Happy Birthday, Harry (and Jo)
Jul. 31st, 2006 12:09 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stuttermoanWell, we already know JKR used the astrological elements to create the Hogwarts Houses. According to The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers, Snape's birthday (January 9) is also The Day of Ambition. As if that wasn't enough of a coincidence, JKR's own birthday (as well as Harry's) is The Day of the Human Portrait. Like Snape's birthday, many of the astrological details mentioned in the birthday book really seem to match Harry (and Jo, albeit a bit less obviously).
Leo - July 31 - The Day of the Human Portrait
Harry is a sort of everyman, and through him we view the magic of the world JKR has created. JKR herself is a good representative of an ordinary person, having struggled as a working mother before she found her success with the series. Her background seems to have helped give her writing universality.
"Strengths - observant, expressive, visual
Weaknesses - anxious, disturbed, isolated"
These seem to match. JKR has combined her own life's observations with her knack for imagery and expression to write the series. Harry is hyper-aware of the world he experiences, and he certainly has no trouble expressing himself (capslock, anyone?).
"Those born on July 31 take a special interest in what it means to be a human being."
JKR definitely explores this theme in her books, through the eyes of Harry. She covers a huge range of human experiences (childhood neglect, peer pressure, bullying, loss of loved ones, etc.). As with any author, her work draws from her own personal experiences. She wrote Harry as an orphan in response to losing her own mother.
"Philosophical and moral questions concerning the nature of humanity absorb them, especially where unusual and abnormal aspects of people are concerned."
Harry's situation is definitely unusual, and JKR doesn't shy away from that. The contrast between his neglectful home life and his socially strained school life make his alienation even more intense.
"Consequently no question concerning the behavior of mankind is off limits to them, and rarely will a subject be too upsetting to examine and discuss."
JKR unflinchingly addresses the concepts of death and evil. Harry is constantly influenced by the death of his parents, and later, Cedric, Sirius and Dumbledore. Evil stalks him as well, in the form of Voldemort and His followers.
"Stories of persecution, imprisonment, tyranny and torture may hold a fascination for those born on this day, as do martyrs, saints and other highly spiritual figures, and their acts of kindness and courage."
In her life JKR has devoted much time, money, and energy to various charities (poverty, MS, children's rights). Harry, in his own limited way, tries to help the people around him. He frees Sirius and Buckbeak, plays fair with Cedric in the TWT, and even tries to use his political sway to free Stan Shunpike.
"This is not to suggest that those born on this day reserve their interest in humankind to the exceptional alone,; on the contrary, they are also absorbed with the everyday life, customs and habits of people."
JKR seems to enjoy focusing on the process of growing up. Through Harry's experiences, she portray growing up in a way that almost anyone can relate to in one form or another. She details Harry's friendships (Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, etc.) as well as the misunderstandings and disputes that go along with them. Family issues are addressed in Harry's interaction with the Dursleys, as well as what he observes of the Weasleys and, to a lesser extent, the Malfoys. We are shown Harry's shaky start with dating in the form of Cho and later Ginny. And of course JKR covers all aspects of Harry's school life (sports, bullies, dances, imperfect teachers, grades, punishment, etc).
"July 31 people have a great need to share and communicate what they have learned. [They] often display an interest in promoting their notion of the ideal man or woman, or the ideal society."
Both JKR and Harry have a strong vision of a world that is fair, and work toward making it into reality. JKR through her charitable works, and Harry as he fights against Voldemort and, when given the chance, the flawed governing of the magical world.
"Most July 31 people put their work ahead of all else, which may not always make them the favorite of their family and friends. As family members they are not infrequently subject to controversy and the object of criticism. Some July 31 people may even choose to live alone precisely for this reason; it is as if they are too much involved with mankind in general to have time for a great deal of personal interaction."
JKR definitely devotes herself to her work. In a similar way, every year/book, Harry devotes himself more and more to defeating Voldemort. His task strains many of the relationships in his life. At the end of HBP, he separates from Ginny specifically so he can fulfill the prophecy without putting her in danger.
"Those born on the 31st day of the month are ruled by the number 4 (3+1=4), and by the planet Uranus. Since only seven months have a 31st day, it is an unusual number for a birthday, and people born on the 31st are often difficult for others to understand. Those ruled by the number 4 can also be opinionated and rather argumentative. Though they may present a forceful image, they are actually very vulnerable to emotional hurt and rejection."
Both JKR and Harry present a 'forceful image,' and have both shown themselves to be opinionated and occasionally sarcastic. They're both famous, and seem easily affected by disapproval. JKR has a section of her site specifically dedicated to clearing up rumors. Harry has to battle all sorts of rumors in school.
"Those born on July 31 must be aware of neglecting their health. They may be so taken up with the welfare of others or in intellectual concerns that they forget about the importance of a balanced diet, healthy sleep patterns and constructive physical exercise."
JKR comes across to me as someone who lets herself become overworked, if she's not careful. Similarly, Harry becomes overwhelmed by the many pressures in his life. His concerns often cause him trouble with sleeping and eating.
