I wanted to have an element-based magic system for Remember, there are ten(...? 
) different kinds of elemental magic and yes, sometimes the lines are a bit blurry (aka why does mist magic not classify as water magic because both is technically water (The answer to this is btw scholars with too much pride ^^")).
This is the "normal people" explanation, my character gives. There is a more detailed chart here (German only, sry):
To sum it up, there are elements of the first rank, the so-called main elements: Fire, Lightning, Healing, Water, Earth.
Attached to those, respectively, are the second-rank (or sub) elements: Light, Wind, Ice and Mist and Plant. Note that Healing does not have a secondary element (anymore).
And to cast magic you only need somatics, aka you have to be able to move your hands. =) No words or spell components required. So... bind a Mage's hands and you are safe. But better tie his fingers as well, or you might still be toast...
Tbh, it was not easy to get this together. For example: I wanted Light Magic but not in a Final Fantasy way (e.g. good and evil), more like "make it light, make it dark" way. Oh the joy when my teenage-self discovered physics and LAZERS! So. Much. Fun. 
Also, plants can be assholes, too XD
Aside from the "normal" magic there are "gifts", which occur in humans, not mages (both races technically once being human only but then Gods happened and everything went belly-up). These gifts are along the ESP range, like telepathy, scarreading etc. They are not properly scienced yet, because A) they are a rare occurence and B) are to be killed on sight, because Mages don't like competition.
Delicious plot conflicts ensue. Wanna read more? =D Here's the manga! 
