The Magic of Being Exceptional

Abstract

Starting from the Jordan algebraic interpretation of the "Magic Star" embedding within the exceptional sequence of simple Lie algebras, we exploit the so-called spin factor embedding of rank-3 Jordan algebras and its consequences on the Jordan algebraic Lie symmetries, in order to provide another perspective on the origin of the "Exceptional Periodicity" (EP) and its "Magic Star" structure. We also highlight some properties of the special class of Vinberg's rank-3 (dubbed exceptional) T-algebras, appearing on the tips of the "Magic Star" projection of EP(-generalized, finite-dimensional, exceptional) algebras.