Water is one of the four elements of the zodiac, as well as one of the four elements of the four Hogwarts Houses. Water covers much of our planet, is important to all life, and makes up the largest percentage of every living creature. Because it is so pervasive, those individuals born under water signs can often see into the motivations and the needs of other people, which lead some to develop compassion and become healers, while others choose a different route and develop more emotionally manipulative skills. Water is fluid, changeable, and very adaptable, going from a liquid to a gas to a solid, and then back again. This element is also considered to be changeable; remember the Greek quote, “You can’t step in the same river twice?” Water is often associated with purity, because it washes away dirt and removes germs. For centuries, water has been connected to healing, whether due to its thirst quenching qualities to remove dehydration, or how it's added to medicine, or even hot water saunas, or cool water showers.
In the world of Harry Potter, water is represented by Slytherin House. In Astrology, the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Slytherins are known for being ambitious, using almost any method they can to achieve their goals; similar to water, they are able to adapt to the situation and adjust their actions accordingly. Just like water flows around corners and through crevices, they can always find a way. Slytherins are considered to be patient, and while it may take water a very long time, it will eventually wear down anything in its path. Water can be soaked up by other materials and has a strong effect on them, just as Slytherin works to have influence and leadership over others. Water, as stated above, symbolizes purification, and blood purity was very important to Salazar Slytherin, the original founder of Slytherin House. Slytherin's mascot, the snake, is sometimes seen as cunning and manipulative. In the Bible, the snake persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Potions, taught by Slytherin Professors Snape and Slughorn, can be used for both healing and for harming, and each used his concoctions for healing. By the way, notice use of the letter S for the names of many characters of this House - flowing, like water, and also winding, like a snake. Speaking of snakes, in the Muggle world, two snakes wrapped around a staff are often used to symbolize medicine and healing. Finally, Slytherin's colors are green and silver. Depending on its content, natural bodies of water can appear green; as for silver, colloidal silver has medicinal uses.
Cancer, the Crab Symbol: ♋ Dates: June 21st – July 22nd
Quality: Cardinal Basic Trait: I Feel
The Cancer individual can often be very similar to a crab - a hard shell, but a very soft interior. They are one of the most emotional signs of the zodiac and have a very strongly developed feelings of sensitivity and can be hurt rather easily, but they often hide their vulnerability behind a tough exterior. Cancers are very family oriented, considering their homes their retreat and a place where they feel secure. Most born under this sign are not happy if they don't have a home to call their own. The typical Cancer loves children and being parents and grandparents. They enjoy taking charge of their homes, creating an environment which is warm, safe and inviting, with lots of good, nurturing food. Cancer values security and if the individual instead has a job outside the home, they can be very shrewd and talented at making money, because, to them, money is another way to represent security. Cancers may also show a tendency to hold on to just about everything. On the downside, they can become a bit resentful and petulant. If the person believes they've been slighted, usually they'll let it build up inside until they explode, although there are some who will let the offender know immediately how they feel. Some Cancers can be unforgiving. Once they decide what you've done is something they cannot forgive, they never go back. They can be a bit moody, stubborn, lazy, and anxious.
