The Responsible Wizards Guide to Magic

The Responsible Wizard's Guide to Magic
Foreword
Whilst there are many schools of magic and paths of knowledge that may be followed, most can be categorised according to the nature of which energies they use to accomplish their purpose. All magic comes from a source; a source that must be harnessed and controlled, formed and shaped, manipulated and tuned. Without the further prattle of some teachers and instructors that love the sound of their own voice over the importance of mystical knowledge, let us glance over the paths of magic and their sources.
Elemental Magic I cannot think of a better place to start than with Elemental Magic when speaking about the sources of magical energies. Elemental magic is derived from one or more of the five elements, being fire, water, earth and air, and the fifth, being that of the Void. These are akin to the five forms of matter, being solid, liquid, vapour and plasma and the fifth null state, that being of anti-matter, but it is vital to understand the difference between elements and forms. Where the element is the source of the energy, the form defines it. For example, the element of water may take the form of a solid, as in ice; a liquid as in water that may be carried in a leather skin to drink or as a vapour, such as steam. Let us take a closer look at each element.
The Void Not only is the Void the very absence of any of the other four elements, but it can also be seen as the source to negate those elements, or even the encompasing space in which the other elements exist. The void may have the power to consume, but it is also the source of incredible physical force, granting the power needed for transformation or manipulation of matter and energy. Some may say that this is the true source of all magic, as manipulation of the other elements would be impossible without it. The void is a place and no place. It exists and it does not exist. It is the fabric that binds the universe together, but can never be touched. A wizard draws power from the void by knowing how to connect to it, how to access it, first through inner meditation and focus, and later through a combination of focus, sounds, gestures and geometry. The Void is limitless and unending, as is its power.
Focus At the very beginning of the journey into magic, there lies the ability to focus. As stated earlier, contact with the Void allows manipulation of those energies which are at the core of everything around us. Thus it is the very first place to begin trainging the focus that is vital to achieve any understanding of magical energies at all. Every meditation begins on first focussing on the self through breathing. This allows the mind to initially relax and be receptive to the stimulus, or lack thereof, at hand. In order to connect with the Void, one must empty one's mind of all thought - all the daily noise that surrounds us. We must set our mind at rest. This is much more difficult than it sounds. The mind does not wish to rest for fear of becoming redundant. This is where Focus finds the path, by directing attention to the rythmic patterns of the body. Heartbeat and breathing. Strangely enough, it is in these two simple things that Focus may be achieved perhaps faster than other methods. Once true Focus has been achieved, the Void opens up to the mind. Time becomes a trivial thing and knowledge, inspiration and creativity are very much accessible. With practice, it is in these newly availble engergies that we begin to understand the universe around us and begin to harness the arcane. It may be seen that even matter itself is of a higher or lower energy vibration of particles, and this is indeed true of the states of matter, where solids have low vibrations, liquids mild vibrations and vapours comparatively high vibrations. The first lessons are those of the five elements, all achieved through meditations and Focus as the mind connects to the Void. As when starting out with meditations, it is important to assume a comfortable stance, whether sitting or standing, and preferably have little or no interruptions. In time, an apprentice wizard must master the ability to Focus not just within hours, or minutes, but instantly be able to set his or her mind to access the Void in order to draw the energies needed to create magic.
Void Meditation It is best, although not completely necessary, that a place be set up that is devoid of distraction of the senses, be that in a dark and silent room, or even that of a device filled with warm water in which to float, sealing off all touch as well as sight and sound. For the time being, begin by assuming a comfortable position and concentrate firstly on breathing until it is noticeable that the heart rate has dropped. When the body has relaxed, begin the process of relaxing the mind. Observe the thoughts passing through your mind and gently move them on until you experience a small gap between two thoughts where there is no thought. Focus gently in those gaps, making them last longer and longer until no more thoughts remain. In this moment you will empty your mind and contact the Void, a place of emptiness, and will also understand that it is no place, because it is empty. Realise that the Void is connected to everything and through it, everything is connected.
Fire It is of little wonder that many myths and legends surround our attainment of control of this element, for we would surely still be but simple beasts without the use of fire to warm our homes, cook our food or give us light in the darkness; but let us now look to its machination. For fire to exist, it needs to eat, to consume; it needs food. Fire also needs to breathe, and shall surely suffocate without air. Fire also needs initial heat, which we all know can best be caused with friction, although there are other alchemical ways to induce heat into objects. It must also be stated that fire can be extremely dangerous and difficult to control whether magically summoned or otherwise. It is said that a living Pyromancer never plays.
Fire Meditation Prepare a place that is out of the wind, dark and preferably silent. Set up a candle and ignite it. Assume a comfortable position and concentrate firstly on breathing until it is noticeable that the heart rate has dropped. When the body has relaxed, stare into the base of the candle flame and observe the way it burns. Become aware of the intake of oxygen, as you, yourself also intake oxygen to remain alive. Become aware of the need for the flame's fuel. As it needs the wax or tallow for food, so you also need food to remain alive. Become aware of the flame's need for heat, as you too need warmth to survive. Consider the warmth that the world needs from the sun. Consider the sun an immense source of fire. Return your thoughts to the emptiness of the base of the flame and still your mind in an emptiness likewise. Realise that within the emptiness is also contact with the Void. Repeat the meditation till the candle burns low, or out completely.
