Ascension Day

One might say it is often hard to defend a wizard's hubris.  That is tenfold when they trade terms like 'graduation' for 'ascension.' 
In the world of wizard academia, the grueling commitment of oneself to studies and practice of the arcane is not always met with the promise of ascension. Ascension is earned.  This was true before the Penta Caelum was founded, but is now even more strict with the emergence of so many new, talented, individuals.   
Those who have failed to ascend will claim that it is politics and favoritism vs talent and ability.  They are not entirely wrong.  They are not also entirely correct. You see, ascension is more than a title.  Ascension is acknowledgement that you belong among the elite.  Ascension is mainly access to information, information that is forbidden to those not yet qualified.  This information is what allows wizards to study beyond the level that of which is deemed 'safe' by those who control the information.  Once a wizard has ascended he is allowed to practice wielding arcane spells of much greater consequence. His or her station is elevated as a result, but their responsibility and accountability is raised in parallel. While the greatest of texts and knowledge is reserved for those at the level of the Penta Caelum, of which there are very few outside the Penta Caelum itself, even the ascended are a tier below the pinnacle of wizardry.
Ascension Day used to just be the celebration and recognition of these chosen elite and their rise to the upper ranks.  Now, it has new meaning. Fewer wizards are ascended than ever before, but those who do ascend have their arclets removed, giving them freedom to cast magic without being tracked. This is a leap of faith from the Penta Caelum, so the chosen few are selected for good reason.  Or not...