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Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Sanctuary: Aragog (Book 2, Chapter 15)
Season 2
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Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of sanctuary in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the power of silence, how Hagrid is a priest-like figure, and why spiders are so afraid of the Basilisk. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Are the most ordinary among us best suited to face life's greatest horrors?
This week's voicemail is thanks to Heather McDonald. Next week we’ll be reading chapter sixteen, The Chamber of Secrets, through the theme of grace.
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Harry Potter and the Sacred Text: Series Trailer
03:50Welcome to Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, a podcast by Not Sorry Productions!Learn more at https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/
Commitment: The Boy Who Lived (Book 1, Chapter 1)
25:16In the premiere episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, Casper and Vanessa talk about why they are starting this project and analyze the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through the theme of commitment.
Loneliness: The Vanishing Glass (Book 1, Chapter 2)
30:11Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loneliness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss the Dursleys' parenting choices, the significance of numbers, and the birthday blues. A small correction: In this week’s epsiode, Vanessa says that the letters for chai are יה (yud hay), when they are actually חי (chet yud).
Fear: The Letters From No One (Book 1, Chapter 3)
26:09Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of fear in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Vernon Dursley's illusion of control, the psychology of bullies, and climate change.
Generosity: The Keeper of the Keys (Book 1, Chapter 4)
25:43Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of generosity in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Casper demonstrates his excellent Hagrid impression and Vanessa addresses whether we can or should empathize with the Dursleys.
Being a Stranger: Diagon Alley (Book 1, Chapter 5)
28:50Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "being a stranger" in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss hefty ideas like consumerist culture in the wizarding world, Hagrid's status as an outsider, and mentorship.
Expectations: The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters (Book 1, Chapter 6)
25:17Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of expectations in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Harry and Ron's budding friendship, the unusual bravery of Scabbers the rat, and how our bodily practices relate to our spiritual experience.
Vulnerability: The Sorting Hat (Book 1, Chapter 7)
26:22Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of vulnerability in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss how Harry’s experience with the sorting hat teaches us to reclaim our own narratives after trauma, and extend blessings both to know-it-all Hermione and know-nothing Neville.*NB: Vanessa’s opening story is about sexual assault. If you want to skip it, the 30-second recap starts about 5 minutes into the episode. *
Promises: The Potions Master (Book 1, Chapter 8)
28:06Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv shows, Harry's reaction to his own fame, and Hermione's destiny to smash the patriarchy.