This meditation may also be done with an open fire, where the coals and heat may be observed on a greater level as kindling and logs are slowly consumed. Staring into an open fire can clear the mind and open it to the beautiful, yet dangerous nature of fire.
Alchemical Fire Preparation Fire burns. The body does it's very best to convince the mind to force reaction to this state, but a wizard must control both mind and body. To practice for fire manipulation we may use alchemy. Crush chillis in a mortar using a pestle until they become a fine paste, then liberally take the paste in the hands and rubs them together as if using soap to cleanse. The properties of the chillis shall act as a fire on the skin and it is with this heat that one may train the mind to become accustomed to a fire that does not truly burn with flame and so can be tamed.
Water Water is life. Without this element, no life could survive, not plants, not beasts, nothing. So vital to life it is that it demands our greatest respect. To understand the power of water is also to understand incredible force, transformation, patience, flow and also stillness. It is to understand pressure as well as lightness and also the importance of reflection. I have known Hydromancers to not only be knowledgeable, but also wise.
Water Meditation Prepare a place with warmth and suitable light, even if it be by candle, and a clean platter upon which is placed a piece of ice. Assume a comfortable position and concentrate firstly on breathing until it is noticeable that the heart rate has dropped. When the body has relaxed, observe the piece of ice and how it may have been formed from the water. Become aware of it's shape and form, as water also defines your own shape and form. As the ice begins to melt, become aware of the fluidity of movement given to your own body. Become aware of how it begins to flow as it melts, as your mind may also let go of rigid beliefs and become fluid. Become aware of the reflection in the water, as you also reflect on events of the past realising that all changes, just a s the ice changes to become fluid water. Let go the things in your mind that are solid and let all flow live water. Realise in this moment that when all is let go, the Void is the place of absorption of all that is let go, and therefore is no place at all. Repeat the meditation till the ice is completely melted. Other meditations on water may be done with a chalice of water or even wine, at ponds and lakes, waterfalls, streams, rivers and the ocean, and even in the rain, each with different forces and power to be observed and understood.
Alchemical Water Preparation There can be many adaptations for alchemical preparations, but let us start with the most simple. Under a small waterfall, or even any place that diverts the rain, hold out your arm to catch the flow of water. Close the eyes and focus only on the feeling of water as it cascades down the forearm and over and through the fingers. Relax the minds as if the water has no source but from the Void, cascading directly over your skin.
Earth Stability and providence. Without the earth and rock we stand on and cultivate, we could not exist. Soil, stone, precious gems, metals and ores – these are but few of the gifts of earth. Seek the secrets of immovability, growth and alchemy within the earth. A Geomancer may become powerful enough to shake the very ground strongly enough to take down a mountain.
Earth Meditation Prepare a place with suitable light, preferably silent, and a clean piece of crystal quartz. Assume a comfortable position and concentrate firstly on breathing until it is noticeable that the heart rate has dropped. When the body has relaxed, observe the quartz in the light and become aware of it's physical shape, as you also have the shape of your physical body. Become aware of the crystal in it's solid form and the time it had taken to form, just as you have taken time to form. Observe the material of the crystal and the forms with in it, becoming aware of it's clarity, as your mind also gains clarity through being stationary. Realise that in the moment of stillness there is clarity in the Void. Repeat the meditation as long as you wish. Other Earth meditations can include all mater of stones and crystals, gems and metals, wood and soil. Rockfaces, cave formations, gorges and mountains all have so much to consider and discover.
Alchemical Earth Preparation Thgere is much to be gained from the simplicity of touch when it comes to Earth, but it is most important to feel connected to it. This can be achieves by sinking one's hands or feet into sand, once again with eyes closed. Lift up the grains and let them flow over the skin. Imagine how many there are. Repeat the exercise with soil, mud, pebbles, both round and sharp, both hard and soft. Sit upon the ground and experince the gravity. Become a part of it. Become the mountain immovable.
Air How long may you hold your breath? Give it a try. How we gasp after only a few moments. So vital to our existence is this element. With strength and power to uproot trees, wear down mountains and level buildings, the element of air must be given great respect. It is a very common trait that from the beginning of their embarkation on the path of this devotion, all Aeromancers wish to fly.
Air Meditation Prepare a place that is out of the wind, dimly lit and preferably silent. Set up a large stick of incense and ignite it. Assume a comfortable position and concentrate firstly on breathing until it is noticeable that the heart rate has dropped. When the body has relaxed, observe the smoke that curls up from the incense, how it the air makes it dance. Become aware of the invisibility of the air through the smoke that you can see, as your own mind and spirit is also invisible and cannot be seen. Become aware of the care-free nature of the smoke as it strives heaven-ward, and become yourself care-free, leaving behind all matters of the mind. Become aware of how the smoke begins to dissipate, becoming one with the rest of the air around, as your mind begins to also dissipate, connecting with all that is around. Realise in that moment that all is connected with the Void, yourself included. Repeat the meditation till the incense expires. Other air meditations can be performed outside in the breeze, observing the gentle push against the leaves or in the dancing of a dandelion's floating seed, or in stronger winds and gales and even the rage of a storm. Listen to the sounds of the air and understand it's voices.
Alchemical Air Preparation The easiest and most readily practical way to experience the physical element of air is certainly, to breathe. The second is to be outside in the wind. With closed eyes, simply stand in the wind and feel the force upon you. Place your arms, hands and fingers out about your and feel the wind pass through. Go out into the storm and feel the power that may uproot trees, tear apart houses or form a vortex wrenching all from ground to sky.


