Welcome to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Magick and Life Lessons abound in this Immortal Tale
I recall the first time I even heard of this incredible series, it was 2001, I'd just entered high school and as a Freshman I was quite curious as to why so many young children were suddenly interested in Witches and Warlocks and wandering around the mountainside where I then lived, with fake scars on their foreheads and wands formed out of sticks found nearby. My mother came into my room and handed me the copy of the film "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" and asked me to watch it as she planned to give it to a friend's son as a birthday present later this week if I didn't find it to me too childish for this particular young boys age.
After three and a half hours that felt as if they flew by in nearly half that time, I was floored, left jaw dropped with "wow's, oo's and ahh's" watching this magical world unfold from the mind and brilliant creator J.K. Rowling into the film franchise that little did I know then but had the most profound inkling would take over the world and transfigure it in ways I never could possibly have imagined. After giving the film back and telling her that it was by far one of the best gifts any child or adult could ever have, she then watched the film herself and found herself equally as in awe of this world that catered to imagination, realism and the very perilous lives that so many of us underdogs, weirdo's, freaks and outsiders have lived.
Each year passed and a new film debuted after so many begged, pleaded and nearly forced me to read the series, before I was quite ready, informing them I'd rather wait until the entire series was written and debuted in film before indulging in such an adventure I was always left with rude scoffs, gaffaws and just confused looks not realizing that the reason why was more from an observing state as a psychic soul to watch the entire world awaken to a glimpse of what I experienced daily in my life as a psychic shaman and witch was far more wonderful than even wanting to read the books just yet.
"Blasphemy!" yes I can hear your repulsion by the very thought of watching the movie series numerous times before ever touching the incredible books, but it took a wonderful man and inspiring Twin Flame, to remind me that we're never too old to find magick again even in the most exhausting and hardest times as I still refuse to accept that I'm actually an adult. So after months of exhaustion accumulated from collegiate studies, and as the colder months crept in last November to debut the films once again for one and all to enjoy for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I found his Harry Potter Series sitting quaintly on the shelf, worn in several times from his personal use of each adventure into J.K. Rowling's profound world, to realize that this was just the escape from Muggle Burn Out that this Witch desperately needed.
So now let us venture into the magical world of Harry Potter, I assure you Old or Young, Skeptical or Pure Believer, this Series is essential to the very core and foundation of humanity at its best that any of us has ever been privileged enough to see in this day and age. Just think even two centuries ago women and men were being burned alive, hanged and tortured for even thinking of such a world, but now it exists in the forms of books, film, plays and future stories and a very exciting new amusement park that arrives for Muggle's and Witches Worldwide to take the much needed journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is a glorious time to be alive to say the least.
After three and a half hours that felt as if they flew by in nearly half that time, I was floored, left jaw dropped with "wow's, oo's and ahh's" watching this magical world unfold from the mind and brilliant creator J.K. Rowling into the film franchise that little did I know then but had the most profound inkling would take over the world and transfigure it in ways I never could possibly have imagined. After giving the film back and telling her that it was by far one of the best gifts any child or adult could ever have, she then watched the film herself and found herself equally as in awe of this world that catered to imagination, realism and the very perilous lives that so many of us underdogs, weirdo's, freaks and outsiders have lived.
Each year passed and a new film debuted after so many begged, pleaded and nearly forced me to read the series, before I was quite ready, informing them I'd rather wait until the entire series was written and debuted in film before indulging in such an adventure I was always left with rude scoffs, gaffaws and just confused looks not realizing that the reason why was more from an observing state as a psychic soul to watch the entire world awaken to a glimpse of what I experienced daily in my life as a psychic shaman and witch was far more wonderful than even wanting to read the books just yet.
