What characterizes the metaphysical stage in Comte’s law of three stages?

In Auguste Comte’s law of three stages, the metaphysical stage serves as a transitional phase between the theological and the scientific (or positive) stages. It is characterized by the following:

• Abstract Explanations: Rather than attributing natural phenomena to divine or supernatural wills, this stage explains the world through abstract notions, such as essences, teleology, vital forces, or entelechies (internal perfecting principles).1
• Depersonalized Theology: Comte viewed this stage in some instances as a "depersonalized" form of theology, where observable processes are assumed to arise from impersonal powers or occult qualities.1
• Imitation of Forms: In other cases, the observable world is interpreted as an imperfect copy or imitation of eternal forms, similar to traditional interpretations of Plato’s metaphysics.1

Comte criticized this stage as being intellectually fruitless. He argued that it relies on verbal devices and the rendering of concepts as real things, ultimately failing to provide genuine explanations for ultimate reality or first causes.1