Magic
The use of magic draws upon trans-dimensional energies to create changes in the 'real' world.
There are five broad means by which a person might create a magical effect. The common element for all of these elements is that magic will not work without a mortal soul providing a conduit for the energies being summoned. Only ideologues and New Gods following their own harmony are capable of channeling the deeper forces of the universe unaided.
Evocation: The sorcerer channels the necessary energies from their own spirit or the Power Cosmic to impose their will on reality around them. This is considered the 'purest' form of using magical energies, but requires an deep, natural affinity for the mystic arts. Instinctual use of the Power Cosmic is application of willpower itself. Channeling these primal forces is like trying to shape the discharge of a fire hose. In order to modulate these energies, supreme cosmic entities use Enochian, the language of the Heavenly Host. This language could be expressed as the machine code that defines the universe. Enochian helps to narrow the purpose and focus of spells to maximize efficiency. The most potent of ideologues know the Words of Power that define and reinforce their roles if they fall behind in their duties.
Notably, the magic of 'true faith' falls under this category; rather than stemming from an outside force, Faith magic derives from a mortal's ever-changing perception of how the universe should work. This is one form of magic that is wholly unique to mortals, and beyond the reach of even ideologues and cosmic entities alike. Mortals, unlike any other sentient force, are able to change and redefine the very nature of a thing over time simply by *willing* it to change. Even concepts like Death or Eternity or Dream are shaped by mortal influences of sufficient power and density. Some immortals have suggested that the limitless potential of the mortal race is expressed best in this notion of 'belief'.
Invocation: The magus draws on the energies of an entity or demesne, allowing them to work within the interests of whatever harmony they serve. This may bear superficial resemblance to Rituals or Evocation, but is limited sharply by the scope of power their patron affords them and their harmony with that patron's goals. A cultist of Chthon is unlikely to be able to petition his master for the power to heal someone's wounds, for instance. Efforts further away from their patron's harmony are less effective and more likely to fail.
Summoner: Summoners do not use magic personally. Instead they summon entities to serve their will-- often nature spirits that cling to the edge of the Astral plane, though demons, the undead, and sometimes even demigods answer their call.
Mechanics: Mechanics are entirely dependent on the use of magical paraphernalia. They rely on trinkets to accomplish specific and often very limited magical effects without understanding the underlying forces at work. These trinkets and talismans often require spiritual energy and mental focus to function.
Rituals: Ritualists are the 'blue collars' of the magical word. They form the tropes of the classic magus; arcane implements, forgotten languages, strange spell components and complex gestures. These techniques are means for enhancing their mental focus and using energy as safely and efficiently as possible. Sloppy ritual incantations can have adverse consequences for the magician. Advanced ritual magic grows exponentially more complex and intricate, and the risks go up commensurately. Skilled ritualists use their personal magics to augment and improve ritual patterns, allowing them to take ritual shortcuts that would be otherwise too dangerous or time-consuming to compose on the fly. Ritual magic is an attempt to form a crude, limited framework to emulate the more potent language of Enochian. In some cases the intent of the ritual magic is to invoke or command spirits to accomplish a task at hand.
There are many notable traditions for ritual magic. In Haiti, houngan and mambos act as liasions between the mortal realm and the spirits of the loa. Japanese magicians use the practice of kotodama ('word-naming') to define reality aorund them. The Japanese tradition of Onymodo allows diviners to seek out hidden knowledge and predict the future. Among the American Shoshone tribes, their shamans are known as boha gande. Dances and chants are used to call rains and heal the sick. Taoist fangshi prepare their magic with elabourately written scrolls and alchemic philters.