Mentalism
The very core of spell casting relies on the initial contact with the Void. This is done by first gaining control over the mind. This is initially done through meditation, wherein the goal is to silence the active conscience; to cease “thinking” as it were. When the mind is finally silent, one may establish contact with the Void. This action is in no way easy and takes much repeated practice to master. The mind does not wish to be silent, perhaps fearing that it may no longer be needed. In this way you must master your fear. Once contact with the Void has been made, new understanding will become available to you and with this understanding, you will gradually learn how to focus and control energies in the Void to alter and shape the world around you.
Telekenesis One of the first skills available to be learned when accessing the Void is how to manipulate forces. This comes with mental practice and above all, focus. By concentrating on altering the existing forces in and around an object, we become able to manipulate and alter that force, whether it be changing pressure, density or motion. In this way we are able to apply those changes shatter or crush an object, to create shields of force by altering the density of the air around us as if in a bubble, or to move objects through space against the pull of gravity or even transform an object into another by rearranging its particles.
Telepathy A particularly useful use of Mentalism is when it is used as a method of communication. It is possible to locate another mind through the Void as all things are connected to it, although this takes great practice and skill, as the subjects may vary greatly in their receptiveness. Some have minds that are weak or dull and may be easily fooled by mental suggestions, concerning thought, sound, smell, touch or even sight which are the basis for Hypnosis and Illusions.
Great care must be taken with Mentalism as it can be dangerous and deadly if mismanaged. Mishandled acts of Telekenesis can have accidental and devastating results and the botched acts of Telepathy can render the mind irreparably damaged.





