Nine Types of Dragons

Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The Chinese sign for the dragon first appeared upon turtle shields as a tribal totem way back during the Yin and Shang dynasties, and was eventually emblazed on the national flag during the Qing Dynasty [1644-1911 AD].

Chinese mythology is rich with the artwork, tales and depictions of dragons. Dragons are thought to give life, hence their breath is called "sheng chi" or divine energy. They are essentially benevolent and associated with abundance and blessing. They were helpful, wise and generous with their gifts when people encountered them.

The Rising Celestial Dragon. Details of a mandarin robe of embroidered silk, Chia-ching period (1796-1820), Qing Dynasty.

Known as the sons of heaven and the governors of rainfall, they symbolise royalty, nobility and good fortune. Some possessed great powers that allowed them to make rain and control floods, hence the dragon is a symbol of the natural world as well.

Physiology

Wang Fu [Han dynasty 206 BC - AD 220], was the scholar who recorded the anatomy of the Chinese dragon in extensive detail. Chinese dragons have nine characteristics which are a complex combination. They have a camel's head, a demon's eyes, a cow's ears, a deer's horns, a clam's belly, a snake's neck, an eagle's claws, a tiger's paws and 117 carp scales.

Chinese dragons are physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence [positive] while 36 are of the yin essence [negative]. This malevolent influence [which is thankfully the smaller ratio] accounts for their destructive and aggressive side. Just as water destroys, so can the dragons in the form of floods or droughts, tidal waves and storms. Legend has it that they caused the droughts by eclipsing the sun. Some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Nine Types

There are a total of nine types of classical Chinese dragons.

Chinese scholars categorized the dragons according to their cosmic tasks:

1. The Celestial Dragon [t'ien-Lung/literally "heaven dragon"] is the ruler of the dragons, in charge of protecting the heavens and homes of the deities.

2. The Spiritual dragon [shen-lung/literally "spirit dragon"] controls the weather and had to be appeased, or weather conditions would turn disastrous. A special rank of these dragons is known as Imperial Dragons that have five toes*. The only place they could be depicted on was imperial insignia.

3. The Earth dragon [ti-lung] controls rivers. It spends springtime in heaven and autumn in the sea.

4. The Underworld dragon [fu-ts'ang lung] is the guardian of precious metals and jewels buried in the earth. Volcanoes are said to be created when they burst out of the ground to report to heaven.

Other distinct species include:

5. The Horned Dragon. Considered to be the mightiest.

6. The Winged Dragon. The only dragon with wings. Believed to be a powerful servant of Huang Di, the yellow emperor, who was later immortalized as a dragon. One legend states that Yinglong helped a man named Yu stop the Yellow River from flooding by digging long channels with his tail .

7. The Coiling Dragon. Dwells in the ocean.

8. The Yellow Dragon. A hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge. Emerged from the River Luo to show Fuxi the elements of writing.

9. The Dragon King. Really four dragons that were respected and honoured as these were the dragons people approached when there was no rain. Each of these rules over one of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north.

* Jess's Note (pre-2012): Some sources say that Imperial Dragons are the only dragons with five claws/toes, others say that all Chinese dragons have five toes. I guess it's because the Chinese believe that all Eastern dragons originated from China. They believed that when the dragons flew away, they began to lose their toes. The further the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. That is why Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three.

* UPDATE! (Jan 2012): I received an insightful email from a visitor to Dragonsinn.net (re: Eastern dragons and the number of toes). Email is pasted below :) -- take note!

"Hi! I've enjoyed glancing through your very comprehensive dragon site. However, I would like to suggest one small correction. Any sources that say ALL Chinese dragons have five toes are mistaken. Only the Imperial Dragons have five toes. All others have four. The photo of the Jingdezhen plate [blue/white picture below] on your Chinese dragons page is proof of this. Unfortunately, today, many Chinese people are unaware of this traditional distinction and modern depictions of five toed dragons are common. In the same way, many Japanese do not know that Japanese dragons should only have three toes and so you can easily find modern paintings and illustrations of dragons here with five toes. It's very frustrating for a traditionalist like me!"

~ Respectfully, R.S. (Kyoto, Japan) | 25 Dec 2011

Decorative finials on roof ridges symbolize the importance of the building. Those used by the emperor would have nine figures. © Travel China Guide

Maturation of Chinese Dragons

The process for Chinese dragons to progress from hatchling to mature dragon is a lengthy one. They could take a whole millennium just to hatch! A millennium was needed for the dragon to grow scales and develop the head of a carp. Transformation of a fishlike nature would continue throughout the next millennium, and in the last 1000 years, the dragon would finally acquire the general appearance of an Oriental dragon.

