Something that I've always held near and fear to myself is the idea that perception creates reality. Even if it's only in your own attitude, but even that changes how people act around you an that ripples outward.

Magic is much the same. Sure, all the theater, herbs, crystals, and so on help... but only do fast as rooting the belief of your working in your mind. In the end, what you are doing is hacking your own brain. Implant a belief deeply and solidly? Boom... adjust your own reality. It's like reprogramming your own internal OS.

Think of it this way. You can tell yourself you want to do something and that can work for some... but if you do some kind of ritual with changing and singing and all that? You'll remember it... and the intention sticks.