Li's Sharebook 

The Chinese New Year begins on 23 January 2012. According to Chinese astrology, this is the year of the dragon. We are all affected by the protective energy of this fierce animal. The transforming energy of 2012 brings excitement, re-evaluation and renewal.

Human beings have always sought to penetrate the mysteries of the invisible worlds. In order to make sense of how the cosmic forces influence us, philosophers/alchemists living in Europe during the 13^th century drew images in symbolic form. In one such depiction-a book written by Parisian alchemist Nicolas Flamel, there is a mountain on the summit of which there is a tree with golden branches bearing red and white flowers and tossed by the north wind. Winged dragons stand guard. There are many images from this date illustrating dragons as the protectors of a garden.

A garden is an area of land used for the cultivation of ornamental plants, herbs, fruit, vegetables, trees, and it is usually fertile and beautiful. Birds and bees beckon us to join them in their celebration of the earth. Sweet fragrances uplift the spirit and take us back to ancient times when we lived in harmony with the forces around us. The Great Spirit continues to nurture us. Every day brings a new dawn with its promise for a better future.

The garden can also represent a mythical land highlighting superhuman beings of an earlier stage in our pre-history when social customs came into existence, and we were in tune with natural phenomenon. A time of magicians, dragons and jugglers … Clowns play tunes on magic flutes, and stardust lights the way. A land of milk and honey, where angels sway and dragons are kept at bay, close by on misty mountain.

The dragon’s protective energy highlights nature. What does nature mean to you? Is it worth protecting? Many of us are challenged by a spiritual separation of the earth, and we sense that something is missing in our lives. The dragon is a great initiator, and with his highly persuasive powers suggest to us to take action in order to better our lives. We can adapt to changing circumstances and realize our potential by juggling with new ideas in order to find the right way forward. We can rekindle our love and respect for Mother Earth, and the outcome promises a sense of one-ness and harmony.

This article was adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium. Publisher: Square One Publishers. USA. The painting is an oil on panel measuring 40 x 40 cm, and signed Liane Dutilleux, my maiden name.