Spellcasting

It has been accepted knowledge that a spell is a shortened form of ritualistic magic. Basically, a ritual with a clearly defined effect, a reduced power and a much-shortened timeframe is seen as a spell.

However, those criteria are not sufficient to distinguish between spells and rituals. So what criteria define spells and what is spellcasting? And of course, no less important is what techniques are common or rare.

Spellcasting is, as stated above the art of achieving a clearly specified effect via a highly specific set of actions. A ritual shortened and compacted as much as can be done reliably. Spellcasting will, in many cases be achieved by

• usage of a focus
• gestures and body movements
• usage of voice, primarily specific words or phrases

There are different spells that result in similar or identical magical effects. Often do various magical traditions use different spells or spell components specific to them and their approach and thinking. It is also not unusual to see one tradition achieve an effect via spell, the next tradition achieves the same via ritual or even potions etc. When magic users speak about a spell, they do not refer to the achieving of a magical effect, they refer to the combination of the above-mentioned components or techniques.

Components and tools

The most common tools for spellcasting are:

• A focus such as a Wand, a Stave or a Ring.
• A set of gestures or body movements that may or may not include movement of the focus
• An incantation, a phrase to invoce the spell.

The spell is dependend on at least one more often two or all three of those to take effect.
Due to spells being extremely short and standardized rituals, all casters should be aware that flawed execution of the defined spell bear significant risk. It is known that those who have a very good knowledge of a spell are able to make alterations to the spells technique and even to the effects. The absolute masters of spellcasting are the Sorcerers.