CHRM-101 Journal
written by Sofia Winter
This journal is a record of my thoughts and observations during class and while I practice the charms I have presented.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
6
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633
Lesson 1: Introduction to Charms
Chapter 1
This journal is a record of my thoughts and observations during class and while I practice the charms we have presented.
Introduction:
Charms is an introduction to spellcasting in general.The basics of spellcasting including the importance of pronouncing a spell correctly and practicing wand movements as well as casting basic charms.
Brief History and Essential Laws:
~In ancient times, magic was practiced much more openly and freely than it is today.
~The first instances of dedicated wand making lies with the Ollivander family, who have been making wands since 382 B.C.E.
~Beginning around 1000 C.E, the Wizarding World began separating from Muggles, and for approximately 400 years (from 1000 C.E. to around 1400 C.E.) was ruled by the Council of Warlocks.
~In the 1400s, various magical governments were established based on ethnic and cultural values as well as location. We see this even today with a separate Ministry of Magic in most countries.
~Witches and Wizards were persecuted throughout the 1600s with such instances as the witch burnings, though these proved ineffective thanks to Flame-Freezing Charms.
~These handy little charms could be cast on the flames burning a witch to make them do nothing more than tickle the witch in question. She would then writhe in agony, pretending to burn, and voila! She was safe. These problems culminated in the introduction of the International Statute of Secrecy in 1689.
~The law was created to protect the magical and non-magical communities from each other, for when the witch trials began to wane, witches and wizards were seeking revenge on the Muggles who tried to oppress them.
~Each government became responsible for hiding all evidence of magical activity within their borders, including the magical flora and fauna (plants and animals) of the Wizarding World
~Over the centuries, magic has become the stuff of legend for Muggles.
~Anyone under the age of 17 falls within the guidelines of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery established in 1875.
~No student is allowed to practice magic outside of school.
~Now the Ministry is able to distinguish between Muggle and magical homes where the Trace is concerned.
~Therefore, all magic used in this home is considered to be cast by the underage witch or wizard and must be illegal.
The Discovery of Wands:
~Magic was not always formally taught or controlled. The sort of uncontrolled bursts of magic that young magical folk are prone to were the norm several millennia ago before wizards and witches were able to focus and control their powers.
~Instead of randomly causing something to vanish when they were angry, they could instead make it happen by using their focusing item. Eventually, the most effective of foci, the modern wand, was created.
~A wooden shaft containing a core from a powerful magical creature, the wand allows us to focus and channel our power to achieve the desired result. These wands are much more advanced and focus than their predecessors. Now, witches and wizards can spend less time worrying that their wand will explode and more time experimenting with different spells and gestures.
The Wand-Lighting Charm:
~This simple spell will allow you to illuminate the tip of your wand. It is one of the easiest spells to master, useful whenever you need light, and makes for some good spellcasting practice.
~Now, the first known use of the Wand-Lighting Charm was in the 18th century,and was first demonstrated in 1772.
Incantation: Lumos (pronounced ‘LOO-mos’)
Wand Movement: Single counter-clockwise loop
Willpower: Low; determines the color of the light
Concentration: Low; lighting up the top of your wand
You should keep the wand movement in mind and don't put too much willpower, or mental push, into the spell or the tip of your wand will turn scarlet. Too little and it will be a pearly white. You should aim for a nice light yellow, which indicates sufficient effort.
The Wand-Extinguishing Charm:
~This spell has a singular purpose, and that is to counter the Wand-Lighting Charm.
Incantation: Nox (pronounced ‘NOCK-ss’)
Wand Movement: Flick of the wand
Willpower: None
Concentration: None
The Wand-Extinguishing Charm can be quickly cast and its effect is immediate. There is no harm of backlash, making it as safe as the charm it counters.
