Chinese dragons - types and meaning of dragons, classification

Meaning

The dragon in the teachings of Feng Shui is one of the most powerful talisman. It is sure to impact your life no matter where you place it. The celestial animal attracts vital energy into the house, and this is the main task of feng shui.

What does the dragon symbol mean according to Feng Shui:

This is a magnet for wealth and success in business; the animal helps accelerate career growth and increase income.
The creature helps businessmen find honest partners.
For the home it is protection from bad thoughts and the evil eye.
The dragon is a symbol with Yang energy. First of all, he is the patron saint of men in the family. It is also a talisman for family happiness and harmony of lovers.
For single women, a mythical creature will help attract their other half.
The amulet promotes the speedy fulfillment of desires.
Helps you become wiser, more resilient and calmer.

Dragon totem

The symbol and totem of the dragon is suitable for people with a high level of self-esteem and vital energy, ambitious , striving for heights and achievements. They are not afraid of competition and battles; they have many ways to win.

It is difficult and quite dangerous to interact with the energy of a dragon; this Spirit can take possession of a person and subjugate him to himself. Some are cunning and resourceful, manipulating attention, and others are by inflating their ambitions and pride.

In order for the Dragon to become your friend and begin to help, you need to go through a kind of mystery - defeat the dragon in yourself . Or rather, you need to defeat the snake part of the Dragon in yourself . Not everyone can do this.

If you have high aspirations but are pure in heart, you can “ride the Dragon” and make it your totem. But even then, he will periodically tempt you and show willfulness; you cannot relax with such a totem. It will require all your dedication to your goal and tremendous dedication .

Still from the film “How to Train Your Dragon” - Toothless and Hiccup

A person with a dragon totem is essentially strong, has a powerful psyche, the potential for spiritual development and magical abilities.

The least he can achieve is to become rich . Such an achievement will not bring him happiness and inner satisfaction. And he will be more inclined to accumulate and protect what he receives than to spend for the sake of joy and development. In this way, its potential energy will increase, but this potential will not be able to be realized .

If you are a Dragon, then beware of striving only for money and wealth, this is the prerogative of the earthly dragon, which does not use its wings, but guards its golden cave. It would be best to choose high goals for yourself in life, and on the way to achieving them you will be accompanied by social success and financial success. After all, dragons, in principle, are never poor .

True Love can happen in the life of Dragons , but don’t rush and don’t look for it - it will find you on its own. Only a few can be a partner for a person with a dragon totem; it is not easy to withstand such energy and ambition.

Photo of the poster for the film “He is a Dragon”

When the Dragon finds family happiness, he is tempted to protect his couple from the rest of the world and completely appropriate it to himself, burning with passion and jealousy, but outwardly demonstrating coldness. Giving another freedom and trust is a difficult task for the Dragon, which he must cope with if he wants to keep his love.

Dragons do not have many children, but it is their appearance that allows him to discover the deepest wisdom and love in himself. But despite all the wisdom, the children will not receive the same attitude towards themselves - after all, only one of the entire offspring will also have the Dragon totem, and will become the absolute favorite of its parent.

Color

What does the color of the talisman say:

The green dragon is the most popular and strongest, a harbinger of joy, the patron of the military, a symbol of spring.
A golden dragon or a golden pearl in its clutches attracts money. Imperial emblems were made in gold tones.
Blue is the color of harmony and tranquility; such a dragon rules in the depths of the water and can soar into the sky. Along with green, this shade will be optimal for a heavenly symbol.
The red dragon represents the sky, it has very powerful energy and is not suitable for every home.

Varieties of moons

Breeds

The Chinese have about a hundred species of dragons. Let's name the most famous of them:

Tian

Lives in the sky, flies, guards the gods, and carries them in chariots. Transforms stone blocks into gold bars, breathes fire flames and exhales clouds. Symbolizing powerful and domineering qualities, it appears to be the strongest species.

Futsang

Living underground, he protects underground wealth in the form of precious stones and metals. Capable of causing volcanic eruptions and creating new mountains. He hides a pearl in the lower part of his face as the personification of wealth and is considered the wisest.

The earthly moon, lives in the depths of the water in the castle, rules the water resources. He often comes into contact with humanity and even marries ordinary women, as a result of which creatures are born - half people, half dragons.

