I thought it would be fun this month to get to know our IRN team on another level. A magical level. Maybe its because I just finished my forth read through of the Harry Potter series but I asked everyone here at IRN “What is your Patronus?” For any of you non Harry Potter nerds out there, the Patronus Charm, is a defensive spell which produces a silver, animal guardian, used to protect a witch or wizard against dementors. Each Patronus takes the form of a different animal that has a special affinity with the caster – in Harry’s case, his Patronus is a stag which was also his father’s. In order to conjure a Patronus you think of your happiest memories and use them in fighting off the “hopelessness” brought on by the dementors. While some of us cheated by taking the Patronus quiz from Pottermore.com others revealed some interesting insights into their souls….
Eric : Bear
It seems fitting our fearless leader is a Bear, the bear patronus possesses immense courage, especially in the face of conflict. These qualities make people good natural leaders. Along with Eric’s confessed constant amusement by Yogi the bear, he is able to conjure the fierce bear with his wild and free heart tied to the happiness of laughter.
Amy: Ocotopus
Amy is President of the Melbourne Beach Rotary, President of Professional Learning Solutions while being heavily involved in her church and her community… Amy is clearly an octopus. She is a jack of all trades with experience in a little bit of every aspect of her life. She is social, creative and logical equally. Those who conjure an Ocotopus are those who often have an evenly matched right and left brain. They have a beautiful uniqueness to them in the aspect that they can do whatever they please and are perfectly comfortable with it. Which is why Amy can produce joy and happiness from every situation life throws at her.
Katy: Lion
The Lion and the Lamb are symbols of God and Jesus. They have been a part of her happiest memories and give her great hope in fighting off the “hopelessness”. She uses that love and happiness to conjure her patronus. Lions are loud and outgoing, their bravery abundant. They are very confident in their words and manners, always saying what they believe is the right thing and generally being all around friendly people. They are also incredibly helpful, ready to do whatever is in their power to help with a cause, and once they find something they care about they are strongly loyal to it. They are the same in their affections, loving with their whole heart.
Tonya : Panda
Tonya is the ying to her own yang. She is able to see both sides of every situation. Admittedly her greatest strength is also her greatest weakness but in this she is able to find the silver lining and use that to conjure her patronus. The panda is good at using whatever is around them, and incredibly creative and bright. They are friendly and warm, and many may go to them for advice or help, which the panda will willingly give. They are a bit of a healer by nature, enjoying company around them and using it to enhance themselves. They love to explore many areas of knowledge and the world, trying to broaden their horizons and keep their minds open. They can be very spiritual people, but will not push their views on others, as they are comfortable with whatever a person chooses to believe.
Amanda : Cat
Amanda is most likely to end up a crazy cat lady. She is playful in nature and independent. Her family is particularly important to her. However, this caring nature does not stop her independent unique personality from shining. Those with this patronus do have a darker side too which manifests itself in a stubborn side. People who conjure this patronus can sometimes be cruel to those who are not close to them and are often able to outsmart others easily. Her playful attitude and natural drive to protect her loved ones makes her popular among those who get to know her.
Jonathan : Platypus
The platypus is among nature’s most unlikely animals. In fact, the first scientists to examine a specimen believed they were the victims of a hoax. Platypus is an animal of great privacy and secrecy. There are still things about this creature that we don’t understand today despite extensive study. If we’re a socialite, platypus reminds us that we not only need time to recharge, but to learn lessons that we can focus on away from the influences of other people. Jonathan uses the power of solitude to conjure his platypus to protect him.
Brent : Fluffy Bunny
Of all the animals in the world Brent most identifies with a bunny, not just a bunny but a fluffy bunny. While I can see the direct relation between his undying devotion to jazz hands and the fluffy bunny, it isn’t only his love for gifs and fluffy things that gets him here. There is a purity to the rabbit, one that is incredibly rare. These people, no matter how many cynical or bitter ideas the world may give them, will always have a curious innocence to them. We test that daily and throw as much stuff as we can at him. The world interests them greatly, and they want to explore it. Those with this patronus have beautiful hearts and serene souls deep within them, no matter what else goes on in their life.
Meg : Koala
The symbolic meaning of koala bears speaks of connection, protection and memory because of their original affinity to ground dwelling life. Cute and cuddly, but it basically eats, sleeps and fiercely protects it’s babies all qualities Meg identifies with and uses to conjure her patronus. Koala energy is a wonderful energy for people who work too hard, or find it difficult to ‘relax.’ Koala energy is the embodiment of positive laziness, of taking a day off to literally do nothing, and to appreciate the value of doing just that. Koala energy is a crucial energy in today’s rushed, over-worked society, and teaches us the value of replacing addictions and codependence with good sleep, moments of lassitude, and relaxation.
Daisha : Dolphin
Those with this patronus are typically very social and intellectual. She is smart and quick witted. With an excellent ability to understand other people and empathize. She fun loving nature can take many forms, be it the life and soul of a party or individual activities, fun is her department.
Randy : Dragonfly
The dragonfly embodies memories of his father which is how Randy, much like Harry, can conjure this patronus from happy memories. People with a Dragonfly Patronus have the amazing ability to change their path in mid-air. They can adapt to almost any person or situation at will and in an instant. Which isn’t surprising considering this is the man who moved from NY to FL to NY to FL all in under 2 years time. Throughout their life, Dragonfly people will experience metamorphosis in a wide variety of situations. Humans can be very resistant to change. For those with a Dragonfly Patronus to succeed in life, they must embrace change in all its forms.
Richard B : Ox
Not only is this his Chinese zodiac sign but also his true spirit animal. Strong, determined, persistent, straightforward hard workers. He is unafraid, often unpredictable, and willing to meet a challenge head on. Richard is never afraid to jump right in. Ox people are social creatures who work well in teams, but also have strong personal determination. Sometimes they can be stubborn and insistent, but it is only because they are so driven.
Richard D : Black Swan
His passion allows him to devote himself to his interests and become an expert in his field. Not only his passion for IT but also for all those superhero movies he is able to see before the rest of us. He thrives in a warm and friendly atmosphere, and feeds off positive energy and then gives it out just as freely in the form of laughter and jubilation. We love seeing Richard’s hearty laugh. Only a person of a true kind nature with an amazing depth of emotion could conjure the black Swan patronus.
Nestor : Deer
Those with the patronus of the deer are gentle and observant. Nestor is patient and quiet. He is able to move through life and obstacles with grace even in the most challenging moments. Inspiration from the deer’s qualities, you can achieve ambitious goals and tackle difficult situations smoothly. Those with this patronus have an uncanny ability to observe and understand the world around them.
Jeff : Wolf
Jeff launches himself fully into every problem he faces, sometimes jumping to his own demise, but with the courage to try. The wolf is a bit of a darker and mysterious soul, with the strength of a fighter. With a very big heart that is full of both passion and fire.
Kit : Dragon
Kit once dreamt he was visted by a dragon and was so connected to this experience he tattooed this dragon on his arm. There is a strong passion and ambition in this person, and a fury like no other. This does not mean they are an angry person, though they do have a tendency to be temperamental, but merely that they have a drive that fuels them throughout their whole self. Which connects to us here at IRN because we often see him breathing fire.
Al : Eagle
Eagles know what they want and they know how to get it. They posses great courage, even if they don’t see it within themselves, and strength. The eagle suggests the caster is highly analytically minded and decisive, although these are admirable traits, they can become stubborn and narrow-minded when frustrated making them lose sight of what’s around them.