Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Familiarity in chapter thirty of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we really pick apart Hagrid’s decision to ask the kids to take care of Grawp. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When does familiarity keep us from seeing the dangers around us? Thanks to Tess Schleitwiler for this week's voicemail! Next week Vanessa will be joined by Professor Matt Potts to talk about the apocalypse and answer some Owl Post.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Revenge in chapter twenty-nine of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss the tension between Umbridge and Mcgonagall, the brilliance of Fred and George, and Harry’s dream to be an Auror. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we dissipate our need for revenge? Thanks to Kat Zdan for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty, Grawp, through the theme of familiarity.

It’s Vanessa’s turn to bless a female character of Harry Potter, and she’s chosen to bless Ginny for her trauma at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Ariana invents a game about youngest members of famous groups.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “entitlement" in chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we come to you live from our San Francisco show. We discuss Umbridge’s relationship to her own authority, Snape’s shame over insulting Lily, and the healing power of tea. We were so very lucky to have Tara-Nicholle Nelson of SoulTour join us, with a story about her tonsils and our own worthiness. Next week we're reading Chapter 29, Career Advice, through the theme of revenge. Thanks to everyone who came out to the California shows!

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Hate in chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss Umbridge’s hate of non-human creatures, Harry’s relationship to Draco, and Dobby’s attempts at self-harm. Throughout the episode they consider the question: what do the things we hate mean about ourselves? Thanks to Shannon Budelman for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-eight, Snape’s Worst Memory, through the theme of Entitlement live from San Francisco. NB: During this week’s episode, Casper tells a story about self-harm and Vanessa tells a story about assault. If you’d like to skip those topics, our spiritual practice starts around minute 26.