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[[Image:SphereMind.png|thumb|right|Mind sigil.]]
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[[Image:Mind_sigil.jpg|thumb|right|Mind sigil.]]'''Mind''' is one of nine [[Sphere]]s of magic in [[Mage: The Ascension]]. The [[Akashic Brotherhood]] have occupied the [[Seat of Mind]] in the [[Council of Nine Mystic Traditions]] since its founding. The [[Shard Realm of Mind]] maps physically to [[Neptune (cWOD)|Neptune]].
  
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  ⚫
'''Mind''' is one of nine [[Sphere]]s of magic in [[Mage: The Ascension]]. The [[Akashic Brotherhood]] have occupied the [[Seat of Mind]] in the [[Council of Nine Mystic Traditions]] since its founding. The [[Shard Realm of Mind]] maps physically to [[Neptune (cWOD)|Neptune]].
   
 
It is associated with [[Dynamism]] in the [[Metaphysical Trinity]].<ref>[[Masters of the Art]] Pg. 75</ref>
  
It is associated with [[Dynamism]] in the [[Metaphysical Trinity]].<ref>[[Masters of the Art]] Pg. 75</ref>
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Unlike the orderly [[Pattern (MTAs)|Pattern]] Spheres, Mind magic tends to be a bit more "fuzzy" in its capabilities. An initiate can often perform tasks similar to what a more experienced mage could do, but not as well or with as much precision or variety. However, Mind constructs do seem to take on specific "thought objects." In some cases, a Mind magician can influence a particular concept just like a Pattern Sphere might be used to manipulate a material object.
  
Unlike the orderly [[Pattern (MTAs)|Pattern]] Spheres, Mind magic tends to be a bit more "fuzzy" in its capabilities. An initiate can often perform tasks similar to what a more experienced mage could do, but not as well or with as much precision or variety. However, Mind constructs do seem to take on specific "thought objects." In some cases, a Mind magician can influence a particular concept just like a Pattern Sphere might be used to manipulate a material object.
   
−
To utilize the Archspheres of Mind, the mage has first to perfect the no-mind technique. Afterwards, he studies the ephemeral Patterns of Mind and independent thought systems, by thinking and not-thinking a the same time.<ref>[[Masters of the Art]] Pg. 71</ref>
 +
To utilize the Archspheres of Mind, the mage has first to perfect the no-mind technique. Afterwards, they study the ephemeral Patterns of Mind and independent thought systems, by thinking and not-thinking at the same time.<ref>[[Masters of the Art]] Pg. 71</ref>
 
===Marks===
  
===Marks===
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Mages with experience in Mind seem to be in a constant, meditative state. They tend to view the world with laser-focus intensity that penetrates illusions to reach their deeper truth. On occaison, they react to thought before they are actually spoken, reading reaction sof people in a single glance or form intricately constructed chains of logic on a moment's notice.
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Mages with experience in Mind seem to be in a constant, meditative state. They tend to view the world with laser-focus intensity that penetrates illusions to reach their deeper truth. On occasion, they react to thought before they are actually spoken, reading reactions of people in a single glance or form intricately constructed chains of logic on a moment's notice.
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  +
Energies associated with Mind tend to be white or blue in color.<ref>{{b|MTAs|M20 How Do You DO That?|pdf=162241|nip=1}}, p.43</ref>
 
===Limits===
  
===Limits===
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While Mind is powerful, its effects never materialize in the physical world without the use of auxiliary Spheres. Offensive Mind effects (those that seek to influence or harm anothers mind) base their difficulties on the target's [[Willpower (oWOD)|Willpower]] Trait instead of the [[Vulgar effect|vulgar]] or [[Coincidental effect|coincidental spectrum]]. If the target is forced to do something against its nature, like comitting suicide, the attempt becomes more difficult. Especially willful people might use their willpower later to resist the command.
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While Mind is powerful, its effects never materialize in the physical world without the use of auxiliary Spheres. Offensive Mind effects (those that seek to influence or harm another's mind) base their difficulties on the target's [[Willpower (oWOD)|Willpower]] Trait instead of the [[Vulgar effect|vulgar]] or [[Coincidental effect|coincidental spectrum]]. If the target is forced to do something against their nature, like committing suicide, the attempt becomes more difficult. Especially willful people might use their willpower later to resist the command.
   
 
For attacks against multiple targets, the difficulty for a Mind-based [[Effect]] depends upon the usual coincidental, vulgar, or vulgar with witnesses situations. Such Mind-based Effects are generally coincidental, although especially flamboyant feats might be vulgar instead.<ref>[[Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition]] Pg. 519</ref>
  
For attacks against multiple targets, the difficulty for a Mind-based [[Effect]] depends upon the usual coincidental, vulgar, or vulgar with witnesses situations. Such Mind-based Effects are generally coincidental, although especially flamboyant feats might be vulgar instead.<ref>[[Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition]] Pg. 519</ref>
 
===Paradigmatic Interpretations===
  
===Paradigmatic Interpretations===
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Below is a short representation how the Sphere of Mind is interpretated by the various magickal factions within the [[Classic World of Darkness|World of Darkness]].
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Below is a short representation how the Sphere of Mind is interpreted by the various magickal factions within the [[Classic World of Darkness|World of Darkness]].
 
