Dragon Symbolism & Meaning
Looking to balance your karma? Are you drawn to the healing arts or seek to help others? Dragon as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal can help! Dragon teaches you responsibility for your soul and how to live a life of honor. Delve deeply in Dragon symbolism and meaning to find out how this animal spirit guide can motivate, stir, and enlighten you.
Dragon Table of Contents
- Dragon Symbolism & Meaning
- Dragon Spirit Animal
- Dragon Totem Animal
- Dragon Power Animal
- Native American Dragon Symbolic Meanings
- Dragon as a Celtic Animal Symbol
- Dragon Dreams
- Dragon in Astrology & Zodiac Signs
- Back to all Fantasy & Mythical Creatures
- Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings
Dragon Symbolism & Meaning
Among animal spirit guides Dragon is arguably the most ancient and imposing. In the Far East, the Dragon symbolism and meaning is all about the authority of the Emperor (who for a long time in history was the designated “dreamer” for the entire Country). In this setting and many others, Dragon rules the elements and can take whatever form he wishes. Metaphysically, Dragon’s shape-shifting abilities equate to a Shaman’s mastery over the Elements, power to transform into various Animals, and the ability to enter Dreamtime.
In the art of Feng Shui, Dragon represents fortune, authority, growth, luck and development. In Europe these formidable Beings symbolize the ability to rise over circumstance and see things clearly.
Dragon symbolism and meaning also encompasses the primordial natural forces on all planes of existence, longevity and the most earliest of magicks some of which have been lost to time. The never ending battles between knights and Dragons reflect the inner struggle of human kind to come to terms with the Spiritual or Ethereal nature.
There’s a sense of mystery tied to Dragons, which can be the Greater mysteries too. Consider the Loch Ness Monster is, in theory, a water Dragon and protector of the lochs. Local stories also tell of a great air Dragon that lives beneath the Hebrides and comes out on sacred days to survey the standing stones throughout the region. Those who see this creature are considered somehow “Dragon kin.” In this respect Dragon energy connects with that of healing and power stones, as well as the Ancestor realm.
Dragon Spirit Animal
Dragon Spirit is drawn to people of intellect, dignity, contagious enthusiasm and authority. Dragons guide such individuals toward brilliance and, indeed, enlightenment. In this setting your Dragon Spirit Animal teaches you to roar – finding your voice, being heard and truly understood.
Dragon is a rare and powerful Spirit Animal, and you may find yourself quite intimidated by this creature upon initial introductions. There is no question that Dragon is worthy of your respect and honor, but She comes to you with good cause. Figuring out that purpose, however, can prove difficult. Dragon Spirits do not give up secrets easily – it’s part of the challenge. The greater the effort the greater the rewards.
The type of Dragon spirit that you encounter may give you a clue:
- Fire Dragons – bring you lessons of self-mastery, creativity, mental keenness, alchemical transformation and leadership.
- Water Dragons – focus on what drives the ship of your life – be ready to put down unhealthy patterns and sail toward your fate.
- Earth Dragons – stabilizes and provides the key for sustaining your needs.
- Air Dragons – wrap you safely in his/her grasp and flies high. From here you gain greater perspectives personally and globally, untroubled by the winds of change.
- In Asian cultures – wood and metal are included as elements.
- In modern gaming – “elements” such as ice, lightening, and speed are coined ‘elements’ and ascribed as ‘types’ to Dragons.
As in the legends of St. George and St. Margaret of Antioch (both Dragon slayers), Dragons represent the Devil. Spirit Animals always appear with your highest and best good in mind. Sometimes, that highest and best good can mean that you must face and ‘slay’ the Dragon inside yourself (addiction in any form, violence or rage issues, confidence and self-worth challenges, etc.). Or, conversely, the Dragon Spirit Animal may come when it’s time to face and ‘slay’ a ‘Devil’ who is doing harm to you and/or your loved ones, community, hearth and home, pets, etc.
***SPECIAL NOTE***
To be extremely clear, ‘slay’ is used as a metaphor – not as a prompt for physical, mental, or emotional harm.
Dragon Totem Animal
Those who have Dragon as a Totem Animal are fierce. This is not to say that others should be afraid of them nor they of themselves. Fierce, as an energy, can be incredibly positive. True, ‘fierce’ can also be incredibly destructive. Hopefully, you’ll use the Dragon that lives inside you only for thoughts, words, and deeds which are for the good of all.
Remember, in both modern and ancient myth, Dragons are closely tied to the elements. The 5 basic elements are earth, air, fire, water, and spirit (aka aether or ether).
Now, all Totem Animals ‘belong’ to an element. Fish to water, Bears to Earth, Eagles to Air, Lions to Fire, and so on. But, when something as large and seemingly ‘unbeatable’ as a Dragon is teamed up with an element, well, that’s P.O.W.E.R.F.U.L. Be sure that you recognize your Dragon type before identifying Dragon as your Animal Totem.
