Invocation
Invocation
Definition
Invocation is the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, archetype, or higher power to embody its presence within oneself or a sacred space. It is a deeply intentional practice used to establish a connection with divine or spiritual forces for guidance, empowerment, or ritual work.
The practice of invocation has ancient roots across cultures and traditions. In Greco-Roman mystery schools, invocations were central to ceremonies honoring gods like Hermes or Demeter. In medieval grimoires, invocations were used to summon angels or spirits for guidance or protection.
In modern magickal traditions, invocation remains a key element in rituals, such as those of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, Wicca, and Thelema. These practices often include spoken words, gestures, and symbolic tools to establish a direct and personal relationship with the invoked force.
Invocation differs from evocation in that the practitioner seeks to draw the presence or essence of the invoked entity into themselves, rather than summoning it externally. This process allows for:
Temporary alignment with the qualities or powers of the invoked force.
A deeper understanding of spiritual truths or archetypal energies.
The channeling of insights, inspiration, or transformative energies.
For example, invoking a deity like Isis may bring forth qualities of nurturing, intuition, and divine wisdom, while invoking an archetype like the Magician can enhance creativity and mastery.
Invocation can be a powerful tool for personal growth, spiritual development, and magickal work.
To perform an invocation, practitioners often follow these steps:
Preparation: Create a sacred space, free of distractions. Use tools such as candles, incense, or symbols associated with the entity you wish to invoke.
Focus: Enter a meditative state to center your mind and align your intention.
Invocation: Speak or chant words that invite the presence of the entity, such as a prayer, hymn, or personalized affirmation. Visualize the energy merging with your own.
Integration: Allow the invoked energy to guide you, whether through inspiration, action, or ritual.
Closing: Offer gratitude and release the invoked energy, ensuring your own energetic boundaries are re-established.
For example, invoking the planetary energies of Venus during a ritual can enhance love, harmony, and creativity in one’s life. Similarly, invoking archetypes like the Warrior or the Healer can help in facing challenges or fostering self-healing.
Connection to Other Terms
Evocation: Distinct from invocation, evocation involves summoning an entity externally rather than internally.
Channeling: A related practice where the practitioner acts as a vessel for spiritual messages or energies.
Deity Work: Invocation is often central to building relationships with deities in pagan or polytheistic traditions.
True Will: Invocation can align practitioners with their higher purpose by connecting them to divine inspiration.
Sacred Feminine and Masculine: Invoking these energies helps balance and integrate polarities within the self.
Invocation represents the hermetic principle of correspondence: "As above, so below." By invoking higher forces, practitioners embody their divine potential and align with cosmic principles. This act bridges the gap between the human and the divine, fostering spiritual evolution and empowerment.
Deepen your understanding of invocation and learn how to incorporate it into your spiritual practice by joining The Archaic Occultist or check out The Sacred Text Library. We offer resources, teachings, and practices that can help you elevate your consciousness, align with your True Will, and navigate the path to spiritual enlightenment.
