Colors of Magic, Their Meanings, and Why They Manifest
Colors represent the general kind of magic being used.
Blue
natural magic
Puse green
corrupted magic
Yellow
tech infused magic
Magic Classifications You May Encounter
This isn't a complete listing, but enough to get you started and watching for who uses what type.Manifestation
When magic is performed there's a loss of energy as the flow of ki goes from potential energy to being used for a spell. It manifests as a display of glowing light and hot sparks. A magic user's body and magic utensils (such as Ofuda) aren't perfect conduits for the ki, resulting in a ki-based friction. The concept is similar to the effect of light and heat given off from a body falling from orbit.
The more pure the body or substance, the less burn off occurs. This varies with the user's ability and amount of ki utilized. Those born with the natural ability have less bodily resistance, but tend to use more ki. Those born without the natural ability have less ki available, but must use the word or a tool such as ofuda.
The light and heat generated varies. Often the more talented the mage, the more spectacular the light show.
Studies to minimize the loss of ki have been marginally helpful at best.
Type
Metaphysical, Arcane
You know, in Japan (as in many other places, but Japan especially), people who worked with blood in their occupations, such as tanners and pelt makers. They were called "Eta" or "The dirtied masses" and considered unclean and filled with sin because of the work they did. Another "taboo" in Shintoism that originated in Buddhism is the menstrual blood of women, and those who come in contact with it are expected to avoid shrines for a while, which makes things especially challenging for female priests. These are things I bring up because tying sin and pollution via blood could be interesting concepts to work into your magic system to canonize it further with Japanese belief systems.
Good points! Thank you! (and thank you for the like!) I'll ponder how much of that aspect I want to put in. I debated the burakamin (like in your first paragraph) but shied away because it can be a very sensitive topic.
True, Japanese people do not like talking about that and aren't super happy about foreigners discussing the topic either.
*well, generally. It does depend on the person of course.