====[[Tradition (MTAs)|Traditions]]====
  
====[[Tradition (MTAs)|Traditions]]====
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* '''[[Akashic Brotherhood]]''': The Akashics regard Mind as "''Santana''" (lit. "Stream"). To properly utilize it, it is necessary to practice "''Mushin''", the state of no-Mind. In this state, egoistical notions are shut down and the mind becomes open to receive its surroundings, which allows the Akashic to act without hindrance. Once the illusion of ego disperses, the Akashic can receive the flow of other minds into himself or flow forward himself.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Akashic Brotherhood|pdf=295|nip=1}}, p.55</ref>
−
* '''[[Akashic Brotherhood]]''':
  
  +
* '''[[Celestial Chorus]]''': Choristers believe that all minds spring from the Mind of the One, who first thought the world into existence. By focusing on the creative impulses that once inspired the Divine to create, the Choristers use their abilities to break the barriers between people and showing them their common origins in the mind of the One. Others view this as sacrilegious and as assuming the mantle of the One for oneself. For this reason, most mages of the Celestial Chorus take great care to avoid hubris or arrogance when using Mind.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Celestial Chorus|pdf=297|nip=1}}, p.55-56</ref>
−
* '''[[Celestial Chorus]]''':
  
 
* '''[[Cult of Ecstasy]]''': The Cult of Ecstasy speaks of Mind as the "''Illusion of Self''" and associate it with "''Love''" among the [[Nine Sacred Passions]]. Ecstatics hold that the thoughts of one influence the thoughts of all. Through unity in body and mind, the notion of a self vanishes and the mage becomes a part of everyone's thought and gains access to the thoughts of everyone. Other Ecstatics use extreme pain to sever themselves from their bodies, fleeing into the pure realm of thought.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Cult of Ecstasy|pdf=298|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
  
* '''[[Cult of Ecstasy]]''': The Cult of Ecstasy speaks of Mind as the "''Illusion of Self''" and associate it with "''Love''" among the [[Nine Sacred Passions]]. Ecstatics hold that the thoughts of one influence the thoughts of all. Through unity in body and mind, the notion of a self vanishes and the mage becomes a part of everyone's thought and gains access to the thoughts of everyone. Other Ecstatics use extreme pain to sever themselves from their bodies, fleeing into the pure realm of thought.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Cult of Ecstasy|pdf=298|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
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* '''[[Dreamspeakers]]''': Dreamspeakers usually tend to use [[Life (MTAs)|Life]] and Mind in tandem, seeing no real difference between the two forces. Th only exception to this is the magic that affects dreams. Dreamspeakers usually use Mind to gather information during their dreams, and ward the dreams of their communities from predatory supernaturals.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Dreamspeakers|pdf=301|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
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* '''[[Dreamspeakers]]''': Dreamspeakers usually tend to use [[Life (MTAs)|Life]] and Mind in tandem, seeing no real difference between the two forces. The only exception to this is the magic that affects dreams. Dreamspeakers usually use Mind to gather information during their dreams, and ward the dreams of their communities from predatory supernaturals.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Dreamspeakers|pdf=301|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
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* '''[[Euthanatoi]]''': The Euthanatoi interpret Mind as "''Manas''", the part of the divine that travels along the [[Wheel of Ages]] in order to understand itself, learn through many lives and carrying these lessons to its next incarnation. Mind is seen as the way through which each mage can see the obligations of his current incarnations in order to fulfill his dharma and reunite, eventually, with the cosmos.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Euthanatos|pdf=12309|nip=1}}, p.59</ref>
−
* '''[[Euthanatoi]]''':
  
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* '''[[Order of Hermes]]''': The Order of Hermes call Mind the ''Ars Mentis'', the sphere of pure intellectualization and reason. As a mirror of the [[Avatar (MTAs)|Avatar]], Mind reflects that self's intent, allowing the mage know himself, then through himself others and through multiple perspectives, the world. Using the mind as a way to cut away deception, Hermetics work with Mind to realize and conceive pure Truth.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Order of Hermes|pdf=304|nip=1}}, p.63</ref>
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* '''[[Order of Hermes]]''':
  
 
* '''[[Sons of Ether]]''': The Sons of Ether refer to the study of Mind as the "''Noetic Sciences''". These sciences draw on a rich fundus of psychology, metaphysics, sociology, political theory and psychic research, meaning that most Etherites have their own pet theories how Mind exactly works. The most popular is the ''quantum psychic theory'', which postulates the existence of psion particles that carry consciousness. All agree, however, that the human mind has the ability to affect the outside world and that its potential could be limitless.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Sons of Ether|pdf=306|nip=1}}, p.59</ref>
  
