The Hogwarts Professor You Are Based On Your Zodiac Sign
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is full of interesting characters and strong personalities, and the students and staff there often clash over their various allegiances to different groups. The "Harry Potter" books depict a magical school in which students are divided up into four "houses" that correspond with certain dominant qualities. Gryffindors are known for being brave and courageous, Ravenclaws for being intelligent and wise, Hufflepuffs for being kind and patient, and Slytherins for being cunning and ambitious.
In our own non-magical world, we have another way of defining individuals based on certain characteristics (and the alignment of the stars): astrology. Instead of only four categories, there are 12 astrological signs that all correspond with one's birthdate.
Some of the most interesting characters in "Harry Potter" are the professors, whose moral character varies greatly. Some act as mentors to the students and others as foes. It's not always revealed which houses these professors are part of — but we've sorted each professor into astrological signs. Read on to see who you've been matched up with.
Aries: Dolores Umbridge
As much as we don't want to do this, it has to be done -– some of you have to be categorized as Dolores Umbridge, one of the most notorious villains in "Harry Potter" (apart from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, of course). For a number of reasons, Dolores Umbridge is an Aries. Throughout her time at Hogwarts, Umbridge served as a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, a High Inquisitor, and a headmistress. Though she did spend time as a professor, Umbridge is a bureaucrat from head to toe, always trying to climb the ladder of power.
Aries -– those born between March 21 and April 19 –- are known for being fiery, passionate, action-oriented, and impatient. While Umbridge certainly has some very calculating ways about her, she is at heart a demanding and impatient woman who tries to exact control over everyone she comes into contact with. Aries are cardinal signs as well as the first sign in the zodiac, which means they love to be number one in all circumstances. Umbridge's defining characteristics are her desire for power and her need to always be on top, traits she exhibits through her totalitarian rule over Hogwarts. A power-hungry Slytherin through and through, Umbridge exhibits all the worst qualities of Aries in leadership positions.
Taurus: Rubeus Hagrid
Hagrid is one of the most beloved characters in "Harry Potter," even if he is a bit bumbling at times. After Tom Riddle framed Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets, Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts and instead went to live on the grounds and become a gamekeeper and eventually a professor of Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid is most comfortable in his home surrounded by his pets, which is why our favorite half-giant is a Taurus.
Taureans –- those born between April 20 and May 20 –- are represented by the bull and associated with the archetype of the sensualist. They are known for being homebodies who are very set in their ways. Bulls are associated with stubbornness, and this characteristic is said to apply to Taureans as well. Hagrid loves his home and his routine, and doesn't like when the natural order of things is upset. He feels most comfortable at home among his magical creatures, to whom he is quite dedicated and protective of. Nonetheless, he is a very loyal friend to Harry and to all of the students at Hogwarts, illustrating the flip side of Taureans' bullishness — their determination and devotion.
Gemini: Remus Lupin
The sign of Gemini applies to those born between May 21 and June 20, and is symbolized by the twins and the archetype of the communicator. Though Geminis sometimes have a reputation for being two-faced, this is because Gemini is a mutable sign. Geminis are extremely capable of adapting to their surroundings and changing depending on their environment. Because Geminis' mutability is such a central part of their character, the Hogwarts professor that most aligns with the sign is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Remus Lupin.
Professor Lupin is afflicted with lycanthropy, which in popular parlance means he is a werewolf. Lupin is a very supportive, kind professor who is good with his students in part because of his uniquely perceptive nature. He is compassionate and intelligent, which aligns with the Gemini's propensity for communication and the exchange of ideas. At the same time, his condition means that there are quite literally two sides to him. Indeed, Lupin is ashamed of his werewolf side, which is why he tries to hide his condition and sometimes lacks confidence. There is the side of Lupin that he presents to students like Harry, and the side that he feels is monstrous and needs to be kept hidden.
Cancer: Pomona Sprout
Professor Pomona Sprout is the head of Hufflepuff as well as the head of herbology at Hogwarts, and these positions most squarely align her with the sign of Cancer. Though it's not true that all Cancers are also Hufflepuffs, in Sprout's case there is certainly a connection. Hufflepuffs are known for being loyal, trustworthy, and patient, qualities that define Sprout's nature as a teacher. Sprout is the most maternal and nurturing of the professors at Hogwarts, and in particular becomes an important mentor to underdog Neville Longbottom, who eventually goes to teach in her department.
