by Lidellia
When we think of magics, most of us find ourselves musing over the modern magics, such as Invocative or Substance practices. These arts are well-established, taught at schools, and their content is well-known and standardized. But these magics owe their roots to a host of lesser magics, practiced by common folk over the years. Many of these fringe magics are still in existence today, and one or more of them might be practiced by someone you least suspect. Most are harmless enough, but some are potent magics whose secrets are well-hidden by practitioners.
Others serve primarily as entertainment.
The fact is that everything, in the end, is composed of mana, the stuff of life, and our minds possess the power to shape that mana. Some of us choose to do so by forming an idea in our heads (say a carving of a dolphin) and then using our hands and a knife to make the idea real. And some of us . . . well, some of us use other means.
Here is a sampling of some rather unordinary magical practices still alive today.
Arcane Alchemy- This philosophical and magical system was the forerunner of all modern magical practice. In elder times it was a broad and much-practiced art, with many different proponents who championed their own methods of practice. But we can say, at least, that it dealt with the presence of elemental forces within objects of the world, and concentrated on methods of increasing or decreasing elemental influences within substances. So we saw it being used to create potions and elixirs, as well as magical distillations, medicines, and preparations. Those who practice today must add their own interpretations to the ancient texts, often with interesting results, such as the case of an alchemical cult in Selarum who feels that the world is slowly being consumed by fire, and that water influences must thus be propagated with utmost earnest.
Archaistism- The archaists were legendary magical practitioners of yore who mixed with darker elements and learned to enter states of 'oneness' which allowed them to shape the very world about them. Often referred to as 'molders' of the elements, they could invoke powerful elemental forces, and twist them to their own ends. Although rumors of archaist practitioners have never faded, if they still exist, they keep themselves cloaked in utmost secrecy.
Witchcraft- This magic was the tool of the 'wise woman', who learned the secrets of nature and used them for healing and bringing about organic, long-term effects. Many peasant villages still have a man or woman who keeps the secret ways, and dispenses cures and other magical aid. This art is a direct relative of gypsy magics, which differs in being more influenced by the creation of charms or talismans which utilize magical symbols.
Vibratory- Practitioners of this art feel that every object in the world, living or dead, has a 'vibration', or certain 'feel' of energy. The practitioners teach themselves to be aware of these vibrations, and then surround themselves with certain objects, plants, stones, and other items, in order to induce states of happiness, calm, healing, passion, or anything else. They feel that our emotions and mind states are not of our own creation, but instead are created by our surroundings.
Essentialism- This is the belief that all objects and creatures contain an extractable 'essence', which contains the true potency and reality of that thing. By learning to extract these essences and utilize them to bring about certain effects, these people essentially practice an enhanced version of Vibratory magic.
Transcendent- Through meditations and a series of realizations, practitioners of this simplified version of Lakiratai realize the illusory nature of reality, and stop taking life so seriously. They feel that they can achieve a oneness with the Creative Power of the world, and thereby bring about what they desire simply by desiring it.
Demonology- Practitioners of demonology learn of demonic typologies and traits, and worship a certain type of demon, or even a certain demonic lord or mistress. By praying to their demons, they feel that they can gain power in our world. Since most demons of Lorenai do not have much power outside of that realm, it is doubtful whether such prayers are answered, but some demonology practitioners go on to become Summoners, where real power lies.
Psychicism- Here and there a person is born with psychic powers. Followers of psychicism feel that all of us possess such powers, and utilize training methods to cultivate their psychic abilities.
Worship- This is usually used to refer to people who worship an intelligent magical object, a certain place, or a mortal human. Often these people will be granted powers by the one they worship, and thus will possess real power, but sometimes nothing is gained by practitioners except for a sense of belonging to a larger group.
Mediumistic- These people attempt to communicate with spirits and ghosts. They perform exorcisms and séances, and do healings by treating the 'soul' of a person.
Chromatic- It has long been recognized that colors affect our moods. Chromatic practitioners take things a bit further, attributing magical affects to the presence of certain colors. For instance, they will utilize green hues for healing, and reds for inducing passion. Colors can be gazed upon, worn, or even visualized. A small break-off of these practitioners have begun to centralize their beliefs around the use of colored spectacles, saying that viewing everything in one color or another can create deep and powerful effects on one's life.
Glyph Magic- Ancient ceremonial magics utilized many magical symbols to harness and store magic. Glyphic magic utilizes such symbols to heal, hide things, achieve invisibility, and engender other magical effects.
Symbolic- Practitioners of this art utilize cultural symbols to attempt to shape their world. Their philosophy is that we think in symbols rather than actualities, and that by utilizing such symbols we can create powerful effects in our lives. For instance, a knife piercing an apple might be presented to a potential suitor. The symbolic practitioner feels that this is more than a warning to the suitor - it might actually 'stab and kill' (knife) any love (apple) the suitor is feeling. Such actions do indeed usually bring about the intended effect, but this is probably due to something besides magic.
Magical Herbalism- This is widely practiced, and utilizes the powers of herbs combined with visualization and simple rituals to create almost any desired effect. This magic has been found to be highly effective, but to function in a slow, organic, and natural fashion.
Fae- Holding to the philosophy that we all possess fae nature, fae magic practitioners attempt to 'get back to nature' and get in touch with their natural selves. Embracing attitudes of spontaneity and curiosity, they often attempt to research and achieve a sort of fae glamour which enhances their charisma (or perhaps it's just the delightful new personality.)
Northern Shamanistic- This refers to the primal magic of pre-Masallan conquest Northerners. This magic is well researched, and is very flashy in presentation, utilizing rattles, drums, and costumes made of fur and feathers. Despite all this, it is subtle in manifestation. The magic is primarily concerned with natural systems (healing, the weather, hunting, etc.), as well as communication with nature spirits, the spirits of the dead, and fae. Often totemic influences are present, where an animal's body parts (such as a claw, skull, or feather) are utilized to gain the traits of that animal.
Provincial- This obscure practice holds that each province has its own 'feel', energy, or power. Artifacts or symbols of that province are utilized by provincial magic practitioners to create magical effects based on each province's specialty.
Wyrmistic- Most sages agree that the world as we know it was created by an ancient race of highly magical, immensely sized dragons. These immortal beings possessed world-shaping magics and the ability to shapeshift (it is believed that they did not die, but lost themselves in their shapeshifting). This magic claims little in the way of actual effects, but is the subject of much scholarly research. If the means and methods utilized by the Great Wyrms could be discovered and understood, it might very well create a revolution in magical thought.
This shall serve as an introduction, then, to many of the more obscure magics in practice today.