I like when the magic is tied to craftsmanship. A fairy doesn't just wave a hand; they make something. A song, a poem, a forged blade, a woven tapestry. The magic is in the act of creation, and the object holds the power.
The courts are then guilds of supernatural artisans. The Summer Court has master weavers who make tapestries that control the weather. The Winter Court has smiths who forge swords that freeze souls. Their politics are about artistic rivalries, control of rare materials, and patronage. The magic system rewards skill, patience, and artistic vision. It demystifies magic a bit—it's a craft, not a mystery—but in doing so, makes it feel more tangible and earned. Power comes from dedication to a art, which is a relatable kind of magic.