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'''Magic Theory''', sometimes called Hermetic theory, refers to the set of universal magical principles developed by [[Bonisagus the Founder|Bonisagus]] and the other [[Founder]]s.<ref name="Foundation">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref> Magic theory is a body of knowledge that describes how magic works, and transcends the scope of any single [[Art]].
{{About|Hermetic magic theory in general|the [[Arcane Ability]]|Magic Theory (Ability)}}
 
'''Magic Theory''', sometimes called Hermetic theory, refers to the set of universal magical principles developed by [[Bonisagus the Founder|Bonisagus]] and the other [[Founder]]s.<ref name="Foundation">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref> Magic theory is a body of knowledge that describes how magic works, and transcends the scope of any single [[Art]].  


There is an [[Arcane Ability]] called Magic Theory that represents knowledge of, and practical experience with, magic theory.<ref name="Ability">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 66, "Magic Theory"</ref>
There is an [[Arcane Ability]] called Magic Theory that represents knowledge of, and practical experience with, magic theory.<ref name="Ability">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 66, "Magic Theory"</ref>


== Importance of Magic Theory ==
== Importance of Magic Theory ==
Magic theory is Bonisagus's second great invention, after [[Parma Magica]].<ref name="Foundation" /> It is a single, universal theory that describes how all magic works, meaning that magic from almost any [[tradition]] can be explained in terms of Hermetic theory. (Note that [[Mystery|mysteries]] generally teach knowledge outside the conventional boundaries of magic theory.){{Citation needed}}
Magic theory is Bonisagus's second great invention, after [[Parma Magica]].<ref name="Foundation" /> It is a single, universal theory that assimilates the magical concepts and practices from many [[tradition]]s.


According to the the [[ArM5]] rule book,  
According to the the [[ArM5]] rule book,  
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</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Thus, magic theory makes it possible for magi of the [[Order of Hermes]], even those of different [[Houses of Hermes|Houses]], to teach magic to one another and to write [[book]]s about the [[Art]]s.
Thus, magic theory makes it possible for magi of the [[Order of Hermes]], even those of different [[Houses of Hermes|Houses]], to teach magic to one another and to write [[book]]s about the [[Art]]s. Magic theory also makes it possible for any magus to create a [[longevity ritual]], bind a [[familiar]], enchant a [[talisman]], or create other [[enchanted device]]s.


== Characteristics of Magic Theory ==
== Characteristics of Magic Theory ==
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The Ars Magica rules don't describe the actual tenets of magic theory in much detail. [[Magus|Magi]] know a lot about magic theory, but players only need to know how the magic rules work. Magic theory incorporates various forms of occult knowledge including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology astrology]<ref name="PhaseOfMoon">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 75, third paragraph</ref><ref name="Sympathetic">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 84, "Sympathetic Connections" (inset)</ref>, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy alchemy]<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 101, "Longevity Rituals"</ref>, and the magical properties of gemstones<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 110, "[[Shape and Material Bonus]]es" (table)</ref>.
The Ars Magica rules don't describe the actual tenets of magic theory in much detail. [[Magus|Magi]] know a lot about magic theory, but players only need to know how the magic rules work. Magic theory incorporates various forms of occult knowledge including [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrology astrology]<ref name="PhaseOfMoon">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 75, third paragraph</ref><ref name="Sympathetic">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 84, "Sympathetic Connections" (inset)</ref>, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alchemy alchemy]<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 101, "Longevity Rituals"</ref>, and the magical properties of gemstones<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 110, "[[Shape and Material Bonus]]es" (table)</ref>.
The [[Limits of Magic]] describe what magic ''can't'' do.


The [[Laws of Magic]] are part of magic theory and the rules occasionally refer to them.
The [[Laws of Magic]] are part of magic theory and the rules occasionally refer to them.
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[[Arcane connection]]s are important in magic theory, allowing a magus to affect a distant person, creature, or object through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_magic sympathetic magic].
[[Arcane connection]]s are important in magic theory, allowing a magus to affect a distant person, creature, or object through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sympathetic_magic sympathetic magic].


== The Magic Theory Ability ==
== Limitations of Magic Theory ==
The [[Arcane Ability]], Magic Theory<ref name="Ability" />, represents an Ars Magica character's proficiency in understanding and correctly applying magic theory. Magi use it extensively used in their [[laboratory]] activities, such as inventing spells and creating enchanted devices.
The [[Limits of Magic]] describe what magic ''can't'' do.