No matter what Dragon type you are, some Dragon people personality traits and characteristics are:
- Fearless.
- Passionate.
- Intensely loyal.
- Prone to rage issues.
- Not afraid of change.
- Great sense of humor.
- Think, speak, and act quickly.
- Old soul – wise beyond years.
- Not afraid to speak your truth.
- Desires to rise above all circumstances.
When Dragon is your Totem Animal, it can be easy to let ego take control. After all, who doesn’t want to be the biggest and baddest of them all? But use caution when identifying with Dragon as a your Animal Totem. Do not engage this part of yourself without a worthy cause. Dragon is an epic totem. So save it for the BIG problems or goals that seem otherwise insurmountable. Dragon appreciates those who do not use his energy imprudently.
It is suggested that those working with Dragon totems learn as much about these Beings as possible. The more you know, the more you honor your totem and its ruling element the better you’ll understand its communications. Additionally if you have the opportunity to meditate with the carving in a cave – this is a mythical place of rest for Dragons. It’s a good way to connect. Don’t be surprised if your totem debates the finer points of an idea with you – it’s a way of bringing you greater clarity.
Dragon Power Animal
Calling on Dragon medicine as your Power Animal is like having a key to the supernatural and the realm of true magick. It will take you time learning how to use that key effectively, however. All Dragon spirits have alchemical power, which means they hope to turn you into “gold” spiritually. This is a great gift, and one you should accept with both gratitude and humility.
Invoking Dragon as your Power Animal means even greater responsibility for you Karmically. Dragon will protect you when you work for the greatest good, but woe to those who begin reaching for power greedily. This is a great way to lose your Power Animal and get burned by the Dragon’s fury at the same time.
Dragon energy and medicine is particularly potent for those who wish to become healers and physicians – especially Acupuncture.
Native American Dragon Symbolic Meanings
We see Serpents / Snakes in traditional Native American lore, but not Dragons per se. Because Dragon myth and legend is so closely tied to Snakes, it can help you better understand Dragon as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal if you read all about Snake Symbolism and Meaning.
Dragon as a Celtic Animal Symbol
Dragon symbolism plays heavily in the legends of the Celts where it is associated with all four elements and cardinal directions. To the Druids, Dragons represented vitality, the psychic self, ancient wisdom and the power of creation itself. Stories of Dragons protecting the secret and sacred entryways to other realms are common in Celtic and Druid folklore.
It is no surprise to discover a Red Dragon on the flag of Wales. The motto roughly translates as ‘the Red Dragon leads us’. Unlike many European tales, Dragons have strong benevolent tendencies, only harming when evil rears its ugly head.
Throughout Celtic realms what we call Ley Lines are called Dragon Lines. This ties Dragon Spirit to Geomancy and the forces that connect all things on the Earth together. Stonehenge is thought to have been the ancient resting ground for travelling Dragons. Gives the phrase, “ley of the land” whole new meaning, doesn’t it?
The Anglo Saxon word for Dragon means “clear seer”. This implies that the Celts considered the Dragons as prophets and true seers with great wisdom. In fact, Seeing a Dragon was regarded as a great omen of good health and plentiful harvest. Even into modern times the Dragon is respected akin to the Gods as a protector of Mother Earth.
Dragon Dreams
Dreaming about a Dragon in a treasure cave represents those things you hold dear, or potentially things you hide from others. Dragons can also represent creation, power, sexuality, transcendence and primal forces that require care and regulation. To learn more about more specific Dragon dream symbolism, go to my Animal Dream Dictionary (be sure to read about Snake Dreams as they are so closely related to Dragon symbolism and meaning.
Learn more about Dragon Spirit by reading What Do Dragon Dreams Mean? on WhatIsMySpiritAnimal.com!
Dragon in Astrology & Zodiac Signs
In the Chinese Zodiac, Dragon is one of the 12 animals which govern this particular astrology system. Even if Dragon is not your Chinese Zodiac Sign, it is important to read about the personality, traits and characteristics. By understanding all teachings and energies of Dragon, you’ll be more capable of understanding and integrating its messages and medicine. On my sister-site, BuildingBeautifulSouls.com, you can learn all about the Chinese Zodiac Dragon.
Dragon Symbolic Meanings Key
- Psychic Ability
- Speaking Truths
- Fearless
- Passionate
- Magickal Ability
- Ancient Wisdom
- Adaptable to Radical Change
- Rage
- Nobility
- Worthy Causes
- Sense of Humor
err… few years I once dreamt a same dream twice of a dragon that was supposedly assigned by my father to protect me n I ended up protecting it from the bad guys n flew with it into the skies n then recently I saw a dream where it was very vague but all I remember is me holding a baby dragon dear to me n then some ppl stealing it from me which made me sad to the point I choked in tears n wanted to find it n get it back but then woke up from the dream as I was choking
few years ago*
I assigned a dragon to my children who were stolen.