Submitting to the gods of the moons with wings, he controls the weather, sending downpours, thunderstorms, and winds.

Shen

Has a human face, a huge belly, blue skin color. Controls winds and clouds, determines whether the harvest will be good or bad.

Meaning by colors

Dragons are also distinguished by colors, each of which carries a specific meaning:

green (and sometimes azure) Qinglong - compassion, mercy, change for the better;
blue Jiulong – fertility, depicted with horns or scales;
red Zhulong - happy future, success, favor;
yellow Huanglong - goodwill, forgiveness;
white Bailong - purity, purity, virtue;
black Xuanlong - silence, calm, harmony;
golden - wealth, nobility.

The color of a dragon depends on what kind of gold it was born from. You can also use it to find out how old the moon is: for example, Huanglong, Zhulong, Bailong, Xuanlong are 1000, and Jiulun is 800.

Which symbol to choose

The material, size and color, as well as the technique of making the talisman are selected individually:

If things are generally in order, then choose a small figurine. Huge figurines represent excess male energy, which can cause conflicts in the family. For the same reason, do not purchase several figurines or paintings with a sacred animal. Don't let him dominate, balance him with other animals.
Feng Shui experts recommend buying dragons that have four claws on their feet.

You can often find a figurine with a pearl in homes. This detail symbolizes the sun, vitality and fulfillment of desires. For financial success, be sure to choose a dragon with a golden pearl in its paws.

Two carp jumping over the Dragon Gate - this symbolism is useful for people who want to develop courage and patience, as well as for those who want to harmonize their married life and increase the flow of finances.
An alternative to figurines are images, small pictures or luxurious canvases and panels. An animal pattern is used on the wall fan. This is double protection of the house from ill-wishers.
Dragon figurines are made from different materials: wood, metal, glass and even stone. The crystal figurine has special properties. It will be in harmony with other talismans in the house.

Appearance

Old legends and numerous Chinese sources describe the dragon's appearance in detail:

camel head;
bull horns;
carp scales, of which there must certainly be 81 or 117;
snake neck;
eagle claws;
tiger paws;
cow ears;
goat beard;
catfish mustache as a symbol of wisdom.

Sometimes a bump is added to this description, which can be seen on the top of the animal’s head. She helps him soar above the ground without wings.

Height can vary - from one to three hundred meters. Dragons appear from eggs, but this happens infrequently, sometimes a millennium may pass. Such an event makes itself felt by meteorites, natural disasters, and strong storms.

Where to place a painting or figurine

The sacred animal has its own cardinal direction - east, element - air, and color - green. A green figurine is the best amulet. If you can’t place it in the east, then try to make the creature’s face point in this direction. If possible, place the symbol in the air flow to enhance its impact.

Protection that no negative energy can penetrate is given by the symbol located to the left of the front door. Place a figurine or painting in the living room to protect your home from negativity. The talisman should be placed on a raised platform, but not higher than a person’s height. Wall shelves and beautiful floor stands are ideal.

To imbue the business sphere with the energy of success, place a dragon figurine in the Wealth or Career zone. These are southeast and north respectively. Choose a work office or desk for the symbol. Don't forget about protecting your office.

The image of a dragon as a family patron would be appropriate in the Family zone. In the east, this talisman works most actively; it gives well-being to the residents of the house and preserves their physical and mental health. But avoid placing an animal in the bedroom, its powerful energy will affect the quality of rest.

There is no place for a sacred animal in the bathroom, as all financial success will flow out of life. You should not place the symbol in the southern part of the house, in the Fire sector.

What does the creature look like?

As is the case with any magical creatures, dragons were described differently in different countries (European, Japan, China, Rus'). If we talk specifically about Chinese magical creatures, they were often attributed to a camel's head, deer antlers, glowing demonic eyes, carp scales, chicken claws, tiger paws and cow ears.

But there are drawings in which these creatures are still depicted a little differently. There was one main detail that the dragon had to have. This is a special bump that was located on the head. It is believed that thanks to her, dragons can soar in the air without wings.

