Invocation

Gustave dore crusades invocation to muhammad

Invocation refers to the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or other supernatural entity, in the hope of summoning their presence or invoking their power. This practice is found across various religions, spiritual traditions, and magical practices, serving different purposes such as seeking protection, guidance, or to effect change in the world or in the self.

Overview

The concept of invocation has been a part of human spiritual practice since ancient times. It is a form of prayer or ritual that makes a direct appeal to a higher power. Invocations are performed through spoken words, chants, prayers, or rituals designed to invite the presence of a divine or supernatural force. These practices can be found in the rituals of Ancient Egypt, the Vedic hymns of India, the shamanic practices of indigenous peoples, and in the ceremonial magick traditions of the West, among others.

Purpose and Use

The purposes behind invocations vary widely. In some traditions, they are used to invite the presence of a deity or spirit to offer guidance, wisdom, or protection. In ceremonial magic, invocations may be used to command or conjure spirits, angels, or demons to assist the practitioner in achieving their will. In more contemporary spiritual practices, invocations can be a means of setting intentions and invoking the qualities or energies one wishes to embody or attract into their life.

Types of Invocation

There are several types of invocation, including:

• Theistic Invocation: Calling upon a deity or deities, often with the aim of establishing a connection or seeking their favor.
• Spirit Invocation: Invoking spirits or ancestral forces, common in shamanic and pagan practices.
• Angelic and Demonic Invocation: Specific to certain traditions of ceremonial magic, where practitioners call upon angels or demons.
• Elemental Invocation: Invoking the forces of the elements (earth, air, fire, water) for protection, purification, or to aid in magical work.

Methods

The methods of performing an invocation can vary greatly depending on the tradition or individual practice. Common elements may include the use of sacred texts, chants, prayers, symbols, and ritual tools such as candles, wands, or circles. The setting and preparation can also be crucial, with many traditions emphasizing the importance of purification, both of the space and the practitioner, before performing an invocation.

Ethical Considerations

In many spiritual and magical traditions, ethical considerations are paramount when performing invocations. This includes being clear about one's intentions, respecting the entities being invoked, and understanding the potential consequences of inviting supernatural forces into one’s life. The law of karma or the principle of Threefold Return in Wicca and other neopagan traditions highlights the belief that the energy sent out into the world will return to the practitioner threefold, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct.

In Popular Culture

Invocation has also found its way into popular culture, often depicted in literature, film, and television in a sensationalized or misunderstood form. These portrayals can sometimes lead to misconceptions about the practice and its practitioners.

Conclusion

Invocation remains a significant aspect of spiritual and magical practices worldwide. It serves as a bridge between the mundane and the divine, offering practitioners a means to communicate with and invite the powers of the unseen into their lives. As with any spiritual practice, it requires respect, understanding, and responsibility.