Now that we've discussed the importance of precision and accuracy when it comes to incantations, we can now focus on how language is connected to gesture and movement.

The theoretical connection between communication and movement is outlined in Motor Theory. Essentially, communication follows a pathway through several parts of the brain. Input is processed in the sensory cortex and the output is prepared in the motor cortex. Both these areas do a kind of "review" of the other to make sure they're functioning properly and this helps our language come out fluidly, smoothly and error-free.

When it comes to magic, we can assume spellcasting works in a much similar way where the magical energy is the input and the charm is the output. This means the sensory cortex and the motor cortex are involved in producing and reviewing the spell we intend to cast.

The motor cortex is responsible for coordinating several types of movement, from the way we move our tongue, our jaw and our lips to produce a speech sound. Similarly, it is in charge of moving our body, namely our fingers, hands and arms to perform gestures that convey meaning.

There are several movement types described in rudimentary charms that can be combined in many different ways and with different symbols (Refer Chapter 3 Orthography runes and Scripts) to produce effective charms. They are as follows:

• Flick - a short fast round movement


• Swish - a long fast round movement


• Jab - a short fast straight movement


• Slash - a long fast straight movement


• Circles - a repetitive round/circular motion

Do Spellcasting Gestures Always Need Wands?

You may have noticed that Deaf or non-verbal witches and wizards are able to conjure magic without the use of incantations. Despite non-verbal spellcasting being highly advanced, young witches and wizards are able to access this technique much earlier through the use of kinetic mediums.

Witches and Wizards were some of the earliest inventors of sign language, whether this was accidental or intentional is unknown. Movement of specific articulators, generally being the fingers and hands, seemed to carry out the same linguistic functions as the lips, tongue and jaw in spellcasting. Over time these gestures were organised into systemic patterns and are governed by the many of same principles we've previously discussed. Now gesture has become virtually inseparable from proper spellcasting form.

Gesture is essential to spellcasting and even moreso for Deaf witches and wizards. With a few simple modifications, Deaf witches and wizards can use modified signs with their dominant hand, while the non-dominant hand performs the wand movement. Modifications are like a personal short hand for witches and wizards of any ability, verbal or non-verbal. They are essentially stylistic variations, and do not hinder the ability to cast or conjure in any way. That being said, extensive changes may alter the meaning or intention of the charm and should be used with generous precaution.

If you are interested in practicing signed incantations, there are an infinite number of possibilities. I have collected some basic principles that may help you find the gesture or sign that works best for you.

Direction - The most important aspect of a signed incantation is the direction. (Upward, downward, left, right, towards, away) Whether you want the chair to come to you or fly out the window, be clear and decisive.

Open vs Close - Open hands tend to signify positive, welcoming and active magic wielding, while closed hands, arms or fists tend to be seen as more negative, passive or antisocial.

Soft vs Hard - Soft and gentle motions suggest light and airy actions with little intensity. Heavy handed signs would indicate the opposite. A good example of this could be the different flight charms; from soft and airy Wingardium Leviosa "Levitation charm" as opposed to the hard intense Rocket Asarade "The Rocket charm"

Circular vs Straight - Circular motion typically represents continually action or the passage of time. A straight or sharp gesture suggests an abrupt or immediate action. Keep this in mind when deciding how to work with static or dynamic spells.

Big vs Small - The bigger the sign or gesture, typically the greater or more powerful the incantation. This must not be confused with Will as your focused willpower is what makes the spell truly powerful. This attribute will simply make the distinction between a spell like Lumos, the "Wand-lighting Spell" and Lumos Solem, the "Sunlight Spell".

Pantomime - The last principle may seem silly but miming works 90% of the time. Imitate the appropriate agent, patient or object involved in the charm. Mimic the essential surfaces and surroundings to clearly identify your target. You'll thank me later.

Some sign languages require the use of both hands. In these cases, the wizard or witch may choose to forgo a wand or choose a different focal object to perform the spell. Such talismans may include jewelry like rings, necklaces, brooches or bracelets. It should be noted that magic only flows through living things, and while metal is a durable choice it will not conduct magic as fluidly and seamlessly as bone, hemp, shell or wood.

These alternatives have been found to be so effective that many cultures without access to wand wood trees have adopted similar spellcasting strategies, including specialised hand postures. One such place where this is found is India where the tradition of contemporary Yoga was founded. The Yoga Sutra in its entirety refers to 9 spiritual principles, one of which centres on the mind-body connection. This principle is extremely instructive as it informs our understanding of how magical energy may flow through the body. By combining our understanding of meaning told through movement, and the bodily flow of energy, we start to see our entire body as the focal object of our spellcasting.