Elemental Magic

All matter in the universe is composed of a mixture of the six elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light, and Dark. These elements are perfectly mixed and balanced throughout the universe. However, there are various methods by which the balance of elements may be disrupted, which may create a variety of magical effects. Throughout the eons, humans, salamanders, burrowing owls, and lightning bugs have perfected the techniques for elemental manipulation and control.   The elements operate on three continuums of energy; the Earth-Air Continuum, the Fire-Water Continuum, and the Light-Dark Continuum. These six elements balance each other out, with each restraining its opposite. Each of these balanced pairs controls both the literal manifestations of the elements, as well as a metaphysical or abstract concept tied to that continuum.  

The Earth-Air Continuum

The Earth-Air Continuum, also known as the Choice Continuum, has its primary manifestation as literal earth and air. The work of this continuum is often seen in deserts, where the air itself weathers away the earth into fascinating and impossible-seeming formations.   On the abstract level, the Earth-Air Continuum is the one which balances decision-making factors and commitment. High Air energy creates freedom, independence, and maneuverability, but can also result in flightiness, irresponsibility, and lack of attention to detail. On the other end of the spectrum, high Earth energy creates responsibility, commitment, and cooperation, but can also beget stubbornness, inflexibility, and coercion.   Mages that specialize in Air magic may work magic that manifests as literal blasts of air, luck manipulation magic, and unlocking or unbinding magic. Mages that specialize in Earth magic may work with the movement of stone and earth, magic relating to binding or locking, and shielding magic.  

The Fire-Water Continuum

The Fire-Water Continuum, also known as the Action Continuum, has its primary manifestation as literal fire and water. It is often difficult to see evidence of this continuum at work in nature; generally speaking, fire and water do not mix well. However, the power can be seen in volcanic islands where lava reaches the sea, and in hot springs.   The Fire-Water Continuum, on the abstract level, balances kinds of activity and levels of energy. High Fire energy is associated with movement, speed, and powerful force, but can lead to impulsiveness, recklessness, and destruction. High Water energy is associated with patience, tranquility, and gentleness, but may also develop apathy, indecisiveness, and sloth.   Mages that specialize in Fire magic may do workings that manifest as literal balls or spouts of flame, transportation magic, and power-up magic. Mages that specialize in Water magic may manifest as manipulation of literal water, healing magic, and soporific or tranquilizing magic.  

The Light-Dark Continuum

The Light-Dark Continuum, also known as the Knowledge Continuum, has its primary manifestation as light and darkness. The power of the Light-Dark continuum can be seen in the moon and stars at night, where their light can only be seen because of the darkness.   Abstractly, the Light-Dark Continuum has to do with knowledge and information. High Light energy manifests as truthfulness, communication, and prophecy, but can lead to obsessiveness, literal-mindedness, and black-and-white thinking. High Dark energy manifests as secrecy, illusion, and stealth, but also can develop deception or compulsive lying, shyness, and avoidance.   Mages that specialize in Light magic may perform magic that manifests as literal light, divination, perception magic, translation magic, and long-distance communication. Mages that specialize in Dark magic may perform magic that manifests as literal darkness, illusion magic, mental manipulation, and stealth magic.