* '''[[Sons of Ether]]''': The Sons of Ether refer to the study of Mind as the "''Noetic Sciences''". These sciences draw on a rich fundus of psychology, metaphysics, sociology, political theory and psychic research, meaning that most Etherites have their own pet theories how Mind exactly works. The most popular is the ''quantum psychic theory'', which postulates the existence of psion particles that carry consciousness. All agree, however, that the human mind has the ability to affect the outside world and that its potential could be limitless.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Sons of Ether|pdf=306|nip=1}}, p.59</ref>
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* '''[[Verbena]]''': The Verbena rever Mind during ''Imbolc'', during the first days of February. The Verbena seek to arouse the sleeping Earth fro its winter hibernation during this festival. As a festival of light, Mind is likewise associated with light and sight. Verbena usually perceive Mind effects in the form of visual appearences and often deal with raw passions that have deeper roots than intellectualisms.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Verbena|pdf=308|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
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* '''[[Verbena]]''': The Verbena revere Mind during ''Imbolc'', during the first days of February. The Verbena seek to arouse the sleeping Earth fro its winter hibernation during this festival. As a festival of light, Mind is likewise associated with light and sight. Verbena usually perceive Mind effects in the form of visual appearances and often deal with raw passions that have deeper roots than intellectualisms.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Verbena|pdf=308|nip=1}}, p.54</ref>
−
* '''[[Virtual Adepts]]''': The Virtual Adepts have only begun to incorporate Mind into [[Cosmology of Mage: The Ascension (Virtual Adepts)|their cosmology after]] their defection from the Technocratic Union. Since then, the Adepts have become particulary interested in how Mind affect the input of information. Others use it to "surf" through other people's dreams, create computer viruses for the brain or create neurolingual translation methods. Some haven begun to use Mind rotes to allow certain Sleepers to see behind the lies wrought by the Technocracy (sometimes even triggering an [[Awakening (MTAs)|Awakening]]).<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Virtual Adepts|pdf=310|nip=1}}, p.59-60</ref>
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* '''[[Virtual Adepts]]''': The Virtual Adepts have only begun to incorporate Mind into [[Cosmology of Mage: The Ascension (Virtual Adepts)|their cosmology after]] their defection from the Technocratic Union. Since then, the Adepts have become particularly interested in how Mind affect the input of information. Others use it to "surf" through other people's dreams, create computer viruses for the brain or create neurolinguistic translation methods. Some have begun to use Mind rotes to allow certain Sleepers to see behind the lies wrought by the Technocracy (sometimes even triggering an [[Awakening (MTAs)|Awakening]]).<ref>{{b|MTAs|Tradition Book: Virtual Adepts|pdf=310|nip=1}}, p.59-60</ref>
 
====[[Craft]]s====
  
====[[Craft]]s====
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* '''[[Ahl-i-Batin]]''': The Ahl-i-Batin see Life connected to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keter Keter]. The Batini have worked with Mind long before the concept dawned to most other Crafts, incorporating "patterning" into their interactions with others in order to solicit them into actions that benefitted the Batini without so much as a carefully inflected word or an arched eyebrow. Mind is seen as one of the more important Spheres to achieve [[Unity]], since the total unity of all means also a unity of minds.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni|pdf=192|nip=1}}, p.34</ref>
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* '''[[Ahl-i-Batin]]''': The Ahl-i-Batin see Life connected to [[wikipedia:Keter|Keter]]. The Batini have worked with Mind long before the concept dawned to most other Crafts, incorporating "patterning" into their interactions with others in order to solicit them into actions that benefitted the Batini without so much as a carefully inflected word or an arched eyebrow. Mind is seen as one of the more important Spheres to achieve [[Unity (MTAs)|Unity]], since the total unity of all means also a unity of minds.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni|pdf=192|nip=1}}, p.34</ref>
−
* '''[[Hem-Ka Sobk|Hem-ka Sobk]]''': The minds of the Hem-Ka Sobk are more in tune with those of reptiles and some Ahl-i-Batin who observed them claimed that the ''Sunu'' seemed to be disconnected and bound with some greater power the Hem-Ka refer to as [[Sobk]]. The Hem-Ka Sobk practice a meditation style to utilize Mind during which they enter a emotionless calm, guided by the will of Sobk.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.53, 56</ref>
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* '''[[Hem-Ka Sobk|Hem-ka Sobk]]''': The minds of the Hem-Ka Sobk are more in tune with those of reptiles and some Ahl-i-Batin who observed them claimed that the ''Sunu'' seemed to be disconnected and bound with some greater power the Hem-Ka refer to as [[Sobk (MTAs)|Sobk]]. The Hem-Ka Sobk practice a meditation style to utilize Mind during which they enter a emotionless calm, guided by the will of Sobk.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.53, 56</ref>
−
* '''[[Kopa Loei]]''': The Kopa Loei call Mind ''Uhane'hana ''(Soul Working). Seeing it as an extension of the [[Spirit (MTAs)|Spirit]] Sphere, most Kopa Loei use these Spheres in tandem. One of its applications is invoking the riht of the chiefs to assure obedience.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.70</ref>
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* '''[[Kopa Loei]]''': The Kopa Loei call Mind ''Uhane'hana ''(Soul Working). Seeing it as an extension of the [[Spirit (MTAs)|Spirit]] Sphere, most Kopa Loei use these Spheres in tandem. One of its applications is invoking the right of the chiefs to assure obedience.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.70</ref>
 
