An Eclectic Pagan’s Journey
Hiro & Little One
By Carla Jo Worth (Jan, 2018) Merry Meet, Friends and Welcome to the Circle. As you may know, the editor gives us a selection of topics for each issue of Star Nations Magazine. When I opened the e-mail for this month’s prep, the topic “Dragons” leaped off the computer screen. Since then, my totem dragons have been whispering in my ear. “Tell them about us.” First of all, yes, dragons do exist. In ages past, they lived here on our plane of existence. There were fewer people and lots more wild area then. Dragons appear in art, literature, and myth all around the world. In the West, they are portrayed as savage beasts, ravaging villages and demanding the sacrifice of a virgin. As the Church gained dominance, the Dragon became the embodiment of Evil as was often seen as Satan. Dragons were hunted by “Knights in shining armor” and destroyed where ever they were found. Most dragons wanted was to be left alone to live their lives in peace. When they were nearly hunted out of existence, those that were left went to another plane where Man cannot go. In the East, Dragons were revered as wise beings who were sought out by Man for enlightenment and help when major decisions were to be made. They were consulted on many different topics by all.
In China, the seal of the royal house included a five-fingered dragon. Only the royal family could have this dragon on its banner. All others have only three fingers. The Eastern dragon, like my friend Hiro, have long sinuous bodies with either four or six legs. They also sport wings and fly to reach their mountaintop refuges. The dragons of Europe are stockier of body with two or four legs and wings. They are also said to breathe fire, hence the “Fire breathing dragon” of European tales. The Celtic dragon is the smallest of all and resembles a bear in body shape with stubby wings that are mostly for show and intimidation. Dragons are said to be bloodthirsty and greedy for all treasure. They are carnivores and need copious amounts of fresh meat when they feed. But, the true reason they hoard gold and jewels has little to do with greed for money. Gold is a soft metal that conforms well to their bodies in the nest. The scales of most dragons are very hard and dense on the back while the underside of their body is vulnerable to attack. The jewels tend to get
As you can imagine, dragons need quite a bit of area to maintain their lifestyle. stuck between the scales and offer protection to the underbelly. As you can imagine, dragons need quite a bit of area to maintain their lifestyle. When Man began spreading into the wild places, they encountered the dragons that were already there. Man, being what he is, feared what he could not understand and began hunting the dragons. At first, the dragons pulled back but, Man didn’t stop. He began killing them for their treasure and sport.
Star Nations Magazine • January 2021 • 37
