Musing Mystical

✨ A Gathering Place for Magical Readers and Writers ✨

Tag Archives: dragon

Pagan Portals – Dragon Magic, by Rachel Patterson

Pagan Portals – Dragon Magic, by Rachel Patterson
Moon Books, 1803414448, 128 pages, June 2024

In the ancient realms where myths intertwine with reality, dragon magic remains a force of unparalleled power, shimmering with the wisdom of ages and the mystique of untamed fire. Could these potent beings truly become one’s spiritual ally? Pagan Portals – Dragon Magic by Rachel Patterson, a fascinating exploration into the world of dragons, is a portal for those seeking to discover this realm for themselves.

As part of the Pagan Portals series, this book is designed to be an accessible introduction for those new to the concept of dragon magic, as well as a practical guide for seasoned practitioners seeking to deepen their connection with these ancient and powerful entities.

Patterson, a well-respected author and experienced witch, brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the subject. She presents dragons not just as a mythological curiosity, but as ancient beings who can become our guardians in good time, assisting us on our path and looking out for us; connecting with dragons becomes a tangible and transformative practice.

The book is divided into four parts and also includes a prologue with information about what to know before beginning to connect with dragons along with Patterson’s personal relationship to dragons. All throughout Patterson’s writing is both engaging and informative, making complex concepts approachable without diluting their essence. Her emphasis on personal experience and intuition encourages readers to trust their instincts and develop their unique relationship with dragon energy.

“You cannot force a dragon to come to you, you cannot make one work for you. If a dragon feels you are worthy and can be trusted, then and only then will they even consider making a first introduction.”1

In “Part 1: Dragon Beginnings”, Patterson delves into the origins of dragons and then gives readers the basics of dragon 101, describing their habitat, feeding patterns, and offspring. She also covers topics such as the dragon constellation, Draco, in the stars and dragon lines, more commonly known as ley lines, on the Earth.

“Part 2: Myths, Legends and Stories” lays out for readers dragons well known in fiction and mythology. Fictional dragons include Smaug from The Hobbit, Jabberwocky from Through the Looking Glass, and the ones that appear in Harry Potter, along with a few others. Meanwhile, the mythology section is nearly triple in length and covers dragons from all over the globe: Mayan Quetzalcoatl, Hindu Vritra, St Michael and the Dragon, the Chinese Long Dragon, Old Norse Sigurd and Fáfnir, plus more. This section demonstrates how dragons are universal to cultures worldwide.

Next, Patterson moves into “Part 3: Dragonology”, teaching readers the many types of dragons. I appreciate how she candidly notes this topic could be a book on its own and shares her process of reading the myths and legends to “look at the stories and what the main themes are”2 within them. She says, “I look at the landscapes, the habitat and appear of each dragon”3 to get a feel for the “characteristics and magical energies of each one”4

While I plan on doing my own research, as Patterson suggests, I am amply grateful for the way she describes all she has learned about each dragon type. I had absolutely no idea there were so many kinds! To name a few, there’s serpent dragons with wings, Gwiber, whose magical characteristics are wisdom and transformation; the Nāga in India who is known for “Underworld connection, water magic, prosperity, Otherworld portals, protection”6 All of them are so awesome! I had a great time looking each one up online to see artistic renderings of them.

But my favorite part of this book is Patterson’s magic guidance in “Part IV: Dragon Magic”. Here Patterson shares with readers her work with dragons as a starting point for their own journey.  She writes:

“My experience with dragons and dragon magic is one of power, strength and hard work. Dragons are ancient, they are primordial and do not tolerate being summoned nor do they appreciate any half-hearted lack of commitment.”7

She really emphasizes the need for respect and manners when forming a relationship with dragons, as noted in the above quote. I appreciate her honesty, as it honors the sanctity of the bonds between human and dragon, if the dragon so deems us worthy.

To first establish contact, Patterson offers meditations to bring readers into the realm of dragons. Then she goes into setting up an altar, creating a dragon candle and oil blend, and offerings to provide. Depending on the elemental nature of the dragon one is working with, Patterson goes into more detail about their qualities, color of candle one might use, and specific incense blends.

The remaining chapter covers dragon sigils, spells, rituals, energetic techniques (grounding, protecting, cleansing), crystals, herbs, and other miscellaneous wisdom Patterson has picked up over the years. I really enjoyed how she mentions readers can connect with a different dragon for each season or sabbat, noting dragons “do seem to recognise the changing of the seasons and the flow of energy that comes with the sabbats.”8 My plan is to do one of the meditations for Lammas coming up soon to see if there’s any dragons that are interested in connecting with me until Mabon.

Overall, Pagan Portals – Dragon Magic is a valuable resource for anyone interested in strengthening their connection with dragons. Whether you’re seeking to incorporate dragon magic into your daily life or seeking to perform more elaborate rituals, Patterson provides a sturdy framework to get started, structuring the guidance to accommodate different levels of magical experience levels. Soon enough you’ll be able to tell legendary tales as someone who has dared to seek the counsel of dragons.

