First Spell

First Spell is a family tradition focused around the first time a magically gifted child casts a spell. It usually happens when a child is 5 years old, but the exact timing may be different for everyone. In most cases preparations for the ceremony start shortly after the child is born and passes the Test of Magical Ability.

First Spell and child's development

Doctors, psychologists and scientists agree that casting the first spell around the 5th year of child's life is the best for their mental and magical development. There are known cases of people who had their First Spell around the ages of 7-8 years and later struggled with control of their abilities. Those people also reported increased feelings of isolation and loneliness when it came to contacts with other magically gifted kids.

People who cast their first spell earlier than age 5 usually become exceptionally talented magic users. However, it is not recommended to push children to cast before age 5 as they may lack the emotional control required for magic.

Current recommendations for parents is to not pressure their children into casting the first spell if the child is younger than 5 years old. If the child doesn't cast the first spell until the 6th year of their life parents should consider medical and psychological methods of encouraging their child to cast it.

Execution

In most cases the actual first time casting of a spell takes place in private. When the child is 5 years old parents give them a set of instructions for simple and harmless spells to learn. When the child succeeds in casting one of the spells the second part of the tradition begins. Parents organize a dinner for family and friends during which the child presents the spell. After that the child is shown, for the first time, the family spellbook. If the family uses an enchanted list to determine who has access to the spellbook the child's name is added to list during the dinner.

Components

Casting instructions for simple and harmless spells

Family Spellbook

Food and drinks

Participants

Child

Parents and any siblings

Grandparents

Other members of the family

Friends of the family

Observance

After the child casts their first spell. Usually some time after their 5th birthday