Order magic is a school of magic focused on laws, ethics, governance, and regimentation. It is one of the eight schools of magic recognized by the Ministry of Magic. But what exactly does order magic look like? What color is it associated with? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the color and nature of order magic.
The History of Order Magic
Order magic has long been associated with structure, rules, and organization. Its earliest known practices date back to ancient Egypt, where ritual magics were used to uphold ma’at – the fundamental order of the universe. The ancient Egyptians saw order as essential to a functioning society. Their order magics focused on maintaining justice, truth, and balance.
In Europe, order magic developed into a more formalized school of thought during the medieval era. Grimoires from that time feature spells focused on upholding laws, revealing criminals, enforcing oaths, and maintaining social order. The use of order magic was often sanctioned by nobility, courts, and religious authorities to regulate society.
As magic schools became more defined, order magic crystallized into an established academic discipline. In the 1800s, British Minister for Magic Ottaline Gambol established order magic classes at Hogwarts to teach students spells for tracking criminals and concealed magic. The Ministry of Magic created the Wizengamot court in part to oversee proper use of order magics.
While more liberal schools of magic tend to dominate today, order magic remains an important part of wizarding education and law enforcement. Its principles continue to influence magical governments and institutions globally.
The Color and Appearance of Order Magic
So what does order magic typically look like? The official color of order magic is turquoise. This cool tone represents balance, discipline, and structure.
When cast, order magic often manifests in the following ways:
- Glowing turquoise sigils, glyphs, or runes floating in the air
- Turquoise light streaming from the caster’s wand, hands, or eyes
- Objects outlined in shifting turquoise light when detected or influenced by order magic
- Turquoise mists or clouds billowing around targets
Order magic circles tend to feature meticulous patterns, perfect symmetry, and clean lines. The magic often has a very uniform, regimented feel and look.
Key Principles and Ethics
Order magic is guided by the following key principles:
- Structure – Order magic values clearly defined hierarchy, methodology, and ethical codes.
- Discipline – Rigorous self-control and adherence to rules is required.
- Judgment – Moral wisdom and impartiality are paramount when enforcing justice.
- Obedience – Duty and obligation to institutions and leadership is expected.
- Revelation – Truth, honesty, and transparency are compelled by order magic.
A properly trained order magic practitioner upholds justice ethically through established systems and laws. They focus more on revealing truth and reconciliation than on punitive justice.
Notable Spells and Abilities
Here are some of the most iconic order magic spells and abilities:
Revelio Spells
These spells compel truth and reveal that which is hidden. Examples include:
- Homenum Revelio – Reveals human presence.
- Aparecium – Reveals invisible ink.
- Specialis Revelio – Reveals enchantments.
Tracking Charms
Allow meticulous tracking of people, objects, or magic. Examples include:
- Homonculous Charm – Tracks subjects on a map.
- Tracking Spell – Traces magical signatures.
- Taboo Trace – Alarms when forbidden words are spoken.
Binding Spells
Limit actions through strict rules. Examples include:
- Incarcerous – Conjures ropes to bind target.
- Anti-Cheating Spell – Prevents cheating on exams.
- Imperturbable Charm – Seals objects against intrusion.
Judgment Spells
Reveal truth and mete out justice. Examples include:
- Veritaserum – Truth potion.
- Legilimens – Reads minds.
- Priori Incantatem – Reveals spell history of a wand.
Practitioners and Occupations
Here are some of the most common professions suited for order magic practitioners:
| Profession | Description |
|---|---|
| Auror | An elite dark wizard catcher who upholds magical law enforcement. |
| Inquisitor | Investigates breaches of magical law, often through covert ops. |
| Barrister | A wizarding world lawyer or judge. |
| Regulator | Creates, monitors, and enforces magical laws and regulations. |
| Ethicist | Analyzes ethics of magic use and recommends governance. |
Order magic requires intense memorization, self-discipline, and investigative skills. Practitioners exhibit strong attention to detail, patience, and moral integrity.
Everyday Uses
While order magic is essential for law enforcement, it also has many practical uses in daily life:
- Placing protection enchantments on homes or valuables.
- Magically sorting possessions and straightening clutter.
- Binding magical contracts and enchanting oaths.
- Marking items to prevent theft or loss.
- Enchanting planners, journals, and diaries for organization.
- Sprinkling revealing powder to uncover hidden messes.
Parents often use order spells to summon missing items, tidy rooms, or prevent children from sneaking out at night. The magic provides discipline, structure, and clarity in family life when applied judiciously.
Cultural Associations
Order magic is associated with the following symbols, objects, and values:
- The scales of justice
- Shining armor
- Perfect circles
- Uncluttered surfaces
- Turquoise robes
- Silver sickles
- Meticulous bookkeeping
- Polished wands
- Crowns signifying leadership
Its regimented nature is reflected in military marches, martial magic, and ceremonial magic rituals. Order practitioners value punctuality, honor, and moral wisdom.
Compatibility with Other Magics
Order magic complements discipline-focused schools like rune magic. It clashes with chaotic magics like divination and ritual magic. Compatibility with other schools includes:
| School | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Divination | Low – disorderly and subjective |
| Transfiguration | Moderate – adheres to stringent magical theory |
| Charms | High – requires consistency and precision |
| Ritual Magic | Low – guided by intuition over regulations |
A blend of order and protection magic makes a strong basis for warding and security enchantments. Combining order with potions provides attention to detail in brewing.
Dark Order Magic
Like any school of magic, order magic can be misused for evil ends. Dark order magic enforces oppressive laws, authoritarianism, and draconian judgments. Practitioners may abuse tracking and binding spells to control others. Truth serums and mind-reading run amok quickly turn unethical.
The most notorious dark order magic practitioner was British Minister for Magic Armando Dippet, who imposed a dictatorial regime on wizarding Britain in the early 1700s. He created the Conscribe Spell to brand conscripts as Wizarding Empire property.
Lord Voldemort also relied heavily on dark order magic, placing taboos on names to track enemies. His alteration of the Trace allowed persecuting Muggle-born wizards for supposed “thefts” of magic.
When order magic serves only the powerful and strips away freedom, dignity, and justice, its moral integrity crumbles. Checks and balances on authority must exist to prevent such abuses.
Conclusion
Order magic specializes in maintaining ethical laws and revealing hidden truths. Its distinctive turquoise glow reflects discipline, structure, and adherence to justice. While often associated with law enforcement, order magic has uses in education, politics, business, and family life.
In its highest form, order magic creates harmony between individual freedom and social order. But without moral guidance, its weapons of truth and control can inflict great harm. As with all magic, intention shapes outcome. Understanding order magic’s risks and potentials allows wielding its gifts wisely.