View source for Magical Musings (Book 1): Auto-Suggestion (Rewritten)

Author: Unknown Wizard

Year: 112X

In my quest for magical knowledge, I've discovered that our world is filled with individuals who practice spellcasting. These spellcasters employ various tools such as wands, staffs, talismans, tattoos, or even just their hands. Spellcasting can take different forms, and some may even require a verbal component. In this brief exploration, I'll discuss how auto-suggestions are connected to incantations and why they are crucial for certain magical practitioners and their spellcasting effects.

When it comes to spellcasting, there are essentially two types: verbal and non-verbal.

Non-verbal spellcasters can shape and direct their spells through bodily movements or by focusing their thoughts. Wizards might gracefully wave their staffs, while Druids connect with nature through stillness, allowing energy to flow through them to achieve their desired goals, like growing vines or using earthen roots for healing.

Verbal spellcasters, on the other hand, need to recite phrases, prayers, or even just a single word to unleash their magical abilities. The more experienced a spellcaster, the fewer words they may need.

So, how does auto-suggestion play a role in spellcasting? Let's try a little exercise.

Fill in the blanks of these phrases:

Hot and ___

Light and ___

When the going gets ____ the ____ get going

Did you think of Cold, Dark, and Tough? If so, well done! You are using auto-suggestion. Words, by themselves, have meaning, but combining them into phrases can give them deeper meaning or direction.

Consider the spell [Fireball]. If you merely say "Fireball," the spell will manifest in a predictable way—perhaps a straightforward shot of gathered flame. But, what if you incorporate an incantation, like:

"❂ Progenitor of flames, guide my Fireball and lob it towards my enemy without mercy.❂"

From this phrase, you are auto-suggesting several things:

You're calling upon a patron entity to provide you with flame magic.

By 'guiding' the fireball, you're directing it in a specific direction.

'Lobbing' implies tossing in an arc.

Stating 'without mercy' indicates your intention to cause harm with the fireball.

The result? You can expect your fireball, charged by mana from your patron entity, to be launched at your enemy in an arcing motion.

Different understandings of words introduce intricacies and nuances. Novice spellcasters typically stick to a standardized chant to avoid unexpected outcomes. As a spellcaster's understanding deepens, they may use fewer words, a single word, or even transition to becoming non-verbal spellcasters. However, the advantage of verbal spellcasting lies in giving more specific orders and concentrating the mind to successfully cast a spell.