Fire is one of the four elements of the zodiac, as well as one of the four elements of the four Hogwarts Houses. Unlike the elements of earth, air, and water, we very seldom see fire out in the open, unless it's a lightning strike, forest fire, or volcanic eruption. Regardless, most life is dependent on the sun, and as human civilization advanced, we discovered fire made an excellent tool to make food easier to eat, created warmth and light, and offered protection from wild animals. Once we learned how to control lightning, we learned how to generate electricity.
When we think of fire, we usually think of action and passion: “add fuel to the fire,” “burst into flames,” “a fiery nature.” While fire is an amazing tool, it can be very dangerous if allowed to burn out of control. Fire can also be described as dramatic, spontaneous, wild, intense and unpredictable.
In the world of Harry Potter, fire is represented by Gryffindor House. In Astrology, the fire signs are Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. Gryffindors are known for being brave, daring, and courageous. These traits represent energy and action, as does fire. Brave leaders are often expected to bring energy and “set the world on fire.” They can be a source of light, warmth, and optimism, but they can also be negatively expressed as prideful, arrogant and perhaps hotheaded. Chivalry, too, is identified with Gryffindor. The House mascot is the lion, and it fits perfectly, I think. Lions have long been associated with courage, and also with the sun, and with warmth. Red and gold are both strong, warm, dynamic colors, and Gryffindor's common room is the second highest in the castle, near the warmth of the sun.
Aries, the Ram Symbol: ♈ Dates: March 20th – April 19th Quality: Cardinal Basic Trait: I Am Excitement, novelty, and adventure: three strong personality traits of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Aries individuals are usually born leaders and are up to almost any challenge life throws at them. Competitive sports? Risky Activities? Aries is there. While patience may not necessarily be a virtue they possess, they rarely do anything half-heartedly. Aries are such energetic go-getters they bring much fun and excitement into people's lives. Aries are naturally confident, enthusiastic and usually quite open, charming, and optimistic. They do have some flaws, however. Their independent nature means they don't like feeling bored, tied down, or clung to. At times Aries can be a bit quick tempered and may strike out before thinking. They also have a tendency to be self-centered, thinking of themselves and at times forgetting about the other person involved or simply putting their own needs first.
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Aries: Fred & George Weasley - April 1st and James Potter - March 27th Fred and George Weasley: born on April Fool's Day! Could there have been a better choice for these two fun loving pranksters? I still laugh over those fireworks and that strategically swamp they behind upon quitting Hogwarts! J. K. Rowling also placed them under the sign of Aries, and it seems to fit them very well, don't you think? They seem to have such a sense of wonder at the world, and an enthusiasm for any subject which interested them, and boredom with any subject which did not. Fred and George are so confident, so enthusiastic, so full of life. Quick-witted describes them as well, which we discovered the very first time we met them: Mrs. Weasley: "Fred, you next." Fred: I'm not Fred, I'm George, honestly, woman, you call yourself our mother? Can't you tell I'm George?" Mrs. Weasley: "Sorry, George, dear." Fred: "Only joking, I am Fred."
Like many Aries, they enjoyed risky, competitive sports, too, playing Beaters for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. However, like classic Aries, they could have tempers, such as the time Fred wanted to blackmail Ludo Bagman for defaulting on his Quidditch bet, and George talked him out of it.
The twins were certainly courageous, optimistic, and confident, by leaving Hogwarts before they graduated and opening their own joke shop. Two of the most loved character in the series, Fred's death during the Battle of Hogwarts was unexpected, however.
Leo, the Lion Symbol: ♌ Dates: July 22nd – August 22nd Quality: Fixed Basic Trait: I Will
Ah, the majestic and regal Lion, king of the jungle! The typical Leo is, by nature, confident, and popular. They ever enjoy being the center of attention. Most Leos aren't shy, and prefer being with other people, even if it's only with a small group of friends. In most interactions, Leos often want to be the leaders and take the reins in most projects, but if they aren't, people will often seek them out for advice and place them in that role. Most Leos are also outspoken and brazen, a quality that sometimes turns others against them, much like their domineering streak. If they set their mind on something, they go directly towards that goal. Many love excitement and competition, finding it energizing. Along with these traits, Leos can also be the most generous and big-hearted individuals around. They both give respect, and expect respect in return. They're very loyal, too. On the downside, though, they can be rather bossy and domineering, and self-centered at times. They lean towards melodrama.
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Leo: Neville Longbottom - July 30th, Harry Potter - July 31st, and Ginny Weasley - August 11th
Many children would have crumbled if they had to grow up with the abusive Dursleys, but not Harry Potter. He seemed to have a natural sense of self-worth and, to an extent, self-confidence. Although he may not have understood why they behaved as they did, he could see through Dudley's tantrums and his parents spoiling him. Harry also had a rather distinctive lightning bolt scar. (Note - the lightning bolt ties into the Fire Element and into Gryffindor fire.
