Hand signs are "Mudras" and are not necessarily nefarious.
And believe it or not, there are interesting "synchronicities" which take place around these practitioners; especially with 1000's of followers concentrating on the same ritual., all in the same close environment.
But it might even work long distance?
Not all can be put down to sleight of hand or direct arrangement;
Jung also knew that such things exist.
We experience on the Board here. ["hive mind"]
For those in the fake cult, those experiences can lead them to trust further, when they should be using their head.
The ritual work they do?
Results can be unexpected if it's done for personal interest.
Could there be a "group effect' "Egregor" for them, as we experience here [some do] "hive mind"?
There's a subjective effect on the mind of the follower - when exposed to the teachings, patter, environment of the Guru.
But also there is [what I contend] is an objective hightened synchronicity, caused by the group consciousness "force field" ?
Maybe only particular individuals will attract those phenomena?
"Believe it or Not"