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General Rules of Magic in Fiction

All magic is comprised of three components:

An energy source

A medium through which to channel the energy

A guide with which to direct the energy

① Source

The energy used to perform magic can come from a variety of sources, but they can be categorized into internal energy and external energy.

Externally Sourced Magic Externally sourced magic draws from energies outside the user. With study and training, anyone can learn to draw from external energies to perform magic. One's proficiency level comes from a combination of knowledge, training, and natural aptitude. There are times when ones natural aptitude or limitations restrict the use of external sourced magics. Examples of the use of externally sourced magic includes: - Witchcraft (Supernatural) - Sorcery/Eldritch Magic (Marvel) - Alchemy (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Internally Sourced Magic Internally sourced magic draws from the energies of the user. Internal energies are either inborn or come to be through artificial means and are either regenerative or finite. While the existence of these energies often comes with some instinctual understanding of its use, the proficiency of its use come from study and training in combination with natural aptitude and limitations. Examples of internally sourced magic includes: - Grace-sourced Enochian Magic (Supernatural) - Asgardian Magic (Marvel) - Ninjutsu (Naruto)

Combination Sourced Magic For those who practice internally sourced magic, externally sourced magic can be a great way to increase one's arsenal or strengthen existing skills. Techniques powered by multiple sources come with many advantages when performed properly. However, combination magic requires a lot of skill in order to avoid backfiring, as it often presents more risks than techniques drawing from only one energy source. Examples of combination sourced magic include: - Senjutsu (Naruto) - Pagan Magic (Supernatural) - Human transmutation (Fullmetal Alchemist) - The Eternal Flame (Marvel)

② Casting Medium

In order to use the provided energies to perform magic, the user must have some medium with which to channel the energy into the technique. Some techniques require only one casting medium, while other require multiple. It depends on the energy source and the intended technique. However, it is important to note that the user themselves is often at least one of the casting mediums used.

Mediums can be categorized by their purpose, either to source energy or direct energy. The mediums and mechanisms to source and direct energy both depend on the type of energy and the technique in which it will be used. For example, in Harry Potter, spell magic usually requires a wand as a casting medium whereas potion magic uses the ingredients of the potion as the casting medium.

③ Direction

Like energy sources, direction can also be categorized by internal and external direction.

Internal Direction Internal direction comes from the will, intent, knowledge, and/or memory of the wielder. With these components, a magic wielder using internal direction shapes and instructs the energy within the casting medium to complete the specified task. Examples of internally guided magic: - Water and tree walking (Naruto) - Sharingan and Byakugan (Naruto) - Alchemy without Transmutation Circles (Fullmetal Alchemist) - Wandless Casting (Harry Potter) - Asgardian Illusions (Marvel) - Enochian Magic (Supernatural)

External Direction External direction comes from some matrix that directs energy through guiding patterns. Often internal and external directions work in tandem to work a technique, especially for novice magic users who may need the aid of external matrices to learn how to guide magic before they can replicate it with solely internal methods. Examples of externally guided magic: - Hand seals (Naruto) - Fuuinjutsu (Naruto) - Transmutation Circles (Fullmetal Alchemist) - Wand movements and verbal casting (Harry Potter) - Spell mandalas (Marvel) - Rituals (Supernatural)

The multiverse creates many ways in which magic is used, but these elements remain consistent and are part of the Natural Order, which guides all universes.