The Dragon Riders Oracle, by Arana Fader

The Dragon Riders Oracle, by Christine Arana Fader and illustrated by Elena Dudina
Earthdancer Books, 1644119994, 112 pages, 43 cards, February 2024

Dragons are absolutely majestic, and quite frankly, they can also be intimidating! Though I’ve desired to connect more with dragon energy, I was struggling to find a book or deck that made the grandiosity feel accessible. The Dragon Riders Oracle by Christine Arana Fader and illustrated by Elena Dudina was the “in” that I needed to discover my own dragon and better understand their true nature.

It was the way Fader provides a creation story for the origins of dragons and how they came to be companions to other energetic beings. According to what her own dragon has shared, Fader explains dragons were “the first entities in our universe”1, who were entrusted by Source to be universal protectors. I now see dragons as guardians of the galaxy, an energy that vibrates with high love for the multitude of energetic beings in the universe.

Those energetic beings are the dragon riders–gods, goddesses, elves, angels, and ascended masters–who are coupled with their dragon on the cards in this deck. The dragon riders Fader has depicted come from a range of spiritual traditions (Christianity, Celtic, Greek and Roman Pantheon, Buddhism, Confucianism, and more) giving a wide range of insights. Many of the dragon riders will be familiar names, though there were some energetic beings I was happy to discover and learn more about, while the dragons’ names will most likely be new to readers.

Fader teaches how the true name of each dragon cannot be uttered by humans, as it is a matrix of “pure power and comprises numbers, letters, sounds, symbols, and colors.”2 Reading that sentence, I conjure a mental image of what a potential matrix might appear as, but as Fader notes, it’s hardly translatable to paper! For this reason, she has chosen names that still resonate with the dragon’s energy and have meaning in regard to “the element of the dragon’s being.”3

Another thing Fader notes in the introduction, which I really appreciated, was how the energetic beings portrayed do not actually have human forms; the way they are depicted by Dudina is intended to help readers form a relationship with their energy by giving them a relatable appearance. Fader writes, “All the beings portrayed in the cards have a body, a face, eyes, and distinct colors, but it is important to remember they are not the “truth”, they are only representations to help you make contact.”4 I value this reminder, as it helped me to attune myself to the spiritual dimensions of the cards, while also providing a form I could visualize connecting with while meditating.

The cards themselves are very sturdy with a sleek feel that makes them easy to shuffle. Dudina has done an absolutely incredible job illustrating the multitude of dragon riders and dragons. There are so many types of dragons in all the colors of the rainbow, yet for each one, Dudina has captured their loving spirit in the way she’s drawn the eyes. I feel the regal presence of the dragons shining through, portraying a relationship of mutual love, trust, and devotion with the companion dragon rider. As for the dragon riders, they all look immaculately handsome and beautiful.

Each card is numbered and has the name of the dragon rider and companion dragon along with a short message at the bottom. The number makes it easy to look up the corresponding entry in the guidebook for further insight. In the guidebook entry, Fader provides background on the dragon rider and then a message from both the dragon rider and the dragon. The messages are in direct quotes, indicating it was spoken directly to Fader by the energetic being to be shared with readers.

Here’s an example of the messages from the card Kuan Yin & Susuri. The first quote is a snippet of the message from Kuan Yin, while the second is part of the message from Kuan Yin’s female dragon companion Susuri.

“Follow my teachings and learn to love without expecting anything in return. In doing so, you will discover unimaginable inner riches.”5

“Let me penetrate the very depths of your being; let me expand you from within and break your inner chains. To do this, hold the card over your heart and feel how with my resonance I am at work within you.”6

The insights are not divinatory–they are more like advice directly from these higher spiritual beings for us. In the introduction, Fader even encourages readers to not ask a question when shuffling and pulling a card, rather she instructs to connect to one’s heart and breath, concentrating on being in the moment without overthinking. This is the way to establish the connection with dragons, and the message that is meant for you will come through. There is a specific energetic being that wants to guide you, one whose teachings are most relevant to you at the time of drawing your card.

One fun and unexpected aspect of this deck is the addition of two Joker cards (number 7 and 13) with cats on them. These cards represent “a leap in consciousness”7 and that new opportunities for spiritual growth are on their way. In order to ensure readers are prepared for this new energy headed their direction, the Joker cards offer rituals to perform to find one’s center, becoming the bridge between the spiritual and material world. If readers don’t feel called to work with the Joker cards, they can of course just not include them in their deck.

Overall, The Dragon Riders Oracle is a wonderful way to gain the spiritual wisdom of high vibrational energetic beings of love. From gods and goddesses to angels and ascended masters, this deck opens the door to protection, guidance, and support from the realms above. Most especially, the genuine and powerful essence of the dragons shines through to ensure readers are aligned with their spiritual path. The primal, mystical powers of the dragons is sure to create a fulfilling change in readers’ lives.