People believe that the size of the entities can range from 1 to 300 meters. Female dragons lay eggs, but it takes hundreds of years for the babies to hatch. Usually the birth of babies is accompanied by meteor showers, thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Rituals

The dragon symbol does not require mandatory recharge. Its powerful effect should be corrected with other symbols in the form of animals, as well as furniture or wooden decor. Place fresh flowers or paintings with a spring theme in the room.

Perform the ritual: dip your brush in ink, make two marks on the eyes of the figurine and turn it to the east.

This is how the talisman awakens. Dragon Day is determined according to the Chinese calendar, the ritual takes place in the morning between 7 and 9 o'clock.

Dragon in Chinese - hieroglyph

Calligraphy and hieroglyphs in China are a special part of the culture. Each symbol is not just a sign - it is the personification of an object, thing, phenomenon.

To designate an animal, especially a mythical one, special symbols are used. They have special meaning in Chinese writing. Since any mythical creature for the Chinese has only a positive character, then the hieroglyph that denotes a dragon is also like that.

There is a traditional and simplified spelling of the hieroglyph: trad. 龍 ex. [龙]

Local residents believe that the sign of the dragon should hang on the wall in every house so that good luck and happiness do not bypass it. Even Europeans believe in this legend, since the Chinese have long declared themselves to be a wise nation.

Other animal symbols

When symbols work together, a powerful energy background is formed in the house, all areas of life find balance, and the family prospers.

Celestial animals for home protection are White Tiger, Crimson Phoenix, Black Tortoise and Green Dragon. Use them all together:

The phoenix symbolizes the feminine principle; paired with the dragon, the symbols establish harmony in the relationship between the sexes. Located in the south.
The turtle, like the dragon, has a positive effect on finances and protects the head of the family. Its energy helps control yang power.
The White Tiger is another sacred patron symbol. The green dragon softens the furious energy of the tiger. Both mascots can be located at the front door, but the tiger is located lower.

The dragon in China is a symbol of the nation. Every year, solemn carnivals are held in the Celestial Empire, people dress up in masks and dance, scaring away evil forces and attracting prosperity into their lives. Not a single person interested in the art of Feng Shui passes by such a talisman.

Legends and myths about dragons

Legends about dragons have been preserved in different parts of the world, on different continents. The older the mythological image of the dragon, the more positive role it plays in the beliefs of the people. The fresher this image is in the human ethnos, the more evil is associated with it.

Ancient dragons are creatures who were respected and sung, whose role in the development of human civilization was clearly positive. These are sages, legislators, mentors of rulers.

The flying feathered serpent (bird-like serpent) Quetzalcoatl was one of the supreme deities of the Aztecs and other Indian tribes of Central America. The Mayan Indians called it Kukulcan .

Quetzalcoatl-Kukulcan

Quetzalcoatl-Kukulkan was considered the god of the elements of fire and air, water and wind, who founded royal dynasties and large cities. He also taught the tribes many important practical functions, for example, he gave them counting and writing, created a calendar, helped them master crafts, etc.

In Chinese tradition, the dragon is a sacred symbol of the Chinese nation as a whole, and previously of imperial power. The emperor's throne was called the Dragon Throne. The dragon is a symbol of Yang energy , a positive principle. Like the Indian tribes, the Chinese considered their dragon multifunctional . Over time, the image of the dragon acquired several varieties, each with its own specialization:

The main dragon breeds are as follows:

Tianlong – guard and “transport” of the gods, heavenly dragon ;
Futsanglong - underground dragon , keeper of hidden treasures - minerals and underground energy;
Dilun – ruler of rivers and seas, earth dragon ;
Yinglong is a divine dragon , on whom weather, wind, rain depend and which thunders from the sky.

Chinese dragons can be winged or fly due to the cone on the top of their head, that is, using magical power and the power of the Mind. They were also endowed with the ability to take on a human form .

All eastern cultures (Japan, Vietnam, Korea) value and respect dragons .

In Western and Christian culture , on the contrary, Dragons are those creatures to whom it was necessary to make sacrifices and with whom brave knights fought. Greek and biblical monsters were often depicted as dragon-like. The images of the serpent and the dragon could be identical and not separate in human perception.

