How To Cast a Spell
Spell-casting involves several components. They require foci and are affected by method of delivery and emotional state of the caster. The focal components include the spell-word (verbal component) and casting materials (material component); also important is body movement (somatic component).
Spelling-cast components
VERBAL COMPONENT:
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL COMPONENT:
SOMATIC COMPONENT:
MATERIAL COMPONENTS:
- The richest part of spell-casting is certainly the verbal component. The spell-world signifies the spell's action. There is only one word, and it is particular to the spell. Because there are non-verbal components to spell-casting, merely saying the word does not trigger the spell. Typically spells have names which are not the spell-word. "Crucio" is the spell-word for the Cruciatus Curse; "Accio" is the spell-word for the Summoning Charm. It seems that advanced wizards such as Dumbeldore can eschew the verbal component for some spells, presumably because they have sufficiently trained themselves mentally and do not need to use a spoken word as a focus.
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL COMPONENT:
- As Harry learns in "The Prisoner of Azkaban," the Patronus Charm (spell word "Expecto Patronum") can only be properly cast when the caster is focused and filled with positive energy. Similarly, in "The Order of the Phoenix," Harry ineffectively casts the Cruciatus Curse on Bellatrix Lestrange, who laughs, "You've got to mean it," suggesting that although Harry was terribly angry and upset, his rage was unfocused and possibly diluted by hesitation and doubt about using an Unforgivable Curse. As the verbal component, Mental and emotional components are highly important when it comes to spell-casting as they decide the positive or negative outcome (via emotional state) of the spell-caster and it's opponent.
SOMATIC COMPONENT:
- "Swish and flick" is the motion Professor Flitwick teaches his students in the first movie. In a memorable scene, Hermione scolds Ron for shaking his wand in frustration, "You're going to put someones eye out." The motions associated with casting aren't usually described in the book, but in the movie charms are usually shown wih the swish-and-flick (sometimes a gentle twirling), but jinxes and curses are shown alternately with swish-and-flick, flicking, or pointing/thrusting.
MATERIAL COMPONENTS:
- The wand is the primary instrument and material focus of casting. It is through the wand that magic is channeled. Wizard and wand join together, and the wand is a magical extension of the wizard's magical being. Very advanced wizards such as Dumbeldore and Voldemort (and then Harry Potter through much practice and patience) seem to be able to perform.
The Language of Magic: Harry Potter Spell List
Incantation Type of spell/charm/curse Resulting Effect
Accio Charm Summons an object
Alohomora Charm Opens locked objects
Avifors Charm Turns small objects into birds
Crucio Curse Tortures opponent Unforgivable
Confundus Charm Used to confuse opponent
Densaugeo Spell Enlarges teeth
Expelliarmus Charm Disarms your opponent
Ferula Spell Creates bandages
Fidelius Charm Hides a secret within someone
Imperio Curse Controls a person Unforgivable
Mobilicorpus Spell Slows advancing objects
Reducto Spell Blasts solid objects aside
Sonorus Spell Amplifies voice
Stupefy Spell Knocks out opponent
Tarantallegra Spell Forces opponent to dance
Waddiwasi Spell Unsticks an object
Read endnote here
Incantation Type of spell/charm/curse Resulting Effect
Accio Charm Summons an object
Alohomora Charm Opens locked objects
Avifors Charm Turns small objects into birds
Crucio Curse Tortures opponent Unforgivable
Confundus Charm Used to confuse opponent
Densaugeo Spell Enlarges teeth
Expelliarmus Charm Disarms your opponent
Ferula Spell Creates bandages
Fidelius Charm Hides a secret within someone
Imperio Curse Controls a person Unforgivable
Mobilicorpus Spell Slows advancing objects
Reducto Spell Blasts solid objects aside
Sonorus Spell Amplifies voice
Stupefy Spell Knocks out opponent
Tarantallegra Spell Forces opponent to dance
Waddiwasi Spell Unsticks an object
Read endnote here