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Message: <blockquote data-quote="evildmguy" data-source="post: 3964502" data-attributes="member: 6092">I think the Dresden Files has the best explanation of magic.  In it, Harry speaks faux Latin.  As he explains it, the words aren't important.  All they do is help focus the will of the wizard.  So, he says something that's Latin-esque and talks about air or wind and that type of effect happens.  Further, he says that wands and staves aren't needed but they also help focus a wizard's energy, especially if they aren't good with a certain type of magic.  Or if they are too powerful and might not be able to control the magic.  The staff or wand helps them channel the magic in a safe way.  Again, it's the wizard's willpower that matters, not the focuses, but he uses them to help himself focus on what effect he wants to do.  I have really liked this explanation.  It touches on what others have said here.  The idea is that it's the willpower of the caster, nothing else.  The extra parts are what help him focus his will on the magic to make it do what he wants.  Very cool stuff!  edg</blockquote>