| “ | It's a craft... witchcraft, which means you have to figure out how to access and control it | ” |
The Black Amber Tree, a natural well-spring of magic.
Magic is a fundamental and supernatural force that permeates the fabric of reality, shaping the natural world, sentient beings, and extraordinary phenomena. It is both a manipulable force and a vital essence, integral to the existence of certain beings, objects, and even locations. Magic influences the underlying principles of reality and could potentially be recognized as a core component of life and the universe.
Overview[]
Magic is a universal force that transcends the natural laws of science, forming the foundation of countless extraordinary phenomena. It encompasses innate abilities, enchanted objects, mystical locations, and the essence of supernatural beings. Magic is capable of altering and controlling the natural world, including events, objects, people, and physical phenomena. These changes depend on the practitioner's skill, power, imagination, knowledge, and moral alignment. While often linked to mystical spells and rituals, magic also operates instinctively through certain beings and phenomena, influencing their behavior and capabilities.
Magic finds its most vivid expression through magical beings, which are broadly categorized as either human in origin or entirely magical in nature. This diverse group spans all moral alignments, natures, and power levels. Humans born with the ability to wield magic are typically called "witches." Beyond witches, there are other beings such as pixies, leprechauns, elves, and fearsome demons, which are inherently magical in nature.
Certain locations possess mystical attributes or enchantments, serving as powerful sources of magic. These places allow individuals to access or augment their magic in various ways. Notable examples include the Isle of Hy-Breasal, the Gardens of Latebra, the Sacred Grove, and a Vortex Viribus. Magic also defines alternate dimensions such as Tartarus and the Tomb of Chaos, as well as pocket dimensions like the Enchanted Mirror World and presumably the Blue Camellia. It extends to other planes of existence, including the astral plane, the Veil, and Infinite Home Video.
Additionally, magic imbues certain objects, ancient artifacts, and substances with extraordinary properties. This can occur through inherent magical qualities or through enchantments, often placed via spells. Objects like the Amulet of Archangels, the Blade of Clarity, the Book of Elders, the Book of Shadows, the Enchanted Egg, the Memory Mirror, the Nebron Root Bomb, the Sirona-Stone, and the Training Orb are examples of items with magical attributes. Substances such as bioluminescent lichen, black amber, hellflame, orichalcum, and pixie dust also possess magical capabilities, as do many herbs used in potions.
Usage of Magic[]
The practice of magic is highly dependent on the skill, strength, and understanding of its practitioner. Using magic effectively requires mastery over its forces, as it can be deadly in the wrong hands. Magic is as diverse in its application as it is in its origins, with methodologies tailored to the practitioner’s abilities, intent, and specific connection. Magic manifests in various forms, often categorized by its moral implications, power, and source. While some forms are universally accessible, others are limited to specific beings or lineages. The methodologies of magic reflect the vast diversity of magical beings and their traditions, varying based on the practitioner’s lineage, the type of magic they wield, and the tools or rituals they employ.
Methodology[]
- Main article: Powers and/or List of Magical Powers
Macy uses her power of telekinesis to throw a globe at Harry, which he catches using his own telekinetic power.
One of the most defining characteristics of magic is the development of unique supernatural abilities, commonly referred to as "powers." These abilities enable individuals to perform magical feats instinctively rather than through structured practices. Powers vary widely, both in form and magnitude, and are often deeply tied to the nature, personality, or lineage of the individual wielding them. Powers encompass a wide range of abilities, each with distinct characteristics and applications. These abilities may manifest as a single specialized talent or a suite of related powers, depending on the individual and their magical origins. Additionally, the source of a being's powers often reflects their magical identity. A witch's powers typically mirror their personality, emotional state, or family lineage. For example, a witch that could be described as a bit of a "control freak" might develop the ability to freeze time, while a more sympathetic temperament might lead to empathic powers. Beings such as pixies and even dreadful demons possess powers seemingly tied to their essence, ranging from shapeshifting to the production of fire.
Powers are often accessed through one's emotions, instinct, and mental focus. Intense feelings like anger, fear, or love can trigger and amplify powers. Some beings, particularly non-human magical individuals, use their powers as a natural extension of their being. Concentration and discipline allow for precise control of more complex abilities. Powers can differ significantly, even among members of the same magical species. A witch from one family might possess telekinetic abilities, while another from a different lineage could develop foresight. In some cases, powers evolve or grow stronger over time, often in response to life experiences, training, or heightened emotions.
