There's one quote in this chapter that strikes me as the difference between Elf Magic and "evil" magic.
Sam wonders about "Elf-Magic" and later Galadriel says...
Quote:
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"And you?" she said, turning to Sam. "For this is what your folk would call magic, I believe, though I do not understand clearly what they mean; and they seem to use the same word of the deceits of the Enemy."
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It's apparent Galadriel (and probably the other Elves) don't call their powers "magic." To the mortal races (Hobbits, Men...etc) it's odd, it's a power they don't have, so they term it as "magic." Where it seems the Elves who have that power, don't see it as "magic" but more of as a "gift," or something they were born with.
Another thing, what's interesting is Galadriel makes a distinction between "Elf Magic" and "evil magic." She calls it the "deceits of the Enemy." If you think of Saruman and Sauron their magic is very deceitful. If you look at deceitful, there's other terms like "fake, artificial, dirty work." Then we look at Saruman, his magic is very deceitful, he makes it sound sweet and "honeyed." But, really all it is, is "fake promises." He uses his voice to persuade people, he fills them with "deceitful hopes" to get them to fight for him (Dunlanders) or to get people to join him (Gandalf). Then we look at Sauron. I think we can go right to the One Ring. This would be considered "magical" by Sam, or some "non-magical" person, it grants them invisibility, command Sauron's Armies, command the Wraiths...etc. However, that is very deceitful, it offers you your greatest desires, but is very deceitful. It may grant your wishes, but it doesn't show you the "bad" part. Look at Galadriel, she wanted to wield the Ring to cast down Sauron, but she knew that wasn't likely, and so she passed the test and refused the Ring. Look at Faramir, he said he would not pick it up if it lie on the road for he doesn't want anything the Ring has to offer. It will "trick" you into taking it just so it can get back to it's master. So the Ring is also very deceitful.
And there's even more deceit, or "artificiality" about the ring, in the fact of being invisible. Sure you're invisible, but you aren't to the Ringwraiths, who just happen to be Sauron's servants sent out to find the Ring. So more deceit.
Now look at "Elf Magic." Elf Magic, some examples the flood of the River Bruinen, Lothlorien, Mirror of Galadriel. These aren't anything of deceit. The Flood was caused by Elrond to stop the Nazgul from crossing. Lothlorien is a peaceful, beautiful place without a "blemish," it's like you're in a dream. The Mirror of Galadriel shows you the past, present, or future. Shows you what has happened, what will happen, or what could happen.