Final answer:
Imitative magic, or sympathetic magic, involves two primary principles: the law of similarity, where desired effects are produced through imitation, and the law of contagion, where a magical connection exists between objects that were once in contact. These principles are central to the magical rituals within various religious practices, highlighting the importance of supernatural forces and belief in the unobservable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main characteristics of imitative magic, also known as sympathetic magic, include two fundamental laws proposed by Sir James Frazer: the law of similarity and the law of contagion. The law of similarity is based on the belief that one can cause a desired effect by imitating it, for example, using effigies or charms that represent a particular effect or person. The law of contagion suggests that objects that have been in contact with each other maintain a connection and that this lingering bond can be utilized in magical practices. These principles underpin many rituals and are considered a fundamental part of magic within various religious practices and belief systems.
Religion frequently involves aspects of magic, and this is evident in practices such as prayers, religious artifacts, and shamanic journeying, which reflect a faith in the supernatural. These actions exemplify the human inclination towards finding deeper connections between the spiritual and the empirical, and they demonstrate the integral role of magic in reinforcing the beliefs within different religious traditions. Magic and religion thus share common characteristics involving supernatural forces and acts of faith.