Positive Traits: Sensitive, Caring, Emotional, Faithful, Shrewd, Protective
Negative Traits: Moody, Over-emotional, Clingy, Stubborn, Needy, Resentful
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Cancer:
Dudley Dursley - June 23rd and Dobby the Free Elf - June 28th
Being born under the sign of Cancer, Dobby's life as a House Elf with the Malfoy family must have been very difficult for him! Cancers usually take great pride in their homes, wanting to create a warm, nurturing environment, and I'm sure Dobby was no exception. Dobby was very caring and deeply emotional, with a naturally protective side. When he learned what Lucius Malfoy had planned for Harry Potter, Dobby's compassionate side would not allow inaction, even though he had to remain loyal to the Malfoys, which he did. Like most Cancers, he was shrewd, however, and tried his best to protect Harry and keep him out of danger, while remaining faithful to his family, and he never gave up. At the end of the book, Harry tricked Lucius into giving Dobby a sock. Dobby was a Free Elf! And as thrilled as he was, his nature did not change. He was still a Cancer, and being a House Elf was all he ever knew. He freely chose to serve in a home he loved - Hogwarts Castle - under someone he respected - Albus Dumbledore. This also met his Cancer need to live in a home he could take great pride in, as well as stability and security. Dobby showed his caring and protective side when he helped Winky get a job at Hogwarts, and he watched over her when she had a much butterbeer. Harry Potter asked Dobby to promise to not try to save his life again, but that didn't quite work out. Harry had saved Dobby from one endless nightmare at Malfoy Manor. Loyal, caring, stubborn, and no friend of the Malfoys, when Harry needed Dobby at Malfoy Manor to save him and his companions from torture and certain death that final time, Dobby was there. Dobby would always be there for Harry Potter, right up until the end. Sniff!
Scorpio, the Scorpion Symbol: ♏ Dates: October 23rd – November 21st
Quality: Fixed Basic Trait: I Desire
While the Scorpio may give the appearance of being calm and cool on the surface, in reality, they are the most intense individuals out of all twelve Astrological signs. They are by nature very passionate, emotional, and dramatic. They can be absolutely fearless, not in the slightest bit intimidated by anyone or anything, and never back down from a confrontation. They are also blessed with a very strong will and determination, and once they decide on something they want, they focus completely until they succeed. Career wise, either for themselves, their spouse, or their children, they are usually ambitious. They also have a reputation for brutal honesty, so never ask a Scorpio for the truth unless that's exactly what you want to hear. The phrase "they can be your best friend or your worst enemy" seems to apply very well to Scorpio. Being powerful gives them a sense of security and they will often dominate anyone they can, especially those whom they sense as being weak. They also tend to be jealous and somewhat ruthless and vindictive; however, they are intensely loyal to home, family and friends.
Positive Traits: Loyal, Passionate, Determined, Tenacious, Passionate
Negative Traits: Jealous, Vindictive, Manipulative, Blunt
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Scorpio:
Molly Weasley - October 30th and Sirius Black - November 3rd
Molly Weasley was one of the kindest, nurturing and most loyal people in the Harry Potter series. If you were a friend, family member, or loyal member of the Order, she would open her home to you, offer you meals, and a comfortable place to stay. She was also one of the most sensitive, emotional, passionate, and dramatic characters as well. She loved her family and made them her first priority. The death of any one of them was her biggest fear, and that fear was so intense, she couldn't overcome a boggart and needed help. When she was proud of one of them, everyone knew about it. When she was displeased with one of their actions, she was very vocal, including sending Ron a Howler at one point. Fred and George admitted she was the only person they feared. But who did Molly fear? No one. Not only was she an active member of the Order of the Phoenix, she had no qualms about dueling Bellatrix Lestrange when Bellatrix almost killed her daughter, and she probably would have taken on Voldemort next. She also went toe to toe with fellow Scorpio Sirius Black on more than one occasion, especially when it came to Harry Potter. Molly also had high expectations of her children and was pleased when each made Prefect, and was especially happy when Percy pursued a career in the Ministry. She also made it well known to Fred and George that she did not approve of their joke shop, although she did change her mind when she saw how successful the shop was. Molly Weasley appears to most definitely fit the traits of a Scorpio.
