When J K Rowling announced the title for Book VII: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," her fans were elated.

Rowling stated: "I'm now writing scenes that have been planned, in some cases, for a dozen years or even more. I don't think anyone who has not been in a similar situation can possibly know how this feels: I am alternately elated and overwrought. I both want, and don't want, to finish this book (don't worry, I will.)"

As a therapist and psychologist, I've long had an interest in the archetypes of dream and mythology. Ms Rowling has creatively accessed some of those archetypes in her writings with a power that will make her novels literary masterpieces centuries to come.

What exactly are HALLOWS?

What are the meanings of this word -- this mythical archetype?

Hallows are Sacred Implements. The sacred vessels, or Hallows of Ireland were believed to have been brought by the Tuatha de Danaan to the Emerald Isle. The four hallows of the Tuatha de Danaan were developed in later traditions to be: The Pole of Combat, The Sword of Light, The Cauldron of Cure and The Stone of Destiny.

The Hallows across most legends are seen to represent the royal regalia carried by the King, or the objects sought by someone such as a Grail Quester. The Hallows were believed to be shown to the Grail Questers who were attending a meeting, or a feast. This meeting has been considered to be a tradition relating to the feast, where the viewing of The Hallows was a spiritual event. In some legends the Lady of the Lake is referred to as the "Guardian of the Hallows of Kingship."

Hallows are sacred places: ALL HALLOWS BY THE TOWER is the oldest church in the City of London. ALL HALLOWS COLLEGE, Drumcondra, Dublin , Ireland, is an international centre for theology and ministerial development. Founded by visionary priest John Hand, All Hallows has been a prominent missionary college since 1842. Since 1892 the college has been under the direction of the Vincentians.

All Hallows Eve Throughout Europe, Halloween, or All Hallows Eve has be celebrated since Druidic times. The festival was originally called Samhain. It was the biggest and most significant holiday of the Celtic year. The Celts believed that at the time of Samhain, more so than any other time of the year, the ghosts of the dead were able to mingle with the living, because at Samhain the souls of those who had died during the year traveled into the otherworld. People gathered to sacrifice animals, fruits, and vegetables. They also lit bonfires in honor of the dead, to aid them on their journey, and to keep them away from the living. On that day all manner of beings were abroad: ghosts, fairies, and demons--all part of the dark and dread.

When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added their own touches to the Samhain festival, such as making centerpieces out of apples and nuts for Pomona, the Roman goddess of the orchards. The Romans also bobbed for apples and drank cider--traditions which may sound familiar to you. But where does the Christian aspect of the holiday come into play? In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later all saints) from May 13 to November 1 -- the Church measured the day as starting at sunset. Although we now consider All Saints' (or Hallows') day to be on the day after Halloween, they were, at that time, considered to be the same day.

We can be sure that Ms Rowling -- and Harry Potter -- will reveal the true meaning of HALLOWS to us.

For more articles on psychology, dream-study, sexuality and marriage therapy, see The GoArticles of Kathlene Falken