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I'm Harriet Morris and I'd love to hear from you if you have anything to add - or dispute. This whole show is based on my own interpretation of JK Rowling. There is no gospel truth - apart from the fact that, as Dumbledore himself points out, the Chudley Cannons will finish bottom of this year's league.
or email me: info {at} theshiftinside.com
Why Is Harry Potter So Popular?
*and what exactly has that got to do with eating psychology??
Why did Harry Potter rule the world of not just children's, but adult's imagination for over a decade? Why is the London making of tour (where last week I saw the over 18s outweighs the kids and teens - it as roughly 60/40) - and its extensive gift shop - so massively popular even now?
I don't think it's the magical elements, or the romance or the lessons about uniting, of choosing good over evil. These all contribute, but the reason the boy who lived exerts this universal fascination is this one thing:
Harry Potter is the playing out of something that most people long to do: facing their imaginary - and invisible - fears.
Voldemort creates a reign of terror in Harry's world. But when it comes down to it, when Harry chooses to face his death, wandless and alone, Voldemort cannot harm him.
We all have our own personal Voldemorts hidden in the depths of our souls, sources of terror that are to a great extent creations of our own imagination.
For example:
Fear of that job promotion
Fear of leaving an unhappy relationship
Fear of being more wealthy
Fear of shedding weight
In my work as an eating psychology coach, I come across the last fear almost every day. It's as invisible to my clients as Harry's cloak is to anyone except Mad Eye Moody.
Why should these seemingly pointless fears exist? Because they have a hidden importance.
The great news is that we can all face these invisible fears, little by little if that's what it takes. We can ALL be like Harry. You don't need to save the world - just reclaim your life.