A real life school for aspiring wizards and witches is expanding – thanks to a flood of new students inspired by the latest and final Harry Potter movie. When IT expert Andreas Starchel became Grand Wizard Dakaneth to open the International School for Witches and Wizards in 2003 locals laughed. But the subsequent flood of recruits from all over the world has made him a wealthy – and famous man – and the number of courses is expanding again.
Pupils learn astrology, potion-making and the history of magic, the channeling of magical energy, fortune telling, herbology, healing with magic and potions – with a special emphasis on love. The real-life Hogwarts, in Klagenfurt, in southern Austria, is expanding both its range of courses and its teaching staff. “Wizardry is very close to nature and is in no way a form of religion,” said Starchel.
“The school’s aim is to pass on witches’ and wizards’ ancestral knowledge from the druidic tradition which is gradually being forgotten.” And in a tribute to the books that have ensured they are on the map permanently, the study looks at the mythology behind the creation of Harry Potter and the influence the books have had on people. Students take a seven-semester course in “all things related to witchcraft and wizardry by scientific methods” to earn their ‘Veneficus Certificate’.
The school has faced criticism, from people who say the study of magic is the work of the devil. But Mr Starchel insists, “Druids could be described as all-round wise men, more in tune with nature than the devil, which is how most people seem to see us. Witches and druids are always considered as evil thanks to the church. But Harry Potter has put a change to that.”