"Blasphemy!" yes I can hear your repulsion by the very thought of watching the movie series numerous times before ever touching the incredible books, but it took a wonderful man and inspiring Twin Flame, to remind me that we're never too old to find magick again even in the most exhausting and hardest times as I still refuse to accept that I'm actually an adult. So after months of exhaustion accumulated from collegiate studies, and as the colder months crept in last November to debut the films once again for one and all to enjoy for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I found his Harry Potter Series sitting quaintly on the shelf, worn in several times from his personal use of each adventure into J.K. Rowling's profound world, to realize that this was just the escape from Muggle Burn Out that this Witch desperately needed.
So now let us venture into the magical world of Harry Potter, I assure you Old or Young, Skeptical or Pure Believer, this Series is essential to the very core and foundation of humanity at its best that any of us has ever been privileged enough to see in this day and age. Just think even two centuries ago women and men were being burned alive, hanged and tortured for even thinking of such a world, but now it exists in the forms of books, film, plays and future stories and a very exciting new amusement park that arrives for Muggle's and Witches Worldwide to take the much needed journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is a glorious time to be alive to say the least.
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone
What I found most remarkable was how immersed I instantly was when reading this book in the Harry Potter Series. There's a profound devotion from film makers to transform word for word, character, magical transformations in the form of clothing, walls and even characters themselves to be so incredible. Often times it's difficult to separate in one's mind the variations that were missed or overlooked in a film versus the expansive and endless world that books often provide that leave many movie-goers feeling upset as to how much of their favorite book was left out on the silver screen, for those who are fans of the films, let me inform you that the books are quite spot on for every detail, and special adventure enjoyed in this book as the boy under the stairs learns who he is and just how important his place in this newly discovered world of witches and wizards truly is. From a lifetime of dreadful mistreatment and abuse by the Dursley's to being an instant star and wonder of curiosity as he enters Diagon Alley for the first time, you truly can't put this book down, I found myself devouring it along side the feast of Thanksgiving finding the stress of college life melting away into a menagerie of sights, sounds, feelings and adventure that came with this very strong start to the remarkable series. By the time the marathon was over I'd already finished this book and was on to the next one, it was far too good to pass up when I had even five minutes to spare between classes or while running errands or waiting around to do so with those I love. I was already more than familiar with Harry, Ron, Hermione and The Weasley's and this book just made one feel even more like family by pages end.
Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets
As I found myself preparing for Finals, listing what to make for Christmas Dinner, and trying to find time to both sleep, eat and enjoy a good book, The Chamber of Secrets much like the first book was very true to each and every detail as vividly as it was in the films. For me it was another exciting read, to learn more about my already beloved favorite characters and to also read between the lines and pages as to what foreshadowing and foreboding new twists and turns in this plot filled series would be taking place. From subtle nuance to profound and vivid details into each chapter and story that fleshed out just where Harry Potter came from, who his parents really were and why was this new ominous feeling about what would happen as more and more students went missing in previous years along with the conspiracy against those who aren't considered "Pure Bloods" to be by far a captivating and adventurous read. As the New Year rang true and the first of many more danger to come was discovered and yet to be revealed in full grasp of the overall story arch of this phenomenal book, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next even though I already knew. The bonds of friendship and reliance on those that earned trust was more than an invaluable lesson that any child or adult can benefit from, the best part was seeing in full entirety what hatred and elitism, the very core of ethnocentrism does to an entire world much less a society or small group of people. I have to admit not seeing Nearly Headless Nick's Deathday Party celebrated with Ron, Hermione and of course Harry Potter, was by far the only thing truly lacking from the films phenomenal retelling of this book.
Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
I was most intrigued by the variations found in this book versus the previous two in regards to the movie, this book did a much better job at conveying to the reader in sequential order the build up of the adventure of knowing who Sirius Black really is, along with so many nuances and changes from scenes to chapters that the films themselves sort of dropped the ball on and left even the most skilled fans chiming in with "Well that's entirely out of order, how is anybody who doesn't read the books going to get that?" I do admit so many filters, changes with characters who were supposedly small in the film had much more importance and prominence in the narrative of the book itself, I found myself more than excited to discover the endless open paths that The Weasley Twins divulged to Harry Potter himself in the form of the Marauder's Map. The adventure through time travel, space and the concepts that most find way to daunting to explain to children were not lost at all in book or film, if anything it was inspiring to see an entire new generation give credit to the youth audience instead of demeaning them and preventing them from actually figuring out such complicated issues found in quantum physics, that most adults even find challenging to grasp; yet in this book were precisely explained with such effortlessness that even the most green of magic related fiction readers felt like an absolute expert by the end of the book in all things magical and time travel related. From learning the profound secrets as to who "Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs" true identities were along with discovering a very profound message in saving those worth saving regardless of having to break a few rules was by far one of the most charming and soul quenching messages this generation or any could ever truly grasp from the Harry Potter Series. To save Buckbeak and to give as much importance to plants, animals and to people truly shows a bigger and brighter future for us all on this planet if we'd just take a page out of J.K. Rowling's series and apply it to our lives and to the lives to those we touch, affect and participate in throughout the years in life. As Valentine's Day approached I found this stellar book coming to a close, and I have to admit I was quite stubborn to move on from here, I blame the fun found in the frolic of The Marauder's Map.
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
The remarkable book had quite the challenge of not being overdone by the intensely cinematic film debut of Goblet of Fire. For me it was always confusing and not explained in the films what a Veela was? It drove me nuts quite literally until this book answered this question and so much more in vast detail versus the film itself. From being ominously entered into the Triwizard Tournament, we find Harry Potter once more leaving us on the edge of our seat as previous books felt dangerous in moments however this one rally captivated me to keep me engrossed for weeks, wondering what would differentiate from the film and what would be so hard to read due to danger that it left me curled up in a petrified state forcing my sleep riddled eyes to read faster as the dragon continued to chase Harry Potter all over the skies over Hogwart's during the very first challenge. The adventure continued to build, as the challenges in the tournament grew fiercer and fiercer. From the underwater world of mermaids with strict rules of conduct, to the more than powerful ending in the third challenge a maze labyrinth that was much more impressive in the books as there wasn't a giant spider or maniacal Spinx on the loose to challenge participants as was missing from the film series. I remember finishing this incredible book up around the end of April, wondering what further nuances of foreshadowing to the plaguing trials of Harry Potter that were yet to come. As Voldemort *Shhh* or he who must be unnamed returned to slaughter anyone that got in his way to Harry Potter's demise, in this case Cedric Diggery, the very adventurous and innocent rise to understanding for Harry Potter as to who he was and the origins of where he came from turned to a powerful and horrific direction as the last few pages revealed before then continuing on to the next book in this marvelous series.
Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix
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The Darkness of Voldemort is felt ominously throughout this entire book, with the horrendously evil Professor Umbridge permeating her toxic presence and very severe sadism throughout the book made this a personal challenge to read, much less get through in any normal time frame. I was warned by many that this is usually the book most purchase an audio copy of, due to the graphic torture scenes involved with Mud-Blood hating Umbridge's wrath towards Harry Potter for doing what's right in a world where only those who are Pure Blood have a right, takes this previously exciting journey into the bouts of hell itself, for everyone reading to sit by, feeling the weight of the world on their chest wondering what freedom and enjoyment will next be stripped from our favorite characters and those who are in attendance at Hogwart's this year. As Death Eaters and The Ministry of Magic starts to show even more prevalence that those who are light are slowly being hunted down and snuffed out one by one, you feel the claustrophobic feeling of what anyone who's ever gone through persecution has endured, and for those who've experienced the worst sides of it, actual genocide and extermination. We lose an invaluable member of our beloved crew in this book, in the form of Sirius Black, just adding to the depressing tone that this book leaves one with, that took me all the way until July to finish even though it was my constant and daily focus. Like all darkness and evil in the world its nearly too much to digest but crucial for each and every human being to understand regardless of the discomfort and shame it brings to any humanists soul.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
