the ars draconis

HERE IS A BOOK ON DRAGON MAGIC I FOUND ON THE INTERNET, COPY RIGHT ITS CREATOR, THE LARGE SPASES ARE PICS






ARS DRACONIS
The Nature of Dragon Magic
By Lunarian Stormbringer

I would like to give credit to the person who set my feet upon this new Path of discovery. D. J. Conway's book "Dancing with Dragons" has become the template from which my research and discoveries have sprung. Your words have pointed me in new directions and new worlds have opened to me, my thanks to you.







As a cautionary word of warning: This Work is NOT for a new practitioner. I advise that the new practitioner seek education and experience that way they can call upon the Dragons with the NECESSARY experience and confidence.














There exists in the Universe and endless number of Archetypal energies with which modern magicians can ally themselves. Their numbers are as vast and diverse as those who work with them. Angels, Faeries, Elementals, and even Mytho-poetic forces such as Dragons, Elves, and Dwarves may be used to call upon Higher Powers. Throughout the study of such forces we learn that the ones we choose to call upon and the choice reflects how our souls are formed. These archetypal forces have personas, some even recognized names known to many cultures. As with all things the choice of forces that work best for you is personal, for myself it is the Dragons. In no way do these forces replace Deity, on the contrary they facilitate greater learning and advanced development.

For some time now I have work with spiritual energies such as Totems or Angels, and Elementals such as salamanders and dwarves. Since walking the Path as a Dragon mage I have discovered some interesting things. The energies of Totems are more closely described as interacting with our Super-Unconscious (part of our primal natures, the things that often get misunderstood or ignored when they appear) then as an external force such as angelic energies... The Totems seem to be an existing part of the shaman that once identified and worked with become more pronounced. Yet as with all true forces, these energies contain the extremes of the nature they exemplify. For example, Bear is very healing, wise and gentle, yet Bear is also very violent and quick to anger when someone threatens her cubs.. This translates as overprotective and more than slightly intolerant of what is perceived as danger to loved ones.. Now once a totem is worked with, both sides of the totem begin to emerge in the shaman. Where as the energy I have found present when I began working with Draconian energy is much different.

The Dragons seem to be more of the Super-Conscious ( the higher aspects of our natures that we strive to attain and exemplify) even though the energy is summoned it comes not from outside the mage, but within him. The Dragons personify planetary, and elemental forces thus bringing them one step closer to our understanding. As with Totemic interaction, the relationship to the Dragons is similar. Like Bear (which is not solely resident within the practitioner...) the Dragons awaken the portions of our psyche that can tap into their energies allowing us access to it. Bear brings the primal forces of life and nature to within the grasp of the practitioner where through proper exercise can be melded to the energies of the practitioner himself. The dragons bring a more focused or refined energy to within the reach of the mage until he can tap into it at will... In a way the relationship of any non-deity (and to a lesser degree them as well) force/entity to the practitioner is closer to that of mentor and teacher than to permanent fixtures in our magical practice.

In no way is Dragon magic easy or simple. The relationship of the magician to the Dragons is similar to parent/teacher and child/student. They are vast and timeless, wise beyond our kenning and cunning. Once embarked upon as a magical path, you find yourself changing, and adapting to their modes of though, learning to see in new ways and having greater perspective than before. It requires great inner strength and strong moral character to walk the Path, and more than that to walk it with the Dragons. Subtle as a soft breeze and powerful as a super-nova, They teach and strengthen you so you may wield greater power with greater wisdom.



THE HIERARCHY OF DRAGONS:









The Draconian Hierarchy consists of four basic tiers. The topmost being the Elder Dragon of Light and the Elder Dragon of Darkness. The next tier consists of the four Great Dragons of the Elements (earth, air, fire, water). Below Them comes the Dragons of planetary or elemental aspect (beings of specific types of elemental energies of a specific elemental aspect, planet or astrological sign) The bottom tier consists of Guardian Dragons, whose dominion is specific people or things (houses, gardens, and anything they are asked to guard.)

I have found that the greater the realm of influence that the Dragon has influence over, the greater It's power and the more distant its mind seems to be from the practitioners understanding. The Dragons of Light and Darkness are the two greatest, but also the most difficult to work with. then there are the Dragon Kings of the four elements and directions whose powers are vast and whose wisdom is great. They stand to the quarters when a circle is cast.. similar to the watchtowers or guardians. beneath them in this pattern are the celestial dragons of the zodiac and of specific locales. it is these dragons that are called upon for specific magical ends just as you might call upon specific elementals to assist you in specific tasks ( such as a salamander to breathe passion into a relationship, or a specific energy whose sphere of influence is the desired outcome).

