Comparing Arcane and Celestial magic it appears for me that C. is vastly superior.
Arcane magic offers damage, damage and some more damage, and nothing more. Mostly fire and ice, with some stun effects sometimes. Which
a. can be resisted
b. nothing a sword cant do
Celestial magic offers a very high variety of different spells, excellent to have for everyone. Healing, summons, scouting, thieving, water-breathing, damage, protection, buffing, boni vs unnatural creatures. And sure as hell you want them to last longer and be more powerful. Moderately damaging spell(s) is also included, dealing uncommon magic or lightning damage. Also you dont need to micromanage potions. Not to forget that most spells are available early on. All in one, celestial magic offers a powerful and highly flexible game.
Nether magic is kinda cumbersome to use(never used it, so dont know) and contains mostly summons(..) and foes affecting spells, if you can find the ingredients that is. The problem is, monsters will not wait 'till you casted all these spells on them
What good is arcane magic if you are being fried up by a fire drake. As for healing animations, potion drinking has an animation too, both are pretty very short with a high speed anyway.