HP, Alchemy and 4 directions

[Randy]

No: HPFGUIDX 155977

I have enjoyed Tonks posts about Alchemy and HP connections.  I once 
read something about Alchemy that seems to fit HP in some respects.

There are alot of vague symbols in Alchemy that have deeper meanings 
to others that are more knowledgeable.  One discussion that I read 
used more understandable language and connects alchemy to 
consciousness (in the same manner as Carl Jung).  

There are 4 directions (like the four elements) that could also 
apply to the 4 houses of Hogwarts.  The person who focuses on only 
one direction gets lost and travels in circles.  The trick is to try 
to focus on all 4 directions at all times which is what the Sorting 
Hat implies by uniting the 4 houses.

To focus on all 4 directions (Inner, Outer, Above, Below)

"If we serve inner only, we cut ourselves off from life and we 
become lonely, loveless hermits. " A perfect description of 
Professor Lupin.

"If we serve only the outer, we become bitter, soulless phantoms." I 
think Professor Snape could fit this description.  He heals others, 
but seems bitter and somewhat soulless.

"If we serve only the below, the flesh and the earth, we become 
moribund matter."  Perhaps Professor Slughorn fits this since he is 
consumed with earthly pleasures!  

"If we serve only the above, the Spirit and God consciousness, we 
become disembodied spirits adrift in an unreal world."  Not sure who 
I would pick here, except for maybe Luna Lovegood who is somewhat 
lost in an unreal world of imagination.

Any other ideas about the 4 directions and people in HP?  Also, 
Which House fits which direction best?

Another Alchemical idea is that Love must unite with Spirit and Soul 
to form the perfect being (or philosopher's stone).  I read a story 
that had a stag and a unicorn walking in the woods representing 
Spirit and Soul wandering through consciousness.  I forget what 
represented love.

These symbols are found throughout HP books.  I am starting to see 
the connections with HP and Alchemy that others have mentioned 
before.

Randy  (who used to be Red Eye Randy, but wishes not to be killed 
off in Book Seven by JKR)