The Wiccan community would say that purpose is what makes the magic happen.  Witchcraft traditions see purpose and intention as the “real magical power” in any of their “spells.”  Hindus don’t call it magic but they treat purpose just as centrally.  Purpose–or “rajas” as they call it–is the force that saves human beings from life’s primary negative force: “tamas”–their word for worldly depression.  This tension between purpose and depression is seen as life’s primary battle and determines whether one is born higher or lower on the life scale when one is reincarnated.  This seems an especially important perspective for our “culture of happiness” to pay attention to!  Feeling depressed?  Feeling like life has lost meaning?  Our culture tends to say: “Go out and find out what makes you feel good.”  Forget that, say the Hindus.  What you really need to find is your purpose!