The Dragon

(Note: I have placed () in places and put a number in them so you can read any notes I wanted to express at the end of this excerpt on Dragon's.)

The Dragon has many forms in Chinese mythology.

The T'ien-lung is the Celestial Dragon, who carries on its back the palace of the gods. The Shen-lung are the Spiritual Dragons, the makers of the wind and rain. These dragons are most important to crops, and are the ones most often depicted in Chinese art.

The Li, of which there are four, inhabit the oceans. These Sea Dragon Kings live in palaces of crystal and jade. They have yellow scales, shaggy legs and tail, a jutting brow, flaming eyes, small black ears, whiskers and a gaping mouth full of long sharp teeth. The Li are immortal and can communicate without speaking. On occasion, they are used by the undersea gods and goddesses as a means of transport.

The Chiao dwell in the mountains, and are shaped like a snake, with a small head, crimson chest, green striped back, yellow sides and four legs. The are about thirteen feet long. The Ti-lung are the Earth Dragons, who govern the rivers and streams. The Fu-ts'ang lung are the Dragons of hidden treasure, guardians of the wealth that is hidden from mortal eye. In addition, there are nine other forms which are considered sub-species, and whose forms adorn various household objects.

Dragons are also identified by both physical type and color. Physical categories--serpentine, clawed, horned and winged--are thought to correspond to the various life cycles, with serpentine being the youngest, and winged being the oldest. Azure dragons are omens of spring; red or black dragons are ferocious and cause storms; yellow dragons possess the greatest virtue and intelligence; and are only seen during times of perfection.

The dragon is the King of Scaly Creatures. It has the power of invisibility and transformation, often appearing in human form. Dragons are generally well meaning, but sometimes fly into fits of rage, causing havoc and storms. They are also deaf. Dragons are fond of beautiful gems, roasted swallows, and are especially fond of teasing spiders. Dragons are thought to be afraid of iron, centipedes, China-berry leaves, beeswax, tigers and five-color silk thread.

The most important treasure a dragon possesses is its magic pearl, which the dragon always kept near, either in its mouth or under its chin. The pearl gives off a radiant light that never fades, and is the symbol of wisdom, enlightenment, self-realization and spiritual richness. Dragons become powerless if their pearls (of wisdom) are stolen!

The first Chinese are thought to have descended from Nu Kua, who was part dragon, part mortal. The humans that descended from her were tutored by her consort Fu Hsi (first legendary emperor). The dragons that descended from her were fluid, appearing often in human and animal forms, and were regarded with awe and affection.

There is a superstition that holds dragons responsible for the invisible lines that run through China, which meta physicists compare to the ley lines of Briton. (1)These lines are thought to be Earth's veins, through which the natural forces flow; if obstructed, disaster is thought to be the consequence.

The Celestial Dragon, identified by the five claws on it feet, has been an emblem of Imperial power since the Han Dynasty (206 BCE) and is reserved for symbolic use by the Emperor and heirs, and by princes of the first and second rank. Princes of the third and fourth rank use the four-clawed dragon as their symbol. All other nobles who are allowed to use the dragon in their symbols which are restricted to the three-toed variety. The dragon is also worn by grooms on their wedding day.

(1) Interesting that this thought parallels what is found in humans. Our veins carry with it a natural force we refer to as Chi or Ki. Its flow determines our strength as well as those weaknesses that cause loss of health, etc. This is why what we do with our minds and bodies can affect us both positively and negatively. When we consume sustenance that is not good for us it causes that flow to become disrupted causing illness and sometimes or at least ultimately death before our time.

Earth's veins or lines also determine the health of our environment. How we treat the Earth will have effect on the environment which in turn is our sustenance for with out a healthy Earth how can we create the food, air, water, etc. we need that sustains us.

Think about this!