Great works!!! Love the resonance reading your article,
keep it going ever on ward~
D a lan what are you in 3r
Great read keep up the good works!!!!!
The articles are Awesome and bring a-lot on insight & creativity.
~Light & life~
Not too long ago, I had a dream about dragons.
I was sharing my powers with a dragon made of ink, and this time, it was on the verge of death.
Its physical form got released, leaving just the inky soul.
I absorbed it, acquiring powers beyond imagination.
I could’ve done anything.
But I decided to give the power up to reincarnate the dragon, so I called upon the dragons of air, earth, water and fire through some sort of ritual dance.
Once the dance ended, I was sorrounded by the four, and they all spit fire in unison, creating a vortex of flames.
The soul I absorbed exited my body, lifting up high, where the rainbow of the flames then created black smoke, and it absorbed all of it.
Then, it got engulfed in the flames, repelling me outside, creating some sort of multicolored, flaming egg, and some seconds later the dragon at the beginning revealed itself, dissipating the colorful envelope it was in. It came up to me and showed affection toward me, and I hugged them. We were happy.
So.. what does it mean?
Last night I had a similar experience…I felt a powerful surge of an immeasurable force. It was an amazing liberating feeling. I fell asleep & 20 minutes into my sleep I woke up screaming & running in a rage as if I was going to defend my house or attack whatever was coming for me. I relied on the spirit of itself to make itself known. “Dragon spirit now dwells within me. I googled Dragon spirit which lead me to this page. I told my gf that I reached a new spiritual plateau. I find myself wanting to meditate more because it connects me to the divine. It guides me & teaches me as I walk through out the day. I will be cautions how I use this new weapon & only when needed. I asked it to never separate from me. I Am Dragon!!
Yesterday as I was looking at stones in a shop called.. Its Raining Zen, I was hit in the middle of my forehead by a dragon figurine that had fallen off of the display case I was interested in. At first I jokingly thought it a sign not to get anything out of the case. Now I wonder if the meaning could have been something else…
Person who stole my kids was named sarah
when I first saw my dragon I was vary sick she came to me telling me that she sees an ancient power that resides within me
now every time I catch a cold I see her and she teaches me a secret about her magick
Would you please recommend any books to go into much depth?
I feel like someone is going to think I’m crazy. After reading this article and people’s comments, I’ve noticed a lot of you have mentioned seeing these dragons in dreams. I came here looking for a meaning. I had a vision of a dragon while I was in the shower. It was big, fierce black with red eyes and smoke coming out of its nose. Extremely sharp teeth. I got a bad feeling with this vision. I don’t watch any sorts of dragon shows so I know this didn’t happen because of anything seen recently. I’ve never had a vision before time to time strange and vivid dreams. Can anyone help or at least help me figure out what this symbolizes?
I had vision one time of a dragon that was black with this purple light around it with purple eyes it gave me an adrenaline rush, this happened out of nowhere so could you tell me what it means?
it also had black horns
Meditated to find my spirit animal. I was on a island with the tree of life only thing on the island. A dark purple storm started to come in my direction and a 3 headed white and ice blue dragon swooped out of the sky. I asked if the storm was something for me in my life she nodded her head yes and told me to be brave
Very impressed. I’m learning so much!
I’m a Aries fire dragon. And my bf is an Aries fire snake. We are twin flames I believe. 11 yr common law. I thought of the snake first animal spirt. Seen them, realized I was living with one. lol I adore him. And realized that the things that bug me about him, are most likely what others see of me. And I need to stop and listen to what he’s really saying, instead of thinking of my next thought. I’m so excited for my journey esp the kundalini awaking. As bad as people make it out to be. I’m a dragon I’m not scared. Plus I have my snake guide and twin flame. Thank you so much for your knowledge. Sending the courage to all to ask your heart the important questions you need to know. Your mind rationalizes your questions by taping into your past experiences. Which in the majority of cares are wrong. Most of us have been programmed with limiting beliefs about money, life and love at a very young age. Not our earth parents fault. They were taught the same way. I remember my mother saying at the store when I was 5, put that chocolate bar down. You think money grows on trees. So that one thought I carried all my life as money is hard to get. It’s a struggle, not realizing I was quoting what they thought. Why didn’t that have to be my thought. So now I re wire my mind By talking out loud. And hold my heart feeling the emotions I would be feeling when I imagine the things I want, have already come true. Then, you try to get your ego mind on the same soul path as your unconditional loving heart. Your heart feels and sends the signal to your brain and you Brian sends the necessary chemical to your body. So ask your heart with love and your mind will follow. And the universe will provide!!