A detailed description: a dragon is called a kiao, or scaled dragon, after the first five hundred years of its life. After another 1000 years, it is considered a lung, or proper dragon. An additional five hundred years and it becomes a kioh-lung, or horned dragon. Another 1000 years after that, it becomes ying-lung, or a winged dragon.

Chinese Dragons and the Pearl

Many pictures of Oriental dragons contain a pearl. Dragons with this dragon pearl, found normally under their chin, would be filled with the power to ascend to heaven [the Eastern dragon ascending in a cloud or in the sky can be taken to be symbolic of "success in life"]. The pearl would multiply whatever it touched and is said to contain the dragon's immense wisdom. Hence it is also known as the Pearl of Knowledge. Some also believe that it symbolises the dragon as the "keeper of the Tao", Tao referring to the perfectly balanced Yin and Yang symbol. The pearl is also associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

Chinese Dragon Bones

The Chinese believed the bones of Oriental dragons had vast healing powers. They were also thought to be the most effective. Dragon bones, said to be sweet, and dragon teeth would be used to treat a multitude of physical ailments. Prolonged intake would enable one to calm the spirit and lengthen his lifespan. Bones from China's West and South provinces were known for their high quality. The teeth and bones were crushed into a powder and boiled for some time before other ingredients were added for a specific concoction.

Dragons in Ancient China

In ancient China, nobody had any doubts about the existence of dragons.

People showed great respect for any dragon depicted in pictures, carvings and writings, and even the emperor prostrated himself before the image of a dragon with reverence and awe.

Emperors in many Asian countries claimed to have dragon ancestors. Thus, everything they used was decorated with dragons and described in terms of the dragon: dragon-throne, dragon-robe, dragon-bed, dragon-boat. Calling an emperor "dragon-face" was a supreme compliment. People believed that rulers could change themselves into dragons.

Eastern Dragon Colors and Meaning

Dragons and the accompanying colours have different meanings in Eastern mythology. These are the common colors:

· Yellow is superior, imperial, a symbol of the centre of the Earth, linked to the spleen and stomach. A yellow dragon robe was reserved for the Emperor (the Son of Heaven) and his family alone.

· Gold coloured dragons are also special. They have special attributes such as wealth, wisdom, kindness and the ability to face challenges head on.

· Blue and Green are symbols of the East, the chief spirits of the Spring. The blues are pure azure. Green represents good fortune, good health, or luck.

· Red is associated with storms, the South, Summer, the heart and large intestine, fire, passion, activity, and good fortune.

· Black is associated with storms, the North, winter, vengeance, and worry.

· White represents the West, Autumn, mourning, and death. To my own knowledge, it's different from the association of the color white with purity.


Elemental Dragon Types

Dragons also appear in Chinese Astrology. It appears fifth in the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

The traits of each elemental Dragon-type are as follows.

ASTROLOGY - THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

1904 - Wood Dragon

1916 - Fire Dragon

1928 - Earth Dragon

1940 - Metal dragon

1952 - Water dragon

1964 - Wood Dragon

1976 - Fire Dragon

1988 - Earth Dragon

2000 - Metal Dragon

2012 - Water Dragon

WOOD DRAGON: The Wood Dragon is creative, imaginative, and inquisitive. He is both a thinker and a doer and is capable of brilliant new concepts. Every move is guided by sound logic. His drive and ambition allow him to put many of his ideas into practice. Nevertheless this Dragon is capable of concealing his domination and tries not to offend. He will even compromise if it is advantageous. Although not as self-centered as other Dragons, he is still outspoken and fearless when challenged.

FIRE DRAGON: The Fire Dragon is the most extroverted and competitive Dragon. He tends to push too hard and expects a lot from everyone. His criticisms are objective and he has the ability to arouse massive popular support. His insatiable ambition can make him short-tempered and intolerant. He is an empire builder who needs to master his less favorable traits and learn how to communicate more humbly with people as individuals.

EARTH DRAGON: The Earth Dragon is a quieter, more reflective Dragon. She will be appreciative of others' opinions even if she fails to agree with them. She is reasonable in her approach to problems and her leadership is less dictatorial. She is not given to outbursts of temper, but at the same time demands respect. She knows the value of cooperation and is more diplomatic than the other Dragons. She's ambitious, but her initiatives are more carefully thought out.

WATER DRAGON: The Water Dragon is less selfish and opinionated than the other Dragons. She is more inhibited and less power-hungry. She can accept defeat without recriminations. She makes a good negotiator as she knows when, where, and how to apply pressure. She has a tendency to be over-optimistic and needs to learn how to relinquish what is unfeasible so she can concentrate her energies on the most rewarding endeavors.

