The first entry...
What is it, that makes magic magic, i was asked today. My answer is: Its motivation that causes the will, its will that causes the action, its action that causes the result.
With magic, leave the action out: the will causes the result. The action - if taken - is only there to ensure yourself, that it actually were you. But if you would let it just happen, the result would do the same, wouldn't it?
All that brings up new questions: How can i find out the motivation, because i can see that only by being aware of it i may be sure about my will.
Well, this is, what a magician must know best: Himself. His condition. The place in the world he fills right now.