Pony Magic: A Treatise and Analysis

By Celestia, Princess and Acting Ruler of Equestria

Unicorn Physiology

The Unicorn Pony, as an evolutionary offshoot of the Equestrain (or “Pony”) race, represents a fascinating leap forward. Unicorn Ponies (Equestrius Unicornus) are in most respects physically identical to so-called “Earth Ponies” (Equestrius Sapiens), with the exception of a single horn positioned in the centre of the forehead and measuring in most cases approximately the same length as the distance between the centres of the subject’s eyes. (See collected notes: Autopsy U-001 through U-010). The horn grows outward in a spiral and matches in visual shade the pony’s skin, although it is composed of a much stronger bone-ivory material. In most cases, the horn is clearly visible even at birth, and has in some instances presented serious birthing complications (See medical file: U-C-716). The internal structure of the horn is more organic in appearance, spreading under the skin and across the front of the skull in a dendritic or “spiderweb” pattern.

Unicorn Ponies, statistically speaking, tend to be smaller and less physically strong than their Earth counterparts, rarely reaching past the 80th percentile for pulling strength, although this difference may be sociological in origin as the dominant cultural tendency of Unicorns is to pursue intellectual rather than physical occupations and recreations. While Equestrian nobility is in no means exclusive to Unicorns, it is certainly dominated by them and more accepted as a desirable lifestyle by their peers (Ref.: Equestrian Census Statistical Compendium, Years AC-515 through present).

Magical Ability

The truly fascinating differences between the Earth and Unicorn races, however, are all internal. The development in Unicornus of the physical horn coincided with the ability in the vast majority of subjects to utilize what is referred to as Magic. Approximately 90% of subjects exhibit controllable utilization of low-level Magical Energy, and 75% of those polled show potential for refinement (Ref.: Equestrian Census Statistical Compendium, Age of Celestia – 760 through present).

Magic, in its simplest description, is a form of Energy capable of manipulating the local environment on both a microscopic and macroscopic scale, outside the bounds of the normal Laws of Physics. It is believed (although unproven) that Magic is common to all life, existing in a raw form within the bodies of plant, animal and Pony alike. However, without the horn present in Unicornus, the Magic within Ponies remains untapped (Note: Not always. See Pre-AC Collected Tales and Histories, “Shining Hoof the Wise.” Also Ref. “Elements of Harmony” as non-horn focus/catalyst. ~C).

Basic Magical Theory

When a Unicorn Pony chooses to perform an act of Magic, she must first draw Magical Energy from her inner reserves and focus it in her horn. Holding the Energy for long periods can be strenuous and is known to have side-effects (See below: Energy Leakage), so it is generally advised that the caster only draw and focus when she is prepared to act. Once the Energy is focused, it is released with a desired purpose. The results of such Magic are primarily based on the thoughts of the caster. Due to the unpredictability of subconscious thought processes, it is generally advisable (and almost universally taught) that students of Magic should learn memetic mental devices to associate with each Magical act (or “spell”). This fosters a more rigid system of control in the caster and leads to far less undesirable effects, or “backfires.” A non-memetic caster or “Wild Mage,” while undoubtedly more versatile, can be dangerous to herself and those around her and should be handled as a loose cannon by local authorities.
A common mistake among young Unicorns is to attempt a direct connection between inner Magical reserves and external results, a sort of “Power Hose.” This should be discouraged strongly by instructors. In most cases, the attempt will “fizzle,” due to a reflexive closure by the caster’s subconscious mind (Ref: Hocus Focus’ Theory and Errata, published AC-653: “The Sphincter Effect”). At worst, most young Unicorns run the risk of damaging their natural flow of Magic and ultimately causing a weakening in drawing ability and precision. It is only in rare cases that a Power Hose actually opens, and even in these events only minor injuries and property damage tend to occur. However, in the very rare case of a coincidence of large amounts of Magical potential and a successful Power Hose attempt, the young Unicornus risks what could only be described as a devastating self-destructive explosion of Energy. (Ref.: Pre-AC Collected Tales and Histories, “The Disaster at Old Ponyville.”) (Note: Ref. Celestia personal journals, year AC-992, index “Twilight Sparkle Event Zero.” ~C)

