This had more to do with approach rather than practical information. Having said that, it does include meditations and ritual ideas that might be useful.

There's a lot of dragon folklore quoted and the idea is to connect modern magical practice with the attitude of the dragon, invoking strength from our ideas of dragons established through the lore.

It's an interesting book.

Seeking Dragons by Virginia Chandler is an informative and deeply practical guide for the spiritual practitioner seeking to interact with dragons/their energy in a transformative and empowering way. This title builds on and dives deeper than similar books in the field and will be a meaningful addition to many magical book shelves in the years to come .

"Seeking Dragons" by Virginia Chandler

Seeking Dragons by Virginia Chandler is an eagerly anticipated book that caters to neopagans and other magical practitioners seeking to harness the mystical energies of dragons in their rituals. Scheduled to publish on November 8, 2023, this book lives up to its promise and offers a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance for those ready to embark on a transformative journey with these awe-inspiring creatures.

Chandler's thesis is clear and concise: she invites readers to connect with dragons, spiritual beings eager to collaborate with humans. From the moment you open the pages of Seeking Dragons, you'll find yourself drawn into a world of transformative magic in which dragons are beings of transformative power, not simple evil beings to be slain.

The book's primary focus is on providing actionable and transformative meditations and rituals, all aimed at individuals who are, quite literally, "seeking dragons." Chandler's deep-rooted expertise in this domain shines through her meticulously crafted rituals and meditations, making it clear that she is not merely an author but a dedicated practitioner of dragon magic. The rituals and meditations presented in the book are both enticing and well-structured. Although I haven't had the opportunity to put them into practice as of yet, I am eagerly awaiting the upcoming full moon to delve into this immersive experience.

In each chapter, she masterfully weaves together descriptions of various dragon energies with historical and mythological context when necessary. These chapters culminate in meditations and thought-provoking journal prompts, providing readers with a tangible pathway to engage with the world of dragons. Chandler relies heavily on her personal experiences and gnosis, but her descriptions are measured and authentic. This authenticity is vital, instilling trust in her readers that she is not embellishing her encounters for the sake of sensationalism.

Chandler's research methods are predominantly rooted in personal experience, but she does reference relevant external sources when needed. Her suggested resources, such as Ovid's Metamorphoses, provide readers with an opportunity to delve deeper into the mythical aspects of dragon lore.

Chandler's approach and book structure are appropriate and engaging. The ongoing metaphor of "sowing the dragon's teeth" adds a unique and captivating layer to the narrative. However, a few more personal anecdotes from the author's own experiences could have added a more personal touch for readers seeking a deeper connection.

Compared to its peers in the field, "Seeking Dragons" stands out as a well-written, clear, and thoroughly researched piece of metaphysical literature. While it may lean slightly towards the impersonal and academic side, this approach works harmoniously with the book's overall tone and purpose. I personally would have preferred more anecdotes and personal stories from the author’s long practice. I also think that the “Harvesting the Dragon’s Teeth” chapter, which occurs in the second to last chapter, would have been better included earlier in the book. The myths are gripping, and Chandler’s references to her own experience would have enhanced her credibility as a practitioner earlier in the text. Of course, her academic qualifications shine through as she claims extensive experience in working with dragon energy. Her academic background and interest in medieval literature are evident throughout the book, adding depth and credibility to her work. I just would have liked more personal anecdotes throughout.

Note: I do not give star ratings on Goodreads or elsewhere, for a handful of reasons. As I am required to include a rating on NetGalley, I would rate this one 4.5, but I am rounding up to 5.

The title intrigued me and I’m glad listened to my inner voice. While it’s not something I will practice, it was an intriguing read. I love learning about the practices of others and this book was full of information. I also adore dragons, so that made this even more interesting. I recommend this book, whether you’re looking to harness dragon energy or, like me, are simply intrigued by the title. Either way, you’re in for an enlightened and intriguing read!