Heaven's blessing: the creative power awakens a dragon. What had been hidden is now ascending... You will become the dragon that emerges from the depths, visible and rising... You face a moment of choice: the temporal or the spiritual...
I Ching, Hexagram 1: Qian. Creative Power
Translated and annotated by Benebell Wen
Imagine dragons. Go ahead. Close your eyes and imagine.
Is the dragon swimming?
Is it flying?
What colors do you see?
Is it threatening or playful?
How is it moving?
Dragon mythology has roots in both the East and the West. Let's explore the Eastern mythology.
The Chinese dragon is beautiful, wise and friendly. According to Chinese legend, the dragon has deer antlers, a camel's head, the eyes of a hare, the neck of a serpent, a crocodile belly, eagle claws, tiger paws and buffalo ears.
The dragon is a pervasive, powerful symbol in Taoist philosophy, representing potent Yang energy, cosmic power, transformation, spiritual mastery, and the flow of Qi, often seen in practices like Qigong and alchemy.
There are various forms of Dragon Qigong including Flying Dragon, Fire Dragon, and probably the most practiced form, Swimming Dragon.
The Qi of Heaven is full of vigor, powerful in action, and heals what is ailing. Harnessing the Qi of Heaven, the sage strives to be strong and capable, and never ceases in that striving. Know what is weak within you and strengthen it.
- Yang Energy & Spirit: Dragons embody the masculine, heavenly, and spiritual Yang principle, contrasting with the feminine Yin tiger, often representing the spine and vital energy (Qi).
- Transformation & Power: They symbolize immense power, good fortune, and the ability to navigate change, representing the cosmic forces of creation and destruction.
- Spiritual Guidance: Dragons act as guardians of wisdom, helping seekers achieve spiritual awakening and mastery, aligning with universal truths.
- Connection to the Tao: The dragon's mastery of the elements (wind, water) and its ability to soar represent the boundless, untamable nature of the Tao itself.
Dragon forms involve twisting, coiling and spiraling the spine with a clear intention. We are awakening the sleeping dragon which resides at the base of the spine, at the sacrum. As it awakens it travels up the spine to the Bai Hui, the crown. In yoga this is known as raising the Kundalini. The word Kundalini means coil.
Enjoy a video by Konstantin Rekk.
Swimming Dragon is a Water Form of Qigong. In part because yes, the dragon is swimming but also because we are drawing Qi from the Lower Dan Tian or lower abdomen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this is the water center of the body. By drawing up the cool water we are regulating the fire from the heart, regulating our QI.
Below are both flying and swimming forms inspired by Mimi Kuo Deemer.
As I told a new Qigong in a Park member today when he asked for tips for success,
I have one: HAVE FUN!
The Qi of Heaven is full of vigor, powerful in action, and heals what is ailing. Harnessing the Qi of Heaven, the sage strives to be strong and capable, and never ceases in that striving. Know what is weak within you and strengthen it.
I Ching: Hexagram 1, Qian. Creative Power
As translated and annotated by Benebell Wen
“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”
― Joseph Campbell
― Joseph Campbell
Be well, be happy, and follow your bliss.
Brian
