Question: I have heard the phrase "feeding the dragon" used to describe pouring time, resources, and energy into a situation that is self-perpetuating, caught in a positive feedback loop with negative consequences, or is growing out of control because of actions being taken. I think "giving a mouse a cookie" has similar meaning but with much less harsh connotations. Searches for the phrase online reveals many hits on Chinese economics and references to another phrase, "chasing the dragon" none of which shed some light on the meaning of "*feeding* the dragon". I have not been able to find much else. What is the etymology of this phrase?

Answer: 
The etymology seems to be related to morality: 

**Dragonism** is defined as "unremitting watchfulness" and there is a historical reference in clergyman Joshua Lacy Wilson's **Episcopal Methodism; or Dragonism Exhibited** (1811)

Wilson, a Presbyterian clergyman, and professor of "moral philosophy
and logic" campaigned against *theaters, dancing and
Masonic order* in the above-mentioned '**Dragonism**' pamphlet. -"A companion biographical reference work to Who's who in America."
Physical Description: v. 27 cm. (1607-1896) 

&

The etymology may be in the [oroborus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouroboros) (uroboros, oureboros) or the symbol depicting a dragon eating its own tail. - referred to in the **Pistis Sophia** (Gnostic text) (3rd -4th centuries AD)
IT seems to "feed the dragon" is a metaphor for supplying more fuel to that which does not serve us. And yet, a dragon is not a beast, nor is it a negative, it's a myth, a metaphor. 
Dragon's have power, if the dragon is within the psyche it needs food to thrive to be powerful and must be fed. 

We fear the dragon, and we resist feeding it, we restrict the flow to the dragon and the dragon becomes the latent hunger that drives the behaviors, but this is not the dragon, its the result of not feeding, purposefully avoiding feeding the dragon, restricting the dragon at ones own peril. 

During our drumming journey tonight, several people had a similar experience with a dragon. All of us actually, and the dragon left a clear message with one to "Feed your dragon". 

The evidence to restricting life's flow would unbalance and drive compulsive behavior... as will any restriction. A happy dragon would be one that holds power and is regularly fed and with no fear of being denied what it most needs - it's food. 

To starve a dragon would seem to unleash the monster, and at your peril on your own head be it.