Magika
Magika permeates, suffuses, and underlies everything—whether substance, void, or energy. It is everywhere and in all things, for no point of Existence is bereft of its presence. It is the foundation of all natural and physical laws, and is the single, fundamental power that predates and forms the basis of all Existence. Magika is.—from Introduction to Magiology: A Textbook: An Overview of, and Essential Knowledge in, the Study of Magic, Fifth Edition by The Quadrumvirate.
Magika is the name given to two diametrically opposed energies: magic and anti-magic. Magic is that which is practiced by the Divine, and anti-magic by the Infer
Magiology, the study of magic, is an extensive field of research. As one renowned spellcaster put it, “More ink has been expended on this topic than in all other areas of knowledge taken together.” Magiology comprises three branches: Inceptive Magical Theory, Normative Magical Theory, and Positive Magical Theory.
Inceptive Magical Theory deals with the creation of systems of magic—that is, coordinated sets of principles and procedures to harness and manipulate magic. Systems of magic are the means through which mortals engage in magic-casting. While no single, correct system of magic exists, not all systems are equal in power or extent. Unquestionably, some systems offer their users more puissance or versatility than others. However, each system has been devised to suit the particular traits or proficiencies or preferences of their users, and for all the methods in which beings and creatures communicate with one another just as many systems of magic have been developed to avail of those methods. The most prevalent, formalized, and developed system—as is taught in most magical universities and colleges of magic—is the Standard Model of Magical Manipulation or, more commonly, Standard Magic.
Normative Magical Theory, also known as Magical Dynamics, is the branch of Magiology that studies the how of magic. It attempts to explain and understand the mechanisms and limitations of magic and the interactions between magic and the mundane world. Questions asked are of the type: How is magic capable of bringing about a particular physical effect? How do magical phenomena occur? How do the underlying mechanisms of magic function? Normative Magical Theory contains three primary branches and myriad subfields.
Positive Magical Theory, also known as Descriptive Magiology, concerns the what of magic. It lists, classifies, and categorizes the types, functions, and effects of magic, but does not attempt to explain magical phenomena. Such categorization also encompasses a complex classification schema for systems of magic. Positive Magical Theory contains over a dozen branches and hundreds of subfields.