Pathfinder Secrets of Magic is a sourcebook for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. This book focuses on the expansive and intricate world of magic in the Pathfinder universe. It provides players and Game Masters with a wealth of options and information to enhance their magical experiences. The main idea of Pathfinder Secrets of Magic is to delve into the depths of magic and reveal its secrets. It introduces new magical traditions, spells, and archetypes, allowing players to customize their characters and explore the many facets of magic. The book introduces two new magical traditions: Magus and Summoner.
The answer to this is simple: anyone. You don’t have to be a specific sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexuality, or anything else. Though the word may have been associated with women in times long past, the word “witch” in a modern context is gender neutral.
Witchcraft involves working with the spirits local spirits, Otherworldly spirits, and Deities in a mutual exchange relationship or a worship relationship for the benefit of the witch, the spirit, or both. Honoring the three witches, the piece reflects the number three in its rhythms, which highlight groups of three beats; in its themes, which are constructed of three phrases; and in its instrumentation, which suggests that each instrument represents a different witch.
The book introduces two new magical traditions: Magus and Summoner. The Magus combines martial prowess with arcane magic, creating a versatile and powerful spellcaster. The Summoner focuses on summoning and commanding powerful magical creatures to aid them in combat and exploration.
Witches aroundz a cauldron
For violin, cello, piano (2016)
Length: 14 minutes
Commissioned by Concert Artists Guild with support from the Adele and John Gray Endowment Fund.
About the piece
Around the Cauldron was inspired by the three witches from Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. With a nod to multi-movement pieces such as Schumann's Scenes From Childhood and Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition, Around the Cauldron is comprised of seven short scenes, each of which evokes a mood that resonates with an image of three witches gathered around a cauldron in a dark forest, muttering spells, and adding selected creatures to a bubbling stew. The movements carry individual titles: "In Dusk," "Pounce," “Transmutation,” “Boiling,” "Witches Waltz," “Newts’ Lament,” and “Sacrificial.” Most of the melodies in the piece were tailored to fit lines from the original Shakespearean text and were also arranged as songs for a production of Macbeth at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Thus, the main theme sets the play’s immortal opening words: “Fair is foul and foul is fair / Hover through the fog and filthy air.” Honoring the three witches, the piece reflects the number three in its rhythms, which highlight groups of three beats; in its themes, which are constructed of three phrases; and in its instrumentation, which suggests that each instrument represents a different witch.
• Carnegie’s Weill Hall (New York): Lysander Piano Trio
• Clark Memorial Library UCLA (CA): Lysander Piano Trio
• Richardson Auditorium (Princeton, NJ): : Lysander Piano Trio
• Kravis Center (West Palm Beach, FL): Lysander Piano Trio
• University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY): Lysander Piano Trio
• Detroit Institute of Arts (MI): Lysander Piano Trio
• University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL): Lysander Piano Trio
• Pro Musica San Miguel de Allende Mexico: Lysander Piano Trio
• Israeli Conservatoire of Music (Israel): Israeli Chamber Project
• Central Chamber Series (New York, NY): Lysander Piano Trio
• Mingei International Museum (San Diego, CA): Camarada Ensemble (scheduled 5.2.2024)
Witchcraft isn’t difficult to learn or practice, nor should it be. Here at ‘Round the Cauldron, my foundation in practice is a little bit of everything. Created for eclectic witches and polytheists, there are resources for just about anyone! From printable grimoire pages, guided meditations, and pagan resources, I’m sure you’ll find something here that’s useful to you.
In addition to the new traditions, Secrets of Magic introduces new spells, spells lists, and spellcasting archetypes. This allows players to further customize their characters’ spellcasting abilities and create unique and interesting magical effects. The book also includes additional rules and options for magical duels and contests, allowing players to engage in magical competitions and settle disputes through the use of spells and magic. Another highlight of Secrets of Magic is the introduction of ley lines. These mystical lines of magic run through the world of Pathfinder and can be tapped into by spellcasters to enhance their magic. Players can learn to manipulate and control ley lines, granting them access to more powerful spells and magical abilities. Overall, Pathfinder Secrets of Magic delves deep into the world of magic and provides players with a wealth of options and information to enhance their magical experiences. Whether you want to create powerful spellcasters, engage in magical duels, or tap into the ley lines of magic, this sourcebook has something for you..
Reviews for "Beyond the Spellbook: Advanced Techniques in Pathfinder's Secrets of Magic"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed in "Pathfinder Secrets of Magic". The content felt lacking and repetitive, and the book didn't offer much new or exciting material. The spells and abilities in the game were underwhelming, and the book didn't live up to the hype. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh and innovative addition to the Pathfinder universe.
- John - 2 stars - "Pathfinder Secrets of Magic" was a major letdown for me. The writing was confusing and hard to follow, and the explanations of the new magic system felt convoluted. The book also seemed to spend too much time rehashing old concepts and not enough time introducing new and interesting mechanics. Overall, I found it to be a tedious read and not worth the investment.
- Emily - 3 stars - I was underwhelmed by "Pathfinder Secrets of Magic". While there were some interesting ideas and concepts introduced, the execution fell flat. The book lacked cohesion and it felt like the authors were trying to cram too much information into too small of a space. The artwork was also lackluster and didn't do justice to the potential of the material. Overall, it was a disappointing addition to the Pathfinder series.