Sympathetic Magic

In magic, a Sympathy is a term used to describe the links between symbols and icons and the things they describe. The closer the symbol to the real object, the greater the Sympathy. You could use a knife to represent a sword - there would be some Sympathy there. A stronger Sympathy would result if an image of a sword, or say one made of wood was used. The strongest Sympathy of all would be to use a real sword. Sympathies are used to help guide magic. Suppose you were to use ceremonial magic to try to change yourself into a horse, and you had a specific horse in mind - maybe that beautiful white Arab they have at your local riding school. You can create Sympathies in all sorts of ways to make this magic stronger, surer. In Wicca, the day can be significant. Tuesday is symbolic of Mars, and Mars is the god of horses, so you would work on a Tuesday. Again in Wicca, you invoke the powers of relevant deities. Again, Mars would be perfect for the god: Epona would be a good goddess. You might take some hairs from the horse's mane and tail; some clippings from his hoof; a cloth that holds his scent; a photograph of him would be excellent. All of these create stronger and stronger links: greater and greater Sympathies. The idea is to shorten the divide between the intention and the goal. The principle is entirely the same as in the much cliched Voodoo doll, to which is attached a scrap of the victim's hair or fingernails. In fact, if you are any good at modelling in clay, this would make a wonderful Sympathy: make a human doll and attach your own hair, fingernails, whatever. Mould the figure into a horse and attach the horse-hair, hoof-clippings, etc. In your hands you have just enacted exactly what you wish performed.

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