Opinions on Magic- How can it be practiced most effectively?

I don’t think you can get any information on this site. From my experience, any site that doesn’t specialized in magic will have nothing to offer. You are better off searching for sites and groups that practice your thing.

That said, from my experience, the effect of magic most often comes from confirmation bias and placebo effect. If you believe in it, you will experience the effect. I have not seen any concrete evidence that magic works apart from stories of believers. Take it what you will

Not to mention I notice a trend of magic followers falling into conspiracy mentality, stuff like the government knows many things they are barring us from knowing. Soon it becomes less magic practice and more false information and paranoia. This can spiral into a dark place really fast. I would suggest utmost caution if you are to do what you do.

I have the belief that magic is more powerful when used by someone with intelligence, wisdom and charisma. Also emotional intelligence or E.Q. You can buy Daniel Goleman’s books on E.Q. Or sign out his books from your local library. You can also sign out books on psychology or para-psychology. Or you can take university classes on religion, psychology and para-psychology. Local bookstores usually have an occult section that might have books touching the subject of magic.

There is no such thing as magic.

@Caravanfan I saw a man pull a rabbit out of a hat on my 6th birthday…

In all seriousness, there are amazing wonders and mysteries that humans have yet to solve like the nature of dark matter, understanding subatomic particles, learning about celestial bodies and phenomena, discovering new species, their behaviors/genetics, learning more about our physiological processes, how the mind works, etc. The best part of it is that the answers can be discovered if we work at it hard enough. It may not be “magic” per-se, but it’s certainly magical!

“I often wonder if there are formulas used by others”
– There are, but they vary widely.

“if it is fairly free-form”
– For the most part, yes.

“if alien energies are at work”
– Sometimes.

There are people who teach various things, but they vary widely, as well.

I used to date a witch. She fully believed in many things that I felt were pretty hokey. But then I don’t know everything. As @gorillapaws said there are amazing things that go on around us every day.

If you are truly interested, I’d suggest going to the library as @RedDeerGuy1 mentioned and look around your area to see if there are any groups that share this interest.

Practice your Art. Hone your skills. Visit the Magic Castle in the LA area and learn all you can on what it takes to become a member.
I formerly worked with someone who was a magician on the side and a member. He took a few of us on a biz trip there. Amazing. Keep up your craft.

@Forever_Free The Magic Castle is an exclusive magicians club. But they don’t really believe in magic. They’re all illusions based upon slight of hand or other techniques.

I could tell you but would then have to kill you I’m afraid.

There is no such thing as magic, only things that seem like magic.