Magic
Magic is simply the ability of a mage (or "willworker") to impose their will onto reality. Mages are able to do this because of their sympathetic connection to the Watchtowers in the Supernal Realms, because their names are inscribed upon it, and because they realize the Fallen World is a lie.
A mage's power, or level of awakening and understanding of the depths of the Supernal, is called Gnosis.
Arcana represent the understanding a mage has over particular facets of reality, and govern their ability to affect those aspects. Subtle Arcana are those that deal with the more ephemeral matters of existence, while Gross Arcana are those relating to the physical aspects of the world.
Read more about this topic: Mage: The Awakening
Famous quotes containing the word magic:
“Religion differs from magic in that it is not concerned with control or manipulation of the powers confronted. Rather it means submission to, trust in, and adoration of, what is apprehended as the divine nature of ultimate reality.”
—Joachim Wach (1898–1955)
“Until it is kindled by a spirit as flamingly alive as the one which gave it birth a book is dead to us. Words divested of their magic are but dead hieroglyphs.”
—Henry Miller (1891–1980)
“The magic of procedure: do this after that and thus before so; then your wish will be granted.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)