Enchantments
Enchantments cover the binding of magic to items and living things. Although enchantments and Illusions have a good deal of common ground when it comes to glamours and disguises, Enchantments are generally of a more permanent nature. Almost akin to weaving, magical energies gathered from their appropriate sources are tied and bound to the host to serve their purpose.
Imbuing Items No magical object may be constructed without first allowing it to absorb the energies channelled by the magician, whether the effect is to be permanent or temporary. Imbuing a staff or a wand with spells is an excellent way to store them for later and instant use. Infusing a pebble with the essence of fire, be it only temporary completely changes it's abilities as a missile. It may also be noted that certain materials are easier to imbue than others and that an Enchanter must suit the object to the nature of the magic with which it is to be melded.
Signs, Glyphs and Runes In the same way that items may be enchanted to hold and store magic, signs, glyphs and runes may also be empowered, even though they may be written with chalk, ink, blood, etched, painted or simply drawn in the air. A portal can only be created with the use of these, and the uses for magic circles are vast. It is worth mentioning that placing a rune on an object is not the same as imbuing it and therefore turning it into a magical item, as it is the rune itself that has the magic bound to it.
Transformations Whilst Illusions make use of magic that may fool the senses into perceiving something that is other than is genuine, such as a glamour to change the appearance of the face, for example, Enchantments actually rearrange the physical. The same is true for objects, as they may be transformed into other object by the rearrangement and alteration of their material state. Because of this, it should be no surprise that the new object would be of similar size unless other materials are combined. When reversing the effect, it is pertinent to know that the original item has a “matter memory” and will revert to that form if the enchantment that transformed it is undone. Evocation and Summoning
The Void is a place and it is also no place. It connects all other realms and planes of existence and through it all manner of creatures and beings may be contacted and commanded. This is not without great risk, however, as incredible willpower is required in order to mentally dominate and channel the energies for such transfer, especially on unwilling targets. There is also great risk for those new to using the power of the Void to travel between spaces as becoming lost is most likely to land them in permanent peril.
Creating a Rift First and foremost it is important to understand that all places are connected to the Void, but they are not simply readily accessible to the novice. Research and a clear imagination are strictly required to seek a location through the Void. One must absolutely be able to accurately visualise the locale to create a connection. Once achieved and maintained, this allows for a tangible link to be created between locations called a Rift. Once connected, it is possible to transfer objects and creatures between locations. Considering the accuracy of the image of the desired location is crucial to the connection, it is best that the Evoker have a firm knowledge of the destination, preferably one that they have been to before, and even more preferably, one they are intimately familiar with.
Portals Of course, one of the most common ways to create a Rift is by using portals. A portal is usually created using signs and glyphs, either physically marked and drawn or done so in the air, although the former gives stability and the latter is discernibly temporary. Portals stabilise the gateways of a Rift, enabling travel between the two points as if using a doorway.
Summoning Beasts The ability to call forth beasts from a Rift requires enormous concentration and willpower, as not only must a Rift be created, but the beast must also be perfectly visualised as well as mentally dominated if not cooperative if it is to perform commands. The more intelligent the creature or creatures, the more difficult they are to summon.
Summoning Elementals As with the summoning of beasts, the summoning of elementals is an extremely demanding task, for not only do elementals take on so many different forms, but they are also incredibly difficult to dominate. Coercion is rarely a good strategy, as are threats and demands. It is far better to deal with an elemental that is willing to cooperate.
Summoning Spirits As with the summoning of elementals, the summoning of spirits is incredibly dangerous. Even armed with the greatest circles of protection and the most accurate research one can find, control of the spirits is tenuous at best, and be the spirit of a malicious nature, one must consider the terrible risks inherent in such summonings as any opportunity to wrest control from the summoner with no doubt be taken instantly. The best advice here is – do not summon spirits.


