Muggles aren't welcome in shop which makes magic wands for real life witches and wizards. Photo / Getty Images
A shop which makes magic wands for real life witches and wizards has been blasted by Harry Potter fans for refusing to serve them.
The business, called Mystical Moments, is making a name for itself in the wizarding world by supplying wands to cast healing spells and charms for good luck.
But wand-maker Richard Carter says he is selling "spiritual tools" - not toys for young Muggles - and he is barring Hogwarts fans.
The wands can be used to draw protective circles to ward off dark forces while owners meditate, bring them money, and help them find love.
They can also be used to cure aches and pains and stress, speed a sick relative's recovery or wish for happiness, courage or physical strength.
Local mystic Mr Carter, 57, spends whole days standing at his lathe in a trance lovingly crafting each wand and anointing them with oil.
He says he does not know one end of a lathe from another and works while controlled by the spirits in his shop in Slaithwaite village, near Huddersfield.
He says all you need is faith in the product for it to work wonders - literally.
The wands are displayed in a secure cabinet. Magical folk need to visit the shop in person and are encouraged to choose the first wand which catches their eye and then pick it up to see if it feels right.
After making their purchase, the new owners perform a ritual involving burning incense and clasping both hands over the wand to "cleanse" it of the wand maker's energy.
This unlocks the power of the wand to the new owner who feels the energy flowing from the enchanted wood into their hands. Picking the wand up with the hand they write with, they can then use it to cast spells.
In the few months the shop has been open, sandwiched between a church charity shop and shabby chic store on the village's high street, it has attracted sorcerers from all over the country.
But Richard says he only wants to attract true believers in magic and can detect Hogwarts fans wanting his wands for their collections of memorabilia by their aura.
He said: "JK Rowling has obviously done her research but Harry Potter is for children. It has done nothing for business.
"You wouldn't believe how many real witches and wizards there are knocking about. You would be amazed. They know they can come here in reveal themselves without people thinking they're mental.
"I don't have customers who have been Harry Potterfied. If I had someone come in wanting a wand just because they liked Harry Potter I would not sell them one, not matter how much money they were offering.
"I can tell what people are like when they walk in by their aura." He would also spot dark wizards and witches the same way and will not sell wands to those wanting to hex other people or perform curses.
Former textile worker Mr Carter, opened the shop in April with partner and fellow spiritualist Jackie Restall, 43.
He claims he does not make a penny out of the wands, costing £15 to £25, which he uses to spread the spiritual message.
Different types of wood give each wand different magical properties - oak for strength and courage, yew for those seeking immortality and rebirth, sweet chestnut for love and healing, elm for balance and calm, sycamore for boosting feminine intuition, and mahogany for spiritual growth.
He says: "I have no training in woodwork. I use spiritual guidance and don't know how any of the wands will turn out. All you need for them to work is faith."
Jackie said: "Personally, I'm a big Harry Potter fan but I'm afraid it is just about escapism so I respect Richard's views."
Zak Cohen, 20, President of York University Potter fan club, the HP Muggle Society, said: "I don't know what our members will make of this.
"My personal view is it's a bit weird to say the least. I can understand they don't want it treated as a joke.
"But I did not think it was allowed for a shop to say they won't sell things to a specific group of people.
"If they sold to Harry Potter fans, rather than just equipping real witches and wizards, they would sell loads more wands and we wouldn't treat them like toys."
GP Taylor, the former Yorkshire vicar turned fantasy author, said: "Magic wands do work by being a focus for your inner desires and powers.
"But I think this is terrible. Harry Potter fans should be served. They are going crazy over the Cursed Child and need their wands. It is discrimination against Potter fans. They should go to court for justice. "
Local Potter fan Mariella May, 21, said: "It is so stupid. It is like McDonald's refusing to sell happy meals to sad people. They could be selling thousands of wands if they weren't so snobbish. Nearly every young person is a Harry Potter fan."