They are very calming to me and help me focus.
I recently had to fill out some complicated and important paper work and mail it to a place that is known for losing a lot of their mail.
Even if it is placebo effect, the results are real for me. I collected the info I needed, asked for help when needed, and mailed the paperwork and I think it is correct and the fact that the 4 Pages are on my altar and are sprinkled and covered with all sorts of stuff, along with some other meaningful cards, herbs, crystals and statues is keeping me from obsessing. I feel less angry and trapped. Like I was able to do something meaningful and proactive instead of just giving up and not even bothering.
If I hadn't been able to stop at each step of the process and return to my altar to ground, that paperwork would never have made it into the mail. I felt so angry and defeated, I was totally overwhemed and couldn't even think straight. I would calm down just enough to do just one step or make one phone call for help, then have to return and add something.
I don't do my spells "right" but the universe seems to be cutting me some slack, cause I'm such a mess right now and it's the best I can do.
One thing I have learned about spiritual things, is that the ones that work when in crisis and even done "wrong" are the real ones. If they only work for the perfect people when everything is going right...then...I kinda doubt something about them. I don't mean sacrifice, training and practice don't SOMETIMES bring better results, just that...if the universe has no tolerance for the wounded and young...then it's something that at least I need to stay away from, because even when I am standing on 2 strong legs, I have NO tolerance for seeing the underdog abused or forgotten. None! Zero! Zilch.
I wouldn't try black magic without training, though, or anything touching on removing someone else's will.
but screams for help or pity, with a childlike heart...I think we newbies are okay, doing whatever we do.