Is your Patronus vs your Animagus?

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 127116


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Grey Wolf" <grey.wolf.c at g...>
wrote:

> 
> In short, I think that while the animagus form reflects your own 
> spirit, the form of the patronus reflect the spirit of who you call to
> protect you - and Harry, in particular, calls upon his father.
> 
> Hope that helps,
> 
> Grey Wolf, 


bboyminn:

Of course other are free to disagree, but I think Grey Wolf has the
correct insight into Patronus vs Animagus.

A Patronus is a protector, it is something greater than yourself. I
see it as being similar to, in the Shaman tradition, a Spirit Guide or
Animal Guide. There are source of wisdom and power, both a teacher and
a protector. In a more Christian tradition, we might look at them as
analogous to Guardian Angeles. The key is that they are an external
spiritual representation. True, they are connnected to us in some way,
connected in a way that is unique to us. But they are still external.

The Anamagus on the other hand is very much and internal and very
personal representation of yourself. It is an alternate form of you. 

Going back to the Shaman tradition, it possible that the animal a
person is identified with is different than his Spirit Guide. For
example, Running Bear (his name and animal identity) many have a wolf
for a spirit guide. 

In the Christian tradition, Guardian Angeles frequenlty take the form
or a death relative; father, grandfather, favorite uncle, etc....

But I think the key is that a Patronus is symbolic of a potector that
is greater and wiser than yourself. Whereas an Animague, is a
reflection of your true inner self.

As to what Harry's animagus might be, independant of any thoughts or
connection to Sirius, I consider that it might be a dog; large and
powerful, but one of the friendly types. Harry is loyal, faithful,
strong, and courageous; those are all very dog-like qualities. 

At least, that's how I'm seeing it at the moment; tommorrow, I might
see it completely differently. Additionally, I think we should resist
the urge to look exclusively at grand majestic animals like a lion,
and concentrate more on the actual personality we see in Harry.
Sirius's human persona had very many dog-like qualities. While I don't
see animal characteristics that strong in Harry, I still say we should
try not to be swayed by romantic desires to see Harry as some grand
majestic animal. 

Just a few thoughts. Good to see Grey Wolf posting again, he is always
well thought out and insightfull.

Steve/bboyminn