Powers play a vital role in defining a magical being's identity and place. They serve as tools for protection, survival, and influence but can also be a source of conflict or danger. The uncontrolled use of powers can lead to unintended harm, while those with extraordinary abilities (such as the Charmed Ones) may find themselves targeted by enemies or revered as leaders. Ultimately, powers are both a gift and a responsibility, reflecting the multifaceted nature of magic itself.
- Main article: Spells and/or Spell Casting
Macy casting a spell, one of the most basic components of witchcraft.
A "spell" is a structured magical formula used to produce a specific outcome or effect. While spells are commonly associated with witches, many other magical beings can develop the ability to cast them. Spells can range from simple incantations to elaborate rituals requiring intricate preparations and components. Spells are composed of several key elements that work in harmony to achieve a magical outcome. The most recognizable component is the incantation—spoken words that channel and direct the caster’s intent. These incantations can vary in language, often in ancient or mystical languages like Latin, Romanian, or Russian. Some spells are also performed in plain English, frequently taking the form of rhyming couplets.
Ritualistic actions frequently accompany the verbal component, including symbolic movements or gestures that further align the caster with the spell's purpose. Some spells demand an elaborate ceremonial context, where intricate preparations and the use of specific components elevate a spell into a ritual. Rituals can sometimes require multiple participants working in tandem, heightening the energy and precision needed for complex magical tasks. For most practitioners, vocalizing the incantation is essential to activating a spell.[1] However, experienced witches may cast certain spells nonverbally or through gestures alone, bypassing the spoken component entirely. For example, Charity Callahan, a powerful Elder witch, demonstrated mastery over casting spells nonverbally by summoning her Binding Whip and launching deathbolts with a simple motion of her hand.
- Main article: Potions and/or Potion Making
.gif){kind=link}
A "potion" refers to a magical concoction crafted to achieve specific effects, often through the careful combination of herbs, spices, magical ingredients, and occasionally modern chemical compounds. Potions are a versatile and widely used form of magic, allowing practitioners to imbue liquid, paste, or powdered mixtures with supernatural properties. The effects of a potion are as varied as the intentions behind their creation. They can heal, harm, enhance, or transform. While potion making is most commonly associated with witches, other magical beings also possess the ability to create potions, even when they may lack the capability to cast spells. Antidotes, also known as counter-serums, are a specialized category of potions used to neutralize the effects of another potion or to reverse certain magical anomalies.
Potions can be consumed, applied topically, or even dispersed in powdered form, depending on their intended purpose. Some potions are used independently, while others require the recitation of a spell to activate or amplify their power. The methodology of potion making often requires precision and knowledge. Ingredients may need to be prepared in specific ways, such as being ground into powders, infused in liquids, or boiled at exact temperatures. Though potions are primarily associated with liquids, their versatility extends beyond this form. Pastes and powders are also used, with powders often employed for throwing or blowing at a target to deliver their effects. Whether simple remedies or complex brews requiring rare and potent ingredients, potions remain an essential tool in the magical practitioner's arsenal.Sources of Power[]
According to some beliefs, the source of all magic is known as the Sacred Flame. All magical beings derived their power from the exact same place of origin, and it is neutral to good or evil as it depends entirely on morality of its vessel. If a being becomes a host for this primordial source of power, they become known as "The Source of All Evil." However, it should be noted that the Source is in fact an incredible source of ancient power created by Ishta and Ishani, two of the first Charmed Ones, by combining the magic stolen by the first Conqueror. There are also other power sources, such as the ancient Black Amber Tree, which has been described as the natural well-spring of magic that has existed on Earth since the beginning of time.
