Does magic really work and if so, how?

Simply speaking, magic is the direction of will and energy. There are many ways to achieve this, through the natural elements of the earth (crystals, herbs, oils), using the elements (lighting candles) or calling on spirits for assistance. But intrinsically magic is about the intention of what you do. Magic works by focusing your intent to shape outcome and result. The more powerful your focus, your intention and your will, the more productive your spells will be. 

So does magic really work? Well yes it does, but not necessarily in the simple way of deciding an outcome, casting your spell and getting what you want. To give an example , a spell to gain money will not result in a big wad of cash landing on your kitchen table. You may get the chance of a new job, you may inherit money or you may simply find a £5 note blowing in the wind. Also, magic is not a tool to be used in isolation. You need to do more than light a candle to get what you want. You need to put the effort into your solution as much as into your magic. No matter how many spells you cast to get a better job, you'll not get very far if you don't put the practical work into giving a good interview. Magic can open doors but hard work and effort will propel you through them. 

Think of magic as a generality not a specific - you put the intention out there but the actualisation of your magic will be shaped by opportunities, circumstance, the universe and the other people who inhabit the world alongside you.