Dragons did not only start in Europe. The myths and legends of dragons originated independently in multiple parts of the world; however, dragons have been seen differently. You got those in Europe that had wings and you got those in Asia without wings and have long snake like bodies. Some of the cultures that have started with dragons never even touched. There are south and central America traditions that have talk about dragons as well as some African/European folklore dealing with crocodiles. Dragons, away from dragon magic, having a historical reference is honesty a belief by most. There have even been dinosaur fossils that people have mistaken as dragon remains which start some of the beliefs though. Some historians and scientists even study the possible existence of dragons as well. There is a belief, if I am correct, that some practitioners along the draconic path believe that dragons once existed physically. Not very likely to many people but some facts and opinions support the idea with a evolutionary chain, linking the multiple beliefs together, lizards with wings, and all that. There was a documentary on Animal Planet about it once. Though I am not saying it's true. Dragon magick has no historical reference compared to things like witchcraft. It is possible that it did with the right evidence. Perhaps the sense of historical references were lost somehow? These myths after all did not start in one place only. Some of these beliefs date back to the same time period with cultures that never met yet. I agree with Connie that is folklore and pass down with families.
It is within my own personal theory that some spiritual dragons are the same entity otherwise known as Seraphim. If you look into the original basis of the beings, they were serpents of fire. Only later did they appear as many winged angelic beings. But their essence was that of a creature, not human. But it makes sense that such an intimidating being would mirror our image in order to seem more approachable. It is within human nature to connect what we fear to evil/bad.
If Seraphim are beings of fire, than it would make sense that they would be the "mamas and daddies" of a "choir" or group of other beings like them but lesser, with the little ones all the way at the bottom. This could be seen as spirits of the element. Of course, there is also room to say that any spirit strong enough could shapeshift into the image of a dragon as long as their energy corresponds with what that form represents.
There is only one spirit world but many many perspectives on it. It is within our own personal perspectives that paint our spiritual reality and if we are open enough to see a spirit for their true form, it is still their chosen form. SO all in all, it's still subjective and under severe scrutiny.
And I do not like that author. If you are going to study dragons, try studying Chinese mythology.
The mythology of various serpents and the like is rather common, yes. The word dragon, being essentially a large reptilian serpent, can easily be applied across a wide variety of cultures to describe the basically that. Indeed, the word itself stems from a latin word that essentially means "large serpent or giant seafish."
Given the nature of such things, it's a small wonder that there are independent global myths about them (as I mentioned briefly about the celestial courts in Asia, though I did neglect the rest of the world). It's basic human function. People built pyramids everywhere for the same reason. It's the easiest way to build a tall structure - people are people, regardless of where they come from. So of course, regardless of the place, a large reptile or serpent is going to trigger some sort of deep instinct of reverence or fear. Your own links describe this.
The global development of such myths does not, remotely, indicate magical practice.
None of the links you provide offer any info as to where it results in a magical tradition. The first is basic scientific theory that explains away the myth. The second is a forum where people don't say much of use at all. The third is a faux documentary that is even acknowledged within the link as fictional.
The argument for the possibility of dragons existing completely ignores the fact that there is a lower oxygen content in the atmosphere than there was when large reptiles (and other animals) existed on Earth. This lower oxygen content would make it impossible for them to sustain with ease - thus the modern lack of dinosaur-sized animals.
As for this statement:
"Dragon magick has no historical reference compared to things like witchcraft. It is possible that it did with the right evidence. Perhaps the sense of historical references were lost somehow?"
Let me change a few words there.
"The worship of the Flying Spaghetti monster has no historical reference compared to things like witchcraft. It is possible that it did with the right evidence. Perhaps the sense of historical references were lost somehow? These myths after all did not start in one place only."
Both statements are equally true, and equally ridiculous.
I'd still love to find some actual references to dragon magic... but it just hasn't happened.
I very much agree. Those few experiences I have had with "draconic" beings in various personal experiences has led me to the opinion that often they are just spiritual entities so vast that it is often easiest for people to simply conceptualize them as dragons, and so that is how they perceive them.
Don't discredit the Flying Spaghetti Monster Awaken. That's just not cool.
I have never found anything historical concerning Dragon Magick either, but I do love discussing the actual existence and place of dragons (or rather simply "serpents") in the spiritual world. Very very fascinating and powerful beings. I'm sure that one could create a workable system, but it would be completely personal.
Let the Druids be Druids and the Dragonians be Dragonians. They can call themselves whatever they wish, as long as they don't try to say it's historical or otherwise accurately "ancient", I could care less. They can practice however they want. Everything started out somewhere. Just as long as they're honest and don't try to falsify lineage. Give the neophytes a break =P
I think it can be said for any spiritual entity that what we think we see and what that entity actually is, is a matter of how best we can understand it. Simple comparison, some folks see malevolent spirits as hideous monsters where others may see them in a human form. It's simply how "we" interpret what we are communicating with.
As for this tradition being "ancient"..I won't go that far. I will say that I am close to someone who was taught by their grandfather, who was taught by their father, who was taught... ect. going back to family living in Europe.
How it got started? No clue, nor do I think it matters to much.
What it is now...we can thank Conway for that pile of UPG fluffed off as "fact".
Of the few dragon magic practitioner's ( who have been at it for more than 10 years) that I have met, each and every one would like to thank Ms. Conway...in a dark alley with no witness's.
