Welcome to the Esoteric Library's collection on Invocation, a profound and ancient practice at the heart of many spiritual, magical, and religious traditions. Invocation refers to the act of calling upon or summoning a deity, spirit, entity, or higher power, often with reverence, for guidance, assistance, inspiration, or union. Unlike evocation, which typically involves compelling a spirit to appear and obey, invocation is generally characterized by a desire for communion, integration, or the embodiment of divine qualities.
Throughout history, the practice of Invocation has taken myriad forms, from simple prayers and meditative chants to elaborate ceremonial rituals. Ancient Egyptians invoked their gods for blessings and protection, while Greek philosophers and mystics sought to invoke divine wisdom through contemplation and ritual. In the Abrahamic traditions, prayer is a direct form of Invocation, seeking connection with the divine. The Kabbalah, with its intricate system of divine names and sephiroth, offers sophisticated methods for invoking specific divine attributes. Our collection provides a unique opportunity to explore these diverse approaches to Invocation, offering free access to texts that illuminate its historical and practical dimensions.
The concept of Invocation extends beyond mere petition; it often signifies a deep yearning for spiritual transformation and alignment. Practitioners seek to draw divine energy or consciousness into themselves, becoming a vessel for its expression. This can lead to profound personal insights, spiritual growth, and a heightened sense of connection to the cosmos. Figures like Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana, whose mystical poetry in The Mesnevi speaks of ecstatic union with the Beloved, exemplify the spiritual depth achievable through such a profound Invocation. Similarly, texts like The Upanishads offer philosophical foundations for understanding the inner divine, a prerequisite for meaningful Invocation.
In the realm of ceremonial magic, Invocation is a cornerstone. Groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn developed intricate rituals designed to invoke planetary intelligences, angelic beings, or even aspects of the practitioner's Higher Self. While some historical accounts, such as James I, King of England's Daemonologie., reflect anxieties surrounding spirit communication and the potential misuse of such powers, the core intention of sacred Invocation remains spiritual elevation. Even in literary works like William Shakespeare's The Tempest, we see the powerful archetypes of magical calling and control, reflecting humanity's enduring fascination with unseen forces.
This collection delves into the principles and practices of Invocation, offering insights from various traditions. From the Theosophical explorations of mental forms and spiritual energies, as seen in Annie Besant's Thought-Forms, to the spiritualist investigations into communication with the deceased by Arthur Conan Doyle in The New Revelation, you'll find a rich tapestry of perspectives. Whether you are seeking to understand the historical context of Invocation, explore its philosophical underpinnings, or find inspiration for your own spiritual journey, these public domain texts provide invaluable resources. Embrace the journey of calling forth the sacred and unlocking deeper spiritual understanding through the power of Invocation.
Three paths · pick by your level
Practical Mysticism by an unknown author offers guidance on cultivating inner spiritual awareness and experiencing divine presence in daily life. This accessible text provides methods for developing a mystical sensibility and connecting with deeper realities, which can be understood as an internal form of invocation, calling forth the divine within. It emphasizes direct experience over dogma.
Pistis Sophia is a significant Gnostic scripture that details the teachings of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection, focusing on the complex cosmology and the journey of the soul through various spiritual realms. This ancient text is rich with invocations, prayers, and mystical formulas aimed at understanding and interacting with divine beings and light-emanations. It is believed to have been written between the 3rd and 4th centuries CE.
by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Vital Message by Arthur Conan Doyle presents his passionate arguments and evidence for the reality of Spiritualism and the continuation of consciousness after death. This work is highly relevant to invocation, as it details the author's belief in the possibility of communicating with spirits of the deceased through mediums and other means, essentially a modern form of calling upon the departed. It was published in 1919.
by Arthur Conan Doyle
The New Revelation by Arthur Conan Doyle chronicles his personal journey into Spiritualism and his conviction that communication with the dead is both possible and beneficial. This book serves as a testament to a specific form of invocation – reaching out to and receiving messages from the spirit world – and offers his reasons for embracing these beliefs. First published in 1918, it solidified his public stance on the subject.