Energy Leakage

When a Unicornus retains energy in her horn for too long, a certain amount of “leakage” occurs in the form of directionless Magical Energy. This Energy usually effects as visible light (“glowing”) or minor pyrotechnics (“sparkling”). However, long-term leakage can lead to physical alteration of the caster’s body, usually manifesting in the mane and tail. This is colloquially referred to as “The Celestia Effect,” and has been seen in recent history in only two Ponies, Princess Celestia and Nightmare Moon. (Note: Luna’s Effect undid itself when she released her hold over the Lunar orbit. Future research topic: Subconscious Wild Shapeshifting. ~C) The Effect can also occur when a caster has to constantly perform many spells over a prolonged period of time, as is believed to be the case in Celestia herself. (Note: does it sound odd to refer to myself in the third pony? Remember to ask somepony on the Royal Archival staff for the latest conventions on this. ~C)

Energy Seals

In the unlikely event of an extremely talented young student unlocking a Power Hose, it is recommended (Note: need a decree on the books to switch this to “required” ASAP. ~C) that a senior Magic-user perform an immediate “Seal” spell upon the caster’s horn. The details of this spell are included in  Hocus Focus’ Theory and Errata. Once in effect, the seal prevents the student from fully opening her Energy reserves. This action, while certainly detrimental to the student’s future Magical education, is widely considered necessary for public safety.
It is usually a bad idea to inform the sealed student of the seal until she becomes a senior user herself, as such knowledge can lead to feelings of betrayal and alienation, and potentially to disastrous attempts to remove the seal without assistance (Ref.: Archival year AC-307, Equestria Academy East Wing reconstruction project, initial damage report).

Spontaneous Seal Degradation

A sealed Unicorn still represents an enormous Magical potential, and that potential cannot be locked away forever. Over time, the seal will degrade. In most cases, this can be passed off as a natural progression of skill due to continued Magical study. For this reason, it is important that sealed ponies be encouraged to pursue Magical education, regardless of initial ineptitude.
Degradation can be catalysed in the sealed subject by situations of extreme stress or danger. When faced with a threat of imminent harm, subjects have been known to utilize spells previously only studied in theory or even completely unstudied. Common examples include Telekinesis or Levitation, Teleportation, and even temporary Shapeshifting. In some cases, the spell may remain “unlocked,” as its forced use has created a specific gap in the user’s seal.
Re-sealing is possible, but generally inadvisable, as it cannot be done without arousing suspicion from the subject. A sealed pony who demonstrates this type of degradation should be observed closely, but not interfered with unless public safety is at risk.

Socio-Political Ramifications

Prior to the appearance of Unicornus, the two dominant species of Equestrian were Earth Ponies (Equestrius Sapiens) and Pegasi or Pegasus Ponies (Equestrius Pegasus). The Equestrians co-existed in a roughly symbiotic relationship. Medical records from the old archives suggest that the Pegasi were of far lighter builds with hollow, bird-like bones, and had a wingspan roughly three to four times what is observable in the current era. (Ref. Pre-AC Archival Records, Collected Medical Timelines, As assembled by Dr. Scarlet Blade). Sapiens of the same era possessed a much higher median strength and weight, suggesting an even greater capacity for physical labour than today.
The rise of Magic and the development of Unicorns appears to have changed all that. Within as few as two generations, the agrarian society of Earth and Sky was overthrown in favor of an Oligarchy controlled by a ruling class of Magic-using Unicorns. This Empire, while short-lived, set the tone for many cultural norms still followed by ponies throughout Equestria.
In time, interbreeding blurred the lines of society. Parents were unwilling to part with their children (See below: Cross-Breeding and Defining Features) and thus exceptions became the rule. Still, it is observable that a clear cultural division exists, wherein Unicornus are considered to be more intelligent and better-suited to Erudite professions. Likewise, Sapiens are seen to be of lesser intellect and suited only for manual labour and service roles. It should be noted that, empirically speaking, neither of these biases has been proven in recent memory. In fact, when removed from their own races and placed in foster homes, both Unicornus and Sapiens adapt readily to either physical or intellectual pursuits (Note: The common temperaments of Pegasi, while the subject of much bias and debate, are not within the purview of this document).

Pegasus Evolution: Might to Magic

It is commonly believed by the Pegasus race that their ability to fly and walk on clouds is due entirely to the physical structure of their wings. This information is patently false. Studies show that flight is impossible for a creature of the size and weight of a modern Pegasus without a considerably larger wingspan (Ref.: Aerodynamics and Aether: Anypony Can Fly, Royal Scientific Archives Section XIII). Medical files seem to suggest that the modern “wing” is actually an adaptation of the horn present in Unicornus, being composed partially of the same materials and possessing the same dendritic bone fusing under the flesh. It is likely that this development is the result of many generations of cross-breeding with Unicorns and in fact genetically “pure” Pegasi no longer exist.

