Theory of Sympathy

Like produces like. That is the foundation of our existence. We see this in our actions: kindness returns kindness; revenge revisits with more revenge. So too is this in the world of magic, the means in which we can commune with the essence of existence--Frithlings. We set about with our ways and routines--symbols, those of greatest import, as they are things that show and hold our intent. What we intend, we then manifest. Like produces like.

— Professor Ohsa Alqemiut

Sympathetic Magics

Sympathetic magics are often too nebulous for the budding apprentice magician to comprehend; however, it is the building block of all magic.
When a person scribbles a symbol upon their palm for protection, when another places salt ahead of their door, and when someone buries money in their garden, these are all symbolic acts of sympathetic magics. What one gives or intends or places upon a symbol, creates an impression on the world which produces something in its likeness. What the likeness is depends on the intent poured into it.

Intention and Sympathy

In some of the most common stories mothers and fathers impart unto their children, it is the power of our intent. Intent alone is an affective force as it shapes the manner by which we influence the world. A curious child will see strange and wondrous sights. A disillusioned adolescent will see a stricter reality, a combative reality. A dedicated parent will gain an intuitive sense of the dangers of the world, and like the elephant, sense it from afar and avoid it. The list goes on. With intent, existence asks to become or to create. What follows after intent is the production, the magic--what is received.
But our own individual intent can only get us so far. Intent mixes together, influences who we become, what we dream, and more. Thus, this sea of intent we live within is known as the collective unconscious. Through meditation, others can divine how this sea interacts with our own spirits, and divines how we can use it to our advantage. This is a necessary concept to grasp when first starting to use sympathetic magics. Such is what leads us to the tenets of sympathetic magics.

Tenets of Sympathy

There are five tenets of sympathy, each accounting for how the magics may change or be influenced not only by intent but by other magics at play. Here, a likeness will refer to the intended effect of a magic: it may be anything from starting a fire, to manipulating someone's memories:

Sympathy

Like produces like:

Symbols, actions, gestures are used to manifest intention and create a likeness.

Interaction

Everything is connected:

Magic, as life does, interacts with each other, which can change the likeness produced. Consistency and focus is necessary for a singular effect.

Equivalence

What is put in, returns in full:

Magic requires effort. The effort put in determines how well a likeness is created. If the effort is lacking, no likeness may be produced. If the effort is consistent, focused, and great, a like effect may be properly manifested.

Contagion

What exists, imprints:

Magic not only creates but affects. The world and all in it can be affected by magic.

Permanence

What exists, flows:

Everyone has the potential for magic and can pick up magic if they open themselves to it; to do so, an individual stay awake through the night under the silverglass moon. This creates a sympathetic bond. This is why no mortal being, except the corrupted, is immune to magic.
Note, a blind person may not ever become a mage except by the means of tapping into the void of their soul--not a deficiency, nor an emptiness--but a connection to the inner self.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane

Yellow green and red floral print cards photo by Viva Luna Studios