Dragons can be very difficult to deal with at times. They can be very arrogant, stubborn, and all mighty, yet at other times very nice, co-operative, and respectful. It can become frustrating, but we must keep in mind that they are going to have moods and mood-swings much like we will. We are working with another entity; they are not going to do exactly what we want all of the time. Much of their attitude will depend on how you approach a Dragon as to how they will react to you.

Another important factor is what type of relationship you have built with them, how long you have been working with them, and if you are respectful or not. Since they have come to be very cautious of humans, earning their trust and respect are the first things you need to do. By doing so, you will end up with a very close relationship with them as well as an improved understanding of their moods. Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with them.

One thing I have learned in working with these entities is that they are often capricious and act in a seeming random manner. They seem to have a great capacity for humor, something that usually amuses me but can be rather frustrating when you are trying to do something that is serious to you or has emotional weight. In order to cope with this I’ve had to start taking a mental step back and ‘count to ten’, otherwise I’d be pulling my own hair out.

Even though I have been doing this for a while, I still feel very new to the path. I am always humbled and awed when I call upon the Dragons and they answer. Honestly, this path isn't for everyone because you really do have to put a lot of time and effort into it, not just learning and practicing but also in finding out how to work with these great beasts. Working with Dragons is very different from calling upon spirits or elementals. Take your time, feel out your path and it will be very rewarding.

Listed below are the pointers that my Magister handed out. I think that most of them are fairly common sense items, but it never hurts to go over them again.

• Don’t ever call a Dragon into your sacred space and start ordering them around. Treat them like you like to be treated. Give them the respect as equals and not servants, and they will work with you.


• Don’t show them that you fear them. They have very heightened sense and can actually smell fear. If they detect any fear whatsoever they won’t respect you as an equal and consider anything you do a waist of time and energy on their part.


• Don’t ever attack a Dragon you have called. You called them; they didn’t call you.


• Dragons are very intelligent. Don’t try and pull a fast one over on them.


• Dragons tend to speak in riddles and symbolism. At least until you have worked with them for a while.


• The only tool a Dragon respects (not fears) is the Athame/Sword, but only when wielded by a confident practitioner who is prepared to stand his ground.


• If you feel uncomfortable with a certain Dragons presence, carefully and politely explain your wishes and desires concerning them. They will understand you and either work along with you or leave you be.


• Before rejecting a Dragons help or presence, firstly find out what they have to show or teach you. They won't hang around where they are not wanted.


• Always give them an offering. They won't do something for nothing.


• Most Dragons tend to be subtle in their first few contacts with you. Be sensitive and extra aware of what is occurring around you for if there is anything that would endanger them they won’t make their presence known.


• Watch what you ask for, they take things literally and without mercy. Don’t leave any loopholes in any petition you present to them.

A slight explanation on the points listed here.

Don’t ever call a Dragon into your circle and start ordering them around. This is just good plain advice for any being that you choose to deal with. Whenever you are invoking something, you are asking them into your space. Try to be a gracious host or you will find that no being will ever answer you.

Don’t show them that you fear them. As it was taught to me, I pass on to you. My teacher believed that this was something that was included in the teaching to impress on the pupil that you are dealing with an awesome energy, our will gives energy shape and direction, if you call up dragon energy and are terrified of it you will never accomplish anything. Your magick will be scattered and dissipate without having its desired effect because you are too scared to wield it. Plus, draconic energy does have its own quirks and personality; fearing it isn't going to help you build a bond with it.

Dragons tend to speak in riddles and symbolism. This is an excellent reason to start keeping a journal of what symbols mean to you. While you can sometimes extrapolate a personal meaning from the universal one that is found in books, first hand knowledge is always the best.

If you feel uncomfortable with a certain Dragons presence, carefully and politely explain your wishes and desires concerning them. If you have an immediate, negative gut reaction; simply devoke and dismiss. It's better to be safe than sorry. As it states later on, a Dragon will not stay where he is not wanted.

Before rejecting a Dragons help or presence, firstly find out what they have to show or teach you. This simply means, if you are working with a Dragon and it suggests something that may seem to go against your morals, ask for a clarification. Dragons aren't human, their thought processes are different than ours and we may simply be not understanding what they are proposing or they may be working on a different moral system. If you still do not agree, then kindly thank them but firmly tell them no. You may give an explanation if you wish, by doing this you will not harm your relationship with them. Dragons value honesty, which includes being honest with yourself.

As you probably have noticed, these are general rules of thumb that rely heavily on common sense. In my experience, dragons don't expect us to kowtow to them, they simply want good hospitality and to be treated with respect. Some are more receptive when we approach with humility while others respond best when we treat them as good friends. As always, be open to adaptation and listen intently to what they have to say.