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Reduction is a form of atmospheric firing. Simply (or not so), it is an atmosphere in the kiln where there is a deficiency in the oxygen necessary for complete combustion of the fuel producing excess carbon monoxide gas. The carbon monoxide steals loosely bonded oxygen from certain metals thus changing the molecular form of the material. This produces different colors. For example, copper in an oxidative environment turns green. In a reductive environment it will turn red.
Okay, that’s the science. I love reduction firing because it produces deeper, more complex and varied colors and surfaces. And because the kiln atmosphere varies between firings and even in the same firing it can differ in various locations within the kiln chamber, the results are variable from piece to piece and firing to firing. Thus each pot is unique never to be reproduced in the same way again. It is science but for me, also magic.