The learned use of magic is known as Sorcery, distinct from the inborn and instinctual magic use by beings both sentient and non-sentient, sorcery is reserved for those beings who master language, and who have a will strong enough to purposefully shape the aether and thus reality.
Sorcery creates a distinct pattern in the aether, an image of the desired effect, and the aether pulls the other elements along, and thus creates a magical effect. In this way, those with the knowledge and the potential can force reality to conform to their wishes. To perform sorcery, the sorcerer must have a clear and distinct image of the appropriate pattern.
All sorcery is cast through the application of the sorcerer’s will on reality. The greater part of all spellcasting is to imagine and feel the desired pattern. But only the greatest sorcerers can master reality by concentration alone. For most sorcerers, it is necessary to use words to catch reality’s attention, and to focus their own desire upon it. For this, language is needed. Simple spoken words do not suffice. Only the words of Logos, the language of spirits and gods, hold weight with reality.
In truth, all spells are derived from the same language, the same kinds of patterns. However, mere mortals are mostly unable to comprehend this complex whole, and thus are dependent on breaking this lore into more managable parts. These fragments are ways and spells.