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Azure Dragon (Qing Long)

The Azure Dragon (青龙, Qing Long) represents the protective energy on the left side of a building when facing outward. As one of the Four Celestial Guardians in feng shui, it symbolizes male energy, nobility, and career advancement.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

Verifiable sources & quotesClassical principles explainedPractical applications
Azure Dragon — the left guardian in feng shui

Meaning and Context

The Azure Dragon (青龙) is one of the Four Celestial Animals (四神) in feng shui, representing the east direction and the left side of a building when facing outward. In Chinese cosmology, the dragon symbolizes yang energy, nobility, and auspicious power.

In the Four Guardians model, the Azure Dragon on the left works in balance with the White Tiger on the right. Together with the Black Tortoise (backing) and Red Phoenix (front), they create an ideal feng shui configuration.

  • Position: Left side when standing at the building facing outward
  • Direction: Corresponds to the East in directional feng shui
  • Element: Associated with Wood element
  • Symbolism: Male energy, nobility, career success, helpful people
Important distinction
The Azure Dragon position is determined by the building's facing direction, not compass east. When standing at the front door looking out, the dragon is always on your left.

Classical Roots

Classical texts establish the relative importance of the Azure Dragon:

Classical principle
「青龙宜高,白虎宜低。」
Plain translation
"The Azure Dragon should be higher; the White Tiger should be lower."

This principle suggests the left side of a property should ideally be slightly higher or more prominent than the right, creating a balance that favors yang (active, creative) energy.

Ideal Azure Dragon Qualities

A well-formed Azure Dragon position has specific characteristics:

  • Height: Slightly higher than the White Tiger (right) side
  • Shape: Gently undulating, resembling a dragon's movement
  • Length: Extending outward to embrace and protect
  • Condition: Vibrant, active energy—not stagnant or oppressive
  • Balance: Strong but not overwhelming the building

In natural settings, hills or elevated terrain on the left fulfill this role. In urban settings, taller buildings, trees, or walls can serve as Azure Dragon.

Dragon-Tiger Balance

The relationship between Azure Dragon and White Tiger is crucial:

  1. Dragon should be slightly higher or stronger than Tiger for optimal balance
  2. If Tiger overwhelms Dragon, it can indicate challenges with authority or conflicts
  3. If Dragon is excessively dominant, it may create imbalance in other ways
  4. Both should be present—missing either side leaves the building exposed
  5. The gap between them forms the Ming Tang (bright hall) in front
Balance principle
Traditional feng shui favors a slightly dominant Azure Dragon because it represents supportive, ascending energy. However, extreme imbalance in either direction creates problems.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, Azure Dragon analysis includes:

  • Assessment of left-side support and protection
  • Dragon-Tiger balance evaluation
  • Recommendations for strengthening weak Dragon position
  • Identification of problems with excessive or deficient Dragon energy

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts. The Four Guardians model is fundamental to Form School feng shui practice.

Quoted excerpts

「左青龙蜿蜒,主文昌贵人。」
Source 《葬书》· 左边青龙蜿蜒起伏,主文昌与贵人运。
「青龙宜高,白虎宜低。」
Source 《阳宅三要》· 青龙方宜高,白虎方宜低。

FAQ

What if my left side is lower than the right?

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When the White Tiger (right) side is higher than the Azure Dragon (left), traditional feng shui considers this less favorable, potentially indicating challenges with support or helpful people. Remedies include: planting tall trees or installing lights on the left side, using taller furniture or storage on the left inside the home, or placing dragon imagery on the left side to symbolically strengthen this position.

How does the Azure Dragon relate to career success?

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In feng shui symbolism, the Azure Dragon represents helpful people, mentors, and career advancement opportunities. A strong Dragon position is associated with receiving support from superiors and colleagues. This is symbolic correlation rather than direct causation—a well-balanced feng shui environment is believed to support the conditions for success, not guarantee specific outcomes.