Magic Forums

Many people ask about learning "the basics", but many people have a different opinions of what the basics are or they go by a different list of basics. Wiccans, Pagans, Christians, etc, may all have the basics of their religious practices listed, but what I am looking for here is the basics of magick. Setting religion aside, what would you say the basics are?

I believe the basics include;
1) Meditation.
2) Visualization.
3) Grounding.
4) Energy Manipulation.

And helpful skills;
1) Patience.
2) Open Mindedness.
3) Calm personality.
4) Self Control.
5) Discipline.

If I forgot anything that I would normally put, I'll post it later.