How to Use the Dragon Symbol in Feng Shui

One of the most well known symbols in feng shui, the mythical dragon is an imaginary animal that represents abundance, success, and good luck. Dragon imagery is found in many traditional Chinese art applications such as textiles, paintings, sculpture, vases, and so on. The symbol of the dragon is used in feng shui at large and small scales in everything from describing mountainous landforms to wearing a coin-sized dragon talisman around the neck. Even the Great Wall of China is said to be designed in the image of a powerful dragon.

Dragon Symbolism and Meaning in Feng Shui

In the Chinese zodiac, the revered dragon is the only mythical animal and is the fourth in line, after the rabbit and before the snake. The story goes that the dragon could have easily come in first place, but it stopped along the way to blow a helpful wind to carry the rabbit across the river on a floating branch. Then the dragon took a detour to rescue a village in drought by calling in rain to nourish the land. Therefore, the dragon is the rainmaker and brings in winds of change, with great success and prosperity. The dragon is well-loved in Asian culture, where it’s seen as a brave and beneficent energy, in contrast to the more savage European version.

In feng shui, the dragon is connected to the earth element and also the east direction, where the sun rises. The dragon is depicted as a bearded snake with four legs.

The dragon is the yang (masculine) counterpart to the phoenix, which is yin (feminine) energy. The pair are also a symbol of the imperial family: The dragon represents the emperor, while the phoenix is connected to the empress energy. Together with the tortoise and the tiger, they make up the four celestial animals of feng shui. Working with the dragon can help you to cultivate the yang aspects of your home’s feng shui.

Feng Shui Placements

You can find many different ways to incorporate the dragon symbol into your home’s feng shui. Here are some suggestions on how you can include in your home decor to invite in wealth and success and balance your yang energy.

Dragon With Wish-Fulfilling Jewel

Sometimes you’ll find the dragon holding a pearl, also known as the wish-fulfilling jewel. In Buddhist iconography, the wish-fulfilling jewel represents the radiance of the sun that brings light to all darkness and can grant true joy.

Jade Dragon Facing the East

The dragon is connected to the compass direction facing east and the color green or blue. Try placing a carved jade dragon in the east sector of your home. Be sure to have the dragon facing east. If you can’t find a jade dragon, any green- or blue-colored symbol works.

Dragons for Protection 

A pair of dragon images flanking the front door can provide protection and welcome good luck. This can be done with statues, artwork, or even vases with dragon imagery.

Wearing Dragon Amulets

You can balance your yin and yang energies as well as invite protection by wearing dragon imagery on your body. 

Selecting Dragon Symbols

Dragons come in all different materials and colors. If you’re using it for a feng shui purpose, it’s helpful to use the five elements as a guideline to select your dragon symbol.

• Earth element for wellbeing and support
• Metal element for joy and clarity
• Water element for flow of wealth and wisdom
• Wood element for growth and abundance
• Fire element for success and inspiration

Element Colors and Materials to Pair With the Dragon Symbol

• For metal and earth energies, try a white porcelain dragon sculpture. 
• A dragon made of bronze will bring in metal and earth elements.
• A painting of a dragon with the color scheme of black and dark gray will bring in water element.
• For earth element, try a brown wood dragon.
• Try a clear glass dragon for water element.
• Dragon symbols with red will bring in fire element.

Remember, not everything is a feng shui adjustment, but if you do want to use your dragon as a feng shui symbol, follow these guidelines.