"The above-mentioned interest in human behavior and interaction makes team sports attractive to many July 31 people but unless professional athletes, those born on this day should keep their involvement at a moderate level."
I haven't found any information on JKR participating in sports during her school days, but Harry certainly shines at quidditch.
Leo - July 31 - The Day of the Human Portrait
Harry is a sort of everyman, and through him we view the magic of the world JKR has created. JKR herself is a good representative of an ordinary person, having struggled as a working mother before she found her success with the series. Her background seems to have helped give her writing universality.
"Strengths - observant, expressive, visual
Weaknesses - anxious, disturbed, isolated"
These seem to match. JKR has combined her own life's observations with her knack for imagery and expression to write the series. Harry is hyper-aware of the world he experiences, and he certainly has no trouble expressing himself (capslock, anyone?).
"Those born on July 31 take a special interest in what it means to be a human being."
JKR definitely explores this theme in her books, through the eyes of Harry. She covers a huge range of human experiences (childhood neglect, peer pressure, bullying, loss of loved ones, etc.). As with any author, her work draws from her own personal experiences. She wrote Harry as an orphan in response to losing her own mother.
"Philosophical and moral questions concerning the nature of humanity absorb them, especially where unusual and abnormal aspects of people are concerned."
Harry's situation is definitely unusual, and JKR doesn't shy away from that. The contrast between his neglectful home life and his socially strained school life make his alienation even more intense.
"Consequently no question concerning the behavior of mankind is off limits to them, and rarely will a subject be too upsetting to examine and discuss."
JKR unflinchingly addresses the concepts of death and evil. Harry is constantly influenced by the death of his parents, and later, Cedric, Sirius and Dumbledore. Evil stalks him as well, in the form of Voldemort and His followers.
"Stories of persecution, imprisonment, tyranny and torture may hold a fascination for those born on this day, as do martyrs, saints and other highly spiritual figures, and their acts of kindness and courage."
In her life JKR has devoted much time, money, and energy to various charities (poverty, MS, children's rights). Harry, in his own limited way, tries to help the people around him. He frees Sirius and Buckbeak, plays fair with Cedric in the TWT, and even tries to use his political sway to free Stan Shunpike.
"This is not to suggest that those born on this day reserve their interest in humankind to the exceptional alone,; on the contrary, they are also absorbed with the everyday life, customs and habits of people."
JKR seems to enjoy focusing on the process of growing up. Through Harry's experiences, she portray growing up in a way that almost anyone can relate to in one form or another. She details Harry's friendships (Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, etc.) as well as the misunderstandings and disputes that go along with them. Family issues are addressed in Harry's interaction with the Dursleys, as well as what he observes of the Weasleys and, to a lesser extent, the Malfoys. We are shown Harry's shaky start with dating in the form of Cho and later Ginny. And of course JKR covers all aspects of Harry's school life (sports, bullies, dances, imperfect teachers, grades, punishment, etc).
"July 31 people have a great need to share and communicate what they have learned. [They] often display an interest in promoting their notion of the ideal man or woman, or the ideal society."
Both JKR and Harry have a strong vision of a world that is fair, and work toward making it into reality. JKR through her charitable works, and Harry as he fights against Voldemort and, when given the chance, the flawed governing of the magical world.
"Most July 31 people put their work ahead of all else, which may not always make them the favorite of their family and friends. As family members they are not infrequently subject to controversy and the object of criticism. Some July 31 people may even choose to live alone precisely for this reason; it is as if they are too much involved with mankind in general to have time for a great deal of personal interaction."
JKR definitely devotes herself to her work. In a similar way, every year/book, Harry devotes himself more and more to defeating Voldemort. His task strains many of the relationships in his life. At the end of HBP, he separates from Ginny specifically so he can fulfill the prophecy without putting her in danger.
"Those born on the 31st day of the month are ruled by the number 4 (3+1=4), and by the planet Uranus. Since only seven months have a 31st day, it is an unusual number for a birthday, and people born on the 31st are often difficult for others to understand. Those ruled by the number 4 can also be opinionated and rather argumentative. Though they may present a forceful image, they are actually very vulnerable to emotional hurt and rejection."
Both JKR and Harry present a 'forceful image,' and have both shown themselves to be opinionated and occasionally sarcastic. They're both famous, and seem easily affected by disapproval. JKR has a section of her site specifically dedicated to clearing up rumors. Harry has to battle all sorts of rumors in school.
"Those born on July 31 must be aware of neglecting their health. They may be so taken up with the welfare of others or in intellectual concerns that they forget about the importance of a balanced diet, healthy sleep patterns and constructive physical exercise."
JKR comes across to me as someone who lets herself become overworked, if she's not careful. Similarly, Harry becomes overwhelmed by the many pressures in his life. His concerns often cause him trouble with sleeping and eating.
"The above-mentioned interest in human behavior and interaction makes team sports attractive to many July 31 people but unless professional athletes, those born on this day should keep their involvement at a moderate level."
I haven't found any information on JKR participating in sports during her school days, but Harry certainly shines at quidditch.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-08-01 10:33 pm (UTC)