* '''[[Sisters of Hippolyta]]''': The Sisters adopted the practices of Mind during the Middle Ages, seeing connections between the physiological and the psychological well-being of women. Adept Sisters draw these connection even further, establishing links with progeny, nature and themselves, becoming incredibly self-aware.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.85</ref>
  
* '''[[Sisters of Hippolyta]]''': The Sisters adopted the practices of Mind during the Middle Ages, seeing connections between the physiological and the psychological well-being of women. Adept Sisters draw these connection even further, establishing links with progeny, nature and themselves, becoming incredibly self-aware.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.85</ref>
 
* '''[[Solificati]]''': The Solificati see Mind as a way to gather hidden truths to use in their aim for transcendence, purifying malignant Resonance and balance themselves before their Works. The Solificati use mental experiences to find a way to discover a "Greater Pattern" of humanity. Once they have found this pattern, [[Ascension (MTAs)|Mass Ascension]] and Unity are at hand.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.37</ref>
  
* '''[[Solificati]]''': The Solificati see Mind as a way to gather hidden truths to use in their aim for transcendence, purifying malignant Resonance and balance themselves before their Works. The Solificati use mental experiences to find a way to discover a "Greater Pattern" of humanity. Once they have found this pattern, [[Ascension (MTAs)|Mass Ascension]] and Unity are at hand.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.37</ref>
 
* '''[[Templars (MTAs)|Templars]]''': The Templars have begun to study Mind since the fall of Montsalvat and the excision of the [[Cabal of Pure Thought]] from the [[Order of Reason]], seeking to understand the ways in which their former allies controlled mortal opinions and enhance their covert operation to safeguard the Temple.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.100</ref>
  
* '''[[Templars (MTAs)|Templars]]''': The Templars have begun to study Mind since the fall of Montsalvat and the excision of the [[Cabal of Pure Thought]] from the [[Order of Reason]], seeking to understand the ways in which their former allies controlled mortal opinions and enhance their covert operation to safeguard the Temple.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.100</ref>
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* '''[[Taftâni]]''': The Taftâni see Mind as the purview of the [[Djinn (MTAs)|djinn]], who are masters of illusions and deception, and seek to enslave them to turn their arts to the Taftâni's advantage. The ''Kahin'' focus on the psychonautic aspect of Mind, traversing the [[High Umbra]] and manipulating people's dreams.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni|pdf=192|nip=1}}, p.76</ref>
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* '''[[Taftâni]]''': The Taftâni see Mind as ''Hamestagan'' - a place that is neither obliged to Asha or Druj. They see belief, thought and understanding as pitiful reflections of Truth, but not as part of Druj. Most see it as the purview of the [[Djinn (MTAs)|djinn]], who are masters of illusions and deception, and seek to enslave them to turn their arts to the Taftâni's advantage. The ''Kahin'' focus on the psychonautical aspect of Mind, traversing the [[High Umbra]] and manipulating people's dreams.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni|pdf=192|nip=1}}, p.76, 82</ref>
 
* '''[[Wu-Keng]]''': Although the Wu-Keng do not ban the study of Mind, it is seen as an ill omen and invites disaster and the antagonism of their [[Yama King|demonic overlords]]. Most refrain from delving into it too deeply.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.116</ref>
  
* '''[[Wu-Keng]]''': Although the Wu-Keng do not ban the study of Mind, it is seen as an ill omen and invites disaster and the antagonism of their [[Yama King|demonic overlords]]. Most refrain from delving into it too deeply.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.116</ref>
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* '''[[Wu Lung]]''': The Wu Lung call Mind ''Hsin'' and regard it as a means to attain the right mindset when approaching Heaven and draw uopn it to enforce their role as envoys of the [[Celestial Bureaucracy (cWOD)|Celestial Bureaucracy]].<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.134</ref>
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* '''[[Wu Lung]]''': The Wu Lung call Mind ''Hsin'' and regard it as a means to attain the right mindset when approaching Heaven and draw upon it to enforce their role as envoys of the [[Celestial Bureaucracy (cWOD)|Celestial Bureaucracy]].<ref>{{b|MTAs|Book of Crafts|pdf=41}}, p.134</ref>
 
====[[Technocratic Union]]====
  
====[[Technocratic Union]]====
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The Technocracy refers to Mind as "''Psychodynamics''" or ''Enlightened psychology''. Its study is closely to the study of Platonic Ideals, Jungian archetypes and theories put forth by contemporary psychology, as well as the scientific insights gained into the inner workings of the brain.
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The Technocracy refers to Mind as "''Psychodynamics''" or ''Enlightened psychology''. Its study is closely attuned to the study of Platonic Ideals, Jungian archetypes and theories put forth by contemporary psychology, as well as the scientific insights gained into the inner workings of the brain.
  +
  ⚫
Technocrats studying Mind usually work with memory enhancements and calculation to sculpt their minds to their fullest potential. Agents of the [[New World Order]] are the foremost experts on Mind within the Union, using it to combat dissenters against [[Control]] and make the [[Consensus]] stable.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Guide to the Technocracy|pdf=3044|nip=1}}, p.50-51</ref>
   
