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Evocation 101
'Cuz Calling
the gods takes more than just picking up the phone
by LAURA BRITTON
Calling is an intregal part of many
Pagan rituals. First thing: the type of call we're going to
be discussing in this article is the most common. It is called
evocation. An evocation is used for calling whatever astral
entities or spaces you want to have present in your ritual
-realms, quarters, dragons, totems, guardians, and deities
(usually). This can also be thought of as "inviting"
these beings into your circle. The concept is not to "compel"
beings - as in cheap horror movies (no sane person ever tries
to compel transpersonal beings against their will)- but instead
to offer a polite and, hopefully, enticing invitation for
the gods (etc.) to commune with you.
Okay, what do I have to say?
Nothing. I mean that. You don't have
to speak any words at all. You can evoke any energy you wish
while being absolutely silent. There's comfort in that; if
words fail you on the night of the ritual, you can still call
your Quarter quite effectively.
So, what is it that I am supposed
to do?
You bring the energy of the quarter,
the physical characteristics of that quarter, and the guardians
of that quarter into your circle. It's a very personal, unique
feeling, I think, when it happens. I can't tell you what to
do - or even what it will feel like. In my experience, here
is what works.
- Invite with
your mind the being/energy you wish to contact . See it
coming from the place where it dwells to the place where
you are.
- Re-create within your body the sensations
you associate with that energy. The more you have worked
with that energy or played "energy ball," the
easier this process might be. If you've never played it,
and you don't know the sensations, put your hands on objects
that are like that elemental thing. (If Earth, use soil,
rocks, etc. If Air, feel the wind. You get the idea.) At
any rate, feel that energy in your bones, muscles, and skin
as you call.
- Pull that energy to you with your
spirit. For me, this frequently feels like pleading (or
something like it). This feeling often centers in the heart
or solar plexus.
But I WANT to say words!
Of course you do. We usually use
words -especially when we are working with other people. We
want them to know we are doing it and we want them to know
when it is done. We like to engage our voices and speak the
poetry of our spirits. Words are fine; just don't place all
your focus on them.
But what
do I say?
Ok, I can see I need to get to that. I'm going to model for
you what you could say, with the understanding that it is
more important that you find words that are meaningful to
you. Basically, all you need to do is name the thing (with
as many names as you like), describe it, say what you want
of it, and seal the deal.
Okay, okay. I will give you an example, but don't just take
and use it wholesale. Find the images, the names, the colors,
the associations, and the other specifics that make the most
sense to you.
"I call to the West, to the Guardians
of Water. Water, where life begins - the planet's life began
in the oceans; my body's life began in the waters of birth.
And in the West, where the cycle ends, we travel to the land
of the setting sun, to the islands of the dead. I call you,
Guardians of Water and West to be here with us and offer us
your protection and your intuition. Be here now. So mote it
be."
Now what?
Practice. You can practice your evocations outside of specific
ritual circumstances, so you aren't so terrified when you
find yourself in the limelight of a group ritual. Cast the
circle (or other protective space) and evoke the elements,
beings, and spaces you are trying to know better. You can
even call them just one at a time to get a better "feel"
for calling and maintaining a connection with each on an individual
basis.
The point is: do it. This is your Craft. Don't wait for someone
else to craft it for you.
Laura Britton is a mom,
teacher, writer, and witch living in Indiana. She is a Priestess
in the Clan of the Laughing Dragon Tradition.
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