March is a pivotal point in the year, as seasons shift and nature reminds us to honour both the light and shadow. The equinox, in particular, is a moment of balance when day and night stand as equals.
The name March originates from the Latin Martius, which honours Mars, the ancient Roman god of war, representing courage and action. And, like March, dragons – among the oldest mythical creatures in storytelling – also stand at liminal edges, inviting us to step forward into new seasons and worlds.
Dragons protect caves, gateways, treasure, or sacred knowledge. They are threshold guardians, offering characters the chance to confront their fears, especially those buried deep below the surface, before they can claim the reward.
“People who deny the existence of dragons are often eaten by dragons. From within.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin
Perhaps the enduring power of dragons to fascinate us lies in the truth of Le Guin’s observation that dragons are not only elemental creatures of fire and sky, but they can also be creatures of the human psyche, becoming destructive when ignored, or imprisoned.
If our inner dragons represent deep forces within us, then denying their existence does not make these forces disappear. It only drives them inward where they consume energy and distort our sense of self.
This month for your equinox reflection, why not ask yourself these 7 questions to see what your inner dragons are trying to share about the wounds and patterns holding you back from stepping fully into your protagonist power.
- Where do I need to feel safe in my life?
Here the inner dragon of fear rears up when our foundations feel shaky. We may be clinging to old routines, avoiding change or constantly preparing for worst-case scenarios. This dragon is calling you forward to unearth the gifts of trust, courage and a deeper sense of belonging. Your equinox invitation is to create stability by tending to your roots before reaching for new growth.
- What part of myself wants to be accepted?
If you’ve allowed the inner dragon of shame to dim your light, hide your desires and suppress emotions, you may not be able to access the treasure of creativity, pleasure and self-acceptance that your dragon is inviting you to explore. Your mission is to allow yourself to take up space exactly as you are.
- Where am I ready to reclaim my power?
Sometimes we wait for permission, certainty or rescue before taking action, especially when our inner dragon of powerlessness is waiting for us to access our confidence, agency and self-trust. Your call is to take one small action that reminds you that you are not as powerless as you think, that your power is already within.
- What needs compassion or release?
The inner dragon of grief puts a shell around our compassion, love and softness. Grief isn’t only about loss. We grieve old versions of ourselves, dreams that didn’t happen and chapters that have closed. Your task is to let something be complete so that something new can bloom, while keeping your heart open.
- What truth wants to be spoken?
The inner dragon of silence tries to protect us from rejection, conflict or vulnerability. The treasure it shares if you speak your truth is authentic expression and the freedom of being fully seen. Your next step is to give your voice a place in the world.
- What illusion am I ready to see through?
The inner dragon of illusion can help us escape the traps of old identities and inherited beliefs, showing us the way to our wisdom, intuition and clarity. Your invitation is to look at your life with fresh eyes and assess what stories you are telling yourself that may no longer be true.
- How can I reconnect with my deeper sense of belonging?
If denied, the inner dragon of separation makes us believe we are alone, disconnected, or unsupported. It protects meaning and trust, but when acknowledged, it calls you forward to experience being part of something larger. Your equinox invitation is to remember your connection: to yourself, to others, to nature and to the cycles of life.
The equinox is not asking you to become someone new, but rather it offers a time for you to come back into balance. To sit with your inner dragons. To listen. To remember that every dragon guards a treasure that you can access, once the dragon is acknowledged. Perhaps this season’s gift is asking your dragons: What gift have you been protecting for me all along? What are you trying to awaken within me?
Photo by Dan Cutler on Unsplash