HARRY POTTER NOT AS FAR-FETCHED AS YOU THINK

HARRY POTTER NOT AS FAR-FETCHED AS YOU THINK



NEWPORT, Wales, UK (Wireless Flash) – The shape-shifting, spell-casting witches and wizards in the upcoming Harry Potter movie aren’t as far-fetched as you might think. According to an archeology professor at the University of Wales, much of the magic portrayed in the Potter series has its roots in real religious practices used more than 2000 years ago. Miranda Aldhouse-Green says ancient religious shamans used magic wands to connect with the spirit world and predict the future, while spells and chanting were used to send messages to the gods. And as for Harry’s famous flying broomstick, she says that idea came from the belief that shamans could fly into the spirit world. Aldhouse-Green will discuss other aspects of magic in a Discovery Channel documentary, Real Magick: The Science of Wizardry, which will air November 15 – just one day before the Harry Potter movie hits U.S. theaters.

Tue 11-06-01