The current population of wizards and witches in the United States is roughly 8-10 million. However, the way you find your magic might tell a lot about who you are. Do you keep it to yourself? Or do you show off? Some people use their powers at work (or play), while others prefer to keep theirs for personal reasons or family matters. It should come as no surprise that many children will try their hand at magic whether it’s due to outside pressure from parents or their peers, but this may not be an accurate depiction of who they really are, and neither does it figure into how powerful they can become.
If we take a look back into our history we can see what type of wizard or witch someone truly is. In the last 100 years, wizards and witches have been categorized by how they find their magic, what kind of spells they cast, and whether or not they choose to share it with others.
The categories are as follows:
a. Keeps Magic in a Bottle
Found when a witch or wizard is born from non-magical parents in which case their wand may be locked away to avoid detection. These people tend to use potions and spells for personal gain rather than public display, sometimes resorting to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who keep magic bottled up use such means). There has recently been an increase of these types due to the risk associated with having your family burned at the stake for practicing magic.
b. Thinks Magic is a Gift
This individual will be given their wand after it has been “chosen” by them, which oftentimes means an emotional event or some form of hardship where they realize they can overcome it with magic. These people tend to use their magic for good and will share it with those who need it.
c. Thinks Magic is a Hobby
These people come from magical parents but find themselves less interested in developing their skills as they get older, often choosing to hide their wand or not even acknowledging the presence of such an item. Like those in Keeps Magic In A Bottle, these people may resort to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who think magic is a hobby will use such means). This category has been increasing due to a lack of interest.
d. Likes Showing Off
Much like a circus performer, these wizards and witches enjoy using magic around others so they can feel special since without the audience they are nothing more than a healer or a repairman. These people tend to use their magic for good but will show off from time to time if an audience is present, however, they are more likely to resort to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who like showing off will use such means).
e. Loves Magic
These people have been brought up in magical families and know nothing else. They may be unaware of the outside world due to being kept away from it or being told that going out into Muggle territory is dangerous, which is oftentimes. Like those in Keeps Magic In A Bottle, these people may resort to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who love magic will use such means). This category has been increasing due to a lack of interest.
f. Loves Magic, Does Not Want To Use It
These people are often brought up in magical families but for some reason or another they refuse to learn how to master their skills, whether it’s out of fear of being discovered by Muggles or just because the person does not think they’re good at it.
g. Uses Magic For Work
These people have always known how to use their magic, oftentimes even using it to pay the bills. These people tend to be referred to as “wizards”, which explains why there are more of them than any other type. It is thought that this category was mislabeled since they seem to be a combination of Likes Showing Off and Loves Magic. This category has been increasing due to a lack of interest.
h. Uses Magic For Work, Does Not Want To Use It
Same as Uses Magic For Work but with a difference in opinion as these people would rather not use their magic at all because who knows what kind of mess that might get into. These people also know how to manage their skills fairly well and will only cast spells on those they deem worthy enough (which isn’t a lot of people). This category has been increasing due to a lack of interest.
i. Does Not Use Magic
These people either do not have the ability to use magic or they refuse to use it because they think those with magical powers are freaks that should be locked up in asylums where they belong. These people will often pretend as if everything is normal, sometimes even going as far as denying their heritage and instead choosing another lifestyle altogether. As for those who actually do have the ability, most of them resort to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who do not use magic will use such means). This category has been increasing due to persecution.
j. Uses Magic For Personal Gain
Unlike those who fall into category d. these people do not mind using their skills for personal gain and even business, however, they will keep it to themselves rather than showing off in front of an audience. As for those who find themselves unable to resist the urge to show off, most of them resort to dark arts if needed (though this does not mean all who use magic for personal gain will use such means). This category has been increasing due to lack of interest & persecution.
Conclusion
The wizarding world is a bit more complicated than you might think. There are many different types of wizards and witches with various thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make them unique from one another. The more a person knows about the stereotype that describes them, the less likely it is for said person to fall into another category entirely. You don’t have to be just one thing and if anything you should embrace your magic so long as you do not bring harm upon anyone else. Another important aspect to remember is that magic can be used for good or for evil, just like any other power. It is up to each individual to make the choice to use their abilities for the betterment of the world. At the end of the day, everyone has the potential to be a wizard or superhero in their own right, it’s just a matter of how they choose to wield their magic. So, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your own values, and never be afraid to let your inner magic shine.
