"Magic" used by ordinary people is actually "para-magic." In essence, it is a technique which involves controlling energy."

—Tutorial

Para-Magic is the term used to define the "magic used by regular humans" in Final Fantasy VIII. In Final Fantasy VIII magic may only be used naturally by a sorceress, or through the use of a Limit Break or a summoned Guardian Force.

Because ordinary people cannot use magic without the use of one of these, Dr. Odine developed Para-Magic. By studying a sorceress, he was able to devise a way to manipulate energy to replicate spells. To do this, the would-be spell caster must "draw" a specific spell from an enemy, or from a draw point. Using this drawn energy, the person may manipulate the energy in the battlefield to cast the spell.

Drawn spells may be junctioned to a Guardian Force to increase stats. Balamb Garden is known to use this method, teaching it to all its SeeD cadets.