SYMPATHETIC MAGIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Sympathetic magic is a concept rooted in anthropological and folkloric studies that refers to a form of magical practice based on the principle of "like produces like" or the belief that imitating or manipulating a small-scale version of a desired outcome will lead to achieving the desired result on a larger scale.
Derived from the word "sympathy," in this context, the concept of sympathy does not refer to feeling compassion, but rather a connection or correspondence between objects or events. Sympathetic magic capitalizes on this idea, where the mimicry or manipulation of an object or action is believed to have an influence over the corresponding object or action in the real world, creating a cause-and-effect relationship.
There are two main forms of sympathetic magic: imitation and contagion. Imitative sympathetic magic involves replicating an action or creating a representation of the desired outcome, such as using a doll to affect a person. Contagious sympathetic magic operates on the principle that objects that were once in contact with one another continue to influence each other even when physically separated, such as using a hair strand to cast a spell on someone.
Sympathetic magic has been found in various cultures throughout history and manifests in rituals, spells, and charms. It often involves the use of symbolic objects, rituals, or words to establish a connection between the desired outcome and the actions being performed. While the scientific community does not recognize sympathetic magic as having any verifiable effect, it remains an important concept in the study of folklore, cultural practices, and magical traditions.
Etymology of SYMPATHETIC MAGIC
The word "sympathetic" in "sympathetic magic" originates from the Greek word "sympatheia", which means "feeling for, sympathy". The term "sympathetic" is used in the sense of an affinity or connection between various objects or actions.
The word "magic" comes from the Old Persian word "magūs" which referred to a priestly class of people who practiced rituals and had a perceived ability to influence the natural world through supernatural means. This term was later adopted into various languages, including Greek and Latin, eventually evolving into the modern word "magic".
Therefore, "sympathetic magic" refers to a form of magic in which the magician believes that by imitating or manipulating an object or action, they can influence or control a corresponding object or event. The concept is founded on the idea that there is a sympathetic or interconnected relationship between different elements in the world.
