Small Magic

About

Small Magic is a term applied to natural magical phenomena and practices. The general understanding of the underlying principles of disease, infections, antibiotics and other such elements of medicine are beyond the ken of most ordinary folk. The accepted view is that these things are magical in nature, and just part of the way the world works. Every culture has its own mix of taboos, charms, omens, folk cures, and other superstitious rituals that are commonplace, and not considered heretical in the eyes of any particular faith.

Practice

While anyone can perform the rituals or craft items involving small magics, the practices can become a livelihood for some. Specialists in small magics include a variety of trades such as herbalists, charm makers, fortune tellers, astrologers, mediums, street magicians, perfumers, musicians, and artists. Anyone who can produce viable medicinal concoctions from plants, animals, or minerals are considered to be practicing small magic. Likewise, fortune tellers, and astrologers are seen as interpreting the magical influence of various things upon the lives of regular folk. Any keen observer can make the same connections, and therefore it is considered a natural part of the way the world works. Similarly, little rituals and taboos performed to give good fortune, or ward off bad outcomes are also part of a culture's small magic traditions.