this speaks to a view of magic as implicitly/prototypically materialist and atheist. because the emphasis is on shortcutting causal networks in order to align effect with desire; align desire with causality-as is-already the case, where both or either element is crucially 'occulted' before the pathworker makes their wonder
Magic should be reserved for the operations of the
Magician. Art is the human process that produces by the way (it is not its only or ultimate
object) Secondary Belief. Art of the same sort, if more skilled and effortless, the elves can also
use, or so the reports seem to show; but the more potent and specially elvish craft I will, for
lack of a less debatable word, call Enchantment. Enchantment produces a Secondary World into
which both designer and spectator can enter, to the satisfaction of their senses while they are
inside; but in its purity it is artistic in desire and purpose. Magic produces, or pretends to
produce, an alteration in the Primary World. It does not matter by whom it is said to be
practised, fay or mortal, it remains distinct from the other two; it is not an art but a technique;
its desire is power in this world, domination of things and wills.