Understanding Evocation and Invocation

In magical and spiritual practices, evocation and invocation are two distinct methods of working with spiritual entities or energies, each with their own purposes and techniques.

Evocation

Evocation (from Latin "evocare" meaning "to call forth") refers to the practice of calling or summoning an entity to manifest outside of oneself. Key characteristics include:

• The practitioner maintains separation from the entity being called
• The entity is typically called to appear in a designated space (like a circle or triangle)
• The relationship is more commanding or contractual in nature
• The entity remains external to the practitioner throughout the working

Invocation

Invocation (from Latin "invocare" meaning "to call within") involves calling an entity or energy to manifest within oneself. Key characteristics include:

• The practitioner seeks to embody or channel the entity/energy
• There is a temporary merger or alignment with the invoked force
• The relationship is more devotional or collaborative in nature
• The energy or entity works through the practitioner's own being

Key Differences

Both practices require proper preparation, protection, and respect for the energies or entities being worked with. The choice between evocation and invocation often depends on the specific goals of the working and the practitioner's relationship with the forces involved.

Here are the Golden Dawn pentagrams for invoking and banishing. Memorise them.