The dragon is essentially the Slavic Serpent Gorynych , who is part of the “grouping” of negative characters in Russian fairy tales along with Baba Yaga and Koshchei the Immortal. Brave heroes - positive fairy-tale heroes - were forced to fight him, cutting off all his heads in turn. The Serpent Gorynych was famous for his accelerated regeneration (his severed limbs and heads grew back), he could breathe fire and fly through the air.

Monument to the Serpent Gorynych - erected in the Lipetsk region on Kudykina Mountain

That is, in Christianity and among the Slavs, snakes and dragons were often synonymous with the devil and evil , which explains the myth of the serpent fighters , . ”

Recently, a positive attitude towards the image of the dragon - with the help of science fiction and fantasy. In modern perception, dragons are powerful magical creatures that belong more likely to the Yang elements - fire and air. Their qualities are wisdom, strength and power.

Dragon tattoos as amulets

A drawing on the body with the image of this mythical animal looks stylish, but such a tattoo is not suitable for every person. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength and valor. Such a tattoo will change the life of its owner, regardless of whether the person is ready for it or not.

In Ancient China, only brave and valiant warriors could make such a design. It was believed that if a person is too weak, the dragon will absorb his energy until it completely destroys the biofield. The owner of the tattoo will begin to face negativity in all situations and aspects.

Modern esotericists confirm that the dragon symbol is suitable only for strong, proud, purposeful individuals. If you are not confident in your energy resources, then first try wearing a brooch or pendant with the image of a mythical animal. This will help you check what a talisman can bring into your life.

Invite a dragon to your home

The ancient art and science of Feng Shui uses many different techniques to remove obstacles to success and good health, while energizing us for maximum results. One of these techniques is the use of symbols to stimulate the subconscious mind towards action. Symbols are anchors in the unconscious that help us realize our intentions.

A properly placed dragon symbol will stimulate the flow of harmonious and abundant cosmic chi in your life.

The image of the dragon has been used for thousands of years in cases where more courage, enthusiasm and positive results were required.

With that said, inviting a dragon or dragons into your home is a great symbolic gesture. One or more dragons at home is a great motivator, resulting in dynamic action and great achievements.

Placing a dragon symbol anywhere in your home or office will bring more energy into an area of your life that may be blocked or in need of revitalization. A properly placed dragon symbol will stimulate the flow of harmonious and abundant cosmic chi in your life.

DIY making

Jewelry with the image of a dragon is usually made of gold and silver. But if you wish, you can make a talisman with your own hands:

Some craftswomen weave small figures of dragons from beads. This product can be used as a pendant.
If you have carving skills, then you can make a talisman with the image of a mythical creature from wood.
Another option is variegated embroidery. The dragon can be placed on a shirt, robe, or handkerchief.
You can easily make your own pendant from polymer clay. This material is pliable, it can easily be given the desired shape, and after baking it becomes hard and plastic.

Craftswomen weave dragons from beads.
During manufacturing, the amulet is saturated with the energy of the master. If you made it for yourself, then this will help you quickly create a connection with the amulet and bind it to yourself. The main thing is to free yourself from negative emotions and thoughts during needlework and concentrate on your own goals and dreams.

Dragons in Scandinavian mythology

In Scandinavian mythology, there are several dragons. The largest one was born by the giantess Angrboda from the deity Loki. The serpent Jormungandr was so large that he lay on the bottom of the world's oceans and encircled the earth with his body, biting his own tail. The deities, seeing the danger he brought to the Earth, decided to capture him. But the black dragon Nidhogg, according to legend, lives next to the tree of life Yggdrasil. Under the ground it gnaws at its roots.

Fafnir was once a man, his thirst for enrichment turned him into a snake

Another famous dragon among the Scandinavians, Fafnir, once had a human body. The thirst for wealth destroyed him. Because of the countless treasures given to his father Greidmar by the gods Thor and Loki after they took the life of Orth, who was hunting in the body of an otter on the river, and who was the younger brother of Fafnir himself, the two older brothers took the life of their parent and took possession of the wealth.

Fafnir fell at the hands of the hero Sigurd. When the dragon was defeated and stained Sigurd with his blood, he became invulnerable.

