I perform magic on a somewhat regular basis. I assume that it has the power to actually affect change in the world or I wouldn't bother. So assuming it works (at least some of the time) I have a couple of questions:
Do you feel magic is more effective when coupled with religion, or separated from it? Do you pray (to anyone/thing) for favors or success? Do you ask that other entities carry out action on your behalf? Is this really magic, or is it worship? If you practice non-religious magic do you believe that the energy comes from within you or without you?
I don't practice religion and magic in the same breath. However, I don't think that those who do so are wrong in that. I don't tend to pray to any deities
for anything, although I will thank the appropriate deities if certain things do happen. For example, when I write an article that happens to be good enough to get published, I thank Athena for that, but I don't pray to her for the wisdom to accomplish that, nor to any Muse (or other deity/spirit of inspiration), for that effect to happen before it happens. I believe that magic comes from inside of you, whether it is a force or not, I don't know.