Pisces, the Fishes Symbol: ♓ Dates: February 18th – March 20th
Quality: Mutable Basic Trait: I Believe
Perhaps the most outstanding trait of a Pisces is their tendency to be very "open" and not closed off. By this, I mean that they are often sponges, sensitive to everything and everyone in their environment and often absorbing much of it, having difficulty blocking out the negativity. They usually prefer to "go with the flow" and often will blend in with their environments, rather than battle them, because they don't usually like confrontations. This doesn't mean they are a pushover, however; they will stand up for what they believe in and are known for having a very strong character. Due to their natural openness, they can be gullible at times and some individuals will try to use this to manipulate the Pisces and take advantage of their trusting nature. Because of their tendency to want to be all things to all people, they are often their own worst enemy. Pisces have the ability to see all sides of an issue, and this can lead them to be indecisive at times, but it also makes them very fair minded and balanced. They rarely judge others, are genuinely compassionate and are the most sensitive sign in the zodiac. They love taking care of loved ones and friends, are very charitable, and will often choose the good of others over their own self-interest. Often Pisces struggle with low self-esteem and self-pity. They can lose themselves from time to time in escapist behaviors, such as drugs and alcohol.
Positive Traits: Compassionate, Fair-minded, Adaptable, Trusting
Negative Traits: Gullible, Self-pitying, Indecisive, Escapist
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Pisces:
Ron Weasley - March 1st, Sybill Trelawney - March 9th and Remus Lupin - March 10th
I can't imagine what it must have felt like to have been turned into a werewolf as a child before he'd even had a chance in the world, can you? Albus Dumbledore believed Remus deserved a magical education, just like the other wizarding children, and came up with the Shrieking Shack, so Remus could transform once a month and no harm would come to anyone else. Being a Pisces, and since Pisces tend to choose the needs of others over their own self-interests, I'd say he had no problem with this arrangement. Remus was probably thrilled to have developed such wonderful friendships with James, Sirius, and Peter, who cared so much about him that they figured out where he was going once a month and turned themselves into Animagi and spent time with him so he wouldn't have to suffer. But Remus also felt as if he had betrayed Dumbledore for not telling him what they were doing. Pisces can see both sides of an issue and often feel torn between the two. Remus felt torn again when James and Sirius kept bullying Severus Snape. He mentioned he felt he should get them to lay off Snape, but at the same time, the two were his friends. He loved Tonks and wanted to marry her, but he was also afraid of how his being a werewolf would affect their children. He seemed a very sensitive, compassionate person, using the boggart lesson to show Neville how to handle his fear of Snape, and teaching Harry how to deal with the Dementors. He had a strong backbone and fought for what he believed in, and was actively involved in fighting during both Wizarding Wars, and in the end making the ultimate sacrifice.
In the world of Harry Potter, water is represented by Slytherin House. In Astrology, the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.
Slytherins are known for being ambitious, using almost any method they can to achieve their goals; similar to water, they are able to adapt to the situation and adjust their actions accordingly. Just like water flows around corners and through crevices, they can always find a way. Slytherins are considered to be patient, and while it may take water a very long time, it will eventually wear down anything in its path. Water can be soaked up by other materials and has a strong effect on them, just as Slytherin works to have influence and leadership over others. Water, as stated above, symbolizes purification, and blood purity was very important to Salazar Slytherin, the original founder of Slytherin House. Slytherin's mascot, the snake, is sometimes seen as cunning and manipulative. In the Bible, the snake persuaded Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Potions, taught by Slytherin Professors Snape and Slughorn, can be used for both healing and for harming, and each used his concoctions for healing. By the way, notice use of the letter S for the names of many characters of this House - flowing, like water, and also winding, like a snake. Speaking of snakes, in the Muggle world, two snakes wrapped around a staff are often used to symbolize medicine and healing. Finally, Slytherin's colors are green and silver. Depending on its content, natural bodies of water can appear green; as for silver, colloidal silver has medicinal uses.