This is how the curse of the dwarf Angvari began to take effect because Loki took away all his gold and even the last ring that he asked to leave. Fafnir expected to own undividedly the wealth offered by the gods as payment for the death of one of the sorcerer’s sons. He put on a magic helmet and immediately turned into a dragon, which covered countless treasures with its huge carcass.

When is the next year of the dragon?

According to the eastern calendar, the year indicated above had the following dates:

1976;
1988;
2000;

Accordingly, the year of the dragon will come to us in 2024 . What should we expect from him? For those born this year, it will be unsuccessful in all directions: career, love, health. You should be careful and not tease fate.

For other signs everything will turn out differently:

Rats will be successful in all endeavors;
It will not be easy for the bulls; competitors of various types will appear on their way;
The Tiger will achieve success at work and in business;
The rabbit will conflict a lot, but if it behaves correctly it will emerge victorious;
The snake, if it listens to its wisdom, will gain financial well-being;
But it is better for the horse to postpone all serious matters; during this period, all undertakings will remain unpromising;
The Goat also needs to rest and not take any serious steps, just go with the flow;
Monkeys and roosters, with the right attitude towards life, will have great luck;
This is a time of conflict for the dog; disagreements with loved ones are possible;
For the pig, time will pass without any special events or shocks.

2024 – year of the green wood dragon.

It is impossible to tell clearly about the dragon symbol and its meaning for people. It became clear that this is a character with many images. For some it is power and might, luck and protection, for others it is evil and death. There are so many myths and legends in our world, each representing it in its own way.

Where is the best place to get a dragon tattoo?

Without any doubt, the larger the dragon tattoo, the more emotions it will evoke, so it is worth considering fairly large places, for example: the back or chest. But you shouldn’t get hung up on the fact that the snake must be big, because it is quite possible to get a small tattoo, more intimate, which will also look unusual, for this you should consider places such as: shoulders, hips, shoulder blades, arms, calves. The dragon tattoo is universal; it suits absolutely everyone, that is, both men and women.

One more small point

Much depends on who or how you want to portray the dragon, for example:

If the dragon in the sketch is calm, then the tattoo means calm and internal balance and harmony. If the dragon opens its mouth or has a grin, this indicates leadership and aggression. If a dragon flies over the mountains or simply strives upward, then this speaks of openness and aspiration in life. If the dragon, on the contrary, tends downward, then this speaks of enmity and aggression.

If the dragon is depicted with the tiger in equal size, then this indicates harmony, but if the tiger is larger than the dragon or defeats it, then this indicates anger and anger. If a dragon defeats a tiger, then this speaks of peace and goodness.

Chinese culture and mythology

In Chinese mythology, the magical animal occupies a dominant position. This essence is the king of folk legends and tales. There were a lot of legends, myths, and fairy tales, since he himself is a fantastic creature.

A book called “Journey to the West” gained great popular popularity. It is written in Chinese and occupies an important place in the country's literature. The main characters of the book are dragons.

The dragon in Chinese culture means wisdom, life, light. In old times, the creature was the guardian of jewelry, later it was considered the patron of fertility. The appearance of an animal is a joyful omen. On this day great and brilliant people are born. There is a legend about Confucius: when he was born, two winged mythical beasts descended into his house - harbingers of a joyful event.

There is a belief that the creature is the personification of masculinity, strength, and power. And a long time ago, people believed about his relationship with girls. If a woman saw an entity in a dream or in the sky above her house, then an outstanding sovereign, an emperor, will definitely be born to her or appear in her family.

Dragon power gives energy

If you are ready for big changes in life, you can use the power of the dragon to nourish you. This will give you more vitality and resilience, which in turn will give you more determination, self-confidence and overall well-being. If your business is unstable, then you definitely need the power of the dragon. You simply need a dragon image in your office if your business or career is in decline. A correctly placed dragon will revive your career. In the right place and activated, it will bring the energy of cash flow.

Use the power of the dragon. May your life be filled with the blessings of good health, wealth, harmonious relationships and career success.

