In the World of Darkness, every human being has a single spark of potential. Most people do not know they have this, do not care, and want to get on with their lives as if it did not exist. Some people though, figure out what that spark is. That spark is very important, because sometimes that potential activates, and the normal everyday, average mortal Awakens.
What does this Awakening mean? Well, it can mean a lot of things. It might mean magical enlightenment, the finding of the perfect bit of blotter acid, or the realization of a theory that has been bothering you for years.
In short, you come to a realization. Your belief shapes the world around you. What happens when you force yourself to change your belief?
The world changes.
Most mages do not come to the full realization of this power. Few to none can handle that awesome power with any certainty or clarity. Most cloak this new-found potential in a familiar form, using tools to help themselves along. Some believe that they affect the world through spells and that their Avatar, for others through their connection to the watchtowers. Others see their potential through chants and rituals, science and experimentation, or even through martial arts. Still others view their perceptions as the true determiner of their reality and alter those perceptions with drugs, alcohol, or sex.
Mages are individuals with the power to warp reality for any reason they see fit, at best with great success and the expenditure of mana, at worst, suffering Paradox with disastrous effects and unforeseen consequences.
https://whitewolf.fandom.com/wiki/Awakened_(MTAs)