The higher up in the hierarchy the dragon influence is you seek the more worldly and knowledgeable the Dragon itself is. the Dragons who fall lower in the hierarchy are less distant and most human to work with. It is as if the bottom most are youngest and most playful (Faerie Dragons and the like) while further up in the pattern They become more wise and mature. The difference becomes method and reasoning for actions. The level of power and wisdom does not fluctuate between stages in this hierarchy, only the amount of things that the individual Dragon has influence over. The more time spent working with specific dragons the greater the understanding of the nature of their position is. Bear in mind that their station is not a reflection of their power. far from it. their powers are, simply put, more specific. also not to say that the lesser Dragon of storms is easier to work with than Sairyss, The Great Air Dragon, but it is easier to understand how it will respond.

Thus before any work (beyond an occasional calling) I advise that you meditate and do personal work in getting to know the Dragon yourself. I can talk for hours about what I know, yet it comes down to your experience and practice that will dictate success in calling the Dragons. Remember that any spell or incantation you come in contact with can be made more powerful by adjusting it so that you are comfortable. It also bears repeating that your first real contact with them may well be more enlightening than you could expect.

Where the lesser dragon of storms might just move in a storm front to meet your goal, Sairyss might adjust the temperature up for some time so that the weather patterns are right for a marvelous storm. In some ways the lesser dragons seem much younger and energetic, where the greater dragons seem to be cunning and wise and are more aware of the effects of the requested magics. Though the end was achieved either way, the lesser dragons choice of just moving a storm front might cause drought or brush fires in the area the storm front was meant for. Sairyss will manipulate the energies needed to cause the least harm yet still reap the end result. Bear in mind this bears no ill reflection upon the guardians, for competence is never in question, simply that they are more exuberant, excitable, and eager to please than the other Dragons. The differing levels of draconian energies are equally easy to work with so long as the practitioner is ready to work with them. This also does not mean that they WON'T work with you, they would actually guide you to be ready.

The forces like Dragons and Bear realistically would not work with the practitioner if he did not contain an aspect of them or at least the potential to one day no longer need them as much. In no way does this replace veneration and thanks, it simply means that they become ingrained in the character of the mage until the lines of separation blur or cease to exist entirely, leaving the mage capable of wielding greater levels of energy than before the mage began working with that particular archetype. Through our interaction with such forces we ourselves grow stronger and more capable in wielding their energies. They (in many ways) tend to take leadership in the early stages of interaction. then as the practitioner gains in proficiency, their direct influence becomes much more subtle. Eventually, as with all practiced things, the instructor will no longer be as needed once the student achieves certain levels of proficiency.

However their presence will not diminish, but how much of their energies are lent to the working will decrease as the practitioner advances in their ability to manipulate larger volumes of energy with greater efficiency. So the mage will eventually feel the direct influence of those forces lessen, solely because it is no longer needed, just as eventually training wheels come off a bicycle.. So in short there comes a time when those training wheels come off, when the practitioner is skilled enough to no longer need the external forces to guide and tap the energies for him. when due to practice, trial and error and all of the learning process, no longer reaches outside himself, but can do it themselves.





It is necessary that you fully understand the Laws of Power and have a firm ethical mindset before undertaking any ritual work at all. In the Laws of Power it states that, 'Harm none and do what ye will', but within this rule is a sub- clause. It states that in the defense of : life, self or loved ones, the Power must be used to its potential. If attacked you have the right and duty to defend yourself. This does include the use of the Power in that defense. We of the Path were meant to be bastions of light and hope, but not without recourse should we be assaulted. For how can we offer safety if no protection exists? Thus, some of the below works are in defense only and thus able to do harm, but never more than is needed.


THE ELDER
DRAGONS OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS

Being the greatest of Dragons, the two Elder Dragons are the most difficult
to describe. They embody the principles of Light and Darkness on a cosmic level, most similar to Yin and Yang. They are balanced opposites in harmony. Working with them is like touching pure active or receptive, two concepts very difficult to grasp. I personally work with the Great Dragons of the four elements most. They are far easier to work with and communicate. This is in no way to state that they are impossible to work with, only that it is difficult to do so due to their vast powers. Approach Them as you might approach the Tao in Chinese philosophy, with respect and reverence. I see Them as the living embodiment of the principles of Yin and Yang, Night and Day, Darkness and Light. It is also important to remember that 'evil' and 'good' is neither one's sole domain, They contain both, as do we.
The Elder Dragons are invoked primarily as an augmentation to any other
working you are performing. They are called upon to help balance the work you are
performing and to lend that certain something extra.








"Light of the Spirit, Symbol of the Sun
Be with me now 'till the spellwork is done.
Help me balance all Karma and force
'till i reach the end of my life on this Earth
Guide me and teach me, O' Dragon of Light
Lend my magic your Power this Night!"

