Magic, in gaming and fiction, is usually defined as power from somewhere else. While Psionics is defined as power from within and no outside source at all.
For may years there have been gamers and others who state that the Force of the Jedi in Star Wars is an example of psionics. But this would be incorrect since the definition of the Force is an energy field created by life that surrounds everything and binds it all together. That is really magic.
Thus the Force of Star Wars is space-magic. And this form of magic, when practiced by the Jedi or the Sith, is done without material components. At times we do see both verbal and somatic components in the use of Force powers by the Jedi and the Sith but not always.
There are other Force traditions that do use material components that give them an edge when using their Force spells (powers). So it only reinforces the true nature of the Force.
Additionally, magic is sometimes separated into two categories. The world’s most famous role-playing game does this, and calls these categories arcane magic and divine magic.
Given that the Force has a Will of it’s own and calls to those who have a connection to it. Then the Force is of the Divine magic category. And this too falls into Star Wars canon as the Force is a religion of sorts.
Another example is the Wizarding World and what it calls magic is nothing of the kind. The source of a Wizard or Witch’s power doesn’t come from someplace else it comes from within. They are born with talent that can be trained. This is psionics by the established definition.
Their power is hidden behind magical trappings and decorations. Traditions run deep and are old. But many Wizards are capable of casting “wandless magic” and even non-verbal magic. Some traditions of the Wizarding World specialize in such types of magic. And what is a Wizard’s wand? Nothing more than a psionic amplifier or resonator. This is why it is so important.
Even in the world’s most famous role-playing game there is one arcane spellcaster that doesn’t fit the mold. The Sorcerer.
A Sorcerer’s arcane power comes from within the sorcerer himself. Long ago some outside agent caused the change in the Sorcerer’s bloodline but that outside agent doesn’t play a part now. A Sorcerer is really a Psionic user as his power is his and internal to him.
Friday, November 1, 2024 at 19:48:45
The Deryni, a race of quasi-Sorcerers, in the writings of Katherine Kurtz are another example of power being mislabeled. Across 17 novels, several short stories, and 3 sourcebooks, the powers of the Deryni are called magic.
But when applying the established definitions of the sources of the Deryni’s power it becomes clear that the power comes from within and not an outside source. Thus, the Deryni magic is psionics in nature.