Loki is so very attuned to nervous gestures. He sees that motion to cover one hand with the other, gaze dropping and rising again, along with one eyebrow. It's an arch look, to be sure. This is a good discussion, though, so he doesn't comment.

"I think so. I find so much of what people consider to be marvelous and occult is directed by sheer force of will; of an individual, of a group, of a people. Even on a basic social level, of course, what you say is true. Participants in a ritual or celebration make a commitment to the others involved, whether they promise fidelity or merely mean to express sincere pleasure at a celebrant's joy."

He considers a moment, then says, "The answer may change if we are discussing a purely magical ritual, though, or a religious ceremony meant to call upon a deity directly. In that event, I still say much of the power comes from the participants, directing their will to call upon magic or divinity, but there is a greater power involved if they succeed. And that must surely affect the outcome."

"This would be easier to discuss in specific terms, incidentally. But since we haven't even been introduced, I will allow that you may not wish to reveal your personal concerns to a stranger."