how's a mere human being supposedly "capable" of suppressing the force of a cosmic force?

Guns? Iron? Salt? Do you want an exhaustive list I have one somewhere. Silver, aluminum probably would work if anyone thought to try it, dogs obviously, rosewater, waving your vagina at the devil is pretty reliable, various roosters, red and white strings in assorted configurations, sandalwood, fire, turning around three times. I could go on for quite a while if you give me some time to dig out some old books.

My apologies to the Goëtians, but I'll never understand the human desire for "commanding" entities, "giving orders" to them as if humans were "superior" to them.

The main practical utility is pranking your neighbors and, I shit you not, per the Hammer of the Witches, stealing pies.