She researched actual occult practices and then put them in the book so as to be "accurate". For instance, the mixture of asphodel and wormwood - these substances are actually used in the production of hallucinogens etc. that are used in occult practice.
Do you think that this might tend to flavor the books?
How would i go about obtaining the needed Unicorns Horn for some of the "Spells?"
My favorite is the author of a book on spells named "Vlabatsky" in the book. An obvious anagram of H. P. Blavatsky
Oh really? Let's read what Rowling has to say about that:
And what of the controversy raised by some parents who worry the tale of a young wizard promotes witchcraft and the occult? Her answer is direct and unforgiving. "I absolutely did not start writing these books to encourage any child into witchcraft," she says with an uncomfortable chuckle. "I'm laughing slightly because to me, the idea is absurd."CNN, October 1999."I have met thousands of children now, and not even one time has a child come up to me and said, 'Ms. Rowling, I'm so glad I've read these books because now I want to be a witch.' They see it for what it is," she emphasized. "It is a fantasy world and they understand that completely.
"I don't believe in magic, either," she said.
I'd be interested in your source.