=== Learning Magic Theory ===
While Hermetic theory is highly useful and successful at explaining many kinds of magic, it is not fully comprehensive. There have always been forms of magic that Hermetic theory can't explain. Even some well-known spells of the [[Order of Hermes]], such as ''[[Wizard's Communion]]''<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]], p. 160, ''Wizard's Communion''</ref>, ''[[Aegis of the Hearth]]''<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]], p. 161, ''Aegis of the Hearth''</ref>, and ''Whispering Winds''<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]], p. 127, ''Whispering Winds''</ref>, can't be fully explained in terms of conventional magic theory. There are also [[mystery|mysteries]], which teach secret magical knowledge that has never been incorporated into magic theory.<ref>''[[The Mysteries Revised Edition]]'', p. 4, "What are the Mysteries?"</ref>
All magi need a certain minimum score<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Magus Only -- Apprenticeship"</ref> in Magic Theory to comply with [[ArM5]] rules. It's advisable to create a magus character with a higher score than that bare minimum.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Hermetic Magi Recommended Minimum Abilities"</ref>
 
Non-magi can learn the Magic Theory Ability (note that access to all [[Arcane Ability|Arcane Abilities at character creation is restricted), but it primarily useful only to characters who work in an Hermetic [[laboratory]]: [[magi]], [[apprentice]]s, and [[familiar]]s. One of the few uses non-magi have for Magic Theory is in copying books: scribes who copy books on the [[Art]]s need a certain score in Magic Theory or else they will produce corrupted copies.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 166, "Corrupted Copies"</ref>
 
==== Uses of the Magic Theory Ability ====
The Magic Theory Ability is very important to a magus because it affects practically all of a magus's [[laboratory]] activities. Specifically:
 
* It is used to calculate the magus's [[Lab Total]].<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Basic Laboratory Activities"</ref> It also determines the bonus to Lab Total a magus can get using [[experimentation]].<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 108, "Inventing a Spell by Experimentation"</ref>
* At [[character generation]], a magus's Magic Theory score partly determines the maximum [[Level]] of the [[formulaic spell]]s he can know.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 29, "Detailed Character Creation Summary" (inset)</ref>
* It determines the amount of [[raw vis]] a magus may use in a season of lab work.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Vis"</ref>
* It determines how many different pieces a magus can combine into a single enchanted item to obtain different [[shape and material bonus]]ses.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 97, "Preparation for Enchantment"</ref>
* A magus needs a certain minimum score in Magic Theory to set up his own laboratory<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 94, "Creating a Laboratory"</ref>
* When creating an advanced magus character (one who has been out of apprenticeship for several years before starting play), the character's Magic Theory score determines how many enchanted items he may have<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 32, "Magus Only -- After Apprenticeship"</ref>
* A score in Magic Theory is required to serve a magus as a laboratory assistant.<ref name="Help">''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 103, "Help in the Laboratory"</ref> [[The Gift]] is normally required as well<ref name="Help" />, but failed apprentices<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 42, "Failed Apprentice"</ref> are an exception.
* Magic Theory is used in certain [[Mystery|Mysteries]], such as [[Potent Magic]]<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p. 6, "Potent Magic and Potent Spells"</ref> and [[Bind Curse]].<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p. 131 "Bind Curse (Major House Mystery)"</ref>
 
=== Alternatives to the Magic Theory Ability ===
Magi of [[House Merinita]] can use their score in [[Faerie Magic]] in lieu of Magic Theory under certain circumstances.<ref>''[[Houses of Hermes: Mystery Cults]]'', p.  88, "New Abilities"</ref>
 
The [[Mystery]] of [[Vulgar Alchemy]] uses [[Magic Lore]] in addition to Magic Theory.<ref>''[[The Mysteries Revised Edition]]'', p. 32, "Vulgar Alchemy -- Minor Hermetic Mystery Virtue"</ref>


== History of Magic Theory ==
== History of Magic Theory ==
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Bonisagus started and led this work, but he had help from many of the pre-eminent wizards of his time. [[Trianoma]] located powerful wizards and convinced them to learn [[Parma Magica]] and then come share their own magical knowledge with Bonisagus, who then incorporated their teachings into magic theory.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref> In turn, they studied Bonisagus's new theory and expanded their own powers. These magicians became known as the [[Founder]]s.
Bonisagus started and led this work, but he had help from many of the pre-eminent wizards of his time. [[Trianoma]] located powerful wizards and convinced them to learn [[Parma Magica]] and then come share their own magical knowledge with Bonisagus, who then incorporated their teachings into magic theory.<ref>''[[Ars Magica Fifth Edition]]'', p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"</ref> In turn, they studied Bonisagus's new theory and expanded their own powers. These magicians became known as the [[Founder]]s.
Bonisagus combined the theoretical discussions of the Founders with the teachings of [[Diedne the Founder]], a mage from the druidic tradition. Diedne explained and taught Bonisagus how to create new spells at a moment's notice without needing to perform a ritual beforehand. The two teachings, ritualistic magic and [[spontaneous magic]], combined to create early Hermetic theory.