Cancer, the Crab Symbol: ♋ Dates: June 21st – July 22nd
Quality: Cardinal Basic Trait: I Feel
The Cancer individual can often be very similar to a crab - a hard shell, but a very soft interior. They are one of the most emotional signs of the zodiac and have a very strongly developed feelings of sensitivity and can be hurt rather easily, but they often hide their vulnerability behind a tough exterior. Cancers are very family oriented, considering their homes their retreat and a place where they feel secure. Most born under this sign are not happy if they don't have a home to call their own. The typical Cancer loves children and being parents and grandparents. They enjoy taking charge of their homes, creating an environment which is warm, safe and inviting, with lots of good, nurturing food. Cancer values security and if the individual instead has a job outside the home, they can be very shrewd and talented at making money, because, to them, money is another way to represent security. Cancers may also show a tendency to hold on to just about everything. On the downside, they can become a bit resentful and petulant. If the person believes they've been slighted, usually they'll let it build up inside until they explode, although there are some who will let the offender know immediately how they feel. Some Cancers can be unforgiving. Once they decide what you've done is something they cannot forgive, they never go back. They can be a bit moody, stubborn, lazy, and anxious.
Positive Traits: Sensitive, Caring, Emotional, Faithful, Shrewd, Protective
Negative Traits: Moody, Over-emotional, Clingy, Stubborn, Needy, Resentful
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Cancer:
Dudley Dursley - June 23rd and Dobby the Free Elf - June 28th
Being born under the sign of Cancer, Dobby's life as a House Elf with the Malfoy family must have been very difficult for him! Cancers usually take great pride in their homes, wanting to create a warm, nurturing environment, and I'm sure Dobby was no exception. Dobby was very caring and deeply emotional, with a naturally protective side. When he learned what Lucius Malfoy had planned for Harry Potter, Dobby's compassionate side would not allow inaction, even though he had to remain loyal to the Malfoys, which he did. Like most Cancers, he was shrewd, however, and tried his best to protect Harry and keep him out of danger, while remaining faithful to his family, and he never gave up. At the end of the book, Harry tricked Lucius into giving Dobby a sock. Dobby was a Free Elf! And as thrilled as he was, his nature did not change. He was still a Cancer, and being a House Elf was all he ever knew. He freely chose to serve in a home he loved - Hogwarts Castle - under someone he respected - Albus Dumbledore. This also met his Cancer need to live in a home he could take great pride in, as well as stability and security. Dobby showed his caring and protective side when he helped Winky get a job at Hogwarts, and he watched over her when she had a much butterbeer. Harry Potter asked Dobby to promise to not try to save his life again, but that didn't quite work out. Harry had saved Dobby from one endless nightmare at Malfoy Manor. Loyal, caring, stubborn, and no friend of the Malfoys, when Harry needed Dobby at Malfoy Manor to save him and his companions from torture and certain death that final time, Dobby was there. Dobby would always be there for Harry Potter, right up until the end. Sniff!
Scorpio, the Scorpion Symbol: ♏ Dates: October 23rd – November 21st
Quality: Fixed Basic Trait: I Desire
While the Scorpio may give the appearance of being calm and cool on the surface, in reality, they are the most intense individuals out of all twelve Astrological signs. They are by nature very passionate, emotional, and dramatic. They can be absolutely fearless, not in the slightest bit intimidated by anyone or anything, and never back down from a confrontation. They are also blessed with a very strong will and determination, and once they decide on something they want, they focus completely until they succeed. Career wise, either for themselves, their spouse, or their children, they are usually ambitious. They also have a reputation for brutal honesty, so never ask a Scorpio for the truth unless that's exactly what you want to hear. The phrase "they can be your best friend or your worst enemy" seems to apply very well to Scorpio. Being powerful gives them a sense of security and they will often dominate anyone they can, especially those whom they sense as being weak. They also tend to be jealous and somewhat ruthless and vindictive; however, they are intensely loyal to home, family and friends.
