Challenge Entry #4 - 
The Challenger [50th Challenge]
This was a bit tougher for me to come up with a project. I wanted to try something new. I decided to look up obscure or little known magickal practices. Looking through a google search, I hit on one that really appealed to me.
Photography & Sympathetic Magick
Sympathetic Magick is a foundational concept in many magickal traditions that “like affects like” or that an affect resembles its cause. It’s all about creating a connection between the representation and the real thing, in this case photographs of people, places or things.
James George Frazer coined the term “sympathetic magic” in The Golden Bough (1889) (wiki)
He proposed that it was based on two principles - The Law of Similarity and The Law of Contagion.
The Law of Similarity, a fundamental concept in sympathetic magic, asserts that like produces like, leading practitioners to use objects or symbols resembling their desired outcomes to influence events.
The Law of Contagion, also known as the Law of Contact, posits that things once in contact continue to affect each other even when physically separated, enabling witches to employ personal items or connections to manipulate circumstances.
Source
Honestly I could go on and on with information, but I’ll leave a few resource links instead.
resource links
Using Photographs in Spellwork: How to Weave Magic with Photos | aromaG's Botanica
An Explanation of Sympathetic Magic: A Photo Essay
Sympathetic Magic: Underlying Principles Explained
I created a A Simple Sympathetic Photography Spell
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Choose a focal point (like a powerful tree or a favorite wildflower).
- I chose my favorite American Beech tree in my backyard.
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Ground and center, connecting to the energy of the place.
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State your intention clearly: “I capture the enduring strength of this beech tree to carry it within me.”
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Take the photo with mindful awareness of your breath and energy.
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Once printed or displayed, periodically charge the image with your intention by tracing it or meditating on it.
This morning I did the sympathetic photography spell with the American Beech tree in my backyard. She’s younger than my grand dam in the wood 1/4 mile from home, but it’s nice to be able to walk out anytime I need to meditate or spend time with the beech spirit.
I printed out the photo and framed it for my office. I also framed one of my favorite photos of the grand old Beech as well. It will be lovely to have them nearby whenever I need strength or inspiration.
I’m excited to continue to use this in my practice especially this spring! 
