@aprrrl huh, interesting! it sounds a bit like my hybrid approach, trying to combine a sense of mystery and wonder with a controlled scepticism and materialistic view of "magic" in terms of psychology and semiotics. I'm hacking away at this without much guidance so far, though, so I think it's cool that you've found a kindred spirit. These things are always better with a community, even if it's just one other friend :]

back when dabbling in Wicca &c. long ago I was involved with a couple covens and got kinda disillusioned, so I'm not sure what advice I can offer there...don't get too elaborate too early, maybe?