Also known as the “Azure Dragon” this dragon is the highest spiritual power. the Dragon is the guardian of Spring and the direction East.

The phoenix is a universal symbol of resurrection and immortality, of death and rebirth by fire. The phoenix is the guardian of Summer and the direction South.

The white tiger represents authority, courage, prowess and fierceness needed for protection and is the guardian of Fall and the direction West.

This turtle (synonomous wth tortoise) is symbolic of strength, endurance and longevity and is the guardian of Winter and the direction North.

Sho (matsu in Japanese) means pine and is symbolic of resistance to hardship.

Chiku (take in Japanese) means bamboo and is symbolic of flexibility and longevity.

Bai (ume in Japanese) means plum and its blossoms are symbolic of beauty and optimism during times of adversity.

The Tsuru (crane) is one of the most commonly used symbols of long life in Asian legend and art. The Chinese consider the tsuru “the patriarch of the feathered tribe”. In Japan, the tsuru is a sacred bird that is said to live 1,000 years. If it lives 2,000 years it then turns black. The Japanese red crested crane (grus japonensis) is most famous as the symbol of peace and long life. They also symbolize marital love and fidelity because these cranes are monogamous, pairing for life.

The kame (turtle synonymous with tortoise) is said to live 10,000 years and is one of the four celestial guardians (dragon, phoenix, tiger and turtle) of Chinese mythology. Symbolic of long life, the kame represents the water element, the yin principle, the northern region and the color black. The turtle is also called the “Black Warrior”, a symbol of strength, endurance and longevity. The turtle has great significance in many ancient cultures of the world.

Symbolically, the koi is of great importance and represents strength, perseverence, endurance and courage. From China comes the legend of the “Dragon Gate”, a sacred place at the top of the longest, steepest waterfall on the rivers with the strongest current. The fish strive to pass this gate by leaping upriver against the current. Once they arrive at the base of the waterfall, exausted from battling the strong current, they must leap up the waterfall to pass through the gate.