Nine is a symbolic number rooted deep in Chinese culture, particularly for dragons. Nine is the number for the Emperor. The Dragon King had nine sons. Chinese dragons are described with nine unique character traits. The number is deeply associated in many ways with these magical creatures. Perhaps it is no surprise that I found nine dune dragons emerging from the sands, absorbing energy from the 2017 eclipse. But why now? Do all nine need to emerge in this competition to swallow the sun?
A Time of Darkness, Wood & Blood
The next solar eclipse in the United States will be on April 8, 2024. Further, the Year of the Wood Dragon begins on February 10, 2024! This convergence of events leaves no doubt that this will be a magical time for these wooden dragons emerging from the dunes. There is much to be accomplished in preparation during these short seven years. There must be training, feasts, and blood.
A Place of Convergence
With some clues about the timing emerging, why here? Why is there this unusual activity on the dunes of Lake Michigan? Why so far from their ancestral lands in China? There is some speculation about the similarities of the geographic peninsula shape of Michigan to the Kowloon peninsula region of China on the opposite side of the world in an inverted way. Kowloon, after all, means Nine Dragons! Various references are scattered throughout literature and medieval maps associating dragons with geographic peninsulas. Could these nine have found a new peninsula in North America? Or are historical records of this region not old enough to capture what can lie beneath our sand?
Dune Dragons, More Questions than Answers
The clues of time and place still leave us with many more questions and stories behind each of these creatures. This series of posts will explore more about these Dune Dragons. Are there more than nine? What other peninsulas in the world may have this looming concern? What other concerns are out there with the emergence of the process?
Your photographs are magical. So beautiful and inspiring. Also happy 2017 passed- never again and happy there is a new start. Nice to meet you and cheers to the new beginnings.
That’s very kind of you Luda, thank you for visiting.
I love this series. Haven’t been to the dunes recently, but will plan a trip and keep my eye out for the dragons. Just so they don’t eat my little westie!
No worries, like most intelligent creatures, I expect they have a deep respect for dogs. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and I am glad you are enjoying the series.
Another great series and interesting story to go with them! As for having enough cameras … is that possible?
Thanks Paul. I am glad I can count on you to buy all my old DSLR’s.
Well, your “count” might come up a bit short if you depend on me alone. Maybe Monte can help out! 🙂
By then you’ll be shooting with the Nikon D9 or Fujifilm X-T9. Love this series, Mark!
Come on Monte, I already have all the cameras I need. (ahem) LOL.
Very cool shots. Love the stories. I’m assuming they were allshot at f9 ?
All kidding aside, they really do make a wonderful series. Both visually and storytelling-wise!
Hmmm f9 – I may have to check that. Wouldn’t that be interesting!!
Would certainly be fitting. And Twilight Zone-ish!