Harry Potter Wands

September 26th, 2009

How A Magic Wand Works

harrypotter“Wandlore is a complex and mysterious branch of magic.”
Mr. Ollivander

There’s no denying that finding a wand that works is very important. Especially in the lives of witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter wands.

Witches and wizards use their wands to cast focused spells and channel their magic powers. Contrary to popular belief a wand does not increase your magical ability. It actually focuses your magic. Just as sunlight through a magnifying glass can create fire, a wand actually focuses magic and can create very powerful spells.

One might think that finding the right wand is easy but in fact there are many things to consider and the process is trial and error for the most part. Elements used to make a wand for a specific witch or wizard often reflect the owner’s character. Even so, witches and wizards have the best results with the wands that choose them.

In the world of Harry Potter wands, Mr. Ollivander has four criteria to classify wands. Length, type of wood and core material describes the physical components of the wand. The fourth component is more subjective and describes the quality of how the wand moves.

Wands are made from a single piece of wood and have a magical substance at their center. The type of wood used to make Harry Potter wands often corresponds with the date of birth according to the Celtic calendar. The three magical cores used by Mr. Ollivander are phoenix feather, dragon heartstring, and tail of unicorn.

In the Celtic year a tree represents every month, and every tree is associated with specific powers and qualities. To use Harry Potter’s wand as an example, it is made of Holly, which coincides with his birthday on July 31st. Holly is a symbol for protection and is said to ward off evil. Because it is perennially green and it has bright red berries during the winter it is seen as a sign of hope. At the core of Harry’s wand is phoenix feather.

A wand is thought of as indispensable to witches and wizards in the universe of Harry Potter wands. Because they acquire them at a young age, many witches and wizards become very attached to their wand. They would feel lost and unable to do most magic without it.

The official shop of all things Harry Potter PLUS Free Shipping on orders of $60 at – WBshop.com!

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Harry Potter Toys

June 17th, 2010

A Gift For Everyone!

slytherin-crestI’m always on the lookout for the perfect gift. I like to shop year round because I’ve learned that I can’t always find the exact gift I’m looking for when I need it. If you are like me you know a few people who are Harry Potter fans. So, to be prepared I did some looking around online to see what was available for Harry Potter toys and gifts.

What I found was a truly amazing selection that ranged from Harry Potter Mystery At Hogwarts Game to LEGO Sirius Black’s Escape to Diagon Alley Booster Box and even a Corgi Die-Cast Collectible Vehicle Knight Bus. And that’s just the beginning!

I’m constantly in awe of the world J.K. Rowling has created for us to enjoy. Sharing Harry Potter toys with those you love is a great way of sharing some of the magic we’ve come to experience in books and movies.

There truly is something for everyone when it comes to shopping for Harry Potter fans. Young or old, big budget or not, you will be able to find a gift to make your friends and family smile. Why not treat yourself while you’re at it!

There are some great deals to be found on the Internet. Free shipping is often available, usually if you spend a minimum amount. I like to take advantage of free shipping and get as much gift shopping done as possible through one company.

Amazon has a terrific selection of Harry Potter toys. There are also many other reputable websites. BuyCostumes.com is another one I like. Doing a search on Google will turn up endless options. Just make sure you check out customer comments on any site you’re not familiar with. You want to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.

Enjoy looking for the perfect Harry Potter toys for your gift list. You’ll be glad you did!

Here are a few cool Harry Potter toys and gifts that I really like.  Click on the following links to check them out on Amazon.

Harry Potter Mystery At Hogwarts Game

Harry Potter Illunimating Wand

Hermione Granger’s Time Turner

LEGO Sirius Black’s Escape

Diagon Alley Booster Box

Corgi Die-Cast Collectible Vehicle Knight Bus

9.75″ Hagrid Deluxe Action Figure with Sound

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 250 Piece Puzzle

Scene It? Deluxe Harry Potter 2nd Edition

Harry Potter Basilisk Attack Electronic Playset

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Harry Potter Sorting Hat

October 9th, 2009

Hogwarts Houses And The Sorting Of New Students

gryffindor-crestAt the beginning of each new school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Harry Potter sorting hat decides which house new students will be assigned to. This magical hat assigns students to one of four houses, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw house.

Each of the four houses bears the last name of its founder.  Following are the qualities that each of the founders appreciated in his or her students.

Godric Gryffindor praised courage and strength of heart. Salazar Slytherin valued determination and resourcefulness. Rowena Ravenclaw appreciated wisdom and intelligence. Helga Hufflepuff favored honesty and dedication.

The original owner of the sorting hat was Godric Gryffindor. The Headmaster is the keeper of the sorting hat, also called the talking hat, until the sorting ceremony when it is brought forth to the assembly.

During the sorting ceremony each first year student has his or her name read out. When their name is called they come forth, take a seat, and the sorting hat is placed on their head. After deliberating for a moment the sorting hat announces the house the student is to be assigned to. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute for the sorting hat to deliberate. It is also possible that the Harry Potter sorting hat may speak directly to the student before making a decision as in the case of Harry Potter.

In the case of Harry Potter the sorting hat announced that fame and glory would come to him if he joined Slytherin House.  In spite of this, Harry was specific about his desire to join Gryffindor because both of his parents had been there. He convinced the sorting hat to comply with his request and was placed in Gryffindor house

The Harry Potter sorting hat has also been known to warn of imminent danger. It is not clear how the sorting hat gets this information but has been proposed that it could be from the headmaster Dumbledore.

The sorting hat is an interesting character and plays a significant role at Hogwarts. No Hogwarts party should be without one!

The official shop of all things Harry Potter PLUS Free Shipping on orders of $60 at – WBshop.com!


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Harry Potter Accessories

September 29th, 2009

Plan Your Own Hogwarts Party!

ravenclaw-crestAdults and children from around the world have been following the adventures of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

With a few Harry Potter accessories you can create your own Hogwarts experience right in your own home with family and friends! What a great way to celebrate birthdays, dress up for Halloween or just have some fun!

Here are some essential Harry Potter accessories you will need when planning your Harry Potter costume.

1.    Harry Potter Wands
Wands are used to cast focused spells and to channel magical powers. These long, thin rods of wood have a magical substance at their core. Although it is possible to perform spells without the use of wands it is very difficult and requires great concentration and skill.

2.    Harry Potter Scarf

An official red and gold striped scarf from House Gryffindor will add the finishing touch to your Harry Potter costume.

3.    Harry Potter Robe
A robe is a loose-fitting outer garment worn by Hogwarts students to attend classes. Each student is expected to own three sets of standard black robes with their house emblem. A robe is different than a cape because it usually has sleeves.

4.    Harry Potter Broom
Wizards and witches use brooms to transport themselves from one location to another. In the world of Harry Potter, magical flying brooms are used primarily in the sport Quidditch.

5.    Harry Potter Sorting Hat
The sorting hat magically determines to which of the four school houses each new student will be assigned. This happens during the opening banquet of the new school year. Each new student takes a seat on a stool and the hat is placed on his or her head. After a moment the hat announces its choice for all to hear.

6.    Harry Potter Glasses
Round-rimmed glasses create Harry’s signature look and will make your Harry Potter costume look authentic.

Thrift and consignment stores are great places to shop for items that can be used to make your Harry Potter costumes. Another popular option is to purchase items online. There are some great deals to be found and they are quickly shipped right to your door.

Whether you decide to create or buy your Harry Potter accessories you will have fun escaping into the world of Harry Potter!

The official shop of all things Harry Potter PLUS Free Shipping on orders of $60 at – WBshop.com!

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