Magic enters the human realm in a variety of guises. It was said that Merlin was half demon. Gandalf was one of a small group sent to Middle Earth by some greater being. There are many tales of the gods bestowing enchanted items on their faithful. These always felt like cheats. I like my heroes to have to work for their power: physical, spiritual or magical.
Magic's nature is a thing of wonder. Where this power comes from is an important question in any world peopled with spellcasters. Priests may channel their deity's power. Magic may be a "Force" generated by life (I heard about that somewhere), which is tapped by the user. Power may be unleashed from the caster's own energy supply (Robin Hobb's Soldier Son series). Sources of power from within the caster may be physical, mental or spiritual. Magic may be pure energy or some other kind of material that allows itself to be shaped to the users purpose. Magic may be energy drawn from another plane of existence or some unwilling creature (I won't ruin any surprises by other authors here). The reader may never know where the power comes from, but it helps the writer remain consistent (and can certainly become plot if you wish).
Unleashing magic on the world is the part of wizardry that most of us enjoy reading about. Uttering arcane syllables, using esoteric components and the waving of hands (and of course, wands) are all part of the show. The way in which your characters cast spells says as much about the magic (and the caster) as the real effects do. A vocal component requires training in languages or vocalization (otherwise everyone would do it). Spell components are usually evocative, often expensive or otherwise hard to come by (they may only be symbolic or for focus). Equipment that aids the caster can take many forms, from magic wands to scrying bowls. Precision, or physical power, in movement requires training of other kinds. It is the presence or absence of these sorts of elements that show the reader what magic means in your world.
The idea of "working towards power" suggests that there is some kind of method, path or system to follow for an aspirant. Traditionally, this means long hours spent in the library researching and internalizing. Many popular works today are focused on the "wizard" learning his or her craft in a school setting. A wizard coming into his or her power can be a journey of self discovery in an emotional or spiritual sense. This journey can be out into the world or one purely of the mind (making for some fun images of within). Perhaps there are connections between the physical, mental and spiritual to be explored. By "earning" their power, it makes whatever use they put these powers to earned as well (it's one of the things that bugs me about the Harry Potter series).
Magic is the element that separates Fantasy from other genres. The word itself evokes a sense of grandeur and wonder. A writer should approach its use with caution and respect. It can be a lively, joyful, playful thing or dark, tricksy, and dangerous (or anything in between, naturally). Is your magic a mystery or a well known commodity? As long as the author knows how everything works, you can leave the readers with the questions you want them asking. By making your characters follow a path and develop their talents, they earn whatever they achieve. Just like any other element created for your world, the more you know about it, the more real it feels for your audience.
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