Evoke: 1 : to call forth or up: as a : CONJURE 2a <evoke evil spirits> b : to cite especially with approval or for support : INVOKE c : to bring to mind or recollection <this place evokes memories>; 2 : to recreate imaginatively; synonym see EDUCE
So, what does this mean to us, the practitioner? Basically, to "Invoke" means to call upon outside forces for assistance, or to call upon the gods to appear to us. To "Evoke" means to bring forth something from within ourselves.
When we give the charges to the God/dess/es, or when we pray, we are invoking. When we raise energy, we invoke and evoke. When we send energy, we evoke. It sounds more complicated then it seems, so let me begin by walking through a healing ritual.
We would typically begin by centering and grounding. We invoke whatever source we use for a ground to help us cleanse ourselves and begin the process. After this is done, we cast the circle. This is where the two terms get confusing. Yes, we are bringing about the circle (invoking), but we are doing this through visual imagery, sending energy from within us out to bring the circle up (evoking).
Next, we call upon the elements and the God/dess/es to assist us. In this aspect, we are clearly invoking (making a petition for support or assistance).
Now it is time for the healing ritual. In this instance, we both invoke and evoke. We invoke by drawing into us energies from other sources. The reason for this is that if we sent just our own energy, 1) it may not be enough, and 2) we would be draining ourselves, leaving us open to unwanted energies and/or illnesses.
How do we raise these energies? There are a number of techniques. Any physical activity, such as singing, dancing, or even making love, will raise energy. Don’t believe me? Think about the last time you did one of these activities. How did you feel afterwards? Was there an "afterglow" to the moment? That was energy. If not directed, it will dissipate in time.
(But you do need to be careful not to raise more energy than you can handle. If you begin to feel light-headed, anxious, excessively cold or hot, or any other sensation that is not normal, you need to immediately channel the energy you’ve raised. Just as using only your energy can leave you open to unwanted consequences, to much energy can do the same.)
Energy raising usually begins slowly, with the tempo building until a sufficient amount of energy has been raised. If you are participating as part of a group, you need to direct the energy you raise to the High Priest/ess. Otherwise, practicing in a solitary situation, you will need to evoke the energy and direct it to the place you need it to go to.
In the case of healings, there are several recommended methods for directing energy. If the recipient is a small child, direct the energy to a parent for dispersal to the child. Older children can be told to visualize a cloud above them filled with love; anytime they feel bad, they should go to the cloud to feel better. The energy is then directed to a spot several feet above the child.
In an older child or adult who is consenting, the energy can be directed into the body by the laying on of hands. Or it can be directed into the body itself. As with a child, if the person is in a very weakened condition, you can direct the energy to a point above the person to be slowly infused with their own energies.
(And when the recipient refuses assistance? As Wiccans, we cannot take over the rationality of another. But rather than evoking the energy to the target, you would invoke the God/dess/es. Ask that the energy raised be used to heal the target, as is the will of the God/dess/es. Then evoke the energy to the God/dess/es.)
How do you know when you’ve raised energy? I don’t know; it is different for each person, and it is different depending upon the energy source and the method in which you are raising energy. When I get heavily into writing, I get cold - I mean I’m chilled to my core. Other times, if I’m outdoors, when my eyes close, I’ll see a green glow. Other times, I’m able to see the auras of other people quite clearly. But these are my experiences.
My favorite way to raise energy - talking about the craft with trusted friends. Definitely a power booster. Very unexpected the first time it happened, and we were definitely not prepared to handle it properly. But that’s another story best left untold. (smile)
I hope I haven’t confused you. The homework for this week is to work it out for yourself. See if you can realize when you are invoking versus when you are evoking. It is definitely an important difference.
© 2001 Mother