Conjuration
The art of Conjuration is the ability to shape and form either items or creatures from the energies in the Void. In some ways Conjuration is similar to Summoning, however, this art manifests directly from the Void, rather than calling through it via a Rift. It cannot be understated how important it is to have a sound knowledge of either the item or creature being fashioned and those without strong imaginations will fail to form things correctly, resulting in misshapen items and worse, misshapen creatures. As the items or creatures are made of Void energies and require great concentration to manifest, they are very rarely permanent, and dissipate quickly after conjured.
Conjuring Items In the same way as a potter shapes clay, or the wood turner creates a haft, so too must the magician be able to sculpt and fashion items from the raw energies of the Void with perfect concentration in order to produce the conjured item. The Conjurer must be a craftsman of the mind and the quality of the items produced will reflect skill, imagination and creativity.
Conjuring Beasts Whilst similar to conjuring an item, conjuring an animal or beast demands great knowledge of the creature, not only in it's anatomy, but also behaviour and mannerisms. This is usually why a wizard will carry some object of the creature upon his person, such as teeth, hair, scales or feathers as a physical starting point of the conjuration. Unlike Summoning, the creature does not have a will of it's own, and does not need to be dominated. Indeed, it is only a temporary projection and it's actions are those of the conjurer.



Chronomancy
It is often perceived that time is a constant, but this is not so. Once contact with the Void is reached, the understanding that time is little more than an illusion that fools our minds into believing that all is not happening all at once. As difficult as this may be to imagine, consider that you have always and will ever, exists only in the present. What you are experiencing is and always will be, the present moment. Consider then, that this present moment is like a tapestry, woven and expansive and infinite. If the tapestry is folded and manipulated, it's effects may surely have results.
As with all Augurs, Seers and Oracles, a certain amount of restraint in the release of information to the requester may be in order as many that ask are not yet ready to cope with the truth. Responsibility toward those that seek answers is of great importance, and depending on the nature of the gained information, can be of great importance to the Seer's own safety, which is why many are known as Soothsayers. Of course there are those charlatans that claim to be diviners and are not, and to those I would give this warning; that the lie shall always find you out.
Augury and Divination Possibly the simplest of exercises of the Chronomancer is to look into the passage of Time without attempting to alter it. This is easier said than done, however, as there are apparent infinite pasts and infinite futures and knowing which is directly connected to the current moment takes great concentration and logical deduction and is even then rarely accurate. Certain tools may be employed to assist in this art, and many a Seer may specialise, depending on their talent.
Scrying employs an item to improve Focus, such as a mirror, a crystal or gemstone or a vessel filled with a reflective liquid. All such things may assist in receiving images, both past, present and future. Scrying may also involve pendulums for location objects or people.
Cartomancy employs the reading of cards and the Seer who employs these tools must hone their intuition to produce accurate results.
Astragalomancy employs thrown objects such as dice, small bones or stones and the interpretation of the pattern in which they land. As with most methods, practice and intuition are key to producing accurate results.
Haruspicy is the reading of the internal organs of an animal, sacrificed specifically to obtain information. While many consider the practice barbaric, there can be no doubt that blood magic can be very powerful.
Tasseography is the ability to read the dregs of infusions and is hardly surprising that it is favoured by herbalists. Understanding and recognition of patterns at the base of the drinking vessel comes with time, practice and intuition.
Altering the flow of Time Understanding and manipulation of Time can be exceedingly useful, but may also have dramatic and unpredictable results. Great thought and care must be exercised in altering events in the past, as unto casting a stone into a pond, so too are ripples of change spread out throughout the tapestry of Time. The best way to control those ripple effects is to seal them off as much as possible. For example, if a magician plants an acorn, they must create a Time bubble around the immediate area of the acorn in which to speed up Time, causing the acorn to grow into a tree, but the rest of the surrounding area may remain unaffected. So too in this way are objects selected to be sectioned off from Time, to allow the flow of Time to increase or decrease, such as causing metal to rust and crumble, or an apple to stay fresh and wholesome.
Travelling through Time Presenting even greater risks than travelling through a Rift to alternate places, is travelling through a Rift to an alternate Time. In most cases, to travel to the past creates such great changes, that returning to the timeline of origin is nigh impossible, even when influences are deemed small. So too, travel to the future may seem to be a way to influence the past, but the nature of Time travel is bound to simply result in dipping in and out of realities constantly, with very little concept of continuity or cause and effect, which is the perfect recipe for insanity.