"Dragon of Darkness, Your Power will run
until the time my magic is done
teach me your secret, the dark not to fear
For dark is receptive, not terror or tear
Dreams of the Spirit soar with the Night
wrap me in guidance, You, balance of Light"


THE GREAT DRAGONS OF
EARTH, AIR, FIRE, AND WATER
The Great Dragons of the four Elements can be described in similar ways to any other force that represents the Elements. They are wise, powerful and very cunning, much like Elemental Lords, Arch-Angels, Watchtowers, etc. Within a ritual context They function much the same way as well, either They come to protect your rite or to enhance its power. The power of Earth is the dominion of Grael (gray-el), Fire is Fafnir (faf-near), Water is Naelon (nay-lonn), and Air is Sairyss (say-reese). Below is my personal circle casting ritual as well as some images I think bear a fair likeness to the Powers I sense when I work with the Great Dragons.

Grael: Great Dragon of Earth



















Sairyss: Great Dragon of Air














Fafnir: Great Dragon of Fire















Naelon: Great Dragon of Water













Q COILS OF THE DRAGONS Q

STAND AT THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE. CALM AND CENTER YOURSELF BEFORE REPEATING THE CENTER CHANT BELOW:

y : IN A TIME THAT IS NOT A TIME
AND IN A PLACE THAT IS NOT A PLACE
WE CALL UPON THE OLD ONES
TO BEAR WITNESS TO OUR RITES.
GRACE OUR CIRCLE WITH YOUR PRESENCE
JOIN US ON THIS MOST SACRED OF NIGHTS!
ALL HAIL TO THE SOURCE OF ALL THINGS!
ALL HAIL TO THE SILVERED QUEEN OF THE NIGHT!
ALL HAIL TO THE GOLDEN LORD OF THE DAY!
CHARGE THIS BY YOUR POWERS OLD ONES!
NEXT MOVE TO THE NORTH OF THE CIRCLE AND SPEAK THE
NORTH CHANT :
q : WE STAND AT THE GATE OF MYSTERY
AND CALL TO THE ANCIENT POWER OF THE NORTH:
FROM YOUR MOUNTAIN CAVERNS DEEP
RISE NORTHERN DRAGON FROM YOUR SLEEP
TO LEND US YOUR WISDOM AND YOUR MIGHT
GREAT NORTHERN DRAGON AID US THIS NIGHT
GRAEL, WE CALL TO THEE!
PROCEED TO THE EAST-MOST POINT OF THE CIRCLE
AND SPEAK THE EAST CHANT THERE:
r: WE STAND AT THE GATE OF MYSTERY
AND CALL TO THE ANCIENT POWER OF THE EAST:
FROM ATOP THE CLOUDS ON HIGH
THE EASTERN DRAGON TAKES TO THE SKY
HARKEN TO OUR CALL AND TAKE FLIGHT
LEND TO US YOUR WISDOM AND MIGHT
SAIRYSS, WE CALL TO THEE!
THEN TO THE SOUTH MOST POINT OF THE CIRCLE RAISE
YOUR VOICE TO THE SKY AND SPEAK THE SOUTH CHANT
THERE:
e: WE STAND AT THE GATE OF MYSTERY
AND CALL TO THE ANCIENT POWER OF THE SOUTH:
FROM DEEP IN YOUR CAVERNOUS FIRE-FILLED HALL
ECHOES THE NAME WE NOW CALL
FIRE DRAGON ATTEND OUR RIGHT
AND LEND TO US YOUR WISDOM AND MIGHT
FAFNIR, WE CALL TO THEE!
PROCEED TO THE WEST MOST POINT AND SPEAK THE WEST
CHANT THERE:
w: WE STAND AT THE GATE OF MYSTERY
AND CALL TO THE ANCIENT POWER OF THE WEST:
CALM WATER, MOVING WATER, SEAS, AND LAKE
WE NOW CALL UPON THE WATER DRAKE!
AID US WITH YOUR WISDOM AND MIGHT
GREAT WESTERN DRAGON ATTEND TONIGHT!
NAELON, WE CALL TO THEE!
THEN RETURN TO THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE AND REPEAT
THE CIRCLE CHANT:
;: IN THIS PLACE WHERE MYSTERIES ARE FOUND
THEIR COILS REACH BENEATH THE GROUND
ROUND ABOUT THE DRAGONS ARE WOUND
THEIR ANCIENT POWER DOES ABOUND
IN YOUR NAMES GREAT DRAGONS
THIS CIRCLE IS SEALED.
GRAEL! SAIRYSS! FAFNIR! NAELON!
SO MOTE IT BE!

