Magic

Magic is the power witches are able to call upon and produce.

Basics

Nothing about magic is simple in this world.
How magic works is not well understood, although many devote (or have devoted) extensive studying to the matter. Magic's origin, mechanics, and limits are debated subjects across the world.
Words and movements are not required to practice magic, although some witches do as a matter of practicality and/or style.
Teaching magic is a complex matter because of its enigmatic qualities. A teacher is unable to explain to students how one must call upon their magic; a student must determine that him or herself. Teachers at the Academy and the Institute are more akin to guides; a teacher cannot simply write on a chalkboard how to manipulate an object, for example.
The skill of witches vary widely and it is unknown as to why. The working theory is that some witches are simply more capable of calling their magic than others. Another theory is that some witches "possess" more magic than others, although there is no evidence to support that witches have a finite sense of magic. (Although their magic can be affected by a variety of factors, including emotions and age.)
There are nine types (or branches) of magic, in addition to Foundational Magic. ORGANIZATION CHART NOT AVAILABLE

"Born with" vs. "Practicing"

Main article: Born and Practicing Magic
There is a clear delineation between witches "born with" a certain type of magic versus those that "practice" a branch of magic. Witches are "born with" one particular type of magic, which is determined at a person's Arbitrium when they are seven days old. This is the magic they will be most proficient at, and the magic they will always feel most comfortable performing. It is considered taboo to ask a stranger what type of magic they were both with because it is considered an oddly intimate question.
In addition to the magic someone is born with, they will also "practice" many other types of magic. In fact, it is expected that witches be proficient in types of magic other than the ones they were born with.
Additionally, is it not uncommon to hear that a certain type of magic is someone's 'Born Magic' or a branch is their 'Practicing Magic.'

Language

Most magic is nonverbal, although most children start out verbalizing their magic to help them practice. Some adults do as well, as nonverbal magic is more difficult than verbalizing it.
When someone uses their magic, they say they "magicked" it.

Movement

What movements people use to call their magic is entirely dependent on their own style. Some witches prefer magicking with great flourish, while some hardly move at all, catching others by surprise.

Enforcement

Some types of magic, such as Dark, Time, and Transportation, are all heavily regulated by the Council. However, some are less regulated (like Potion and Illusion), and some are even less so (Healing).
Ultimately, any witch found guilty of using their magic for malicious purposes is swiftly and severely punished to discourage those with "stronger" types of magic from utilizing it maliciously.

Other information

Education

Students are initially homeschooled, then attend the Academy, followed by the Institute, and then the Athenaeum. 

Magic appearance

Most witches' magic appears at age five or six, although it can theoretically appear at any age.

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