Hard magic, or rule-based, is designed with clear rules and limitations, providing a structured and consistent framework for magical abilities within the story. In the novel Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson, hard magic is the only way. A young street urchin named Vin discovers she is a Mistborn, capable of ingesting and “burning” metals to gain magical abilities. Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy are the three systems of magic, each with precise rules. Allomancy, for instance, involves ingesting metals and “burning” them to gain specific powers, with each metal providing a different ability and having a clearly defined effect. Brandon outdid himself.

In some cases, natural magic systems incorporate elements of Symbology. For instance, in A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, the true names of things serve as symbols that unlock their magical potential, requiring a deep understanding of the language of nature. Wizards gain power by learning and understanding the language of the Making, where each word or name has a profound significance and influence. In The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, there is a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound by a challenge set by their mentors. The circus itself is a symphony of symbolic magical acts. The competitors use intricate symbols and rituals to create and sustain their magical exhibits, and the nature of their magic is often tied to symbolic gestures and carefully crafted enchantments.

Authors often use Natural Magic systems to immerse the reader into the story through the setting by vividly describing natural settings—lush forests, towering mountains, flowing rivers—that are central to the magic system. By grounding the magic in real-world natural elements, they make the magical world more believable. And by having characters interact with nature in meaningful ways, such as drawing power from the earth, speaking to animals, or using plants for potions. This interaction reinforces the bond between magic and nature. This magic system also has heavy use of folklore and myths to add depth and layers of history and tradition. There is much detailing of rituals, ceremonies, and traditional practices linked to the magic system that can provide a sense of authenticity and cultural immersion. The author may also provide environmental messages such as highlighting the importance of nature and environmental stewardship to resonate with readers, especially in contemporary contexts. The Overstory by Richard Powers has stories of several individuals whose lives are deeply affected by trees and the natural world. The novel is a profound meditation on the relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of trees and the environment. Powers uses elements of natural magic and mystical connections to trees to underscore the need for conservation and the interdependence of all life forms on Earth. The characters’ deepening connections to trees reflect a broader call to protect and preserve the natural world.

In my free, serialized novel, located on my website. I am sharing the first draft chapters of a new novel Spirito, the Canid Warrior.  In one scene, Spirito, an energetic 9-year-old canid boy, is touring the famed Proev’l Academy. He is exploring around when he runs across a small center courtyard between some hallways.  There are beautiful flower trees, and a water fountain, and the area is open to sunlight.  The Doha instructor Aliq is meditating within.  In this scene, the natural magics of the courtyard arise from what Spirito sees and recalls with Doha Aliq, which will determine which of the 7 mystical ways of Strength, Spirit, Death, Fighting, Wisdom, Growth, or Peace, he will train into within the school. 

Here is a short sample.

“Are you lost, young pup?” A male’s voice asked nearby.

Spirito startled, turned and found the elder canid with yellow and red robes standing in the hall in the place where he intended to go.

He didn’t want to break any rules and Doha Sobie told him to only talk to the white-robed canids.  His ears flickered in confusion. 

“Speak. I don’t often see students in these halls.”

Spirito blinked. “I am…not lost, Doha, sir.  I did not mean to disturb you. I am only supposed to talk to the white-robed today.” He drew a deep breath to find his center.  He did not want to get into trouble by interrupting a class or a master’s study.

The canid continued to look at him as if he were scrutinizing Spirito in case he needed to report him. 

“I am on tour today for the academy, you see.  To become enrolled?” Spirito swallowed at his own words.  He was unsure if he should continue to talk.  He looked at the canid’s belt tie and found the mastery markings flowing down its length.  He couldn’t quite count them, but he rubbed his ear when he realized there were quite a few more than his Da had on his mastery belt.  And they were very different colors than the blue and black he knew.  The peculiar markings sewn into the surface were red, yellow, and orange.  His Da has two black and one blue, his sister has three of black.  He quickly decided this master was quite experienced in whatever he studied.