Dragon Wisdom Oracle Cards, by Christine Arana Fader

Dragon Wisdom: 43-Card Oracle Deck and Book, by Christine Arana Fader and illustrated by Anja Kostka
Earthdancer, 1644111086, 112 pages, 43 cards, 2021

In creating the Dragon Wisdom: 43-Card Oracle Deck and Book, Christine Arana Fader has written a mystical book about magical beings that can support you on your spiritual journey.  She worked closely with Anja Kostka to create artwork that captures 38 dragons, 4 elements, and one elf.  In 2000, Christine Arana Fader was introduced to the dragon’s energy by the spirit world and came to work with this energy to introduce people to its power and the energy of Avalon.

Also known as the “Dragon Woman,” Fader has met many teachers on her spiritual journey—angels, power animals, ascended masters, Merlin, and especially dragons. Since 2010 she has led dragon workshops and trance journeys. The author of different publications on mystical beings like dragons and elves, she lives in Germany.

Anja Kostka attended Fachoberschule für Gestaltung in Munich. In addition to the traditional painting and the usual drawing techniques, she also learned to work with many different materials, such as glass, felt, wood, metal and clay. She also got to know the technical world of computers. After excessive self-study she was accepted by Qantm Institute to study game design and earned her Bachelor of Arts in 2010.

After enjoying Game of Thrones, King Arthur, and other such books and movies, I was interested in learning more about dragon energy and how these magical beings might support me on my spiritual journey.

Since I host a weekly “Coffee and Cards” group for my community, I was excited to open the Dragon Wisdom deck and do a reading for myself.  I asked a question about a situation at work that I am currently experiencing and drew the card entitled “Avalon.”  I learned “a powerful, magical energy wants to rise within you.  The moon dragon wants to wake the priestess or sorcerer within you.”1

Furthermore, I learned that the beautiful dragon will travel with me to the world of my ancestors and show me the way to solve my current dilemma.  I very clearly connected with the energy of my grandmother on this journey and heard the word “compassion.”  I was reminded that we never know everything that someone is dealing with.  I felt guided to act with compassion regarding the person at my office.   

Then, I drew a card for the group and drew the card “Decision.”  The key concepts included the importance of making a decision in a timely fashion.  We can ask the brown dragon for support if the decision seems like too great a burden. Fader also included an easy energy clearing tool with this card.2

I love to pull a card for the group and allow people to read the message on Facebook and receive the guidance if the message speaks to their heart. I’ve already heard from one woman who said that the message clearly spoke to her and she expressed her thanks.

I absolutely love these cards.  The dragon artwork is stunning and quite varied.  Some of the designs are very simple and others are multi-layered with lots of shading and color variations. Along with the guidance shared, Fader includes a visualization or exercise to further connect with the dragon energy and these are very well written.  As I also shared, I really enjoyed the exercises or energy clearing tools. The cards are a great quality, with a very nice varnish on both sides and rounded corners. The cards are a good weight for shuffling. 

My favorite card is the one entitled “Peace.”  The dragon is created in shades of blue, from cobalt blue to the light blue of a spring sky. He looks formidable, yet there is kindness in his eyes.  It is a beautiful card for meditation and Fader includes a beautiful suggestion with blue candles and soft music. She begins with “Peace in this world begins within you.”3

She also includes this affirmation:  

“I am the expression of divine peace, peace is within me.”4

I also enjoyed the elemental cards, such as the one entitled “Fire Chalice.”  This card features a ritual from Alba, the queen of all dragons, who invites you to do a ritual she calls “baptism in the element of fire.” She explains that “The baptism is a rite, a rebirth, a ritual cleansing. Baptism is the threshold from the old to a new way of being.”5

At the end of the book is a trance meditation that you can record and then utilize to meet YOUR dragon.

The Dragon Wisdom Oracle deck gives you a hands-on way to connect with the wisdom, love, and magic of dragons. The artwork is created in brilliant full-color and the guidebook includes a black and white photo of each drawing, so you can match the card to the guidance.  Note that the cards are not numbered. However, the guidebook is arranged in alphabetical order, to make it easy to find the information for each card.

The dragon artwork is really stunning and makes it easy to connect with the images, so that you can experience and activate the dragon energies and interact on an intuitive level. These cards would be good for seekers of all ages.  You can use the cards for daily messages and take the experience even deeper by using the visualizations or energy clearing tools. Pre-teens or teens would also enjoy the cards, due to the beautiful artwork.

“You hold a set of cards full of magic and wisdom in your hands. It is an enchanting mixture of exercises and messages, created from the wisdom and power of Dragons.”6

I really enjoyed Dragon Wisdom.  The artwork is matched only by the beautiful prose of Fader’s mystical work with her dragon guides.  I can’t wait to share this deck with my granddaughter, who is 10 and loves Harry Potter and all things magical! I particularly love the script Fader included for a dragon journey, where you can meet your own mystical guide for your daily life.