First I’d like to share a bit about dragon lore in ancient cultures in part one of this piece, and then move on to how dragons are intertwined with modern culture in part two.
The dragon is a powerful, mythical creature of legend and lore that permeates multiple cultures worldwide. While the strength of a dragon is a constant in different societies, the appearance and significance is not. Today, many of us adorn our bodies with dragons for their qualities of good luck, well-being, and protection. Others collect symbols of the dragon’s power in the form of dragon figurines.
In the West, dragons were thought to bring hardships and destruction and often were the guardians of treasure and representations of greed. Societies such as the Norse used the symbol of the dragon as their figurehead, carving dragons into the heads of their ships and placing them on crests and shields. When Christianity was introduced, dragons’ reputations became even worse and they came to be known as satanic beasts.
However, in the East and even in some Western societies, including Celtic, Gnostic, Alchemy, and Draconic Wicca, dragons symbolize a supreme being. This divine creature is believed to represent the spirit of nature and the ability to transform. It offers hope, courage, and good fortune. Legend often presents dragons as the guardians of the “flaming pearl,” a gem symbolizing spiritual perfection. You will often see this pearl in dragon figurines and dragon collectibles. You will sometimes see Celtic dragons in a circular position, tail to mouth. As in paganism, the circle is perfection, the circle of life, transformation, and eternity. And further still, on the Astral plane, dragons are said to represent wisdom.
In our modern literature and movies, dragons are portrayed as terrifying, fire-breathing creatures that create obstacles in our personal journeys and that threaten to eat our women and children. Dragons worn with the more Western beliefs symbolize power and freedom and independence, but not usually an intention of evil. Most of the time, when we see a dragon, it isn’t a symbol to fear, but one of protection.
Dragon images make powerful amulets. Worn close to our body, the talisman radiates protection, drives away negative forces, and attracts good fortune. You can wear your amulet all the time, or you can wear it when you feel you need it. You may also carry your amulet or sleep with it under your pillow—it depends on what you are seeking.
In part two, the influential dragon makes an appearance in modern society and pop culture.