Necromancy
Often seen as taboo, Necromancy is the broad term given to all magic to do with the dead, but is in fact so much more. The Necromancer does not only need to have a deep understanding about anatomy but also a great understanding of Life Force and how it may be manipulated. Morality aside, with such knowledge it is possible to heal wounds, broken bones and even severed limbs, but may also be used to communicate with the dead, animate and control corpses and even defy death itself.
Manipulating Life Forces Recognition of Life Force is much the same as the recognition of any other element, be it fire or water and so forth. To say that Life Force is the same as the Spirit may not be entirely accurate, although the two are very much connected, specifically at the physical level. If the Life Force is taken away from a living creature, it dies, and it's spirit departs, but it is important to understand that when Life Force is returned to the body, this does not necessarily draw the spirit back, leaving the body living, but not alive. This is commonly known as the state of being “undead”, though it may also be used when the spirit has returned to the body, yet the corpse remains a corpse, animated or otherwise.
As imagined, the ability to manipulate Life Force takes immense concentration and effort of will, as the energies of Life are resistant to alteration. Only the very few have such willpower within them to resist their own death, even if it means continuing to exist within a body that is no longer living.
Communicating with the Dead In much the same way as Telepathy is possible, communicating with the dead is performed in much the same way and also poses further difficulties. Without the corpse to act as an anchor point for the Focus needed, the search for the dead Spirit can be difficult and take much research and preparation. Indeed, the spirit may not wish to communicate at all, and dominance across a Rift may expose the Necromancer to dangers unforeseen. It may be stated, however, that in being dead, spirits often have knowledge of things they did not in life, making the risk appear tempting.
Raising the Dead There are two ways in which to raise the dead. The first is by simple animation of the corpse, instilling within it a temporary force to perform certain actions. The other is to bind the spirit back into it's body, to which it may attempt to continue to fulfil tasks given in life or at the time of reanimation, or, depending on the creature or person, be resistant to commands, and act in a way in accordance with it's own will and motivations. It is also possible to reanimate scores of corpses, so long as the Necromancer is able to maintain concentration and exert the willpower necessary to achieve such a task.
Of course the greater details of Necromancy can be found in a large number of Tomes, but such is the nature of disturbing the dead, that in many places, and for good reason, Necromancy is forbidden. To most of those that witness the magic of Necromancy, it is regarded as horrific and against the Natural Order of Life. Let prudence be your guide.





Alchemy
Alchemy is included in the magical arts as it represents a good deal of the structure about which magic is produced. Just as a Pyromancer obtains energy from fire, so an Alchemist may extract energies and essences from physical materials. Such essences may form the basis for spell components, ingredients in which to produce a potion or a magical dust with which to enchant an object. An Alchemistry is a place not only to experiment, but also to study and many a wizard will spend a good deal of time researching in such.
Ingredients From any substance, an essence can be extracted and it is the combination of these essences that many components that assist with the focus needed to cast magic of any kind. For example, to cast a petrification spell, a component may be fashioned from ingredients as the eye of a basilisk, gorgon or cockatrice which all have the ability to turn those to stone that meet it's gaze, which may be combined with the dust of the type of stone desired for the transformation, such as granite. Of course, correct extraction may be a matter of trial and error and present many dangers when experimenting. It is best that the student of Alchemy begin with recipes tried and tested.
Herbalism I should note here that Herbalism is in itself an excellent field of knowledge. For every ailment there is a herb to cure it. It should come as no surprise that plants play a very large part in spell components simply by themselves, even though their uses when combined with other herbs or ingredients is practically limitless.
Potions A favoured method of many is to bottle a magical effect for later use. Most often temporary, a good potion can often be made in batches and can be carried around ready for immediate use. There are many good tomes on the brewing of potions, and although it can be an exacting art, it is seldom unrewarding. A note of caution here; never drink another potion directly after one has already been imbibed, for the results may be catastrophic and even fatal. Not all potions are for consumption, however, as many varieties include flammable oils, healing salves, and smoking jars to name but a few.
Powders Grinding ingredients down into a powder or dust is one of the most basic acts in Alchemy, but producing a magical dust is truly an art. Quantities must be exact, working conditions must never show a single hint of breeze and the handling of the dust taken into account, lest the magic be applied directly to the Alchemist during the making. Certain combinations of powders can be activated with the addition of fire, some with water and some simply by contact with one another.

