Year of the Dragon.

European Dragon.




One of the attractive features of Dragons, is that no one knows what they look like, or for that matter, I don't believe anyone has ever seen one in the flesh. This has been a bonus for the freedom of artistic expression. Dragons of course
play a central role in Chinese cultural, from historic Emperors to Chinese horoscopes. This mythical being stands as a symbol of strength, health and good fortune. A lustful athletic type, not for nothing did Chinese Emperors require a hundred or so concubines! Records suggest the Ming Emperor Taichung apparently over did things one night and died of conjugal excess.

Dragon myths of course are not confined to the Orient, western cultural has more than enough stories about the exploits of knights and dragons. In western traditions he is often cast as the epitome of evil, due to a rather bad press in Revelations 12:7-9, were the dragon equates to the devil. There is a vast literary outpouring of White Knights doing battle with this symbol of evil. In many European epics the dragon is the last obstacle to be overcome before a quest is successful. This of course is not his only role, as he is also used in heraldry and is the National Emblem of Wales.

To returning to his Oriental roots, the dragon is claimed to represent both male and female principles because of his unlimited powers. My personal interest in dragons, stems from my collecting Japanese netsuki were stories of this mythological being abound. In  Chinese traditions the dragon is known to rule the four seas were he is known as the Four Dragon Kings. Each of these Kings has special duties in relationship to the human world.

The Celestial Dragon.
Here he is the guardian of the mansions of the Gods, hence his reputation as a protector of wealth.

The Spiritual Dragon.
Here he  causes the wind to blow and produce rain, that hopefully ensures a good harvest and good luck.

The Earth Dragon.
Represents the rivers that at times break out of their confined course. In this case the dragon for what ever reason performs bad things.

The Dragon of hidden treasure.
Here he protects hidden wealth from mere mortals. Most probably should be the patron saint of geologists and gamblers.


What sort of year can we expect from this year of the dragon. This mythological being capable of both good and evil, all this sounds very human.People born this year will enjoy a show of glitter and sparkle, and will love to impress others. They will be athletic types and exercise to retain their youthful composure. They love to talk, but tend to be tactless. Enjoy casual flirtations, so to cheer up a dragon inject a bit of romance. So there you have it, happy new year.