patronus will be the Phoenix, because in every situation it manages to radiate boundless optimism and show me how can be achieved.