Generally speaking, there are two types of magic: contagious magic and sympathetic magic. Contagious magic involves the use of physical ingredients which were once in contact with the object or objects one hopes to influence with a spell. Sympathetic magic involves the use of physical objects which resemble the object or objects one hopes to influence; the Voodoo dolls of "New Orleans Voodoo" are an example of this. Sympathetic magick is magic based on imitation or on correspondence. Imitation involves using effigies to affect the environment of people. Correspondence is based on the idea that one can influence something based on its relationship to another thing.

Magical intentions

There are several historical varieties of magical practice. Generally, magical intentions can be divided into two general areas. The first is divination, which seeks to reveal information. Varieties of divination include:

• astrology
• augury
• cartomancy
• dowsing
• fortune telling
• geomancy
• I Ching
• omens
• tarot cards

More about divination

Necromancy involves the summoning of and conversation with spirits. This can be done either to gain information from the spirits; or it can be done with the intention of commanding those spirits, in which it falls under the second general area of magic; that of casting spells. Included in this broad category are a number of specific magical intentions, such as the weather magic of the rain dance, the physical magic of alchemy, or the making of potions and philtres.

Magical disciplines in Dungeons and Dragons

There are nine schools of magic in Dungeons and Dragons. They are, in alphabetical order:

• Abjuration: Spells that protect, block or banish. A specialist is known as an abjurer.
• Conjuration: Spells that bring creatures or materials to the caster. A specialist is known as a conjurer.
• Divination: Spells that reveal information. A specialist is known as a diviner.
• Enchantment: Spells that grant the recipient with some property or endear the target to the caster. A specialist is known as an enchanter.
• Evocation: Spells that manipulate energy or create energy from nothing. A specialist is known as an evoker.
• Illusion: Spells that alter perception or create false images. A specialist is known as an illusionist.
• Necromancy: Spells that manipulate, create, or destroy life or life energy. A specialist is known as a necromancer.
• Transmutation: Spells that transform the target physically or changes its properties in some more subtle way. A specialist is known as a transmuter
• Universal: Not truly a school, but a group of spells that do not truly fall into any school. Only a limited number of spells fall into this category. It is not possible to specialise in universal magic. (Version 3.5 Players Handbook)