⚫
Technocrats studying Mind usually work closely with memory enhancements and calculation to sculpt their minds to their fullest potential. Agents of the [[New World Order]] are the foremost experts on Mind within the Union, using it to combat dissenters against [[Control]] and make the [[Consensus]] stable.<ref>{{b|MTAs|Guide to the Technocracy|pdf=3044|nip=1}}, p.50-51</ref>
  
 
== Standard Powers ==
  
== Standard Powers ==
 
* {{dot|1}} {{ref|lvl1}}
  
* {{dot|1}} {{ref|lvl1}}
−
** '''Sense Thoughts and Emotions''': Allows a mage to recognize thought and mood impulses around him.
 +
** '''Sense Thoughts and Emotions''': Allows a mage to recognize thought and mood impulses around them.
−
** '''Empower Self''': Allows a mage to enhance her conscious abilities to improve mental skills.
 +
** '''Empower Self''': Allows a mage to enhance their conscious abilities to improve mental skills.
−
** '''Mind Shield''': Allows a mage to built a shield around her mind, hiding her [[Aura]].
 +
** '''Mind Shield''': Allows a mage to build a shield around their mind, hiding their [[Aura]].
 
* {{dot|2}} {{ref|lvl2}}
  
* {{dot|2}} {{ref|lvl2}}
 
** '''Read Surface Thoughts''': Allows a mage to skim the contents of another's mind.
  
** '''Read Surface Thoughts''': Allows a mage to skim the contents of another's mind.
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* {{dot|3}} {{ref|lvl3}}
  
* {{dot|3}} {{ref|lvl3}}
 
** '''Mental Link''': Establishes a link that allows the exchange of ideas or images between two persons.
  
** '''Mental Link''': Establishes a link that allows the exchange of ideas or images between two persons.
−
** '''Dreamwalk''': Allows a mage to control her own mind during her sleep, allowing for lucid dreaming, the creation of a Demesne or even entrance into the Dreaming.
 +
** '''Dreamwalk''': Allows a mage to control their own mind during their sleep, allowing for lucid dreaming, the creation of a Demesne or even entrance into the Dreaming.
 
** '''Project Illusions''': Allows a mage to conjure mental images into a target.
  
** '''Project Illusions''': Allows a mage to conjure mental images into a target.
 
** '''Psychic Blast''': Attacks a target's mind with painful thoughts.
  
** '''Psychic Blast''': Attacks a target's mind with painful thoughts.
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** '''Control Conscious Mind''': Allows a mage to invade another's mind.
  
** '''Control Conscious Mind''': Allows a mage to invade another's mind.
 
** '''Alter Consciousness''': Allows a mage to alter one's mind, changing memories and setting up posthypnotic suggestions and commands.
  
** '''Alter Consciousness''': Allows a mage to alter one's mind, changing memories and setting up posthypnotic suggestions and commands.
−
** '''Astral Projection''': Allows a mage to project her own mind away from her physical form into the [[penumbra]] of the [[Astral Reaches]].
 +
** '''Astral Projection''': Allows a mage to project their own mind away from their physical form into the [[penumbra]] of the [[Astral Reaches]].
 
* {{dot|5}} {{ref|lvl5}}
  
* {{dot|5}} {{ref|lvl5}}
 
** '''Control Subconscious''': Allows a mage to rewrite a subject's personality and beliefs totally.
  
** '''Control Subconscious''': Allows a mage to rewrite a subject's personality and beliefs totally.
−
** '''Untether''': Allows a mage to separate her mind from her body for an extended period of time, leaving her body behind.
 +
** '''Untether''': Allows a mage to separate their mind from their body for an extended period of time, leaving their body behind.
 
** '''Forge Psyche''': Allows the mage to create an intelligence out of nowhere (Auxiliary Spheres are needed to anchor this intelligence somewhere).
  
** '''Forge Psyche''': Allows the mage to create an intelligence out of nowhere (Auxiliary Spheres are needed to anchor this intelligence somewhere).
 
===Archspheres===
  
===Archspheres===
 
* {{dot|6}} {{ref|lvl6}}
  
* {{dot|6}} {{ref|lvl6}}
−
** '''Relive Past Lives''': By contacting her own [[Avatar (MTAs)|Avatar]], the mage can relive experiences of her [[Past Lives (MTAs)|Past Lives]].
 +
** '''Relive Past Lives''': By contacting their own [[Avatar (MTAs)|Avatar]], the mage can relive experiences of their [[Past Lives (MTAs)|Past Lives]].
 
** '''Sense the Universal Mind''': The mage can draw on the knowledge accumulated within all waking Avatars.
  
** '''Sense the Universal Mind''': The mage can draw on the knowledge accumulated within all waking Avatars.
 
* {{dot|7}} {{ref|lvl7}}
  
* {{dot|7}} {{ref|lvl7}}
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** '''Reprogram Avatar''': Implant images and memories into an Avatar that carry on through its next incarnations.
  
** '''Reprogram Avatar''': Implant images and memories into an Avatar that carry on through its next incarnations.
 
* {{dot|8}} {{ref|lvl8}}
  
* {{dot|8}} {{ref|lvl8}}
−
** '''Self-Awareness''': The mage gains supreme control over her own thought processes.
 +
** '''Self-Awareness''': The mage gains supreme control over their own thought processes.
 