The image of the dragon is common in most cultures of the world. The dragon is mentioned in the Bible, in Pliny, Galen, and Pascal. Pliny talks about the healing properties of the dragon: its tail and head are part of a potion that makes a person invincible. The dragon symbol is the emblem of warriors on Parthian and Roman standards, the national emblem of Wales, and the guardian depicted on the prows of ancient Viking ships. Among the Romans, the dragon was the badge of a cohort, hence the modern dragon, dragoon. The dragon symbol is a symbol of supreme power among the Celts, a symbol of the Chinese emperor: his face was called the Face of the Dragon, and his throne was called the Dragon Throne. On the shield of Agamemnon (11th song of the Iliad) a blue three-headed dragon was depicted.

Don Maitz

Chris Achilleos Dragon attacking the castle

In the ancient tradition, in general, the dragon is interpreted as chaos (the antithesis of the cosmos, the ordered world). Gnosticism features the image of a dragon biting its tail; this dragon is called Ouroboros and acts as a symbol of all cyclic processes. In Christianity, the dragon is presented as the personification of the evil of matter (the antithesis of spiritual good), as the embodiment of the devil. St. Augustine likens the devil to a dragon in his cunning; in the Bible the dragon is referred to as "the serpent called Satan." The legends of Buddhism are replete with references to dragons, and the tales of Taoism tell of their deeds.

Dragons are winged snakes, in the image of which animals were united, embodying two worlds - the upper (birds) and the lower (snakes). These fantastic creatures in Chinese mythology personified the masculine principle, the primary element of yang, together with the phoenix, embodying the feminine principle, the primary element of yin. The image of the dragon served as a symbol of the emperor, and the phoenix - of the empress. In China, the dragon is one of the symbols of the beginning of yang, which embodies light and activity. In general, he acts as the personification of strength and greatness. The hieroglyph for dragon also conveys the concepts of energy, strength, and mind. The Chinese dragon, the harrier, was depicted with horns, claws and scales, with a row of sharp spikes on its spine. He has the characteristics of a deity and is one of the four magical animals.

In the I Ching, the dragon appears as the personification of the sage; Similarly, in one of the historical works, Lao Tzu is compared to a dragon, for he is invulnerable in argument and his wisdom is inexhaustible. The dragon becomes the symbol of the emperor: the imperial throne is called the dragon throne, the emperor's face is called the dragon's face. In the ideas of the ancient Chinese, the dragon is associated with beneficial rain, and the associative series dragon/lightning/rain/fertility is very typical for them. “The earth connects with the dragon” - this is what they usually say about rain. The dragon plays an important role as a mediator between the two worlds - earthly and heavenly; the heavenly dragon holds the palaces of the gods on its spine to prevent them from falling to the ground.

In medieval alchemy, primordial matter (or otherwise the world substance) was designated by the most ancient alchemical symbol - a snake-dragon biting its own tail and called ouroboros (“tail eater”). The image of the ouroboros was accompanied by the caption “All in One or One in All.” And Creation was called circular (circulare) or wheel (rota). In the Middle Ages, when depicting a dragon, different parts of the body were “borrowed” from various animals, and, like the Sphinx, the dragon was a symbol of the unity of the four elements.

In most legends, the dragon appears as the personification of primordial evil, victory over which is the hero’s highest achievement; strictly speaking, only the one who defeats the dragon becomes a hero. In the Indo-European tradition, in general, the winners of the dragon are characters associated with solar symbolism (Mithras, Siegfried, Hercules, Jason, Horus or Apollo), which is a reflection of the main myth about the struggle of a solar (or celestial) deity with a chthonic being. Within Christian mythology, St. George and Archangel Michael act in a similar capacity. In Rus', the image of the Serpent Gorynych arose as a product of dark forces, a product of hell. The parable of Zhuang Tzu, cited by Borges, tells the story of a man who learned to slay dragons for three years, but subsequently did not have the opportunity to put his art into practice.

The dragon is a creature that can no longer be found in our earthly fauna; as a symbol and totem, it has very powerful energy.

How to wear an amulet correctly

Most often, the amulet is worn in the form of a pendant on a chain. But the dragon should not be located close to the heart, because... the talisman will have too great an impact on the human body and energy field. Therefore, it is better to choose a short chain for the amulet.

Dragons are often depicted on brooches. This decoration can be worn on the chest or on the collar. Esotericists say that the best place for a talisman is the neck.

If we are talking about a ring with a similar ornament, then women are recommended to wear it on their right hand, and representatives of the stronger sex - on their left.