Cancers –- those born between June 21 and July 22 –- are water signs known for being emotional and intuitive. They are very sympathetic and have a strong sense of family. For Sprout, these characteristics emerge in her desire to care for her young students, many of whom are away from their families for the first time. Though her expertise may seem insignificant compared to the other disciplines at Hogwarts, Sprout is fierce and loyal to the cause, surviving the war and proving her use by attacking the Death Eaters with dangerous plants. Like many Cancers, Sprout is comfortable out of the limelight, doing what she does best and caring for those under her charge.
Leo: Gilderoy Lockhart
Apart from the despotic leader Dolores Umbridge, Gilderoy Lockhart is one of the least-liked professors at Hogwarts. A professor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts, Lockhart's actual knowledge about facing danger is actually very limited, though he would have you believe otherwise. Lockhart is a wizard celebrity and has written many books about his supposed heroic exploits and encounters with various dangerous creatures. However, he is revealed to be a fraud who used his significant skills in memory charms to take credit for the heroic acts of others.
Because of his arrogance and flair for the dramatic, Gilderoy Lockhart is a Leo, which applies to everyone born between July 23 and August 22. Leos are fire signs represented by the lion, and they are known for being extravagant and having big personalities. Ruled by the sun, they are theatrical and often behave like the kings and queens of the jungle like their feline counterparts. Lockhart embodies the very worst qualities of Leos, who can at times be vain and egotistical. A Ravenclaw, Lockhart was initially a bright pupil, but did not commit himself to his studies and thought himself to be above his fellow students. His vainglorious behavior eventually backfired (quite literally) when a memory charm cast by Ron Weasley went wrong and caused him to lose his memory, leading to a permanent residency at a hospital ward.
Virgo: Madam Hooch
Virgos –- those born between August 23 and September 22 –- are known as analytics who are practical, hardworking, and always looking to find solutions to problems. Though they can be perfectionists who believe they know best, they are not interested in glory or recognition for their talents. The Hogwarts professor who most aligns with the sign of Virgo, you might be surprised to know, is Madam Hooch, the flying instructor and Quidditch coach at the school.
Though we don't actually know much about her, Madam Hooch is shown to be disciplined, serious, and committed to teaching her students the skills of flying, especially in regards to safety protocols. Also a referee, Hooch is very concerned with promoting good sportsmanship and following the rules, a drive that aligns her character with the Virgo's passion for order and organization. Though she at times becomes impatient with her students, she is revealed to be very concerned for their safety and dedicated to seeing them reach their fullest potential (even if Harry does find himself in a Quidditch-induced pickle from time to time). If only we had seen more of this spiky-haired maven in the films.
Libra: Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody
Applicable to those born between September 23 and October 22, Libras are represented by the symbol of the scales and are associated with the archetype of the diplomat. Lovers of justice, Libras are interested in equality, keeping the peace, and fairness. The "Harry Potter" professor who most closely aligns with the sign of Libra is Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, the stalwart seeker of justice and Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Moody is often considered the most famous "auror" –- essentially a magical law enforcement official –- of all time, having imprisoned many of the most famous inmates at Azkaban. Because of this, Moody is often very suspicious and a bit paranoid, thinking that his enemies might come after him at any time.
While Moody certainly does not have some of the more positive qualities of Libras –- their graciousness and social skills, for example –- this is because his many years of trying to keep the peace in the wizarding world have taken a toll on him. Nonetheless, he does fight for the good guys and uses his not inconsiderable investigative skills –- such as his magical eye that can spy on people like Dolores Umbridge -– to keep the dark forces at bay. Perhaps had he not lived such a tough life, Moody would be the type of personable Libra beloved by all the other signs. But that's simply not the way the cookie crumbled.
Scorpio: Severus Snape
Severus Snape may have some admirable qualities deep within him, even if they don't always come to the surface. He certainly has a strong sense of loyalty, however warped it may be, and in another world he might have been a good friend, an honest mentor, and even a passionate teacher. That, of course, is not how things turned out. Snape's whole life and his time at Hogwarts has been defined by one thing –- betrayal –- and that is why he just has to be a Scorpio.
Scorpios –- those born between October 21 and November 21 –- are known for being intense and often mysterious. They are very powerful individuals who will fight passionately for what they believe, but if there's one thing they can't stand, it's betrayal or dishonesty. Snape is a very complicated figure because he is often a villain but also at times acts as a hero. Because he is both a Death Eater and a member of The Order of the Phoenix –- the former of which he joined in order to get back at his bullies and win over Harry's mother, Lily –- his allegiances are often divided between these two opposite poles. While he often appears cold and malicious, especially to Harry Potter himself –- representing the darker qualities of Scorpios –- upon his death it's revealed his love for Lily has compelled him to protect Harry, only adding to the mystery and complexity of his character.
