Trelawney's Fire

[inkling108]

No: HPFGUIDX 61100

Thought I'd throw something out as the time for speculation 
grows short!

(Having discovered this group a few weeks ago, I am not familiar 
with all the past discussions, so forgive me if this has already 
been discussed at length) 

Has anyone noticed that JK Rowling always makes a point of 
how stupefying Prof.  Trelawney's perfumed fire is?  She 
constantly points out that it makes Harry feel "sleepy and stupid."  
It is while inhaling the fumes that Harry has his dream/vision of 
Voldemort punishing Wormtail for letting Crouch Sr escape.  
Likewise Sybil herself goes into trance and makes her crucial 
true prediction while breathing the fumes.

Inducing changes of consciousness through burning herbs and 
incense is a very old and venerable art in many cultures.  Anyone 
have any idea what herb(s) might be in the fire?  How it figures 
into the plot of the series?  I'm sure it's important somehow.  I 
think we may find out some startling things about Sybil in book 
five -- or possibly six or seven? 

This is my first post .  I have been enjoying the discussions very 
much, helps cope with the suspense while my 11 year old son 
and I wait for book five (hard to say who's more excited!)

Jamie C.