THE LESSER DRAGONS OF
THE ZODIAC AND
ELEMENTAL ASPECTS
\
\ These Dragons are masters of Their sphere of influence. Each represents certain areas of influence contained within the larger portfolios of The Great Dragons and the Elder Dragons. As mentioned before, do not be fooled by Their place in the Heirarchy of Dragons, They are as powerful as any other Dragon within Their sphere of influence.
The spheres of influnce that They occupy are specific, such as storms as an aspect of Air. During a storm, calling upon the Dragon of storms to either abate or increase the ferocity of a storm is a simple matter. So long as you speak with awe and reverence when dealing with any Dragon. For the aspiring Dragon magician, my advice is simple, meditate and commune with each Dragon you intend to work with. Know Their personalities and individual natures BEFORE working with them, as this will ensure greater success.

I will include a listing of some of the aspect Dragons and Their names. Why not all? Two reasons:

1) Time, energy and gigabytes. Not enough of any of them to allow me to fully list them and name them.
2) A path mapped out is a path without adventure.

Walk in Light and you will not come to harm.

'Lesser' Dragon of the Sea: Urool (`you-rule)
'Lesser' Dragon of Mountains: Granath (gra-`nath)
'Lesser' Dragons of Forests: Sylass (si-`lass)
'Lesser' Dragon of Storms: Havass (`ha-vass)
'Lesser' Dragon of Deserts: Churun (`choo-roon)
'Lesser' Dragon of Fires/Volcanoes: Faran (`farr-raan)

When speaking their names, 'r' has a slight roll to it, not long at all.
Good journey to you and may They keep thee safe.



GUARDIAN DRAGONS

The Guardian Dragons are adept at their tasks and quite skilled in fulfilling their
charges. Remember that their place is to guard and keep secret, not to do anything else,
and while they may try... success is not guaranteed. That comes from not following the
hierarchy. Other tasks may be asked of other dragons for whom the task falls closest to
their sphere of influence. Guardian Dragons may be called to serve for a brief period of
time (length of a trip ) or for an indefinite time frame (length of a marriage). There are
THREE methods for summoning them, one for immediate needs, one for the short term
need and one for the long term. All of which need to have an ending point to their service.
They cannot be summoned to stay forever. Bear the time frame in mind as you summon
them and thank them afterward.
SUMMONING THE GUARDIAN DRAGONS:

TYPE 1: THE SUDDEN NEED SUMMONING

This summoning is short and to the point. Usually used to protect the
caster or another in a sudden crisis. Here are several incantations for just such moments:

"By Dragon wing and Dragon claw,
My(his/her) Defense is without flaw."
"Shrouded by Dragon might
Remove me(him/her) from their(his/her) sight."

"Fly before me (him/her) Dragon bright,
And blind my(his/her) foe with Thy light"

"Full of rage and terrible ire,
Burn them(him/her) with Thy Dragon Fire!"

"Dark and terrible be Thy wrath,
Dragon, protect me (him/her)on my(his/her) path!"`


Make the Sign of the Guardian (either in the air or on your brow)
In the Air, pull thumb and pinkie fingers into the palm and with middle, index and ring
fingers draw three lines at once. Then bending the ring and middle into the palm, draw one
line down the right side of the other three. On a surface simply draw it as you would in
the air.
Sign Of The Guardian:


Once the task is completed say

" Guardian Dragon thanks be to you,
My friend both steadfast and true!"

TYPE 2: THE SHORT TERM PROTECTION.

This summoning is used for short term goals and needs such as protecting an
object being leant, or anything for a brief period, such as a car ride or elevator trip. Mark
the object to be protected with the sign of the guardian and repeat the incantation below:

"Gentle Guardian wise and strong
keep it(me, him/her) as it (I, he/she) doth belong.
Safe within thy charge and care,
the current problem to fare.
No harm to come or ill to befall
Guarded and safe through it all!"

TYPE 3: THE LONG TERM NEED

This form of summoning is closer to permanent as we would perceive it. Yet in
this for you must still work with a time frame in mind, however distant it may be.
Guardian Dragons may be summoned in this fashion for protection of people places and
things needing or deserving long term care (such as children, houses, spouses, etc).
Multiple objects can be protected with but a change in grammar, but they must be
together for a single dragon to protect ( the objects become a mini- horde).

"Dragon brave and Dragon wise,
let nothing escape your eyes.
I summon your from your hidden lair,
(name object here) is entrusted to your care.
Permit no harm to come to ( named object) within your sight,
in your presence let all evils take flight.
No baneful creature born of flesh or spirit,
may touch (name object) nor even come near it.
Let those that would bring harm,
be filled with fright and alarm.


END