Sagittarius: Filius Flitwick
Professor Filius Flitwick is the head of the house of Ravenclaw and also the Charms Master at Hogwarts. A favorite of many students, Flitwick is a kind and understanding teacher, rarely punishing or disciplining his pupils. Because of his many charms (no pun intended), Filius Flitwick is a Sagittarius, which represents those born between November 22 and December 21. Sagittarians, symbolized by the image of the archer, are known for their love of adventure and their extroverted, enthusiastic sensibility.
Professor Flitwick comes off as quite eccentric, but is also shown to enjoy teaching and treats his students very kindly. Sagittarians are known to be natural healers and teachers, and Flitwick exemplifies these qualities not only in his classes but also through the care he shows to the many Ravenclaws under his charge. At the same time, Flitwick also has a very mischievous side, often taking his students on wild adventures and conducting amusing experiments. This, too, is a Sagittarian quality, as those born under this sign often have a great sense of humor and are easily able to entertain. If you're still not convinced, Professor Flitwick also leads the frog choir, in which students sing while accompanied by huge, croaking toads. What's more fun-loving than that?
Capricorn: Minerva McGonagall
Apart from wise old Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall –- played by the incomparable Maggie Smith –- is probably the most well-respected and beloved professor at Hogwarts. When she first entered Hogwarts as a student the sorting hat took over five minutes to decide which house she belonged in (a rare occurrence), wavering between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. (She was eventually sorted into Gryffindor.) This means that McGonagall exhibits both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw qualities in almost equal measure. She is incredibly brave and courageous, while also being highly intelligent and wise. During her time at Hogwarts, she proved herself to be a heroic leader, leading the students courageously in their fight against the Death Eaters.
Because of her strong-willed nature, McGonagall is most certainly a Capricorn, which you are too if you were born between December 22 and January 19. Capricorns are very responsible, motivated by duty, and have a lot of discipline and self-control. As earth signs, they are also very grounded and realistic. McGonagall comes off as very stern, and does not tolerate her students goofing off. She is not one to give compliments freely, but she is very observant and adept at fixing problems when they arise.
Her firm but compassionate hand as headmistress and professor makes her an admirable leader, and, unlike the other professors at Hogwarts, she never plays favorites. (Though she is one of Harry's most important allies). Determined, courageous, and dutiful, McGonagall is a Capricorn through and through. Oh, and she can also transform herself into a cat, which doesn't really have anything to do with being a Capricorn, but is very cool.
Aquarius: Sybill Trelawney
The sign of Aquarius encompasses those born between January 20 and February 18, and is associated with the archetype of the humanitarian. Aquarians are original, independent, and very interested in thinking about the fate of humanity as a whole. But because of this they can also find themselves aloof or apart from other humans themselves. The "Harry Potter" professor who most aligns with this sign is Sybill Trelawney, the professor of Divination at Hogwarts.
In addition to being a professor, Trelawney is also a (supposedly) powerful seer and a member of the house of Ravenclaw. Though Trelawney doesn't feature much in the later books or films, she is actually very important to the story because it was she who made the original prediction about Harry Potter being the chosen one and the only person capable of defeating Voldemort. Though she considers herself a great seer, her predictions don't always come true, despite her very best efforts.
Professor Trelawney is very eccentric and, unfortunately, is not held in very high regard among the staff or her students. Trelawney is very sensitive to this and, because of her low standing at Hogwarts, develops a drinking problem. Though she often thinks about the bigger picture of things when making her psychic predictions, she's not very good with actual people and their actual problems. Though perhaps not an enviable position to be in, Trelawney's marginal standing at Hogwarts further emphasizes her Aquarian status.
Pisces: Albus Dumbledore
Pisces –- which represents those born between February 19 and March 20 -– is the last sign of the zodiac, and for this reason is often said to encompass all that comes before, making them the wisest and most intuitive of the signs. If there's one professor at Hogwarts considered the wisest and most emotionally intelligent, it's got to be none other than Albus Dumbledore. After suffering the loss of his family at a young age, Dumbledore grew into a compassionate and empathetic person, showing kindness and benevolence to his students, most especially Harry.
Despite his high standing at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is also something of an eccentric –- Harry thought him to be "a bit mad" upon first meeting him –- which also aligns with the sign of Pisces. Pisces are water signs and are considered dreamers, often finding themselves divided between fantasy and reality. Dumbledore certainly fits this description, especially when you consider his penchant for the "pensieve," the magical memory pool that collects people's memories so that they may be preserved for further review. This too, is illustrative of Dumbledore's very intuitive, emotional nature, which, in turn, is what allows him to defeat the misanthropic Voldemort, even after his death.