stuttermoan

Okay, so it's been a while, but I figured since I've already done birthday posts for Harry and Hermione, I should complete the Trio. As usual, I'm quoting from The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers.

Pisces - March 1 - The Day of Artistic Sensibilities

"Strengths: Artistic, Technical, Ambitious
Weaknesses: Irresolute, Escapist"

He definitely has ambition (judging by what he saw in the Mirror), but having so many successful older siblings already set the bar pretty high. As far as 'artistic' and 'technical' go, these could apply in varying measures when he actually bothers to apply himself. We have seen 'irresolute' in the wait-and-see attitude he takes to problems. Escapism could be seen in his liberal use of the silent treatment (usually on Hermione).

"Those born on March 1 have a natural feeling for artistic expression of many kinds and a great sensitivity to their environment. They are usually keen appreciators of beauty -- in people, nature, art and daily life. However, those who take them to be overly fanciful or lightheaded will be surprised to find how practical they can be."

We haven't seen much artistic expression from him, but there hasn't been much cause for him to apply himself to such pursuits in the series so far. Judging by how much his family's poorness bugs him, he definitely seems sensitive to his home surroundings as they compare to other people's.

"But though March 1 people usually impose a logical structure that orders their work life, they generally let it all hang out in their private lives. And whether they have it together in any daily situation is a matter of choice; if they wish, they can be quite relaxed and hence late for appointments or sloppy with their living space, but equally well they can be extremely concerned with being on time or doing neat work."

Since the books are somewhat limited to Harry's point of view, we see a lot of Ron 'letting it all hang out' (insert your own joke here). For example, his handwriting is described as an "untidy scrawl." Judging by his perpetual dishevelment in the movies, this is a trait they chose to play up, perhaps to make him contrast even more with the movie version of Hermione.

"Generally such a choice is made on the basis of how much importance they place on something, not merely on the whims of their mood. Thus it is less a lack of discipline as it is a relaxed attitude, a refusal to be compulsive."

Or, in less diplomatic phrasing, he selectively gives a damn.

"March 1 people are usually very attentive to their personal appearance as well as their surroundings, whether artists or businesspeople, not only out of aesthetic considerations but also since they know that it may be an important part of their drive for success."

Appearance-wise, I think Ron pretty much covers the entire spectrum for concern as the series goes on. The same boy who doesn't seem particularly bothered about the dirt on his nose is, a few years later, freaking out about his hideous Yule Ball dress robes.

"They can be very unforgiving to individuals who are impolite, ill-mannered, abrupt or unkind."

Luna pointed this out for us in HBP. She even specifically used the word "unkind."

"March 1 people like to keep it light, to laugh and enjoy time in an easy manner. They do not wish to live with problems -- particularly personal problems. In their work, difficulties which arise are met head on and represented opportunities to evolve. But in their personal lives, few people go through the agonies March 1 people suffer when things are not going well. Rather than hang in there in what appears to be a losing battle, those born on this day often choose to leave before things become still worse. Unfortunately, however, they often carry the emotional hurt or confusions with them inside, unresolved."

He does tend to withdraw, as mentioned earlier. The practice makes sense considering his home life. When you're in close quarters with lots of siblings, it seems pretty natural to want to 'escape' from conflict and be alone for a while.

"March 1 people may have to learn to face their interpersonal problems and to work them out with the other person instead of becoming impatient or perhaps rejecting. Although highly expressive individuals, in such situations those born on this day could be closing themselves off to the promptings of their own heart."

More with the escapism. This could also serve as insight into his rocky dealings with Hermione.

"Those born on the 1st of the month are ruled by the number 1 and by the Sun. People born on the 1st usually like to be first. Those ruled by the number 1 are typically individual, highly opinionated, and eager to rise to the top. The Sun symbolizes strong creative energy and fire, which should be kept flowing steadily rather than allowed to flare out of control. Coupled with Neptune (ruler of Pisces), Sun influences can make for marked romanticism and unconventionality, and perhaps emotional confusion. March 1 people must beware of adopting an ambivalent posture which can send others mixed signals."

Although his ambition is clear, it varies in focus throughout the series. More than anything, it seems to be spurred by comparing himself to his brothers' accomplishments, to Harry's fame, to Hermione's smarts, etc. I suppose it's hard to know what you want to be good at when so many people around you have already found their niche.

"The 1st card of the Major Arcana is The Magician, who symbolizes intellect, communication, information, as well as magic. Over his head is an infinity symbol, which in some Tarot decks takes the form of a hat, in others a halo. Many interpretations may be drawn, one of which is that the Magician recognizes the cyclical and unending nature of life and is empowered by this understanding. The positive traits suggested by this first card include diplomatic skill and shrewdness but, negatively, lack of scruples and opportunism."

In spite of being outshined by pretty much everyone in one way or another, Ron clearly has a knack for strategy (chess, anyone?), and has done his share of helping Harry work out clues, past and present, concerning the return of Voldemort.