imitative magic
magic that attempts to control the universe through the mimicking of a desired event, such as by stabbing an image of an enemy in an effort to destroy them or by performing a ritual dance imitative of the growth of food in an effort to secure an abundant supply; a branch of sympathetic magic based on the belief that similar actions produce similar results.: Compare contagious magic.
- Also called homeopathic magic.
Words Nearby imitative magic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use imitative magic in a sentence
Collins believed that this was imitative magic of a familiar kind, done to secure success in the chase.
The Secret of the Totem | Andrew Langimitative magic is based on a belief which obtains general currency that the effect resembles the cause which produces it.
Indo-China and Its Primitive People | Henry BaudessonThe examples from this last group illustrate Frazers distinction between contagious magic and imitative magic.
Totem and Taboo | Sigmund FreudFirst let us examine the simpler and more important case of imitative magic.
Totem and Taboo | Sigmund FreudThe acts appear to be simply procedures of imitative magic, customs sanctified by long usage.
Introduction to the History of Religions | Crawford Howell Toy
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