Symbology of the Soul

After a lot of research, Harry was ready to write the essay on the symbology of his Animagus form that Severus had assigned. He smiled across the library table at Neville and dipped his quill in ink.

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The Deer

The deer represents the power of gentleness, keen observation, and sensitivity. Deer's are in tune with nature and all it holds. They are sacred carriers of peace and those with this Animagus often show those around them how to open their hearts and love unconditionally.

Deer protect their newborn from subtle outside influences, indicating a very nurturing person. A person with this Animagus will make good caretakers, parents, and healers. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them from a predator's sight representing this person's natural ability to hide and blend in with their surroundings at a young age.

Deer are known for their large kind eyes, but they aren't weak. A deer's senses are acute and they see extremely well in low light. They can see between the shadows and detect subtle movements, representing that person's ability to understand the deeper meanings of things. Like a deer who can hear a twig snap in the far distance, anyone who has this Animagus can hear what is not being said.

Nimble and quick, deer Animagi are good at avoiding trouble, but those who grow antlers above five points have a hidden aggressive streak that will make them lower their head stubbornly to protect what they love and believe in. People with a deer Animagus are watchful and wary. They don't trust easy. They have a very child-like mentality. And like a child, when they do give their love and trust, it is unconditional.

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Harry blew on the essay, pleased with himself. He was about to roll it up when Gabriel spoke.

I want to write my symbology, too. I didn't do all that damn studying for nothing!

I also studied my symbology. Silas said. I looked up Boy's, as well. It wouldn't hurt to include it.

Alright. Harry shrugged with a smile and fell backward into sleep. Gabriel came Out and took up the quill.

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Cougar

Felines have certain qualities in common. They are associated with myth and lore, magic and mystery, nine lives, curiosity, independence, cleverness, unpredictability and healing. Because of their night vision, acute hearing, and high intelligence, they were used throughout history as guardians and protectors. In ancient Egypt, cats guarded the temple gates and were used to ward off evil, and were always given special privileges and were treated like royalty. In Scandinavia, the cat stood for fertility. In India, it is a symbol of childbirth. It was once believed in Muggle culture that witches took the form of their cats at night.

Cats are fiercely independent. You can never own one: it allows you to take care of it and love it, but only on its terms. They come and go as they please, when they please. They symbolize a person who is independence, curious, clever, lucky, unpredictable, and a fierce fighter (especially when cornered). Cat also represents love and protection. If your Animagus is a feline, then you look for mystery in your life. You are independent and a free thinker. You probably feel energized at night. You will stay with a person or situation until it bores you, and then you're gone. You have a great talent for thinking on the spot and a great deal of patience to stalk what you want. Those with this Animagus animal should also study its color, size, and breed for a deeper and more specific understanding.

The cougar, also known as the mountain lion and the puma, is very illusive and hard to find in the wild. The adult males weigh around one hundred seventy five pounds and are one of the fastest known animals, although it does tire quickly. This is partly due to the cougar's sporadic energy. When it pounces on its prey, it moves with short strong bursts of energy. They are powerful and agile and can leap over forty feet. They kill their prey with their bite or their claws. When it attacks, it does not hesitate. When threatened, it goes for the most vulnerable place.

Because of its illusive quality it is often noted as an animal that is independent, shy, and withdrawn. The same characteristics are often found in people with this Animagus. This Animagus' power, strength, and assertiveness are often misunderstood. Cougar represents a person who, that despite their impulsiveness, has balanced intention, power, and strength surprisingly well. They are very territorial and decisive in the use of personal power. Cougar represents a person who is frequently a target for the problems of others.

The other side of cougar is its illusive quality. It can appear without being noticed, just as easily as attacking head on and quietly take control of a situation. Their unpredictability can irritate those around them, and sometimes they get too comfortable entering into conflict with others. Those with a cougar Animagus often speak too sharply and hold on to something's too tightly, but they also make excellent teachers, leaders, and facilitators.

The Snake

Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. They are fascinating creatures that deserve respect. Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility, and transformation. In Israel, the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility. In Egypt, the cobra was known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs which symbolized immortality. In Christian lore, the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross, sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures, a snake rising up through the spine represents the life force being awakened.

Snake is an Animagus that represents power, renewal, and transmutation. One of snake's most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this Animagus. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy, symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.

The eyes of a snake are always open, protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin, the snake's markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue. This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Seeing into the hearts of others is part of what a person with a snake Animagus is good at.

Snakes are unable to produce their own body heat. They are often seen lying in the hot mid-day sun. The sun's warmth, coupled with the snake's behavior, regulates their body temperature. Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this Animagus need very little food or sleep to energize themselves. They are self-reliant and hardly ever ask for either advice or guidance. They usually get cold easily and prefer warmer climates. Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.

Their lightweight and flexible bodies symbolize the speed and agility of this Animagi's thoughts. They are often very clever and intelligent people, but they never flaunt their knowledge. Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound. They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to secrets. Snake Animagi are people who are excellent secret keepers. They do not suffer the temptation to reveal their own secrets or the secrets of others. Only if revealing what they know will gain them something of equal value, will they speak.

Soundless in motion and invisible at rest, the snake is the symbol of a person who is a very deadly enemy. They hold grudges and their revenge often happens without warning. Conversely, as well as representing impending silent death, the snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. A snake signifies a person who can adapt and change, a person who even welcomes change because they are always searching for ways to utilize the untapped power around them. Snake Animagi are often recognized for their creativity and wisdom. The snake is a powerful Animagus to have. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.

Because most people with a snake Animagus are so secretive, the fine differences in personality between those who have different breeds are unknown. Luckily, most snake Animagus don't need outside help in understanding the symbolic intricacies of their form. Their superb grasp of self-understanding and intuition guide them.

The Dove

The dove is a member of the pigeon family and both hold the qualities of home, security, and maternal instincts. Many with this Animagus have experienced unsettling childhoods and will be challenged continually to acquire a solid secure foundation in all areas of their lives. The legends and lore surrounding the dove associates it with many goddesses and it is considered the embodiment of the maternal instinct. Home and family are important to those with this Animagus and life lessons will be most predominant in these areas.

The dove's song is its most distinctive feature. It can be heard throughout the day and the sad sound of the dove's coo reflects the hidden emotions stored within the person with this Animagus. It isn't easy for those with this Animagus to express themselves and they usually need help releasing their emotional discord, be it of the past or the present. Humming or singing is very frequently a comfort and means of healing for those with this Animagus.

Doves also symbolize promise and hope. Often times when morphing into their form, the dove will be injured or broken in some way. It isn't until it is fully healed that it can reach fulfill it's second meaning, but once they do, dove Animagi embody peace and can heal people with just their presence. They have a powerful understanding of suffering and how to conquer it. They are often revered and held with great respect when they reach this state. They are seen as something other and are beloved and protected. They radiate happiness and quiet joy. But in order to reach this state, the dove Animagi must be healed on all levels. This can take years, or not even happen at all.

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Silas set aside the quill and smiled in satisfaction. He smirked and fell back in, allowing Harry to return. The teen looked at the paper and smiled as he took in the three very different handwritings. He always thought it odd that his hand could write so differently just because a different alter was holding the quill. They were all still the same person essentially. Shrugging, he rolled up the scroll and put it in his bag. Now he had to start studying the really hard part: his animal's anatomy and physiology.

Chapter end.

A/N: How do you like them apples?