METAL DRAGON: Metal Dragons are the most strong-willed Dragon. They're inflexible, unbending, and combative. They can give little regard to the feelings of others. This ruthlessness can result in a rapid rise to a position of authority, but often at the cost of destroying important relationships. They will go their own way if they can't gain support. They succeed because they refuse to accept failure. The Metal element also represents purity and precision.

THE DRAGON - Personality Traits

Dragon people are self confident and impulsive and consequently does not always listen to the advice of others. They are also perfectionists and set high standards for themselves.

Although strong and decisive the Dragon person is not manipulative or sly. They enjoy being in command and like an emperor holding court, they eliminate obstacles until success is theirs!

FAMOUS DRAGON PEOPLE

Famous Dragon People include Ringo Starr, Dr. Seuss, John Lennon, Helen Keller, Salvador Dali, Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, Orlando Bloom, Sigmund Freud, John Lennon, Florence Nightingale, Keanu Reeves, Ronaldo, and Mae West.

Ref: Crystal Dragon of Taiwan

Long Live Dragons..

Dragons are an important part of Chinese culture and mythology. They are the dragons with the most recorded history in the world. Today, spectacular dragon dances are still celebrated (especially during Chinese New Year) in parades around the world.

The dragons in the East have been seen as friendly and helpful creatures. They have proved to remain a symbol of strength, good fortune, wisdom and longevity.

References:

Books:

Dragons: A Natural History - Dr. Karl Shuker

Websites:

>Chinavoc.com >DRAGON'S BONES AND TEETH >Dragons Unlimited >Asian Ideas > On Earth as it is in Heaven > Dragons & Dragon Lore > The Serene Dragon > Dragons of the Far East

http://dragonsinn.net/east-2.htm

Earth's Canopy

I met the most incredible woman on UWTV. She made me wish that I was more grounded in this world so that I could have weaved such a web of success around TREES! However, I know that I do my own weaving and that envy is ignorance. It is amazing what an individual can do with education and inspiration. She definitely is following her bliss. And that is amazing that I am appreciating education/academia! My blindspots can clear! Lately I'm noticing some of them clearing quickly.


Nalini Nadkarni, Ph.D.Project Co-Director and Member of the Faculty, The Evergreen State College
President, International Canopy Network

A professor and forest ecologist at The Evergreen State College, Dr. Nadkarni is the co-director of the Sustainable Prisons Project. Since 1985, she has conducted forest canopy research on four continents, mainly in Costa Rica and in Washington State, supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship and an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellowship. In 1994, Nalini founded the International Canopy Network to foster communication among canopy researchers, educators and conservationists. While teaching and publishing 85 scientific articles and three books, she identified the need for scientists to reach – and in turn learn from – non-traditional audiences beyond academia. Toward that end, she established the Research Ambassador Program to help scientists convey their ideas and research results to such groups as faith-based communities, urban youth and incarcerated men and women. Nalini’s work has been highlighted in numerous scientific journals, popular magazines, television documentaries and conferences such as TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design). She lives with her biologist husband and two children in the woods west of Olympia, Washington.

Following the "songlines" of my day to day life I wonder if Earth's canopy is Her Crown and Aura? Certainly Humans add (positive) or detract (negative) to that energy field.

Aura Chakra

Home all week due to snow I had opportunity to read through all the articles/papers in my "health" file. I found the following:

First Chakra
Area of the Body: Organs of Elimination
Human Talent: Acceptance
Color: Red
Shadow Emotion: Resentment, Rigidity
Element: Earth

Second Chakra
Area of the Body: The Sexual Organs
Human Talent: Creativity
Color: Orange
Shadow Emotion: Passionate manipulation, Guilt
Element: Fire

Third Chakra
Area of the Body: Navel Center
Human Talent: Commitment
Color: Yellow
Shadow Emotion: Anger, Greed
Element: Air

Fourth Chakra
Area of the Body: Heart Center
Human Talent: Compassion
Color: Green
Shadow Emotion: Fear, Attachment
Element: Air

Fifth Chakra
Area of the Body: Throat
Human Talent: Truth
Color: Blue
Shadow Emotion: Denial, Abruptness
Element: Ether

Sixth Chakra
Area of the Body: Third Eye Point
Human Talent: Intuition
Color: Indigo
Shadow Emotion: Confusion, Depression
Element: None

Seventh Chakra
Area of the Body: Crown of the Head
Human Talent: Boundlessness
Color: Violet
Shadow Emotion: Grief
Element: None

