(T>B) Magic theory 101 · 1:22pm Jun 8th, 2021
From my entry in this thread: https://www.fimfiction.net/group/50/the-writers-group/thread/457716/light-magic-and-dark-magic-theory
Magic - a "semi-fundamental" force, as if the Creator had got everything balanced with the basic four and then realised they had an extra left over and didn't want to waste it. May be related to sentience, since it's both responsive to the wills of thinking beings and can even bring them forth on occasion. Can have all sorts of effects based on it's "flavour" shaped by circumstance.
Pony magic - many species in their world are magical, but of those not actually made of it, ponies are quite possibly the most suffused with it. It lives in their every cell, granting them all sorts of passive perks (like the impact toughness and healing rates of cartoon characters). Of course, besides all the minor but essential extras comes the most indivdual and yet universal manifestation - the cutie mark, a reflection of the pony's inner self.
In fact, I think pony magic in general reflects their individual will - obviously unicorn spellcasting, but also more instinctual pegasus and earthpony abilities. (Even the more passive abilities reflect the instinctual will to live.) It's not light or dark, but totally neutral - a selfish kind of magic, which can be used to help or harm according to the user's will. (Although healing of others seems to be rare to nonexistent...)
Dark magic - as noted, seems to be mainly associated with negative emotion. Magic seems quite responsive to emotion in general (see Twilight's self-ignition, Starlight in general), but negative emotion in general might be "stickier" and cause more feedback. Or perhaps there are forces out there which use it as a foothold to taint and corrupt...
It is still magic at the end of the day, so the sufficiently skilled can duplicate it to some degree without negative emotion of their own - like Celestia and Twilight in the S3 premiere. But you still have to be careful...
(Upon mention that Twi seemed to find the dark spell easier when frustrated)
Well it's possible Celestia is good at controlling and channelling her emotions like that. I think the first time Twilight did it, she was just copying the spellwork - but if she put her feelings of frustration into it the second time, no surprise it worked better. Once probably won't hurt too much, but hopefully she doesn't play with it more...
(Just realised I hadn't actually addressed "light magic". We don't see as much of it as dark, but inferring, it would be spells filled with and amplified by positive emotion - like the "love bomb" in the Season 2 finale. It's relation to Harmony magic, if any, is unclear.)
In the enchanting realm of Magic Theory 101, aspiring wizards embark on a mystical journey to unravel the secrets of the arcane arts. The curriculum delves into the intricacies of spellcasting, potion brewing, and the esoteric principles governing magical phenomena. Students eagerly pore over the revered 209a primer a venerable tome that serves as a gateway to the profound wisdom woven into the very fabric of the mystical tapestry. As they navigate the pages of this enchanting guide, novices awaken their latent magical potential and cultivate the skills required for harnessing the forces that defy the ordinary.
OK, why the bots?