Why Study Dragons?

To study any subject it is wise to come at it from two directions. The first and most common way is the exoteric often called scientific or mundane. The other way is the esoteric or spiritual perspective. Both ways have their value, but are different. Exoteric is most often about facts. This is where science shines and we will explore this way. The esoteric on the other hand is about truth or that which transpires behind that which appears.

Facts or truth? Each must decide what importance to place on them. If the question you explore is, “How were dragon legends and mythology instrumental in the development of early civilizations?” then you might study history of dragon myths on this site. These would be a looking at the facts of history and making a value judgement of an exoteric nature.

If on the other hand you asked the question ”If there were really dragons why would they even be interested in human civilizations?” then you would need to explore the philosophical, religious, or esoteric side of dragons. This also is looked on this site.

The difference between the approaches is perhaps like asking what is love and then listening to the scientists talk about hormones, genetics, and conditioned responses. Or listening to the poets, philosophers, or gurus talking about fate, the stars, karma, and god/goddess. Both approaches bring degrees of enlightenment but you choose which arena you wish to participate in; facts or truths, exoteric or esoteric.

At this site you will find a great collection of facts on reptiles, the lessor dragons, dragons, advanced reptiles, and Dragons, self-aware and highly advanced life forms. You will also explore the meaning of Why Study Dragons?

It is like studying engineering to become a high paid engineering employee with a good lifestyle or studying engineering in order to build a space ship and travel to the other stars to prove there is other intelligent life in the universe. The difference is in how and why you apply your studies.

The image of the Greater Dragon evokes in our consciousness the concepts of Awesome Power, of Magistery, of Splendor, Terrible Beauty, and Mystery.

In the human psyche dragons can symbolize a meeting ground in the imaginable world of the unlimited power and possibilities of the Creation Magic of which universes are born-- together with the need to overcome, individually and collectively, the lower aspects of our nature while developing high moral character, integrity, honor, and nobility of motive.

The ancient Zoastrians and magi who started a tradition of chivalry more than 7,000 years ago used fire as a symbol representing the One Light, the Truth, and the Will to Goodness or “Nobility” that is inherent in the fabric of every soul. They knew Dragons and the fire elementals as living conscious beings who represented primarily Truth and Annihilation.

Annihilation of what you ask? Of the false ego, the false self concept that is limiting the current possibilities of what you can become. The obstacle between us and what we are becoming is physical death. The dragon reminds one that ultimately what remains after an encounter with one of their kind is what spirit wills, that which is eternal. But often not the physical body which rarely survives this encounter.

To face the dragon means to be prepared to let go of the truly unreal, of the false. For it is the spirit alone which can prevail over the dragons.

There are many types of dragons in our consciousness now. We see them in movies, as the mainstay of books of fiction or fantasy, in art, and, and even in religious ceremonies. What do all these dragon archetypes mean?

The Sufi Master Inayat Khan called the Chinese dragon a representation “of power and at the same time a conception of the Almighty.” And further he comments that the dragon is also a symbol of unity for it combines the features and talents of many beings in oneness and wholeness.

William Shakespeare wrote about the Western dragon in unflattering terms in several of his plays. North American Indians used it as a symbol for the supernatural while Central Amerinds called it a teacher of how to overcome the lower nature of ones beastman. Meeting one was always considered a dangerous and life changing adventure by all and sought after by only those who wished to progress upon their lives pathway.

Whether your experience of dragons is purely symbolical or whether it is your reality- the experience itself is meant for your benefit. Toward the One. Toward the real Truth. Let us explore the many facets of the Dragon.