The Challenge of Mind

"Wizardry is the type of magic that is intellectually based, drawing on elements not identifiable by modern science, to perform various magical effects."
--“Cerberus” Master Wizard of the Hall of Legions
So, you have an interest in Wizardry, eh? Before we get into the real essence of Wizardry, let me make sure that you understand what it is all about. Wizardry is more focused on magic as science as opposed to magic as religion. Wizardry is based around logic more than faith. To have this explained further, please read on.
Wizardry basically has three rules that can quantify how to make spells and magic work for you. I shall tell the rule, and then explain it.
1. One cannot learn and focus on the parts of magic, but forget the whole. Easy to understand, right? If you have a car and you wash the car everyday but ignore the rest of it, do you think it will last forever, or have the same performance as the day you bought it? Don’t think so. So to paraphrase, do not learn the basics of magic, forget them, and then jump off and cast spells all the time. Meditate, do spell research, and collect spell components yourself. Work on all the parts of magic and see them as a collective. The basics of magic are what helps you to fully understand why magic works.
The second rule of magic is somewhat an extension of the first.
2. The magic comes from knowledge of the principles of its use, and in the user’s knowing of how magic affects the environment. This one is a little confusing. Magic works because the spellcaster knows how magic works. It is not as simple as flipping a light switch and not expecting a light to come on. Ignorance of magic combined with the performing of magic will get you nothing. In knowing how magic affects the environment you come to understand the why of how spells function. Magic rarely cooperates with physical laws. Magic bends a lot of physical laws, and occasionally breaks them.
The final law of magic is probably the simplest.
3. Magic comes from the combined effort of your heart and mind. Simple. To make a spell work you must have the spell completely in your mind, casting it in your head as you are casting it in the physical world. You must KNOW the spell in your mind. Inside out, backwards, forwards, etc. The other half comes from the heart. The magic has to flow from your heart into every part of your body, and then into your mind for any spell to work. To paraphrase, you must know in your heart that the spell will work. Not
believe, KNOW. Only when you are fully in control of both your thoughts and your heart will the magic work for you.
These three rules constitute the core of Wizardry.
Another thing that is significant to Wizardry is knowledge. Knowledge is what makes a wizard do what he does. He operates outside of the accepted norm of society. For knowledge, he ventures into places that even the bravest men would run from. Always remember that knowledge and wisdom is power. Knowledge holds the universe together. Knowledge gives the wizard purpose in an uncertain world. When you are depressed and the uncertainty of the world brings you down, remember that the magic and knowledge are what gives your life purpose.
Now that we have you up to date on the Philosophy of Wizardry, let us discuss the technical side of the Art. A Wizard’s spells are based around logic. This is not to say that spells and magic are “locked” into a rigid framework that cannot be changed.
For example, if I research a spell that protects me from evil and another wizard researches a spell that protects him from evil; the methods of spell research, the means by which he casts the spell, and even the material component will be radically different, even though the end result of his casting and my casting will be the same.
What this means is that spells are as individualistic and creative as the wizard who researches them. Yes, I said research. Wizardry is best used by those who are academically minded. This is not to say that if hate studying and reading and writing that you will not excel at Wizardry. But your walk down this magical path will be difficult. But that is true of almost everything. You get out of Wizardry what you put into it. But the effort you put into being a wizard is worth it. The saying “What would you do if you had the power?” takes on a very personal and significant meaning when applied to Wizardry.
But this power comes with great responsibility. Now I’m going to give you a few final bits of advice to help you through the initial difficulties that most wizards face until they actually use their brains and learn when to cast spells.
First, and foremost, spells and magic are no substitute for your brain. This destroys a lot of people’s desires to work magic. They think that having a few feeble spells makes them the smartest folk in the universe. But, lo, when they find out that their magic is weak compared to the magic of the wise, they give up and say that it is all Greek to them. But remember that this is not so. He who thinks with his mind knows when to cast spells and when not to. You decide which option is what for you.
Secondly, if there is an easier (and sometimes, less expensive) way to accomplish something without using magic, do it. There is no rule of Wizardry that says what can be done with magic can’t be done with elbow grease. It is just a question of casting spells when you have to, not because you can.
Lastly, earn as much magical knowledge as you possibly can. But do not be stringent with it. This gets a lot of wizards angry. They believe that the purpose of magical knowledge is to be hoarded in towers and chests to rot away to dust long after they have passed into the grave. Remember, that by sharing knowledge, you get knowledge. But on the other side of the coin, always have half a dozen tricks up your sleeve. But the best advice that I can offer is that you must always remember that in your pursuit of knowledge there will be others who will attempt to exploit that pursuit. Remember that you exist strictly for this pursuit. Interpret all threats to this pursuit of knowledge as threats to your pursuit of LIFE. Deal with these threats as best you see fit, but deal with them. They will not go away if you ignore them. Finally, you now understand the path of Wizardry. But the only knowledge of Wizardry that is most significant is the knowledge that you collect and earn yourself. Take my advice to heart and mind, and you shall know power beyond your wildest imagination. But remember, that power without responsibility is short lived. Responsibility is the best magical knowledge you can learn.