If you are having trouble looking for a good wow mage professions guide then you will probably want to read the rest of this article. Within the next couple of minutes you are going to find out what professions will best compliment you and your character from the jump.
When thinking about what wow mage professions will be good for your character you need to think about what you are doing in the game. Below I will be discussing good professions for you at different times for your character.
Leveling:
If you are leveling your character on a new server and have absolutely no way of making gold then I would recommend that you stay away from Crafting professions e.g. tailoring, jewel crafting, inscription, alchemy, and engineering. What you should pick are gathering professions such as mining, herbalism, and skinning. Skinning is great because you can gather various leathers as you progress through the levels. In Wotlk mining was a hot profession due to how many crafting professions need bars; I don't think Cataclysm will be an exception. Sell on the AH and profit
Raiding:
When looking at wow mage professions, raiding is where you can see professions such as tailoring and jewel crafting shine. Since Cataclysm will be fairly new tailoring can be a great way to be ahead of the game by being able to make epics once you are max level. Jewel crafting will not only be great for enhancing your gear but you will be able to make tons of gold off of the cuts as well. Alchemy will also be very good due to you being able to be fully prepared for heroics and raids.
PvP:
Well until recently I was very excited about the prospects of using engineering and alchemy in rated bgs but it doesn't look like that will be the case now. With consumables having restrictions like arena I don't see a point in leveling either for the sole reason of pvp. That is of course for rated bgs; non-rated bgs and world pvp will be a world of its own and I think both will be great in these areas. Pray for a change as the game progresses so we can use them in rated bgs.