* {{dot|9}} {{ref|lvl9}}
  
* {{dot|9}} {{ref|lvl9}}
−
** '''One Mind''': The Mind Pattern of the mage begins to exist independently of her Life Pattern, allowing her to witness every single mind in existence within the quintessential flow.
 +
** '''One Mind''': The Mind Pattern of the mage begins to exist independently of their Life Pattern, allowing them to witness every single mind in existence within the quintessential flow.
 
==References==
  
==References==
 
{{note|lvl1}} '''Level 1'''
  
{{note|lvl1}} '''Level 1'''
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|}
  
|}
 
----
  
----
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<references/>
  
<references/>
 
{{MTAspheres}}
  
{{MTAspheres}}
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[[Category:Spheres (MTAs)]]
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{{stub}}
  
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[[Category:Mage: The Ascension]]
  
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[[Category:Mage: The Ascension glossary]]
  

Revision as of 10:06, 13 April 2020

SphereMind

Mind sigil.

Mind is one of nine Spheres of magic in Mage: The Ascension. The Akashic Brotherhood have occupied the Seat of Mind in the Council of Nine Mystic Traditions since its founding. The Shard Realm of Mind maps physically to Neptune.

It is associated with Dynamism in the Metaphysical Trinity.[1]

Overview

Since human beings perceive reality through a complex interplay of consciousness, the Mind Sphere affects how a being sees the world around it. Such study leads to the investigation of thought, the existence of perfect forms, the idea of intelligence, and inquiry divorced from mere physical form.

The Mind magician can use thought to communicate, control, and wipe away the inaccuracies and errors of human misjudgment for the peaceful serenity of total concentration. All thought is open to the mage: From the refined sensibilities of human philosophy to the feral instincts of animals. Any thinking process can be comprehended and manipulated with sufficient skill.

Unlike the orderly Pattern Spheres, Mind magic tends to be a bit more "fuzzy" in its capabilities. An initiate can often perform tasks similar to what a more experienced mage could do, but not as well or with as much precision or variety. However, Mind constructs do seem to take on specific "thought objects." In some cases, a Mind magician can influence a particular concept just like a Pattern Sphere might be used to manipulate a material object.

To utilize the Archspheres of Mind, the mage has first to perfect the no-mind technique. Afterwards, they study the ephemeral Patterns of Mind and independent thought systems, by thinking and not-thinking at the same time.[2]

Marks

Mages with experience in Mind seem to be in a constant, meditative state. They tend to view the world with laser-focus intensity that penetrates illusions to reach their deeper truth. On occasion, they react to thought before they are actually spoken, reading reactions of people in a single glance or form intricately constructed chains of logic on a moment's notice.

Energies associated with Mind tend to be white or blue in color.[3]

Limits

While Mind is powerful, its effects never materialize in the physical world without the use of auxiliary Spheres. Offensive Mind effects (those that seek to influence or harm another's mind) base their difficulties on the target's Willpower Trait instead of the vulgar or coincidental spectrum. If the target is forced to do something against their nature, like committing suicide, the attempt becomes more difficult. Especially willful people might use their willpower later to resist the command.

For attacks against multiple targets, the difficulty for a Mind-based Effect depends upon the usual coincidental, vulgar, or vulgar with witnesses situations. Such Mind-based Effects are generally coincidental, although especially flamboyant feats might be vulgar instead.[4]

Paradigmatic Interpretations

Below is a short representation how the Sphere of Mind is interpreted by the various magickal factions within the World of Darkness.