Positive Traits: Loyal, Passionate, Determined, Tenacious, Passionate
Negative Traits: Jealous, Vindictive, Manipulative, Blunt
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Scorpio:
Molly Weasley - October 30th and Sirius Black - November 3rd
Molly Weasley was one of the kindest, nurturing and most loyal people in the Harry Potter series. If you were a friend, family member, or loyal member of the Order, she would open her home to you, offer you meals, and a comfortable place to stay. She was also one of the most sensitive, emotional, passionate, and dramatic characters as well. She loved her family and made them her first priority. The death of any one of them was her biggest fear, and that fear was so intense, she couldn't overcome a boggart and needed help. When she was proud of one of them, everyone knew about it. When she was displeased with one of their actions, she was very vocal, including sending Ron a Howler at one point. Fred and George admitted she was the only person they feared. But who did Molly fear? No one. Not only was she an active member of the Order of the Phoenix, she had no qualms about dueling Bellatrix Lestrange when Bellatrix almost killed her daughter, and she probably would have taken on Voldemort next. She also went toe to toe with fellow Scorpio Sirius Black on more than one occasion, especially when it came to Harry Potter. Molly also had high expectations of her children and was pleased when each made Prefect, and was especially happy when Percy pursued a career in the Ministry. She also made it well known to Fred and George that she did not approve of their joke shop, although she did change her mind when she saw how successful the shop was. Molly Weasley appears to most definitely fit the traits of a Scorpio.
Pisces, the Fishes Symbol: ♓ Dates: February 18th – March 20th
Quality: Mutable Basic Trait: I Believe
Perhaps the most outstanding trait of a Pisces is their tendency to be very "open" and not closed off. By this, I mean that they are often sponges, sensitive to everything and everyone in their environment and often absorbing much of it, having difficulty blocking out the negativity. They usually prefer to "go with the flow" and often will blend in with their environments, rather than battle them, because they don't usually like confrontations. This doesn't mean they are a pushover, however; they will stand up for what they believe in and are known for having a very strong character. Due to their natural openness, they can be gullible at times and some individuals will try to use this to manipulate the Pisces and take advantage of their trusting nature. Because of their tendency to want to be all things to all people, they are often their own worst enemy. Pisces have the ability to see all sides of an issue, and this can lead them to be indecisive at times, but it also makes them very fair minded and balanced. They rarely judge others, are genuinely compassionate and are the most sensitive sign in the zodiac. They love taking care of loved ones and friends, are very charitable, and will often choose the good of others over their own self-interest. Often Pisces struggle with low self-esteem and self-pity. They can lose themselves from time to time in escapist behaviors, such as drugs and alcohol.
Positive Traits: Compassionate, Fair-minded, Adaptable, Trusting
Negative Traits: Gullible, Self-pitying, Indecisive, Escapist
Characters from the Harry Potter series known to have been born under the sign of Pisces:
Ron Weasley - March 1st, Sybill Trelawney - March 9th and Remus Lupin - March 10th
I can't imagine what it must have felt like to have been turned into a werewolf as a child before he'd even had a chance in the world, can you? Albus Dumbledore believed Remus deserved a magical education, just like the other wizarding children, and came up with the Shrieking Shack, so Remus could transform once a month and no harm would come to anyone else. Being a Pisces, and since Pisces tend to choose the needs of others over their own self-interests, I'd say he had no problem with this arrangement. Remus was probably thrilled to have developed such wonderful friendships with James, Sirius, and Peter, who cared so much about him that they figured out where he was going once a month and turned themselves into Animagi and spent time with him so he wouldn't have to suffer. But Remus also felt as if he had betrayed Dumbledore for not telling him what they were doing. Pisces can see both sides of an issue and often feel torn between the two. Remus felt torn again when James and Sirius kept bullying Severus Snape. He mentioned he felt he should get them to lay off Snape, but at the same time, the two were his friends. He loved Tonks and wanted to marry her, but he was also afraid of how his being a werewolf would affect their children. He seemed a very sensitive, compassionate person, using the boggart lesson to show Neville how to handle his fear of Snape, and teaching Harry how to deal with the Dementors. He had a strong backbone and fought for what he believed in, and was actively involved in fighting during both Wizarding Wars, and in the end making the ultimate sacrifice.