Magic Forums

Contagious Magic

Contagious Magic, or the Law of Contact relies upon the belief that two things once connected still are in some fassion after being physically separated, such that an action on one produces a similar effect on both. It is a kind of sympathetic where like affects like, but rather than being immitative, it involves two things once in contact said to be energetically linked.

In practice, this means somebody can work magic on another person by having some part of their body such as hair, teeth, or nail clippings. Harm done to the pieces happen to the person in this kind of magic. Also, the fragments could be used in a healing or protective charm. This is why torn pieces of the target's clothing and their hair are used to make a poppet of them.

Footprints and paths of travel are said to keep a non physical connection to people. Nails driven are into a footprint so the victim will suffer an injury. Urinating or putting a mix of hot pepper, crushed insects, and other unpleasant things in the footprint are done to keep a person away from an area. Also, the earth from the footprint can be collected to be used in other magical workings.

In addition to direct magic, this theory also applies to spirit work. Practitioners may use parts of a dead animal in ritual because of their connection to that animal's spirit. In necromancy, mediums may use a personal item that belonged to the spirit they wish to contact. People say the "psychometric vibrations" of the item help the medium tune in to the energy of the spirit. Some believe that even photos capture the energy of a person and can be used in this way.

For discussion:

What kinds of contagious magic do you believe work if any?

What kinds have you used?

Can you think of other kinds of contagious magic?