Traditions

  • Akashic Brotherhood: The Akashics regard Mind as "Santana" (lit. "Stream"). To properly utilize it, it is necessary to practice "Mushin", the state of no-Mind. In this state, egoistical notions are shut down and the mind becomes open to receive its surroundings, which allows the Akashic to act without hindrance. Once the illusion of ego disperses, the Akashic can receive the flow of other minds into himself or flow forward himself.[5]
  • Celestial Chorus: Choristers believe that all minds spring from the Mind of the One, who first thought the world into existence. By focusing on the creative impulses that once inspired the Divine to create, the Choristers use their abilities to break the barriers between people and showing them their common origins in the mind of the One. Others view this as sacrilegious and as assuming the mantle of the One for oneself. For this reason, most mages of the Celestial Chorus take great care to avoid hubris or arrogance when using Mind.[6]
  • Cult of Ecstasy: The Cult of Ecstasy speaks of Mind as the "Illusion of Self" and associate it with "Love" among the Nine Sacred Passions. Ecstatics hold that the thoughts of one influence the thoughts of all. Through unity in body and mind, the notion of a self vanishes and the mage becomes a part of everyone's thought and gains access to the thoughts of everyone. Other Ecstatics use extreme pain to sever themselves from their bodies, fleeing into the pure realm of thought.[7]
  • Dreamspeakers: Dreamspeakers usually tend to use Life and Mind in tandem, seeing no real difference between the two forces. The only exception to this is the magic that affects dreams. Dreamspeakers usually use Mind to gather information during their dreams, and ward the dreams of their communities from predatory supernaturals.[8]
  • Euthanatoi: The Euthanatoi interpret Mind as "Manas", the part of the divine that travels along the Wheel of Ages in order to understand itself, learn through many lives and carrying these lessons to its next incarnation. Mind is seen as the way through which each mage can see the obligations of his current incarnations in order to fulfill his dharma and reunite, eventually, with the cosmos.[9]
  • Order of Hermes: The Order of Hermes call Mind the Ars Mentis, the sphere of pure intellectualization and reason. As a mirror of the Avatar, Mind reflects that self's intent, allowing the mage know himself, then through himself others and through multiple perspectives, the world. Using the mind as a way to cut away deception, Hermetics work with Mind to realize and conceive pure Truth.[10]
  • Sons of Ether: The Sons of Ether refer to the study of Mind as the "Noetic Sciences". These sciences draw on a rich fundus of psychology, metaphysics, sociology, political theory and psychic research, meaning that most Etherites have their own pet theories how Mind exactly works. The most popular is the quantum psychic theory, which postulates the existence of psion particles that carry consciousness. All agree, however, that the human mind has the ability to affect the outside world and that its potential could be limitless.[11]
  • Verbena: The Verbena revere Mind during Imbolc, during the first days of February. The Verbena seek to arouse the sleeping Earth fro its winter hibernation during this festival. As a festival of light, Mind is likewise associated with light and sight. Verbena usually perceive Mind effects in the form of visual appearances and often deal with raw passions that have deeper roots than intellectualisms.[12]
  • Virtual Adepts: The Virtual Adepts have only begun to incorporate Mind into their cosmology after their defection from the Technocratic Union. Since then, the Adepts have become particularly interested in how Mind affect the input of information. Others use it to "surf" through other people's dreams, create computer viruses for the brain or create neurolinguistic translation methods. Some have begun to use Mind rotes to allow certain Sleepers to see behind the lies wrought by the Technocracy (sometimes even triggering an Awakening).[13]

Crafts

  • Ahl-i-Batin: The Ahl-i-Batin see Life connected to Keter. The Batini have worked with Mind long before the concept dawned to most other Crafts, incorporating "patterning" into their interactions with others in order to solicit them into actions that benefitted the Batini without so much as a carefully inflected word or an arched eyebrow. Mind is seen as one of the more important Spheres to achieve Unity, since the total unity of all means also a unity of minds.[14]
  • Hem-ka Sobk: The minds of the Hem-Ka Sobk are more in tune with those of reptiles and some Ahl-i-Batin who observed them claimed that the Sunu seemed to be disconnected and bound with some greater power the Hem-Ka refer to as Sobk. The Hem-Ka Sobk practice a meditation style to utilize Mind during which they enter a emotionless calm, guided by the will of Sobk.[15]
  • Kopa Loei: The Kopa Loei call Mind Uhane'hana (Soul Working). Seeing it as an extension of the Spirit Sphere, most Kopa Loei use these Spheres in tandem. One of its applications is invoking the right of the chiefs to assure obedience.[16]
  • Sisters of Hippolyta: The Sisters adopted the practices of Mind during the Middle Ages, seeing connections between the physiological and the psychological well-being of women. Adept Sisters draw these connection even further, establishing links with progeny, nature and themselves, becoming incredibly self-aware.[17]
  • Solificati: The Solificati see Mind as a way to gather hidden truths to use in their aim for transcendence, purifying malignant Resonance and balance themselves before their Works. The Solificati use mental experiences to find a way to discover a "Greater Pattern" of humanity. Once they have found this pattern, Mass Ascension and Unity are at hand.[18]
  • Templars: The Templars have begun to study Mind since the fall of Montsalvat and the excision of the Cabal of Pure Thought from the Order of Reason, seeking to understand the ways in which their former allies controlled mortal opinions and enhance their covert operation to safeguard the Temple.[19]
  • Taftâni: The Taftâni see Mind as Hamestagan - a place that is neither obliged to Asha or Druj. They see belief, thought and understanding as pitiful reflections of Truth, but not as part of Druj. Most see it as the purview of the djinn, who are masters of illusions and deception, and seek to enslave them to turn their arts to the Taftâni's advantage. The Kahin focus on the psychonautical aspect of Mind, traversing the High Umbra and manipulating people's dreams.[20]
  • Wu-Keng: Although the Wu-Keng do not ban the study of Mind, it is seen as an ill omen and invites disaster and the antagonism of their demonic overlords. Most refrain from delving into it too deeply.[21]
  • Wu Lung: The Wu Lung call Mind Hsin and regard it as a means to attain the right mindset when approaching Heaven and draw upon it to enforce their role as envoys of the Celestial Bureaucracy.[22]

Technocratic Union

The Technocracy refers to Mind as "Psychodynamics" or Enlightened psychology. Its study is closely attuned to the study of Platonic Ideals, Jungian archetypes and theories put forth by contemporary psychology, as well as the scientific insights gained into the inner workings of the brain.

