They can, given the proper knowledge of technique and vocabulary. From my understanding that's the difference between magic and science in my world. Most people assume they're oppositional forces, when in fact they're complementary. Science refers to forces whose origins can be measured, while magic refers to forces whose origins cannot.

[He pauses for a moment to consider.]

The theory of names is a good example--we know the use of a given name controls others and that a taken name protects one from being controlled, but the actual quantifiable power in a name can't be measured aside from the effects it leaves on forces around it. Sigils are much the same. We know they're powered, but we can't measure the source, because the source itself defies measurement.