Harry Potter Magic in Salem

House scarves at Remember Salem

I have mixed emotions about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.  I was really sad when I finished reading Book 7, and I feel somewhat the same about the conclusion of the films.  I've enjoyed watching Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the cast grow up on screen, and I really would like to know how Harry transitions from such an adventurous adolescence into a mild-mannered adulthood. Visions of The Incredibles come to mind, but that's a bit of a cinematic mixed-metaphor, isn't it?

Fortunately, I think the second most magical place to Hogsmeade is Salem.  And some of the best shopping for magical gifts - be they fictitious or real - this side of Diagon Alley is right here.

So, go see HP7 at Cinema Salem, and then walk the streets of Salem and find everything from official, licensed Harry Potter clothing and equipment to locally made spells, wands, hats and more.

Brooms at Hex

At Remember Salem on Essex Street, you will find one of the largest selections of Harry Potter gifts anywhere.  They are one of only three Harry Potter-themed shops in America, and a must for muggles and wizards alike.  I particularly like their "Salem Muggle" t-shirts.

The Trolley Depot at 191 Essex Street, you can buy your House ties, Head Boy pins, and Quidditch goggles.

Stop by Hex at 246 Essex Street for brooms, spells, and candles to put you in a magical mood, or Crow Haven Corner at 125 Essex Street for hats, spell kits and mojo bags.

Wherever you turn, you'll find a bit of magic in Salem.  Let me know if you find a Maurauders' Map, though.  That could come in handy.

What does Charlie Sheen have to do with Salem?

He hasn't visited - at least not to my knowledge - but Charlie Sheen is making waves in the Salem business community.  Or members of the Salem business community are making waves in Charlie Sheen's media wake.  Either way, Salem has found itself in the Sheen media frenzy.

Here's the Fox News spot featuring Salem Witches Christian Day, Lori Bruno, and Lorelei:  (Click here if the video is not appearing below.) 

Charlie Sheen offends Salem warlocks: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Listen to Christian Day talk about Witchcraft and Salem on Boston station WZLX by clicking here.

Salem is a traditional New England seaport with a twist. Only in Salem can you explore a replica 1797 East Indiaman tall ship, see a presentation about the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, visit an 18th-century Chinese house, have a psychic reading, pick up the newest French Dressing jeans, and eat an awesome burrito.  In one day.  A key part of this eclectic nature is our Witch shops. 

If the coverage of Christian, Lori, and Laureli makes you curious about the Salem Witch community and Witchcraft, I encourage you to visit their stores.  Hex and Crow Haven Corner (125 Essex Street) are shops that feature books, candles, and spells, and they feature people who are knowledgeable about Witchcraft.  These are just two of Salem's witch shops.  Artemisia Botanicals and Nu Aeon on Pickering Wharf  will give you a different sense of Pagan traditions.  You will also find reference books and information, at Pyramid Books on Derby Street.

Like any religion, there are different ways to practice and interpret Witchcraft and Wicca, but they all have their roots in pre-Christianity Celtic Pagan traditions.  The Salem Witch Museum provides an excellent explanation of the word, "Witch," and its interpretations through history. 

As far as I know, Salem's witch community is no larger or smaller than that of other cities and towns. However, with our Witch shops, members of Salem's Witch community are an obvious piece of our fabric, providing an opportunity for education (as well as shopping - there's no harm in lighting a candle for love or money or a new job!).

We do expect Charlie Sheen to visit Salem - on Halloween.  I would wager we'll see more Charlie Sheen costumes than witch costumes come October.

Salem Witches Lori Bruno and Christian Day featured in the Wall Street Journal

Here's a new take on the Salem Witch Community! The Wall Street Journal featured Lori Bruno and Christian Day, both of Hex, in an article about cleansing - also known as smudging - houses for sale.