Technocrats studying Mind usually work with memory enhancements and calculation to sculpt their minds to their fullest potential. Agents of the New World Order are the foremost experts on Mind within the Union, using it to combat dissenters against Control and make the Consensus stable.[23]

Standard Powers

  • Menu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [1]
    • Sense Thoughts and Emotions: Allows a mage to recognize thought and mood impulses around them.
    • Empower Self: Allows a mage to enhance their conscious abilities to improve mental skills.
    • Mind Shield: Allows a mage to build a shield around their mind, hiding their Aura.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [2]
    • Read Surface Thoughts: Allows a mage to skim the contents of another's mind.
    • Create Impressions: Allows a mage to determine particular flavours of Resonance an object within one's mind might have.
    • Mental Impulse: Send a brief mental impulse (i.e rage, regret) against a target.
    • Empathic Bond: Establish a short empathic link between two persons.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [3]
    • Mental Link: Establishes a link that allows the exchange of ideas or images between two persons.
    • Dreamwalk: Allows a mage to control their own mind during their sleep, allowing for lucid dreaming, the creation of a Demesne or even entrance into the Dreaming.
    • Project Illusions: Allows a mage to conjure mental images into a target.
    • Psychic Blast: Attacks a target's mind with painful thoughts.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bullet [4]
    • Control Conscious Mind: Allows a mage to invade another's mind.
    • Alter Consciousness: Allows a mage to alter one's mind, changing memories and setting up posthypnotic suggestions and commands.
    • Astral Projection: Allows a mage to project their own mind away from their physical form into the penumbra of the Astral Reaches.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet [5]
    • Control Subconscious: Allows a mage to rewrite a subject's personality and beliefs totally.
    • Untether: Allows a mage to separate their mind from their body for an extended period of time, leaving their body behind.
    • Forge Psyche: Allows the mage to create an intelligence out of nowhere (Auxiliary Spheres are needed to anchor this intelligence somewhere).

Archspheres

  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet Menu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [6]
    • Relive Past Lives: By contacting their own Avatar, the mage can relive experiences of their Past Lives.
    • Sense the Universal Mind: The mage can draw on the knowledge accumulated within all waking Avatars.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [7]
    • Universal Subconscious: The mage can draw on the knowledge accumulated within every mortal creature.
    • Reprogram Avatar: Implant images and memories into an Avatar that carry on through its next incarnations.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bulletMenu bullet [8]
    • Self-Awareness: The mage gains supreme control over their own thought processes.
  • Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bullet Menu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu hover bulletMenu bullet [9]
    • One Mind: The Mind Pattern of the mage begins to exist independently of their Life Pattern, allowing them to witness every single mind in existence within the quintessential flow.

References

^  Level 1

Sense Thoughts and Emotions MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Sense Thoughts and Emotions Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Empower Self MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Empower Self Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Mind Shield Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519

^  Level 2

Read Surface Thoughts MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Read Surface Thoughts Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Create Impressions Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Mental Impulse MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Mental Impulse Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Empathic Bond Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519

^  Level 3

Mental Link MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Mental Link Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Dreamwalk MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Dreamwalk Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Project Illusions Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
Psychic Blast Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519

^  Level 4

Control Conscious Mind MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Control Conscious Mind Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520
Alter Consciousness Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520
Astral Projection MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Astral Projection Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520

^  Level 4

Control Subconscious MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Control Subconscious Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520
Untether MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Untether Consciousness Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520
Forge Psyche MTAs: Mage: The Ascension Revised Edition Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print! Pg. 175
Forge Psyche Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 520

^  Level 6

Relive Past Lives Masters of the Art Pg. 71
Sense the Universal Mind Masters of the Art Pg. 71-72

^  Level 7

Universal Subconscious Masters of the Art Pg. 72
Reprogram Avatar Masters of the Art Pg. 72

^  Level 8

Self-Awareness Masters of the Art Pg. 72

^  Level 9

One Mind Masters of the Art Pg. 72
  1. ↑ Masters of the Art Pg. 75
  2. ↑ Masters of the Art Pg. 71
  3. ↑ MTAs: M20 How Do You DO That? Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.43
  4. ↑ Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition Pg. 519
  5. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Akashic Brotherhood Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.55
  6. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Celestial Chorus Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.55-56
  7. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Cult of Ecstasy Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.54
  8. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Dreamspeakers Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.54
  9. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Euthanatos Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.59
  10. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Order of Hermes Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.63
  11. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Sons of Ether Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.59
  12. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Verbena Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.54
  13. ↑ MTAs: Tradition Book: Virtual Adepts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.59-60
  14. ↑ MTAs: Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.34
  15. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.53, 56
  16. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.70
  17. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.85
  18. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.37
  19. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.100
  20. ↑ MTAs: Lost Paths: Ahl-i-Batin & Taftâni Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.76, 82
  21. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.116
  22. ↑ MTAs: Book of Crafts Buy it from DriveThruRPG! , p.134
  23. ↑ MTAs: Guide to the Technocracy Buy it from DriveThruRPG! Now in Print!, p.50-51
Mage: The Ascension Spheres
Traditional: Correspondence · Entropy · Forces · Life · Matter · Mind · Prime · Spirit · Time
Variations: Data · Dimensional Science · Primal Utility · Void Correspondence · Qlippothic Spheres
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