As a typical Leo, he could be rather outspoken. Remember his very first Potions class? Even when Professor Snape kept asking him questions he didn't know the answers to, Harry looked directly into his eyes, until he'd had enough and replied, “I don’t know. I think Hermione does, though, why don’t you try her?” Classic Leo.
Harry was definitely a leader. His peers often turned to him for advice. He led Dumbledore's Army. He was Gryffindor's Quidditch Captain for a year. Self-centered and melodramatic? He could be when he was very angry and had been brooding. Remember after Cedric Diggory died, Harry faced down Dementors who attacked him and Dudley, was facing expulsion from Hogwarts, and was finally brought to Grimmauld Place and confronted Ron and Hermione? “BUT WHY SHOULD I KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON? WHY SHOULD ANYONE BOTHER TO TELL ME WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING? CAN’T’VE WANTED TO THAT MUCH, CAN YOU, OR YOU’D HAVE SENT ME AN OWL, BUT DUMBLEDORE MADE YOU SWEAR —I SUPPOSE YOU’VE BEEN HAVING A REAL LAUGH, HAVEN’T YOU, ALL HOLED UP HERE TOGETHER” - Order of the Phoenix.
Harry had an unfailingly loyal side. Once Rita Skeeter's tell-all book about Dumbledore was made public, Harry still chose to trust him and to carry out the mission Dumbledore gave him. He never wavered. Harry was also very big-hearted. What did he do with the prize money from the Triwizard Tournament? That's right – he gave it to Fred and George to open their shop.
Harry was also magnanimous and willing to forgive. He even offered Voldemort a chance to redeem himself. How many of us would have made an offer like that?
Sagittarius, the Archer Symbol: ♐Dates: November 21st – December 21st
Quality: Mutable Basic Trait: I Perceive
Is there anyone more open, honest, and straightforward than a Sagittarius? Individuals born under this sign usually have their emotions on the surface and they often say and do exactly what they believe. Being sincere and trustworthy themselves, they are naturally optimistic and often have complete trust in people and blind faith in the world. At times, this optimism can lead to inattention, carelessness, and irresponsibility, because the Sagittarius doesn't feel the need to consistently remain guarded against outside threats. They have a sensitive side and can feel hurt over what others say about them, or if someone seems to be critical of them. If someone they care about is in distress, they will drop everything and come to that person's aid. They are very loyal and can behave aggressively towards anyone who seems overly critical or appears threatening towards someone they value. This individual has a tendency to see people and ideas in terms of black and white and right or wrong, and seldom in shades of gray. They expect justice. Many Sagittarius become inspiring visionaries or healers. Other strong traits of individuals born under this sign are a sense of independence and restlessness. At times, that restlessness can turn to aggression; Sagittarius does not like to feel penned in or chained up. Many remain a life-long bachelor. As a group, they love the outdoors and are often drawn towards animals. They enjoy traveling and would choose learning through direct experience rather than through a classroom.
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Sagittarius: Bill Weasley - November 29th, Charlie Weasley - December 12th and Rubeus Hagrid - December 6th
Out of all of the characters in world of Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid seems to be the one who is upfront and honest with his thoughts and his emotions, displaying an almost childlike openness and willing to give people and animals the benefit of the doubt. Hagrid seldom considers others may have ulterior motives and doesn't look beyond the surface. Remember in Sorcerer's Stone when a hooded man showed up at Hog's Head Inn and got Hagrid to tell him how to calm Fluffy? Hagrid assumed the guy loved dangerous animals and dealt in dragons, and Hagrid won a dragon's egg from him. In recounting the story, Harry, Ron, and Hermione also learned how to calm that three headed dog! In this way, blind trust can lead to carelessness.
Hagrid definitely had a sensitive side. When Rita Skeeter, in her Animagus form of a beetle, overheard him tell Madam Maxime he was a half giant, she reported it in the Daily Prophet and Hagrid received much hate mail over it. He was so upset, he hid in his cabin and refused to teach until the trio convinced him to return. Later, Hagrid and Madam Maxime took Gubraithian Fire (everlasting fire) to the giants as a gift from Dumbledore, hoping they would side with them against Voldemort. (Note - Gubraithian Fire ties into the Fire Element and into Gryffindor fire.)
Despite his sensitive nature, Hagrid could be aggressive at times, especially when someone insulted or attacked those he cared about. In Goblet of Fire, before the third task, Dumbledore asked Hagrid to escort Harry back to the castle. When it looked as if Crum had been attacked by Crouch, Igor Karkaroff accused Dumbledore of foul play, and spat at his foot. Hagrid lost his temper and pinned Karkaroff up against a tree and insisted he apologize. Dumbledore had to get Hagrid to back down.
I believe Hagrid also had a visionary side. Remember in Deathly Hallows when he was carrying Harry's body back to the castle and he admonished the centaurs for not joining in the battle? They did join in the second part of the fight.
Finally, Hagrid, definitely strikes me as someone who loves nature and animals. I can't imagine him wanting to live anywhere else.