In this context, the concept of magical thinking implies a perspective in which external ritual actions and adherence to established patterns are seen as sufficient to achieve a desired result—whether the salvation of the soul or specific earthly objectives.

Rituals Without Transformation: Unmasking the Perils of Magical Thinki

In this context, the concept of magical thinking implies a perspective in which external ritual actions and adherence to established patterns are seen as sufficient to achieve a desired result—whether the salvation of the soul or specific earthly objectives. For example, one source states that "without spiritual transformation (…) all these external actions are at best useless, but more often harmful, as they create the illusion of a righteous life and lead a person to self-conceit and disdain for all 'sinners'" (source: link txt).

Magic is portrayed here as a system where the correctness in performing certain actions and rituals is paramount—"In magic, the main thing is to do everything correctly" (source: link txt)—which excludes the necessity of an internal moral or spiritual transformation.

As for obsessiveness, this concept is considered from the viewpoint of how an idea or thought can originate externally and invade the mind, intermingling with naturally "God-given" thoughts. In one description, it is noted: "Some think ... that the devil cannot guess a person's own thoughts. But this does not apply to us, because our own thoughts are very often mixed with demonic ones, so to speak, colored by them and reinforced by demonic suggestion" (source: link txt). Here, this obsessiveness highlights the danger of an external (in this case, unclean) influence, where a thought devoid of true spirituality can lead a person not toward salvation but to self-deception and even harmful consequences.

Regarding fear, the material presents it as more than a mere fear of punishment; it becomes an ethical signal urging the individual to avoid reckless actions. For instance, one source observes that "the fear of guilt already possesses an ethical accent. However, it naturally leads to the fear of punishment—external or internal... It is precisely a clear awareness of our guilt that frees us from the 'guilt complex'" (source: link txt). Thus, fear serves as an internal mechanism that drives a person toward responsibility and caution, preventing the mindless adherence to imposed rituals or formulaic behaviors.

Supporting citation(s):
"Magical consciousness is deeply inherent in the decrepit person. For many, Orthodoxy consists of lighting candles, 'making an effort', donating something, ... And most importantly, what is essential for salvation—the fulfillment of commandments and repentance—is forgotten. But without spiritual transformation (…) all these external actions are at best useless, but more often harmful, as they create the appearance of a righteous life and lead a person to self-importance and disdain towards all 'sinners'." (source: link txt)

"Magic is all about doing everything correctly." (source: link txt)

"Magical thinking, as a rule, is understood as a defensive action against magic itself..." (source: link txt)

"The fear of guilt already possesses an ethical accent. However, it naturally has the consequence of the fear of punishment—external or internal... It is precisely a clear awareness of our guilt that frees us from the 'guilt complex'." (source: link txt)

"It is clear, of course, what suggestion is; such an obsession of thought was from God... But this does not apply to us, because our own thoughts are very often mixed with demonic ones, so to speak, imbued and reinforced by demonic suggestion." (source: link txt)