Dragon

Meaning & Symbolism

Jealous or Greedy

The Dragon, a creature of myth and legend, often symbolizes the intensity of feelings like jealousy, envy, or greed. In many legends, Dragons hoard vast treasures, guarding them fiercely and refusing to share—a reflection of the human experience when we become consumed by these emotions. Jealousy arises when we fear losing something we value, while envy is the desire for what others possess, and greed is the insatiable hunger for more. These feelings often stem from deep-seated insecurities, fears of inadequacy, and unmet needs for recognition, love, or security. Just as a Dragon clutches its hoard, we may cling to possessions, relationships, or status in an attempt to fill an emotional void.

However, processing these feelings involves acknowledging them without judgment, understanding the underlying needs they reveal, and finding healthier ways to meet those needs. For example, instead of envying someone else’s success, we can celebrate their accomplishments and use that feeling as motivation to pursue our own personal goals. Instead of greedily accumulating more than we need, we can cultivate gratitude for what we have and share with others. By addressing these emotions head-on, we can transform jealousy and greed into growth and generosity, much like the Dragon in some myths that eventually learns to let go of its hoard and find peace.

* Try shifting feelings of jealousy, envy, or greed towards gratitude (Bee) by considering the following needs: perspective, acceptance, appreciation, security, equality, integrity, respect, being seen/heard, purpose, sustenance, contribution…

The following Dragons are influenced by the five elements of Chinese philosophy (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water)

Wood Dragon

The Wood Dragon symbolizes growth, vitality, and creativity. Just as trees and plants are deeply rooted in the Earth yet reach towards the sky, the Wood Dragon represents expansion, flexibility, and innovation. It is associated with the energy of spring, a time of renewal and birth. This Dragon encourages us to cultivate our inner growth, embrace change, and be open to new ideas. Much like a tree that adapts to its environment while maintaining strength, the Wood Dragon teaches resilience and the importance of nurturing our personal development and creativity.

Fire Dragon

The Fire Dragon represents passion, transformation, and action. Fire is the most dynamic of the elements, symbolizing power, enthusiasm, and the force of will. The Fire Dragon embodies the heat and intensity of summer, inspiring boldness, leadership, and courage. This Dragon teaches us to harness our inner fire—our passions, ambitions, and desires—and use them to transform our lives. However, like fire itself, this Dragon also reminds us to temper our intensity, avoiding burnout by balancing action with mindfulness.

Earth Dragon

The Earth Dragon symbolizes stability, nurturing, and abundance. Connected to the late summer and harvest seasons, this Dragon represents grounding and balance, providing a sense of security and connection to the physical world. The Earth Dragon teaches us the importance of building strong foundations, not only in our material lives but also in our relationships and self-care practices. It encourages us to stay centered, take care of ourselves and others, and cultivate patience, as Earth is slow-moving but ultimately nourishing.

Metal Dragon

The Metal Dragon embodies strength, discipline, and precision. Just as metal is strong yet malleable, the Metal Dragon symbolizes the power to cut through obstacles with clarity and focus. It is associated with autumn and the process of refinement and letting go. This Dragon teaches us the value of structure, organization, and determination in achieving our goals. Like the sharpness of a blade, the Metal Dragon helps us eliminate distractions and focus on what truly matters. It reminds us to let go of what no longer serves us, making space for what’s essential.

Water Dragon

The Water Dragon symbolizes intuition, emotion, and adaptability. Water is fluid and flexible, capable of shaping itself to fit any environment while retaining its essence. The Water Dragon is connected to winter, a time of introspection and deep reflection. It represents the flow of emotions and the power of intuition. This Dragon encourages us to trust our inner wisdom, to flow with life’s changes, and to embrace our emotions as a source of strength. Like a river carving through stone, the Water Dragon teaches persistence, adaptability, and the importance of listening to our inner voice.

The Cosmic Serpent, Snake, Lizard, and Dragonfly are also closely associated with Dragons so you might want to explore those as well.

-Tanya Casteel ©Cosmic Animals