Which type of magic is characterized by mimicking an action to produce a desired effect?

Imitative magic is characterized by the principle that "like produces like." This type of magic involves performing an action that resembles the desired outcome in order to achieve it. For example, if practitioners create a likeness of a person or event, such as a doll or a model, and then perform actions on that likeness, they believe it will cause the same effects on the real person or event. This concept is rooted in the belief that there is a connection between the symbolic act and the actual result.

In contrast, other forms of magic have distinct characteristics: sorcery often involves the use of written spells or rituals to manipulate supernatural forces for personal gain; witchcraft typically involves a belief in the power of individuals to harm or heal through supernatural means, which may not necessarily be imitative in nature; and contagious magic operates on the principle that things once in contact remain connected, meaning that an object can carry the influence of something that has touched it. These distinctions clarify why imitative magic is unique in its reliance on mimicking actions to achieve intended effects.