It has been shown that the lives of all magical beings on the planet are connected with the existence of magic and particularly tied to the life of the aforementioned tree. If the black amber from the tree is touched by mortal hands, the magic of the tree and thus the entire magical community will be poisoned, and if magic dies, then all magical creatures will begin to die at different time intervals along with it. The Charmed Ones, being the most powerful witches, can apparently last the longest, but later they will also come to an end if the poisoning of magic is not resolved in time.[2][3]
Magical Authority[]
Ten thousand years ago, during the time of either the 8th or 9th Millenium B.C.[4], when magic was everywhere, the original nine clans of magic, including mermen, hobgoblins, elves, gremlins, Loveland frogs, lamias, trolls, leprechauns, and pixies, came together to fight the first Conqueror, a power-hungry mortal who wanted to steal all magic for himself. The clans created a powerful artifact known as "the Bowl of Unity" and each creature poured its remaining power into the bowl to forge an unprecedented ultimate power that would be able to defeat it. Knowing it was too much for one being to handle and only witches could bear such power, they asked three witches, Ishta, Inara, and Ishani, to drink from the bowl. The magic turned them into the first Charmed Ones, splitting the power between the three of them to create the Power of Three.[5] The first Conqueror and the first Charmed Ones were remembered in legend when the battle was won. However, the Charmed Ones also drifted apart soon after as they no longer had a common purpose, for while they chose to become charmed, they never chose to be sisters. When Inara became power-hungry and Ishta and Ishani entombed her alive south of Baghdad in the Akahtu Mines, the Power of Three punished them and created a vicious cycle of destruction for generations of Charmed Ones to come.
Since then, new Charmed Ones were born and chosen to wield the Power of Three when they were needed to protect the world from destruction. However, even if they were bound by blood, every generation of Charmed Ones ended in the destruction of their sisterhood, where one sister died as a consequence, meeting their end through either the weight of the Power of Three or being killed in the midst of battle. Through time, the Charmed Ones had come to be known as the most powerful witches in existence who are dedicated to protecting innocents, such as other witches and mortals, and vanquishing evil, most commonly demons.
At some point in ancient times, a collective of witches gathered and became known as "the Elders". They were a council of senior good witches who governed over the forces of good. They created and oversaw Whitelighters in their effort to guide and protect neophyte witches. The deaths of all of the Elders was one of three signs prophesied to bring about the Apocalypse. The Elders created and enforced rules for witches and Whitelighters to follow. They were viewed as royalty and could dispense punishment on those who do not follow their directives. Even with their magical responsibilities, the Elders lived amongst mortals as regular people, dealing with normal human responsibilities like jobs and families. However, they did not use their abilities, or allow other witches, to interfere in mortal matters or crimes. Despite this, there were still various magical factions that did not follow the rules placed by the Elders, such as the Sisters of Arcana, and even entire branches of magic in general that were not sanctioned by the Elders.
When Macy Vaughn, Mel Vera, and Maggie Vera became the Charmed Ones in late 2018 and began their journey as witches, their Whitelighter, Harry Greenwood, acted as a liaison between the neophyte witches and the Elders. For some unknown reason, the Elders also kept the existence of previous Charmed Ones a secret from the Vera-Vaughn sisters. A murder conspiracy against the Elders started on Cinco de Mayo of 2019 when Hunter Caine came back from Tartarus and, as more and more Elders fell, the remaining ones consoled with the Charmed Ones. However, despite eventually vanquishing Hunter, he managed to kill the remaining Elders, while Fiona Callahan killed her own sister and final Elder, Charity Callahan, the next day. With Charity's death, the prophecy of the Apocalypse began to come true, although it was later thwarted when Charmed One Macy took on the power of the Source herself who then eventually relinquished the power.
The following day, the Vera-Vaughn sisters were greeted by a horde of magical creatures who'd come to thank them for saving magic. With the Elders gone, the magical creatures were in search of a new governing body to maintain magical order, believing the natural choice to be the Charmed Ones. Having come a long way since being kidnapped and informed of magical existence by Harry, the sisters were finally united, in both their relationships with one another and their magic, embracing their new role as leaders in the magical community. Since this time, the Charmed Ones have come to be known as the reigning elite, the most important beings in the magical world.
In 2021, Macy was killed while vanquishing the Whispering Evil who, wanting to get a new host, tried to take over her body. Macy was able to stop its control by drinking poison, which killed the ancient monster, but its death inside Macy also damaged her body at the cellular level. Despite the efforts of her sisters and Harry, the damage was irreparable. In the end, having come to terms with what had happened, the sisters took the dying Macy to Ishta's spirit at the Black Amber Tree, where her soul separated from her body and ascended. This brought about the destruction of the Vera-Vaughn sisterhood. However, Ishta informed Mel and Maggie that there was another Charmed One out there.
