Contagious Magic and Sympathetic Magic Explained

What is Contagious Magic?

Is it A. Contagious magic, B. Imitative magic, C. Serial magic, D. Sequential magic, or E. Simultaneous magic?

Answer:

Contagious Magic is the belief that whatever is done to an object will affect a person who once had contact with it.

Explanation:

The belief in Contagious Magic is a principle of Sympathetic Magic, which states that an action performed on an object affects a person who once had contact with it. This concept is explained by Scottish social anthropologist Sir James G. Frazer in his work, The Golden Bough.

Sympathetic Magic consists of two principles: the law of similarity and the law of contagion. The law of similarity is based on the idea that by imitating a desired change, a magician can bring about that change. On the other hand, the law of contagion, also known as Contagious Magic, is based on the belief that objects retain a connection if they have once come in contact with each other.

For example, a piece of jewelry or a personal keepsake that was once owned by a loved one may be considered to have Contagious Magic associated with it. This belief suggests that actions done to that object can influence the person who had previous contact with it.

Contagious Magic is a fascinating concept that has been studied and explored in various cultures and societies. It sheds light on the interconnectedness between objects and individuals, highlighting the mystical and symbolic significance attributed to possessions.