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
=== External References ===
Timothy Ferguson's Games from Folktales podcast episodes and blog entries:
*[https://timothyferguson.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/what-do-your-hands-say-in-mythic-europe/ What do your hands say in Mythic Europe?]
*[https://timothyferguson.wordpress.com/2018/06/14/the-magical-realm-is-meinongs-jungle/ The Magical Realm is Meinong’s Jungle]
*[https://timothyferguson.wordpress.com/2018/03/09/the-omphalos-synthesis-and-creo-magic/ The Omphalos Hypothesis and Creo Magic]
*[https://timothyferguson.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/why-there-is-no-art-of-tempus/ Why there is no Art of Tempus]
*[https://timothyferguson.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/environmental-determinism-and-the-order-of-hermes/ Environmental determinism and the Order of Hermes]


===  Legacy Page  ===
===  Legacy Page  ===
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at [[Legacy:magic_theory]]
The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at [[Legacy:magic_theory]]


[[Category:Abilities]]
[[Category:Hermetic Magic]]
[[Category:Hermetic Magic]]
[[Category:Rules]]
[[Category:Rules]]

Latest revision as of 08:47, 17 October 2022

This article is about Hermetic magic theory in general. For the Arcane Ability, see Magic Theory (Ability).

Magic Theory, sometimes called Hermetic theory, refers to the set of universal magical principles developed by Bonisagus and the other Founders.[1] Magic theory is a body of knowledge that describes how magic works, and transcends the scope of any single Art.

There is an Arcane Ability called Magic Theory that represents knowledge of, and practical experience with, magic theory.[2]

Importance of Magic Theory

Magic theory is Bonisagus's second great invention, after Parma Magica.[1] It is a single, universal theory that assimilates the magical concepts and practices from many traditions.

According to the the ArM5 rule book,

The most immediate advantage of Hermetic magic was that it allowed wizards of diverse magical backgrounds to share their knowledge. Before Bonisagus’ theory, the practice of magic had been highly individualized and therefore limited in scope. With the ability to share and accumulate knowledge, Hermetic magi gained an immense advantage over other wizards.[3]

Thus, magic theory makes it possible for magi of the Order of Hermes, even those of different Houses, to teach magic to one another and to write books about the Arts. Magic theory also makes it possible for any magus to create a longevity ritual, bind a familiar, enchant a talisman, or create other enchanted devices.

Characteristics of Magic Theory

While Bonisagus's theory is very useful for making magic understandable, that is not the same as making it entirely systematic or predictable. The ArM5 rule book points out that every magus's magic is a little bit idiosyncratic[4] and using magic is complex and not entirely predictable.[5]

The Ars Magica rules don't describe the actual tenets of magic theory in much detail. Magi know a lot about magic theory, but players only need to know how the magic rules work. Magic theory incorporates various forms of occult knowledge including astrology[5][6], alchemy[7], and the magical properties of gemstones[8].

The Laws of Magic are part of magic theory and the rules occasionally refer to them.

Arcane connections are important in magic theory, allowing a magus to affect a distant person, creature, or object through sympathetic magic.

Limitations of Magic Theory

The Limits of Magic describe what magic can't do.

While Hermetic theory is highly useful and successful at explaining many kinds of magic, it is not fully comprehensive. There have always been forms of magic that Hermetic theory can't explain. Even some well-known spells of the Order of Hermes, such as Wizard's Communion[9], Aegis of the Hearth[10], and Whispering Winds[11], can't be fully explained in terms of conventional magic theory. There are also mysteries, which teach secret magical knowledge that has never been incorporated into magic theory.[12]

History of Magic Theory

Bonisagus the Founder developed Hermetic Magic Theory, which assimilates and extends the knowledge of earlier magical traditions such as the Cults of Mercury, Mithras, and Osiris[13]. Bonisagus created it by carefully studying spells from several different magical traditions and identifying the commonalities among them. By extracting and formalizing these common principles, Bonisagus created a framework that made it easier to learn, teach, and record magical spells and enchantments.[14]

Bonisagus started and led this work, but he had help from many of the pre-eminent wizards of his time. Trianoma located powerful wizards and convinced them to learn Parma Magica and then come share their own magical knowledge with Bonisagus, who then incorporated their teachings into magic theory.[15] In turn, they studied Bonisagus's new theory and expanded their own powers. These magicians became known as the Founders.

Bonisagus combined the theoretical discussions of the Founders with the teachings of Diedne the Founder, a mage from the druidic tradition. Diedne explained and taught Bonisagus how to create new spells at a moment's notice without needing to perform a ritual beforehand. The two teachings, ritualistic magic and spontaneous magic, combined to create early Hermetic theory.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"
  2. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 66, "Magic Theory"
  3. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 75, first paragraph
  4. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 30, second paragraph
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 75, third paragraph
  6. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 84, "Sympathetic Connections" (inset)
  7. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 101, "Longevity Rituals"
  8. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 110, "Shape and Material Bonuses" (table)
  9. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 160, Wizard's Communion
  10. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 161, Aegis of the Hearth
  11. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 127, Whispering Winds
  12. ↑ The Mysteries Revised Edition, p. 4, "What are the Mysteries?"
  13. ↑ Houses of Hermes: True Lineages, p. 5
  14. ↑ Ars Magica Fourth Edition, p. 64, "Hermetic Magic"
  15. ↑ Ars Magica Fifth Edition, p. 9, "The Foundation of the Order"

External References

Timothy Ferguson's Games from Folktales podcast episodes and blog entries:

Legacy Page

The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:magic_theory

Retrieved from "https://www.redcap.org/index.php?title=Magic_theory&oldid=16818"