Proposal : Schools of Magic Content . As a former member of the faculty at the University of Gwylim , I take an interest in matters of practical pedagogy , and I ' ve spent the two seasons reviewing our Mages Guild curricula for the instruction of beginning spellcasters . This body of work has accumulated gradually over several centuries , and as a result it is somewhat haphazard and disorganized . After casting about for a model upon which to reorganize our teaching texts , I came upon the curriculum of the Shad Astula Academy in Morrowind , where they teach magic in eight different disciplines . Though the divisions between the disciplines , or " schools " of magic , are rather arbitrary , magic being an entirely mutable art , this classification of spellcasting into schools of magic has the advantage of providing students with a structure for easy comprehension of the basics of wizardry . The proof of its value is the fact that Shad Astula graduates novice mages with a practical grasp of sorcery in half the time of our own introductory program . For this reason , I propose that we adopt the Shad Astula disciplines , and reorganize the Mages Guild study program into the following schools of magic : ALCHEMY : The study of the magical virtues of different forms of matter , their effects , combinations , and recombinations . To include the concoction of potions , elixirs , and magical draughts . ALTERATION : The distortion of local reality through direct imposition of the mage ' s will . To include spells of paralysis , water breathing , water walking , lock opening , and personal elemental shields such as flame cloaks . CONJURATION : The summoning and binding of spirits from Oblivion or Aetherius . To include soul trapping , spells that conjure Daedra or other creatures , spells to banish same , summoning of bound weapons and armor , as well as ( for classification purposes ) the forbidden necromantic arts of reanimation , conjuration , and manipulation of the undead . DESTRUCTION : The splintering of material bonds by the direct application of force , typically elemental in nature . To include damaging spells of flame , frost , shock , and disintegration , as well as magic that drains essence or personal attributes . ILLUSION : Altering perception in oneself or others . To include spells of light , invisibility , fear , frenzy , and silence , as well as magic that affects morale and obedience . MYSTICISM : The class of spells used to alter the nature of magic itself . To include effects that dispel or absorb both spells and the magicka that feeds them , as well as telekinesis ( which fits here as well as anywhere ) . RESTORATION : The opposite of destruction , magic that resists damage or restores wholeness by reknitting the damaged material . To include wards , healing , curing of disease and poison , physical fortification , and the turning of undead ( a forced purification effect ) . THAUMATURGY : Magic that affects the will and personal state of mind . To include spells that calm or charm others , reflection of or resistance to magic , as well as levitation , which involves the personal rejection of gravity . The experienced mage will immediately discern the arbitrary nature of these divisions — indeed , we may eventually find it advisable to combine one or more of these schools , assigning the spells within them to other categories . ( Thaumaturgy seems a likely candidate for such amalgamation , and possibly Mysticism , as well . ) However , these schools seem to be serving Shad Astula well , so I propose we tentatively adopt them as is , and refine as we go .