"Magic is only a physical or psychological effect that has yet to be explained, which means for many it is uncomfortable to entertain now.  All good occultists must be skeptical--believe nothing in preference to believing everything.  All proto-sciences could be defined as magic. You can see the ritual chamber as a kind of intellectual decompression chamber to prepare your mind for other atmospheres. People who limit themselves to the occult curricula and profess to be wizards are laughable--magic is an interdisciplinary pursuit.  You must consider all of the options--investigate like a cop....  The effects of magic are demonstratable.  A lot of simple magic is just to do with self-confidence, how much your antennae are up, how open you are to the world around you.  Rituals and magical words are not necessary, merely tools or exercises to help train your mind. Scientists are now coming to the conclusion that there's a lot more interconnectedness between man and his environment than they originally supposed, which is a basic occultic concept."
Anton LeVay, quote from Lucifer Rising by Gavin Baddeley
I have thrown away superstition & "magic" out the window.  Question whether events are real manifestations of your work, or simple coincidence or figments of your imagination. Never let magic get the better of you.  This is a form of shielding. What paranoia can you invoke if you fear another's influence over you?  Is it that you are overtired and overworked, have a hormone imballance or active imagination, or did someone really hex you?? That is one way that could lead to instability and insanity.

And have no more fear of retribution for your magic workings since what will come of it? 

Cast your spell with confidence.  Know that what you will shall come into being. It is your focus, your WILL POWER of mind  that creates it.  If your mind is not balanced and focused you cannot be successful. 
When your desire is met, do not question where it came from be it your will power only, an entity you are acting with, or a "natural" outside occurance.   If it is what you desired it doesn't matter how it gets there.

Do not think that every occurance that appears "supernatural" (there is no supernatural) is real.  Do not give yourself over to feelings of granduer and false power.  But cast your work with confidence.   Know, that it is so..