First Focus

All mages must craft a Focus in order to be considered an adult in the Talented World and in order to work complex and difficult magic. In Western cultures, this First Focus is revealed on the mage's thirteenth year and is a rite of passage to adulthood. In the United States, the First Focus ceremony is generally performed on the young mage's thirteenth birthday.
No matter what the culture, family and friends gather for a party to celebrate the revelation of the First Focus. In the United States, this is a birthday party, with all the typical birthday traditions, such as cakes and presents. This may also be part of a religious ceremony, depending on the culture or the mage's family. If there is a large party, where some guests do not have The Talent, the mage and his or her Talented family and friends may opt for a private ceremony before the main party, or have a separate occasion.
Before food is served, the young mage is called before the assembled guests and must present his or her new Focus. Then he or she must use the Focus to perform a short ritual or spell of some sort. The type of ritual or spell varies by culture and individual, but typical displays include fireworks, plant growth, or an impressive illusion. Certain types of spells, such as scrying or the creation of magical object, are generally discouraged as time consuming or invasive.

Components and tools

All First Focus ceremonies require a Focus. Some require other specialized materials and equipment, or a ritual space.

Observance

Observance of this custom varies by culture, region, and ethnicity. Latin American boys and girls often present their First Focus at age fifteen. Jewish children can incorporate their First Focus ceremony into the bar or bat mitzvah, and some Christian denominations celebrate the First Focus with Confirmation.