One of the Four Legendary Creatures, Japanese dragons guard the cosmic direction of the East. They are different from Chinese dragons but still have applications in feng shui.
Japanese Dragons and Feng Shui
In feng shui, Japanese dragons represent strength, power, and protection. They are often used as a powerful feng shui cure. Dragons are symbols of yang energy, the strong masculine energy of activity and creativity. A feng shui dragon symbolizes prosperity and success. When it holds a crystal or pearl in its claw, the dragon is an auspicious symbol of power, wealth and prosperity.
Tips for Using Japanese Dragons in Feng Shui
Tips for using Japanese dragons in feng shui are similar to Chinese dragons. You can use most Japanese dragons in feng shui the same way with three exceptions.
- Unlike the benevolent Chinese dragons, there are three evil Japanese dragons you should avoid. These include, Uwibami, Yama-no-orochi and Yofune-nahsi.
- You can select a Japanese dragon made of wood or ceramic to place in your home or office. A crystal dragon is also auspicious.
- Place a dragon behind your desk for protection so he can watch your back.
- For the bet placement, the dragon should be just below eye level so you always see it to maintain control over its powerful properties. Never set the dragon the floor since this is a sign of disrespect and you don't want to offend the dragon!
- The east sector is the traditional location for dragons. Place a Japanese dragon in this sector or the east corner of a home or business office.
- If you select a Japanese dragon holding a pearl, position it to face into the room, never pointing toward a door or window since the pearl represents wealth, abundance and power. You don't want all that walking out the door.
- Limit the number of dragons in your home to five. More than this will create inauspicious energy from too much yang (fire) energy.
- Dragon heads should always be uplifted for auspicious chi, never looking or pointed downward.
Place Japanese Dragons in Eastern Sector
Since dragons represent the East, an ideal placement of a feng shui dragon is on the east side of your home or east sector of a room. However, dragons should not be placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets since they symbolize activity and will draw too much energy flow to these areas. If they are placed in the relationship area of the home or space, a dragon should always be paired with a phoenix to ensure happy love relationships.
Japanese Dragon: Guardian of Eastern Direction
In ancient times, the dragon was one of the Four Legendary Creatures that carefully guarded the four compass directions. While the dragon guarded the East, the other three Legendary Creatures stood guard at their cosmic directions. In feng shui applications, you can use all four or use the dragon by itself.
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Red Bird guards the South
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White Tiger guards the West
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Tortoise guards the North
Japanese Dragon Elements and Colors
The dragon, and the eastern compass direction, also represent:
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The season of spring
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The color green or green-blue
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The virtue of propriety
Over the centuries, the Four Legendary Creatures of Japan have merged with the Shitenno, the Four Heavenly Kings. The Shitenno are Buddhist guardians that also guard the cosmic directions. Avoid inauspicious metal dragons for feng shui use since fire melts metal.
Characteristics of Japanese Dragons
Japanese dragons have similar features to Chinese dragons, but also some key differences. These differences aren't significant when it comes to using Japanese dragons in feng shui applications.
Distinguishing Japanese Dragons From Chinese Dragons
The legendary dragons of Japan have a rich and significant history in the folklore and mythology of the country. This group of dragons is known as Tatsus and resembles Chinese dragons in many ways. One way to tell them apart by sight is by the number of claws or toes they have on each foot.
- The Imperial Chinese dragon has five toes.
- Common Chinese dragons have four toes.
- The dragons of Japan have three toes.
Japanese Dragons Are Compilation of Nine Animals
Japanese dragons have spikes along their back while Chinese dragons don't. Both the Japanese and Chinese dragons have bodies that are snakelike and are made up of parts of nine animals. They have the:
- Neck of a snake
- Head of a camel
- Horns of a deer
- Eyes of a rabbit
- Ears of an ox
- Abdomen of a cockle
- Scales of a carp
- Paws of a tiger
- Claws of an eagle
Japanese Style Dragons Can Transform or Shape-Shift
Just as the Chinese dragons, the mystical dragons of Japan have the power to shape-shift and move seamlessly from one form to another or become completely invisible. Many Japanese legends tell of dragons changing their size and shape as they magically transform into humans. Other legends tell of the reverse happening as humans transform back into dragons.
Japanese Imperial Family and Dragon Ancestry
It's believed that when dragons transformed into humans, they had the ability to mate with other humans, creating the Japanese Imperial family. The Japanese Imperial family claims to be direct decedents of the Dragon King through Princess Toyotama-hime, the Dragon King's daughter.
Dragon King's Daughter Marries a Hunter
According to the Tale of Hori, Princess Toyotama-hime, also known as Princess Fruit Jewel and Princess Rich Jewel, married Hori no Mikoto, a hunter. For three years, the couple lived together in the underwater kingdom of the Princess before the hunter returned to his life in the upper world.
Descendant Becomes Frist Japanese Emperor
Before leaving the underwater kingdom, the Princess and Hori no Mikoto had a son. The son grew up and had four children. One of those children, a son named Kamuyamato Iwarebiko, became the first Emperor of Japan and was known as a human, Jinmu Tenno. In Japan, the dragon remains a symbol of imperial power.
Symbolism of Dragons in Japan
Although dragons appear in mythology centuries before the birth of Buddhism, Japanese dragons are known as the Protectors of Buddhist Law. The Japanese dragons are symbols of strength, prosperity, and royalty.
Dragon and the Phoenix
Dragons represent yang energy and the Emperor. They are the mortal enemy of the Phoenix, which represents yin energy and the Empress. Yet, when they are placed together in feng shui applications, the dragon and the phoenix create the perfect balance, representing the harmony of yin and yang. As partners, the two symbolize wedded bliss and conflict.
Japanese Water Dragon
The symbolism of the dragon is found throughout the Japanese culture and is strongly associated with the realm of water and the underwater kingdom as a rain god. Other water symbolisms associated with Japanese dragons include:
- It is the Japanese dragon that maintains and supports the country as it controls the rain, symbolizing the power of the Emperor.
- Four dragon kings rule the four seas.
- Dragon spirits control the rain and wind, and can even cause floods to occur.
- Earth dragons deepen the oceans and cleanse the waters of lakes and rivers.
Other Japanese Dragon Traits
- Celestial dragons guard the home of the gods. You can use one to guard your home by placing it to stand guard at your front door.
- Treasure guarding dragons keep watch over precious stones and metals. Place one in the southeast (wealth) sector to protect your wealth.
Use the Japanese Dragon Wisely
Japanese dragons have fascinated people for centuries, and they will likely continue to do so for ages to come. They occupy a powerful place in the Asian culture and, when used wisely, can enhance the good chi energy in your home.
