Sakura and her abilites, Possible Spoilers!

[isamudyson]

Sakura doesn't appear until later in the series so don't read or you might get spoiled.

So what exactly are those pieces of paper that Sakura throws around? I know there some kind of summons or incantation but I'm not too familiar with Japanese mythology. Sometimes she summons various creatures and other times it's like a spell like stop. So my question is: what is it she practices and what are those creatures she summons?

[kusinagi-kun]

Sakura practices a form of sorcery typified in Japanese culture. She throws paper "spells" that have incantations to Bhudda inscribed on them and have magic powers. these papers can transform into balls of energy or waves of light. Sakura is of a sorceress' bloodline and thus can perform other minor magic as well without papers.