ABC of Paganism: I is for Invocation

​Invocation is an important part of a Witch's practice because it  is one way in which he or she is able to commune with those entities that align with the Spirit Realm. The practice of invocation provides a channel through which communication between planes of existence is achieved. Through invocation a Witch draws a spirit, Spirit force, deity or other non-physical being into her or his body in order to commune with that entity or to be the mouthpiece for that particular entity so that others may have the opportunity to speak and listen to the messages that entity brings to the physical realm. When a successful invocation has taken place the Witch’s personality has been replaced by that of the spiritual being that has been invoked much like a possession. 

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​“To invoke is to call in, just as to evoke is to call forth. This is the essential difference between the two branches of Magick. In invocation, the macrocosm floods the consciousness. In evocation, the magician, having become the macrocosm, creates a microcosm.”                                                                                                         
​                                                                                                                                                                  - Aleister Crowley

​My own experiences with invocation have been enlightening though not all have been pleasant. I was provided opportunities of personal gnosis that would not have been granted me by any other means. I now have a deeper understanding of the nature of spirits, deities, and the dead along with a deeper understanding of myself and my purpose for manifesting into the physical realm. My invocations allowed others who were gathered with me in Circle or in other more casual settings the opportunity to communicate with entities they may have not had the chance to speak with and I feel honored to have been part of the exchange even if it was in such a passive way. 
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Invocation of Mother Goddess

 invoke thee, Great Mother Goddess of the starry skies,
The lovely lamp of the night,
Creator of all that is wild and free,
Mother of woman and man,
Queen of all the Gods and Goddesses, 
By the silvery light of the moon. 
I invoke thee, Gracious Goddess. I invoke thee. 
From above and from within, reveal yourself to me,     
Enlighten me with the secrets of the Craft. 
I destroy my ego.
I release all fear.
I open my heart to your presence.
I feel your love within my heart,
Your wisdom within my mind.
I am a humble student of your mysteries.​

Invocation of Father God

I invoke thee, Great Father God of the cosmos,
The blazing sun of the universe,
Master of all that is wild and free,
Father of woman and man,
King of all the Gods and Goddesses,
By the radiating warmth of the sun.
I invoke thee, Compassionate God. I invoke thee.
From above and from within, reveal yourself to me,
Enlighten me with the secrets of the Craft.
I destroy my ego.
I release all fear.
I open my heart to your presence.
I feel your love within my heart,
Your wisdom within my mind.
I am a humble student of your mysteries.