Legendary Chinese Dragons

There are several distinct species of Chinese dragons:

1. The Celestial Dragon (Tien-lung) The celestial guardian who protected the heavens, supporting the mansions of the gods and shielding them from decay. The Tian-long could fly and are depicted with or without wings, they are always drawn with five toes, while all other dragons are shown with four or three toes. Official Dragon of the Emperor.

2. The Winged Dragon (Ying-lung) believed to be a powerful servant of Huang Di, the yellow emperor, who was later immortalized as a dragon. The Ying-lung is the oldest of all eastern dragons. Once all dragons reach a certain age, they develop wings.

3. The Earth Dragon (Ti-Lung) Rules all of the earth's waters and rivers. They hide in the depths of deep watercourses in grand palaces. Many Chinese fairy tales spin yarns of men and women taken into these underwater castles to be granted special favors or gifts. Some even mated with women to produce half-human dragon children;

4. The Spiritual Dragon (Shen-Lung) Controls the wind and rain for the benefit of mankind. These giants floated across the sky and due to their blue color that changed constantly were difficult to see clearly. Chinese people took great care to avoid offending them, for if they grew angry, or felt neglected, the result was bad weather, drought or flood;

5. The Treasure Dragon (fu-can-long) or The Underworld Dragon (Fut's-Lung) The keeper of precious metals and gems. Believed to live in caves, deep in the earth. Each of these dragons had a magical pearl that was reputed to multiply if it was touched. This pearl was a symbol of the most valuable treasure of all; wisdom;

6. The Dragon Kings 4 dragons that rule over the cardinal directions;

8. The Coiling Dragon dwells in the ocean and

9. The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge and once emerged from water to present the legendary Emperor, Fu Shi, with the elements of writing.




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In poetry, legends and folklore, or in the Chinese Zodiac... It is considered a great honor to be born in the Year of the Dragon.

1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000 *2012

THE SIGN OF THE DRAGON
The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

IN YOUR ELEMENT
The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000
Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are mighty and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and things are never better than when they are defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to lead, and have an affect that makes others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012
Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964
Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976
The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

THE EARTH DRAGON 1928 AND 1988
Earth Dragons make great managers because they are practical, levelheaded and demonstrate a knack for organizing. They still have the need to dictate and be admired, but they are affable, congenial and supportive. Compared to other Dragons, Earth Dragons are less likely to breathe fire at the least irritation. They will work diligently to complete their life goals. The Earth element adds a greater portion of self-control to the Dragon's personality and usually the Earth Dragon is deserving of the respect he or she desires. These Dragons take their life and romantic responsibilities quite seriously.

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