What the Heck Is Thaumaturgy?

Well, in D&D Next, it's a new level 0 (cantrip) spell for clerics. Similar to the wizard cantrip Prestidigitation, this spell allows the caster to perform a minor religious wonder. I think it's a welcome addition to the cleric's repertoire because it allows characters to show off their divine power (often to impress local yokels) without having to burn a precious spell slot. Among the many possible effects of Thaumaturgy are causing the ground to shake, causing a door to slam shut, or causing the caster's eyes to turn solid black.