Trial and error must be used when there was no Taper prior. Scarabs determine what level spell is being cast. There are also only 6 Levels per spell. Scarabs for a full list of Scarabs per level. Herbs are used to classify spells into groups.
Most herbs are unchanged for spells relating to each other.
Herbs for a full list of Herbs and their Mantras. Powders determine the first part of the second word in the mantra. Powders for a full list of Powders and their Mantras. Potions are what makes each spell different from the others in the same spell group. Potions determine the last part of the second word in the mantra.