And from this beginning, we will look at the Arcane Magic system. The arcane arts offer spell craft and knowledge of the most potent magic

• Example 1: The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan (and completed by Brandon Sanderson) has magic known as the One Power, channeled through the weaving of threads of saidar (female half) and saidin (male half). Channelers (aka users) perform spells and effects by manipulating the elements to heal and combat. 
• Example 2: We’ve all seen the young wizard Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, casting spells, using potions, and dealing with magical artifacts, all while speaking incantations and waving the wands.
• Example 3: While some of the brutal ideas behind The Magicians by Lev Grossman literally made me stop watching the show, I initially loved Quentin Coldwater and Brakebil’sl School for Magic. They did a tremendous amount of spellcasting which included incantations and hand gestures. I believe his team cleared the floor on the playing Welders.
  As a writer, using the Arcane magic system brings a sense of wonder, mystery, and depth to a story. The hidden knowledge, ancient rituals, and esoteric practices let characters dive into the mystery and intrigue. As well, Arcane magic often has fewer rules and limitations allowing for a wide range of possibilities, hinting at boundless potentials of excitement and unpredictability as characters learn more ways to wield magic. Characters also confront their fears, overcome obstacles, and unlock their inner potential as they learn to harness the forces of magic.
• Example 4: We see this more clearly in characters as they grow like Gandalf the Grey becoming Gandalf the White. He expands his knowledge of the world and its lore to share wisdom with others and influence decisions. He uses spells of protection, fire, light, and telekinesis. Manipulating magical energies and he grows stronger the more he uses them. He understands the consequences of wielding power and the importance of using it judiciously. Gandalf often employs magic as a last resort, preferring diplomacy, cunning, and leadership to overcome challenges whenever possible.
  Arcane magic systems often draw on symbolism, mythology, and cultural traditions, adding layers of meaning to the story. Symbols, rituals, and magical artifacts may hold deeper significance within the narrative, reflecting themes of power, transformation, and the human condition. Ultimately, battles are made between powerful sorcerers, quests for ancient artifacts, and struggles against cosmic forces, raising the stakes to the highest levels where fates of worlds may hang in the balance as characters wield the awesome power of magic.
• Example 5: An example would be The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang: Inspired by Chinese history and mythology, this novel follows the journey of Rin, a young woman from a small village who discovers she has a talent for shamanism. As she trains to become a powerful warrior, Rin becomes embroiled in a brutal war that threatens to engulf the land. Mixing elements of military fantasy, grimdark, and historical fiction, the book offers a gripping and thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, whether the reader is taken into realms that delve into the hidden depths of ancient tomes or unlock the secrets of forgotten lore, the exploration of arcane magic systems invites us to embark on a quest for knowledge, power, and discovery. Through the pages of fantasy novels, we writers want to invite the reader to wield the forces of magic, explore the boundaries of imagination, and experience the wonder of worlds where anything is possible.

I can’t wait to share the next magic system with you.

In my serial Kindle Vella novel Sparrows Legacy, the two children, Tara and Teng, have wildly different magics. But they are given a tomb by their mother to accompany the learning process. Here is a short scene.

Settling into the camp, they shared the tasks of preparing the meat and tuber roots Tara had found and dug up earlier. Her thoughts were a mess, and she sat back against a log they had positioned near the smokeless fire. 

Her mind jumped from one thing to another as she blindly watched Teng stir the beginning of the stew over the fire. The confusion caused by the phantom scents drained her of energy. Maybe I’m getting sick? Ever since she had mentioned the strange scent in the forest to Teng she felt stupid. But she really needed to discuss this with someone before she lost judgment when she might really need it.

Teng looked over at her pensive features and knew something was up. He dished out the warmed stew and handed a serving to Tara. 

“Why don’t you read from the book, Tara?” He tried to get her attention. She looked up at him frowning. The leather-bound book was just another problem. Every time she held it, she could smell clean, fresh air tinged with something she tried to identify, maybe salt. It confused her and bothered her. She also had noticed a slight flavor of salt. Never having been near the great waters she imagined she smelled what people called sea air. She reached over to her pack and retrieved the book. Holding it closed in her hand she was assailed again with the scent that was becoming more and more familiar. Disgusted with the oddity she sat it down beside her with a grunt.

“Teng, I have to talk to you!” She stated, setting her stew dish down on the other side.

Teng sat back and shoveled food while waiting.

Tara related the incident of his skrying and the strange smell of cinnamon she had encountered. At his astonished look, she continued to relay the first memory she could think of that involved her strange senses. The book lying beside her held the sea air scent and the holograms Matie had made when she was testing her out in the forest had an odor about them too! With that remark, Teng asked what holograms.

Tara explained the holograms of the creature Matie had sent out to fight with her when she was hunting in the forest. Teng’s gaze grew suddenly angry.

“She was teaching you to fight?” He accused, loudly. Tara hesitated at his anger and remembered her own anger at the thought of him being allowed to go to school when she could not.

“She continued to tutor me after Patie passed, Teng. She took over where he had stopped and taught me her own way. I was not allowed to go to school, and they thought teaching me sword and bow would allow me to…not feel as bitter.” Her statement brought a slight flush to his cheeks as her tone of voice matched the frustration she was remembering. He sat back again realizing she had been just as jealous as he was…for different reasons.

“Well, I…never thought of that!” He said, more humble than she thought he was capable. He looked over at their father’s sword and sighed, with envy still visible. She decided then and there she would start teaching him some basics with the sword while they had time. Getting back to the subject she asked him what he thought.

“Sounds like magic, Tara. But Matie said you were past the age of blooming.” He stated, slightly embarrassed by the admission. She had heard it too and realized Matie had said ‘almost past’. Reminding him of this, he nodded in agreement.

“So, what do you want to do? Why don’t we test it?” he asked, getting excited. Tara felt a shiver of excitement flow through her and agreed to try.