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As with most of the books from Azkaban and beyond, we find the sequence completely out of order in the film, confusing those who haven't read the series and frustrating ones that have with the unexplained reasons why you'd want to confuse both fanatics and newly discovering fans with this retelling of an already classic book. For endless pages and months the word has yet to be uttered, but after plenty of pensive work with Dumbledore and unions with Wizards who innocently shared knowledge in the past with Tom Riddle, never knowing it would be the end to most of the wizarding worlds peace and safety, leaves the reader feeling the magnitude of sharing information with those innocently to see later that unless that person was strong and true in character the severe consequences endured by not one but all is truly a profound life lesson for adults to remember and for children to see for the very first time. Wisdom shared with those who will not seek to do it justice can turn into the more heinous resources for those to implement in the most horrific ways. As we find that a Horcrux is splitting a human soul into several pieces at Voldemort's desires, we start to grasp fully just how dark the shadows and the shadow keepers are in this world, as the tearful pages end with the death of our beloved headmaster, I found myself in mourning having to wait a few weeks in September to recompose before pressing on to the series grand finale.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
This incredible end to the phenomenal series came with plenty of blows to the heartstrings of one's soul, leaving so many treasured characters gone, after getting to know them in vast detail in ways and with people whom we're truly not introduced too beyond names in the films thus far. So many complained that this book was turned into a two part film finale, I have to admit it does itch the mind, as this book flowed as one piece, and it would've been great to see it unfold on screen in the same magnificent way. The arduous feeling of being alone, isolated, without hope, resources or a compass to navigate one's way is felt in every page and chapter of this book, as well as the heavy burden of mourning the loss of Dumbledore himself as his presence is still desperately missed for most of this book. As Hogwart's is overrun with death eaters and staff that are hellbent on torturing Mud Bloods and Killing Muggles, we find ourselves outside of the beloved school entirely wondering, waiting and moving location to location, until each and every horcrux is brutally discovered, tormentingly fought and ultimately destroyed maker the strong and nearly immortal Voldemort weaker and weaker and more volatile and dangerous as the end of each chapter comes to a close. As Halloween fast approached so did the profoundly spiritual message of the meaning of those who've always been there for us in life in entirety really hit home, I find myself much like Harry Potter himself, a victim of circumstance to which he had no control, abused and neglected by those family members that were supposed to adore and love him like their own, to growing up quite awkwardly and stupendously in circumstances that most in this world can never grasp much less survive. As Halloween approached and this final book came to a close a profound sense of peace, self-love and a courageous pat on one's own back was in store, as Harry Potter the boy who lived truly found a way to live life to the fullest, in spite of the scars, heart break and pain that life introduced him too to make him the voice for a generation, to inspire even the most frightened to fight back for the cause not just their own safety. To sacrifice comfort to ensure that we all can hopefully be comfortable. Made me want to personally find platform 9 3/4 myself to find those who helped me now realize that where we've come from truly is just a stepping stone in life to where we're going.
In Conclusion...
If you haven't already watched this series and devoured in by book form, I sincerely insist that you and your family snag a copy of the entire series as quickly as possible. Not only is there so much more rich tradition, history, spiritual and life lessons to be enjoyed but the very profoundly soul healing journey that awaits one and all in life is captured in this very series. From learning what death is and what immortality truly is, to acceptance, compassion, unity and trust, support, love and to never put one's self about another human being or animal or mysterious plant by far catapults not only every reader into a golden tomorrow, but the entire future of humanity continues to grow kinder, softer, and more understanding and if one book series and set of films can do that for this world, why not embrace the beauty and wisdom it can bring to your world and your life? It's truly worth more than it's weight in gold. As J.K. Rowling has given us more than a few nods as to where we'll find Harry Potter next, keep your eyes peeled on Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Parts I & II, for now they're arriving to the stage for those who want to see the future of this grand world, and rumor has it, it might end up being book 8 along with book 9 being her Steampunk Themed Adventure in the World of Harry Potter, as we all know this journey isn't over yet, it's just now begun!
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