Love you all.
On Aug. 8 I meditated to connect with the Lion’s Gate for the first time. I had no idea what would happen, if anything, but after clearing my chakras and calling in Light to fill my aura, I settled into a trance state. First, a large Lion’s head filled my vision and integrated into me. Then gradually a Black Horse I’d worked with before appeared and very slowly came towards me, to finally meld into my being. After some period of quiet, a Tiger appeared almost as an afterthought, and eventually integrated with me also. I thought I’d made this up because Tiger is my Chinese zodiac animal, but accepted what I was envisioning. Then suddenly, way off in the distance, flying black bat wings appeared. My first inclination was to block this, thinking I had made it up or it was something negative, but years of shamanic training encouraged me to simply allow this to unfold to whatever Spirit was showing me. As the bat wings got larger, I saw they were actually a huge Black Dragon coming towards me. It became very large, its long slender body and triangular pointed face clearly visible. It felt very masculine and powerful and it, too, eventually merged with me. The combo of all these Beings merged within myself felt like some kind of mystical Griffin or Gorgon-like creature, benign but powerfully strong. I’d been dealing with stagnation, lack of motivation and a feeling of isolation lately so I sensed this was here to give me strength and clarity. As I sat with this feeling for awhile, I became aware of a smaller dragon off in the distance. I observed it for some time and realized it was a crystal dragon with a strong feminine energy.
Since all this happened, I’ve been researching everything I can about dragons, especially the Black Dragon. One interesting factoid says that the Chinese believe Tiger often appears with the Black Dragon because he is yin and Tiger is yang, providing balance. No way I could have made this up! After all this research, I realize that I’ve been drawn to dragons for many, many years, having kept a small china dragon figurine for 35 or more years, and even going so far as to purchase a dragon’s blood stone skull recently. Yesterday I found a small cave by a creek to focus on the Black Dragon, and will return there to experience Dragon more fully. Looking online later, I found a black Dragon figurine and silver-finish dragon pendant to buy. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful site with al its information. Yours is the best I’ve found on Dragon lore anywhere. However, I have yet to find anything about crystal dragons. If you have any info about them, please share with your readers. Thanks for this wonderful site.
I have been working with dragons for a few years now, and you might find a recent article I read interesting, the liberation of Ezekiel, written by a woman called Lisa Renee, I am happy to discuss or help you with your queries but not on a public forum, I give permission for the owners of this page to give you my email, if they can
On Aug. 8 I meditated to connect with the Lion’s Gate for the first time. I had no idea what would happen, if anything, but after clearing my chakras and calling in Light to fill my aura, I settled into a trance state. First, a large Lion’s head filled my vision and integrated into me. Then gradually a Black Horse I’d worked with before appeared and very slowly came towards me, to finally meld into my being. After some period of quiet, a Tiger appeared almost as an afterthought, and eventually integrated with me also. I thought I’d made this up because Tiger is my Chinese zodiac animal, but accepted what I was envisioning. Then suddenly, way off in the distance, flying black bat wings appeared. My first inclination was to block this, thinking I had made it up or it was something negative, but years of shamanic training encouraged me to simply allow this to unfold to whatever Spirit was showing me. As the bat wings got larger, I saw they were actually a huge Black Dragon coming towards me. It became very large, its long slender body and triangular pointed face clearly visible. It felt very masculine and powerful and it, too, eventually merged with me. The combo of all these Beings merged within myself felt like some kind of mystical Griffin or Gorgon-like creature, benign but powerfully strong. I’d been dealing with stagnation, lack of motivation and a feeling of isolation lately so I sensed this was here to give me strength and clarity. As I sat with this feeling for awhile, I became aware of a smaller dragon off in the distance. I observed it for some time and realized it was a crystal dragon with a strong feminine energy.
Since all this happened, I’ve been researching everything I can about dragons, especially the Black Dragon. One interesting factoid says that the Chinese believe Tiger often appears with the Black Dragon because he is yin and Tiger is yang, providing balance. No way I could have made this up! After all this research, I realize that I’ve been drawn to dragons for many, many years, having kept a small china dragon figurine for 35 or more years, and even going so far as to purchase a dragon’s blood stone skull recently. Yesterday I found a small cave by a creek to focus on the Black Dragon, and will return there to experience Dragon more fully. Looking online later, I found a black Dragon figurine and silver-finish dragon pendant to buy. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful site with al its information. Yours is the best I’ve found on Dragon lore anywhere. However, I have yet to find anything about crystal dragons. If you have any info about them, please share with your readers. Thanks for this wonderful site.
I have been working with dragons for a few years now, and you might find a recent article I read interesting, the liberation of Ezekiel, written by a woman called Lisa Renee, I am happy to discuss or help you with your queries but not on a public forum, I give permission for the owners of this page to give you my email, if they can