In the world of TSC, each element is like a martial art, and each spell is like a martial art move (Jab, hook, roundhouse kick).

Spells are more like guidelines to better understand how much affinity one needs in order to keep fighting. Spells also help the mage do specific actions without growing their luxen lines that fast. Regularly practicing spells helps the mind suffer less. However, relying on spells too much makes a mage inflexible. While different mages can do a lot with their element without spells, spells help with categorizing such actions.