Magic is a metaphysical force that is both part of and transcends the physical world. There are those who work with this power for the benefit of people and nature such as the Cut-Wife. There are also those who use the magical arts not only for their own ends but to serve the powers of darkness.
Magic in the Ancient World[]
Magic has been practiced since possibly the beginning of mankind and comes in many different forms. Some forms of magic such as Necromancy are considered to be darker by many people, but magic itself is neither good nor evil.
Whilst belief in magic somewhat reduced over time, magic in the old world had a much more common place. From the mystic/scholar priests of Ancient Egypt to the Necromancers and Magi of Babylon. There are many different schools of magic and many different types of practitioners.
The Cut-wife explains to Vanessa how in ancient times she was a member of a coven of witches that practiced healing and she continued to use her powers for such things. She elaborates on how the darker powers of the supernatural world seduced witches with more power in exchange for payment. Spirits such as Satan and perhaps other Dark Gods offered practitioners of magic even greater spells and powers.
Spells[]
A spell is a ritual actions made by someone usually connected to power either innately, through study or through the use of magical items to produce magical effects. Incantations being words that breathe life into the spell and intention of the occultist.
Verbis Diablo[]
The main language of spells seems to be the Verbis Diablo, the language of the devil which pierces reality and alters is for the spell caster. Though it can be used for good or bad effects its tainted by darkness. The Cut-Wife warns Vanessa Ives that she must use spells sparingly as using the Verbis Dablo could mean you don't stop speaking the devil's tongue and soon it wont be you speaking at all but the powers of hell.