Eighth Chakra
Area of the Body: The Electromagnetic Field (Aura)
Human Talent: Radiance
Color: White
Shadow Emotion: None
Element: None

Aura Reading

Friend said the woman at the non-profit “couldn’t read me” and that they were interested in hiring me as a contractor but I would not be part of the core team. I commented that it was “their lens.” That conversation left me with a heavy feeling in my aura. I called friend back and left a message asking if that was the groups’ communication style and that I preferred speaking directly one to one. I asked him to call and chat about this. I didn’t hear from him so I called the woman. I told her that indirect communication was part of my experience when I worked in a corporate environment but since I’ve been working in community communication is now one to one, heart to heart. She started to talk about the unknown aspects of the business and I replied that was secondary to our connections. I no longer held that heavy feeling.

I heard that Tracker’s first mentor was presenting his recent visions for a fee. This is the same mentor who had many girlfriends at one time. Why was I not asking a fee for my visions? The answer: I’m not wired that way, nor is my life. It all began years ago when I experienced that kundalini snap at the back of my neck. I was instantly put into a brain wave of Being rather than Achieving.

Wolves mate for life. Who is the intelligent species?

Ministry

I was talking with a Transition member and friend about our group being successful as it is...not tomorrow or the next day when we have more people and projects. I commented on our abundance not lack. I also mentioned my concern about something another member had done that was a bit shady -- not totally honest. I mentioned that for me Transition is about shining Light and it is something of a "ministry"which is why muddy waters are not okay.

I did it again...I spoke with e-moting fire at a SALLOPS planning meeting today. I looked back, saw this and began to wonder what others thought (was I too loud/hot/fiery?) And then it crossed my mind that these expressions of emotion are my sermons! Oh, okay is all I can say to my conscious mind.

New words are pouring out of my mouth. It looks like I am taking more responsiblity for Light. I look at this and....let it be. It is what it is. And yet it's a bit scary....but I know how to live in the moment and that is all one can do.

Sword of Light

I am noticing that since I put on a new lock on my door I am not seeing household items in odd places.

Twice lately, in response to creepy energy and entities, I've held up the sword of Light that I carry to dissipate that darkness. Yesterday morning when I awoke the sword spoke to me showing that its blade "point" is South; sword "grip" is North; the "crossguard" is both East and West. I got that sword is to be released in a "ritual" and there was a musical note/vibration/tone like a wind chime. The ritual was/is a lifting of sword up and out of earth. I saw cracks opening and golden light pouring forth. Then I saw sword laying on the ground in a magical/mystical grotto that I used to visit. The sword was horizontal and radiating golden rays...ley lines. "Be not afraid" came in this morning as I wrote this.

Friend Paul, a Grange member and volunteer at the Heritage Garden, insisted that I sign up at Bridge Fund / Hope Chest at The 2012 Scenario website. He also referred me to the team of which he is a part. I met with them yesterday morning and knew that I was to take the sword story to them. The central "boss" of this non-profit and team is ArchAngel Michael. I was very nervous and my body was shaking as I started to talk about Michael and the sword. I mentioned that I had not told anyone in the flesh about my sword. They immediately gave me water and the woman commented that I was "coming out." I mentioned the ritual and wondered aloud if the telling was that ritual...I drew a picture for them (in honor of the right brain!) that represented the cross, medicine wheel and points of Light all around. I have much in common with this group of Light Workers and will join their team when funds start to flow.

When I had chatted with another team member on the phone I had doodled several spirals one above the other. They represented chakras. Yesterday in the meeting as I was going over the notes I showed them the spirals and mentioned chakras. Today I got that chakra lines are the Sword of Light. They run N/S and E/W. They are vibration upon vibration holding one another in a matrix of loving design. A hierarchy of Light energy with no part better than another. That 3D mentality shifts away from ego and shadow self.

The day before my sword vision I had lunch with my new friend from Pull Together Now! He is in the army, very young and extremely bright in heart and mind. He is their President and a grant writer. We had an engaged and lively conversation that seemed to build energy for the next step.

New matrix vibrates between Earth and Sky and us humans are responding in that new sound. We are lifted up in a new matrix of Light and we are connecting....we no longer have to be isolated. Systems are filling in to the call as we find one another.


