Articles, Charts & Analyses
» Introduction
• Harry
• Hermione: 2005
• HHr Synastry: 2005
• Book Series
• OOtP Specific
• Forecasting
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AN ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE HARRY POTTER SERIES
by Elizabeth Hazel, Astrologer
IN the world of Muggle astrologers, there is a debate as to whether birth charts for fictional characters actually work – that is to say, if a horoscope constructed for the birth date of a fictional character (called a natal chart) can actually perform as well as a natal chart for a real person. Astrology is a symbolic language that becomes increasingly specific as the symbols are combined and interwoven, and the skill of astrology is a kind of logic of the imagination in storytelling. As such, it seems as pertinent to fiction as to real life, although analyzing fictional characters is something of a specialty in the field.
Any astrological chart, or horoscope, is a snapshot of the solar system that shows the positions of the Sun, Moon, and the planets at a particular moment of time and location on Earth. This static image is analyzed with various criteria: the planets in zodiac signs, planetary relationships (called aspects), and placement of planets in the houses. Houses are formed with coordinates that include a horizontal and vertical axes (the horizon of the birth location and the orientation of the sky overhead), and four more axes that divide the zodiac into the twelve traditional houses.
The birth or natal chart performs two key functions. An analysis of this chart provides a personality profile – key traits, overt behaviors and characteristics, the emotional nature and paradoxical elements, concealed contents of the persona, as well as a perspective of collective and karmic dimensions that may propel a person toward certain avenues of development.
The second key function of a birth chart is as a tool for prognostication, forecasting, or predicting. The natal chart is the baseline against which the ongoing planetary orbits are compared. These planetary movements, called transits, will activate the static planets of the natal chart at particular times. Of greatest importance are the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Since these planets are very slow, any contact to a natal planet will be evident in the life events over an extended period of time.
The orbits of all the planets are known, and can be calculated many years in advance. Astrologers use a log book of planetary positions called an ephemeris, and can provide a summary of specific blocks of time when transit-to-natal contacts reach the height of potency – in other words, a forecast for the future.
The aim of this series of articles is focused on these two key functions: personality profiles and forecasts for the sixth and seventh books in the Harry Potter series. A third function of natal charts is their capacity to be compared with other natal charts to reveal the potential for relationships between the individuals – a feature of keen interest to HP/HR 'shippers.
Many of you may already know that J.K. Rowling chose to share her birthday (July 31) with Harry Potter. This choice on the part of an author seems to result in a very effective chart. Chris Carter shared his birthday (October 13) with his fictional character, Fox Mulder of the "X-Files" television series. Mulder's birth chart proved to be extremely accurate for predicting upcoming seasons of the TV show.
Although a date and place were provided for Mulder, no time of birth was given. It was necessary to use a technique called "rectification" to select a time of birth; the rectified time proved its accuracy as predictions came true time and again. The rectification process has been used for Harry and Hermione's charts, and employs a variety of information – physical descriptions, dominant traits, known events dates from the first five books, as well as the horoscope for the series, which is based on the date the first book was released. J. K. Rowling does not say where Harry or Hermione was born, so both charts are calculated for London.
Charts accompany each article, and planets referred to in the text are color-coded to the chart. Astrology is a wildly complex subject, and since these articles are geared to a general muggle audience, the astrological jargon has been kept to a minimum. Some references are unavoidable, and brief definitions are offered where necessary. It should be noted that the articles are presented in order of increasing complexity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Hazel is a professional astrologer and tarotist with over 30 years of experience, and the author of "Tarot Decoded" (Weiser Books, 2004). The book has received high acclaim by reviewers and readers, and is described as "brilliant," "elegantly written," and "a classic in the field and required study for all who aspire to advanced (tarot) reading skills." Liz has written a wealth of articles on astrology, tarot, mythology and magical practice for a variety of publications, including The Tarot Journal, Llewellyn's Magickal Almanac, the American Tarot Association and the International Tarot Society quarterly newsletters, and the National Council for Geocosmic Research NCGR Newsletter. She is a life-long fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, and is quite charmed by the Harry Potter series. Liz is available for private consultations for a fee. If you are interested in a reading, contact me here and I can get you in touch with her.
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