Cross-Breeding and Defining Features

Pony cross-breeding is counter-intuitive at best. A Pony is born clearly into one of the three races. In almost all cases, the race matches that of one parent. Rare exceptions do occur when a third race’s bloodline effects Pony species – usually when a grandparent is of that race.
Only two exceptions to the “One-Species” rule are currently known, in the persons of the Princesses of the ruling family, Celestia and Luna. As both Princesses are well over 1,000 years of age, they cannot be used to represent present statistical anomalies. Any and all discussion of a developing race of “Überpony” should be discouraged. (Note: check status and security on Orphanage Four. ~C)

(Note: Remove personal notes and send final copy to Royal Archival staff for filing and dissemination. Eyes only: Royal Family, High Council, and Senior Academy Staff. ~C)

You’re welcome, internet.

(4:37:33 AM) CttCJim: derpy is like if dash fell in bleach
(4:37:43 AM) CttCJim: blond hair in the same style, paler blue body
(4:37:46 AM) CttCJim: and brain damage
(5:04:52 AM) CttCJim: amirite?
(5:05:14 AM) iPod: yeah…ponibooru is …not kind….
(5:05:19 AM) iPod: bleach…is….well..
(5:05:34 AM) CttCJim: i was just thinking “hm, derpy has cute hair, kind of- ITS DASH’S HAIR”
(5:06:05 AM) CttCJim: o.o <-- my face when.
(5:06:42 AM) iPod: lol
(5:06:43 AM) CttCJim: don't worry, mai waifu, i still love you even with the bleaching and brain damage, i'll take good care of you T_T
(5:07:20 AM) CttCJim: derpy sitting in a corner staring at a toy wonderbolt, almost as if it *means* something, but she can't... quite... remem... ooh, muffins!
(5:07:40 AM) CttCJim: OH
(5:08:01 AM) CttCJim: maybe dash accidentally crashed into the TARDIS midflight
(5:08:14 AM) CttCJim: and falling backward through the void of time did the damage
(5:08:37 AM) CttCJim: and doctor whoof set her up with a family in her hometown so she could feel comfortable and relive her childhood
(5:09:07 AM) CttCJim: which is why she and dash appear onscreen together
(5:11:10 AM) CttCJim: i'm not sure whether to be proud of myself or depressed for having predicted rainbow dash's eventual downfall.
(5:11:46 AM) iPod: have you informed the internet yet?

In which I talk about the problems I had masturbating for my doctor. (I was reminded later: her name is Doctor Scott. I kept hearing Tim Curry responding “Rocky!” in my head when her name was mentioned.)

Click here! It’s a video! On the internet!

James Reinsch10:06 PM
ok this is weird… http://egyptology.blogspot.com/2010/06/photo-for-today-deity-henut-mestjet.html a lion-headed goddess with a sun disc and uraeus snake and holding an ankh but the tablet doesn’t name her Sekhmet
10:07 PM
clearly the same deity, but a totally unknown-elsewhere title
10:08 PM
http://henadology.wordpress.com/theology/netjeru/mestjet/ “She bears the epithet ‘Eye of Re‘”
10:08 PM
its totally her

Emrys10:09 PM
http://henadology.wordpress.com/theology/netjeru/mestjet/
10:09 PM
loosely translate to “Mistress of the Dawn” is that not one of Her titles?

James Reinsch10:10 PM
eh its hard to tell, the internet is full of neopagan names for her
10:10 PM
but it would make sense
10:10 PM
my katamari of knowledge grows!

Also some fun footage of my desk and my Rock Band characters. Enjoy.

“When do we use special effects? Only when it’s impossible to achieve our goal via cinematographic techniques. Ultimately, special effects serve storytelling, not the other way round.”

This, friends, is what separates a great director (Pang Brothers) from a hack (George Lucas, Michael Bay, anyone who ever hires Brendan Fraser).

http://kemeticcalendar.org/

Check out my sweet favicon.

Anyone with a passion for Egypt/Kemet or historical research, please feel free to sign in and write up the history of a festival or two. It’s a wiki, it’s there for communal knowledge.

Okay so here’s the thing. I just spent a couple hours watching videos on youtube. Nerimon has just so much stuff that makes me laugh and want to be his friend.

Of course, now I’m thinking that perhaps I might have something to say on the internet. I know! Impossible, right? Oh wait, there’s this blog. You know, the one I’m writing right now. Or that I wrote.. and you’re reading right now. Because you’re in the future.

More »