Parts of Sword from Google:

The Blade - The blades of Medieval swords which were used in England were usually straight with two sharpened edges. The history of Blades shows that they were first made of Bronze, then iron and culminating in the steel Medieval swords

The Crossguard or Quillion - This was the handle of the sword resembling the shape of the Christian cross. Expensive to produce and sometimes covered in precious metals - bronze, silver or gold

The Edge - The cutting part of the blade. Medieval swords were designed to be used for blows directly against the opponent's body or shield and in the edge to edge style of sword fighting

Back Edge - Unsharpened edge on a single-edged sword

Point - The tip of the sword's blade

The Forte - The strongest part of the swords blade, nearest the hilt

The Fuller - The central shallow on a straight double edged blade - also referred to as the 'Blood Gutter'!

The Grip - The hilt of swords held in the hand of the Knight. The Grip was often made of horn or wood, covered in leather and contoured to fit in the hand

The Hilt - The Hilt is the handle of the sword made up of the cross guard, grip and the pommel. The personal engravings on the hilt, and its expense, would often ensure that when a blade was disguarded the hilt would be re-used

Finger Guard/Finger Ring - Enabling a knight to loop their finger over the guard increasing point control

The Pommel -The pommel was part of the hilt which acted as a counterweight to the blade on Medieval swords

The Tang - The tang was the unsharpened end of the sword blade covered by the hilt

Ricasso - Referred to any narrowing, or thickening, of a sword's blade, which remains unsharpened, at the base of the blade

Solar Coop & Tool Library

I received my first call a couple nights ago in response to the call for "good news network" stories and interviews. Sustainable Edmonds has a Solar Coop and $180,000 in federal funds and they are expanding. Says we can go up on the roof which reminded me of that song from years ago....this could be fun. Waiting for project funds but moving forward. West Seattle's Tool Library is also on our list.

Earth Drama Karma

There was no family drama this holiday. In fact two of our men talked and were together with the family.

There was drama with a woman friend. Well, I thought she was a friend until she stepped on me...like a bug on the ground. I was in her way ruining her plans for a date with a man. It wasn't what she said/did but how she said/did it. And she tells me not to tell him. I didn't. I let them have their time. Days later she calls and wants to pick up the friendship...with instructions on how I should respond if they continue to date. Say what? I told her how I felt and that I wasn't interested in seeing or speaking to her and I didn't know when I would be.

On-looker spiritual types would tell me to forgive and love this person. Sorry, self love has priority. I will not be stepped on and there are consequences because I do honor my feelings.

If the man involved or anyone else asks me why I am no longer friends with this woman I will tell this story.

Amazing what people will do to get what they want. Amazing how ego can drive and blind us in our actions toward others. It's never too late to transcend ego and repent! It takes time...karma is a law of grace.

SCALLOPS Strategic Planning Mtg

Cathy, Gene, Cate & Susan,

Thanks for a productive meeting yesterday. I'm glad to be part of the team and was inspired by some of the words/language that we bounced around:

I see SCALLOPS as one whole system/community:

Eastside, Southside, Westside, Northside with Seattle at the core. I will fill in these areas with their specific groups/cities, membership numbers and the "good news" project that they would like to feature via YouTube. I will also ask each group if they are aware of local sponsors to advertise in support of their project.

In whole system design the parts support the whole and in turn, the whole is sustainable, restorative and ....generative or synergetic! Such a system is a happy one. This quality is reflected in our individual values and actions as well as in our collective projects and programs. Happiness is the Heart and Soul of a generative, cooperative and creative community.

Additional words that have meaning to me:

Communion with place (Earth below; Sky above)
Communication of heart, head and hands
Community engaged, inspired, happy

Our meeting was a good example of Rob Hopkins' "creative genius of community."

Trish

Jesus' Face

Charged North
Charged South
Make contact in Mystic Middle
Generating East/West radiance
As Jesus' face appears....twice

One mystical community!

Gratitude.....

Happy Trails Scott

I wrote a comment on Transition Woodinville acknowledging people of "like mind and like heart." This morning in an instant I got that this is divisive language. If we are of like mind/heart then others are not. It's exclusive language. How did this bounce back to me? I sensed I was picking up thoughts from someone out in the field/community. As one community we learn to be inclusive and that includes changing our language so it reflects what is clear and true.

Which reminds me. I was letting water run into a jar of moldy salsa this morning. I watched and watched zen-like as I have slowed down a lot lately. As the clear water filled the jar the gunk flowed over and out. I was reminded of Lloyd Meeker and the Emissaries of Divine Light who taught that our minds are like water wheels. As clear water pours in subconscious and unconscious layers are purified/cleansed.

I received a call from a good friend this morning...actually it was from a Chaplain with the Fire Department. Her son Scott had passed away. I drove over to the house to be with her and was surprised to see him laid out on the floor. I immediately went into prayer mode over his body. I am glad that I could be there for her. She and I are karmic/soul sisters and we are growing old together.