Six months later in 2022, Maggie and Mel are mysteriously transported to Philadelphia where they meet Kaela Danso. When the two sisters questioned her about the triquetra symbol on her van, Kaela tried to leave. Maggie grabbed her arm, and the touch caused the sky to momentarily fill with lightning. The contact awakened the witch in Kaela, bringing about the constitution of the Vera-Danso Charmed Ones.
Moral Divisions[]
Magic is often divided into two primary categories, though the distinction is not always absolute. The "forces of light" are associated with healing, protection, and creation. Often seen as benevolent, this magic is used to promote goodwill and safeguard life. Contrastingly, the "forces of dark" are tied to destruction, manipulation, and malevolent intent. While often feared, this magic can also be a tool for survival or justice when wielded by the morally ambiguous.
Certain beings, such as Necromancers, are able to tap into both forces, using their power to manipulate life and death for the purpose of bringing the dead back to life.[6]
Types of Magic[]
There are several branches of magic that focus on a specific application as well in the methodology and tools used in its practice. Some of the known branches of magic:
- Witchcraft: The magical practices of witches, often involving spells, rituals, and potions. This form of magic requires extensive knowledge, discipline, and a deep understanding in order to access and control it.
- Brujería: A Latin American and Afro-Caribbean religion that can be used for spellcrafting. Joséfina Reyes and the extended Vera family from Puerto Rico are able to utilize Brujería.
- Dark Magic:[7] A branch of magic used for evil and selfish purposes. It's practiced by demons and Necromancers. It was highly disapproved of by the Elders.
- Blood Magic: A branch of dark magic centered on the manipulation of blood or using blood as a requirement/reagent within spellcasting. It's used to induce a magical transformation and forcibly convert an individual into a magical species. The Elders saw this as the darkest of magic.
- Divination: A branch of magic that is centered on the practice of gaining information through various mystical or supernatural means. As divination requires practice and skill, it is assumed that certain aspects of divination can be taught to others - even mortals.
- Necromancy: A form of divination centered on communicating with the spirits in order to resurrect the dead. Necromancy was highly distrusted by the Elders as some practitioners are known to consort with demons.
- Santería:[1] An Afro-American religion that can be used for spellcrafting. Santería was not sanctioned by the Elders and cannot be breached by Western Magic, meaning Tessa was unable to orb into the Vera Manor while it was shielded with this type of magic.
- Western Magic:[8] A branch of magic based on European mystical traditions. It's a type of magic that was sanctioned by the Elders and includes at least the power of orbing.
Limitations[]
Regardless of how powerful or skilled a magical being may get, they are by no means without limits. Some of the known limits of magic are:
- Balance: According to Harry Greenwood, magic relies on a system of balance. If magic is used for personal gain, there can be unforeseen circumstances and undesirable after-effects.[9] Also, an example being the existence of Darklighters as a counterpart for Whitelighters as a "great cost" in order to maintain balance.[10]
- Destiny: Evidently, no matter how powerful the magic user is, magic cannot be used to override fate as destiny will always reassert itself.[11]
Users of Magic[]
Trivia[]
- As seen in Manic Pixie Nightmare and Red Rain, there are certain spells and rituals that ordinary humans can perform. Mortals are also able to utilize certain methods of divination, such as ouija. Though, this does not make them magical in nature. Additionally, there are certain mortals, such as psychics and mediums, that possess unique abilities but are presumably otherwise ordinary human beings.
- In the first season, particularly the episodes Source Material and Ambush, it is stated that the Sacred Flame and the Source of All Evil are the source of all magic itself, and all magical beings derived their power from the exact same place of origin, and it is neutral to good or evil as it depends entirely on morality of its vessel. However, it was later revealed in the fourth season that the Source was actually created from all of the magic stolen by the first Conqueror. Ishta and Ishani, two of the very first Charmed Ones, had combined the power and hidden it so that it couldn't be found.
- Fiona Callahan planned to kill Parker Caine after he took on the power of the Source in order to destroy all magic. She believed that, as the Source was connected to the life of its vessel, should the current host of the ancient, raw power suffer fatal damage under any circumstances, it would destroy the power of the Sacred Flame and all magic along with it, bringing all magical life to an end. However, since it was later revealed that the Source wasn't really the source of all magic itself, it can be presumed that Fiona's plan wouldn't have ended in the destruction of all magic.