Dragons aren’t just “cool” to look at nor are they just Daenerys Targaryen’s companions, they are also packed with meaning and symbolism! One of the oldest and most potent totems is the dragon, a rather powerful spirit animal. These powerful magical beings represent a variety of characteristics and feelings and can be found in the legends of numerous cultures all over the world.
There is a lot of dragon symbolism in both Western and Eastern civilizations.
It is one of the oldest and most potent totems as well as a strong spirit animal. These powerful magical beings represent a variety of characteristics and feelings.
The depiction of the Asian and European dragons’ morality or moral alignment is the most obvious distinction between them. Asian cultures view dragons as helpful beings, in contrast to European legend that depicts them as terrifying, wicked, and malevolent creatures.
The Far Eastern interpretation of the Dragon is all about the Emperor’s might.
Dragon is the master of the elements and can assume any form, both in this context and in many others. The dragon is also a symbol of prosperity, strength, improvement, fortune, and advancement in Feng Shui. Additionally, they symbolize water, especially the ancient Indian dragons the Nagas. These serpents lived in the underworld and were revered as the sage and kind defenders of water’s vitality. The dragon is also one of the 12 animals that rule the Chinese Zodiac.
In most (not all) Western cultures, dragons were frequently connected with heroes who attempted to destroy them, like the well-known Saint George. Dragons are a representation of evil, wrath, and cruelty in European mythology. However, there are some major exceptions to this widely-held belief, mainly found in Welsh folklore. Folklore from a few Native American tribes involved a dragon-like creature called the thunder lizard. Since they believed they had a hand in creating the Earth and the people who live on it, they were seen as creators.
In addition, unlike the rest of the world, Native Americans thought of dragons as serpents rather than the fearsome fire-breathing monsters that they are popularly seen as.
But what about personal symbolism?
Well, have you ever dreamt of a dragon? A dragon in a treasure cave signifies your most prized possessions or, possibly, anything you may be hiding from others. Dragons can also stand for transcendence, invention, strength, and primal powers that need to be controlled.
One of the most potent totems, the dragon can represent a broad spectrum of characteristics, feelings, and features. As a result, persons with the dragon totem can become the strongest versions of themselves. They work to free themselves and have faith in the ability to recover.
Dragons are considered fierce totem animals. The energy of fierceness can be quite beneficial as long as that fierceness is tempered and controlled before it becomes destructive to the self and to others. Be careful: if you don’t keep yourself grounded, dragon totems can make you conceited and cocky! Keep your ego on a leash and don’t waste your dragon totem energy on pointless and insignificant things.
Sources:
Dragon Symbolism
Dragon Totem
5 Spiritual Symbolism & Meanings Of Dragon