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:
“The magic of first love is our ignorance that it can ever end.”
—Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881)
“Without being forgiven, released from the consequences of what we have done, our capacity to act would ... be confined to one single deed from which we could never recover; we would remain the victims of its consequences forever, not unlike the sorcerer’s apprentice who lacked the magic formula to break the spell.”
—Hannah Arendt (1906–1975)
“I revere the memory of Mr. F. as an estimable man and most indulgent husband, only necessary to mention Asparagus and it appeared or to hint at any little delicate thing to drink and it came like magic in a pint bottle; it was not ecstasy but it was comfort.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)