In the Sino-Japanese cycle of annual zodiac signs, the year 2012 will be the year of the dragon. 2011 was the year of the hare. How quickly it is jumping away.
The dragon is the only fictitious character in the lineup of twelve creatures that make up the cycle. Its presence is a must in all tales of fantasy and science fiction. We are all just a little bit in love with the character. If love is too strong a word, then mesmerized certainly fits the case.
For all the fascination, however, one is never quite sure what the dragon actually stands for. And that, of course, is a part of its charm. Is it friend or foe? Is it an emissary from heaven promising salvation? Is it a messenger from hell bringing damnation in its wake? Is it cruel or is it kind? Do we pray to it or run away from it?