Draconic Practices
Very few people in the world today follow the true Draconic or Draconian Tradition. It is not that it has nearly become extinct, but that generally when it is taught, it is orally from teacher to pupil. Rarely is anything written down, it was chosen to change this aspect so that it would not be lost altogether.
I think this path was created out of both human and dragon necessity to connect and interact. Whether you believe dragons to be mere thought-forms or you feel them to real, living creatures – the desire for them to make a connection with us is the same.
The teachings of the Draconic Tradition can be used, as its own tradition or an additive to an existing one. If it is used in conjunction with other Traditions you should never place other deities above dragons, or expect the dragons to be subservient to your patron gods. The dragons should be treated with the same respect that you grant to Deity, this means that you give the dragons the same level of honor that you give to your God(s). There are many deities who are dragons or have draconic forms; you may work with them as well as other dragons and deities.
Unlike other traditions those who are solely Dragon Magick practitioners don’t refer to a group of practitioners as a Coven or an Order. They refer to it as a Clan. As such, a Clan is basically the family that you choose; instead of being related by blood you are related through the dragons. Some practitioners combine terms as well, some Wiccans work in Clan-Covens and I have also seen Clan-Groves and Clan-Circles.
What is Dragon Magick?
The simplest definition of Dragon Magick or Draconic Magick is the calling upon of Dragons to aid you in your magical workings. There are some schools of thought that say that Dragon Magick must be kept strictly as High or Ceremonial Magick, but that is not the case. Dragon magick can and does work within any magical system. It can be practiced as its own Tradition or in conjunction with another magical tradition. Dragons can help to empower your rituals no matter what tradition you practice.
Some do not believe that there is only one way to work with Dragons. You will find these graceful beings in almost every magical system throughout the world, where they are usually deified or vilified. Each system looks at dragons in a different way and helps us to learn about different facets of their personalities. There are some who see them only as elemental energies without independent existence; while others seem them as symbols of that energy and having no true existence at all. Some believe that Dragons are astral beings, having form and existence but they do not have the ability to manifest on the physical plane that we live in. Their bodies are made of energy, but the will and personalities that we connect with are very real and independent of us.
Dragons do not only exist when we call upon them. They do not wait, suspended in time, until we remember to invoke them. Just as we do not live only in ritual, the dragons that we work with will have other things to do and their own lives to lead. What may be convenient for you may not be for them. As astral beings time may flow differently for them, but they are in no way bound to our wills nor must they obey our commands. In fact, that is a sure way to drive them off and possibly suffer backlash from such an action.
Some call any magical practice with Dragons is to “Dance with Dragons”, but they can be more then just a dance partner. As teachers of ancient knowledge their grasp of it is deep and profound. Their ability to help in divination is astonishing and quite accurate. As protectors during rituals and everyday life there are no equals. And if a Dragon chooses to take you under their wings you will have the opportunity of learning knowledge and evolving your magical ability, which few have done.
A lifelong practice with Dragons can form a bonding companionship with them and they can become the best companions you could ever have. Although this companionship can seem extremely demanding, at times, it is always in your best interests. This companionship and practice with Dragons is never boring. If it is practiced daily it can be a joyful addition to your life not to mention the benefit that both species gain in their evolution and spiritual growth. The more that you seek them out, work with them, and earn their trust the more Dragons will be encouraged to once again have a closer, positive relationship with humans in general like they did in old times.
Dragon Magick is not for everyone. Those that choose to practice it must be self-disciplined individuals who are serious about changing things in their lives and the world around them. You must be willing to have beings be brutally honest with you and be willing to turn that same honesty upon yourself. Working with dragons is a hard path, but ultimately rewarding.
On old maps, mapmakers would use the picture of a Dragon with writing under it saying, ”Here There Be Dragons” denoting unexplored regions of our world that had unknown dangers. Dragon Magick opens up the unknown mental and psychic realms to us, showing us where the dragons lie. The ones who are true explorers of the unknown and seekers of knowledge will be challenged, not frightened, by these signs and forge on ahead in their continuing search for knowledge. They will undertake and create friendships and partnerships with these powerfully great beings, known as Dragons.
Dragon Magick is Not Wicca
There is often a general misconception when beginning in dragon magick that it is a Wiccan tradition. It is not. Dragon magick does not require that you follow the Rede, nor does it say that you cannot work harm. The only ethics in it are the ones of your clan and Draconic Codes of Honor. In fact there are many clans who only use the Draconic Codes.
Dragon magick does not have any special holidays that its practitioners must follow. As you find companion dragons to work with, they may inform you of feast-days of holy-days that they wish you follow. When or if, this happens you may either practice these days in conjunction with your current path or you may celebrate them as separate entities. Dragons do not require elaborate rituals for their celebrations; however they understand that humans often need such trapping and are accepting of it. It is not an offense to try to celebrate with a dragon, just keep in mind that you may also choose to meditate quietly and that will also be accepted.
There is no monthly or yearly cycle that must be followed in dragon magick. Working with dragons is exactly that, you are forming a bond and a relationship with them. There is no special language or writing system that you must learn to communicate with them. You must work at opening yourself psychically to them and feeling out how to best deal with them.
It helps to have at least some training in another magical system before beginning dragon magick. Many of the ideas and knowledge in paganism translates over into dragon magick. If you don’t follow a pagan path, learning about one will be useful. If the path you currently follow doesn’t allow you to also follow a pagan one, you’ll have to decide if you can honestly follow the Draconic Tradition. If you can, you may have a harder time with some of the concepts but you still can become a skilled practitioner.
This does not mean that you cannot practice Wicca and dragon magick together; in fact they are a highly effective team. However, too many people make the mistake of equating the two which is erroneous. Dragon magick is about working in harmony, be it with a spiritual path or dragons, not about domination.
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