Witchcraft
For all this talk of wizards and magicians, then what of witches and witchcraft? I'm glad you asked. Contrary to what you may think, a witch is not the female version of a wizard, but rather the definition of someone who uses a combination of magic from different paths, the majority being of Enchantment and Divination, but certainly not limited to only those two. Often a witch is noted by his or her attunement with Nature and will often excel in alchemy and herbalism and have exceptional ties with the animal kingdom, to the point that they are most often seen with familiars.

The Colours of Witchcraft Whilst a witch may be male or female, there are certainly three forms of witchcraft. White Witches use magic purely for the benefit of others. Altruism is not an easy path, but one that should be admired and respected. Grey Witches use magic for the benefit of others and also themselves. The neutral path is commendable, but it is important to remember that the end does not necessarily justify the means. Black Witches use magic purely for selfish purposes and although they may not necessarily cause harm to others they will consider using magic to aid another as a waste.
Hedge Wizards and Hedge Witches Compared to many magicians who dedicate their entire lives to the study and application of magic, there are those with a much more informal attitude. Often called a hedge witch or wizard, (usually because of the surrounds in which they abide), these individuals will rarely attain great heights in the use of magic, but rather settle for a much more limited and practical everyday approach to the art of magic.
Familiars There are so many fascinating animals and creatures in our world and many of them form a bond with us. It is not always the domesticated cat or hound, but almost every creature has the ability to communicate with us in some way and us with them. Upon this communication bonds may form and those bonds may become very strong indeed.
It is possible to conduct arduous rituals of summoning to acquire a familiar, however, the greatest of bonds begins with the meeting of the two creatures and their reactions that lead to trust. Over time the bond grows, so much so that certain features and traits of the animal may be apparent in the person and vice versa. It is said that fully bonded, animal and witch may see through each others eyes and hear through each others ears. Even on the way to this journey, heightened senses and greater intellect may be shared by both.



Sorcery
What makes a Sorcerer or Sorceress when it comes to magic? I'm glad you asked!. It would seem that for the most part, Sorcery is primarily based on Spirit Summoning and Enchantments and usually a combination of both, especially when it comes to glyphs and portals. I hardly need repeat warnings about the summoning of spirits, however, it must also be stated that not all are malevolent. Even so, it is most common that those who employ Sorcery and live have done their utmost to research methods of control over the entities they summon and by this method may wield a power greater than their own. Adept at Enchantments, the Sorcerer is often also adept at deception and often deceit which tents to lead many folks to distrust or fear them.

Warlocks
As the name suggests, there are Magicians who are either employed or are drawn to war, either by force, by their own interest or as mercenaries. Locked in War, these Battlemages often bring out the most inventive uses of magic, but sadly so, the purpose is usually to kill the enemy. That said, there are less violent ways to turn the tide of war, and many a Warlock will employ Elemental magic in a variety of non-lethal ways, such as creating a fog to hide and disguise an army, altering the wind or rain to harangue archers or causing the ground to become boggy to assail cavalry, to name a few examples.
It may also be taken as writ that a Warlock is often trained with real weapons and armour, even if they should use magical methods to form weapons and armour of their own. Warlocks not only know how to fight, but are most likely to be the consultants on strategy as well, if not the leaders of their own armies.

Type

Manuscript, Magical (Tome/Scroll)