The Wand-Lighting Charm
Incantation: Lumos
Pronunciation: ‘LOO-mos’
Wand Movement: “Single counter-clockwise loop”

One of the most important bits of magic for the aspiring witch or wizard to learn is the Wand-Lighting Charm. Useful in a wide range of activities, easy to pronounce and with a simple wand motion, this charm is one that every single witch or wizard should master and remember.

The first known use of the Wand-Lighting Charm was in the 18th century despite how easy it is to use. Magical historians credit Levina Monkstanley, a Ministry of Magic employee, for its invention. It was first demonstrated in 1772 when Ms. Monkstanley had dropped her quill on the ground and used the spell to find it.

Its uses far exceed simply lighting the tip of the wand. It can provide an easy and endless source of amusement for young witches and wizards who usually enjoy watching the color change. In government it makes for a safe and easy method for casting a vote. It can even be used to repel incorporeal threats such as the Gytrash (a vicious spectral hound) and other malevolent spirits. 

Depending upon the amount of charge (the amount of willpower you throw behind the spell) the light might change from a soft pearly white to a lemon-yellow (which indicates sufficient energy, or charge, has been applied), or even scarlet if the caster has put too much into it. It is also possible to modify the effect of the spell with additional incantation words, and these are detailed in different chapters of this text.