by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)
The Road to Oz by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum invites readers on another imaginative adventure with Dorothy and her companions as they journey to Oz for Princess Ozma's birthday. While a children's fantasy, the quest for magical solutions and the gathering of diverse characters can be seen as a lighthearted reflection of seeking aid or guidance from extraordinary sources, a form of gentle invocation. This edition features vibrant descriptions of the colorful characters.
by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum continues the whimsical adventures in the magical land of Oz, where Dorothy encounters new friends and challenges. Although a children's fantasy, the imaginative power and the characters' desires for assistance from magical beings can be seen as a playful parallel to the concept of invocation. This book introduces the character Billina, a talking hen, and Tik-Tok, a mechanical man.
by Baum, L. Frank (Lyman Frank)
The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum tells the story of Cap'n Bill and Trot's adventures in Oz, featuring the beloved Scarecrow in a central role. As with other Oz tales, the characters frequently encounter magical beings and seek their aid in overcoming obstacles, reflecting a child-friendly interpretation of seeking assistance from powerful, magical entities, a gentle form of invocation. It was published in 1915.
by Besant, Annie
Thought-Forms by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater explores the Theosophical concept that thoughts generate visible, energetic forms on the astral plane. This work is highly relevant to invocation, as it suggests how mental intention and visualization can create tangible energetic structures that aid in calling forth specific spiritual energies or entities. The book features detailed illustrations of these thought-forms, first published in 1901.
by Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)
The Slayer of Souls by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers is an occult thriller featuring secret societies, psychic powers, and dark magical practices. The narrative often involves characters attempting to harness or control supernatural forces, which can be interpreted as forms of dangerous invocation or evocation within a fictional context. Published in 1920, it is known for its blend of mystery and the supernatural.
by Dale, J. B., Mrs.
Indian Palmistry by Mrs. J. B. Dale offers an introduction to the ancient art of palm reading, interpreting the lines, mounts, and shapes of the hand to reveal insights into an individual's character and destiny. While a form of divination rather than invocation, it represents a practice of seeking hidden knowledge or guidance from the subtle energies believed to be reflected in one's palm. This book provides a practical guide to the subject.
by George Moore
The Lake by George Moore is a novel exploring themes of spiritual conflict, personal freedom, and the search for meaning within a secluded Irish community. While not directly about occult invocation, its narrative delves into the inner turmoil and spiritual awakenings of its characters, akin to an internal invocation of one's true self. Published in 1905, it is noted for its lyrical prose and psychological depth.
by Gibran, Kahlil
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is a beloved collection of philosophical essays and poetic reflections on life, love, and spirituality. While not a manual for ritualistic invocation, its profound insights encourage a spiritual calling and connection to universal wisdom. The prophet Almustafa shares timeless truths on topics such as joy, sorrow, freedom, and reason, inspiring readers to invoke deeper self-understanding.
by Hamel, Frank
Human Animals by Frank Hamel explores folklore and legends surrounding shapeshifting, werewolves, and other human-animal transformations. While not directly about magical invocation, it delves into the mystical connection between humans and the animal kingdom, and beliefs about how spirits or essences can be embodied or invoked through transformation. The book compiles various cultural myths and historical accounts of such phenomena.
by Honoré de Balzac
The Magic Skin by Honoré de Balzac is a philosophical novel centered on a magical piece of shagreen that grants its owner's desires but shrinks with each wish, shortening his life. This narrative powerfully explores the consequences of invoking one's deepest desires and the price of unchecked ambition. First published in 1831, it is a key work in Balzac's 'La Comédie humaine' series.
by J. H. Hill
Astral Worship by J. H. Hill explores the historical and mythological significance of celestial bodies in ancient religions and spiritual practices. The book examines how various cultures attributed divine qualities to stars and planets, leading to forms of worship and invocation directed at these astral entities. This work provides insight into the astrological and astronomical roots of many esoteric traditions.
by Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana
The Mesnevi by Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana is a monumental work of Sufi poetry, expressing the ecstatic pursuit and invocation of divine love and union with the Beloved. Rumi's verses are a powerful testament to spiritual yearning and the profound inner transformation achieved through devotion. This extensive collection of mystical narratives and lyrical reflections is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature.
by James I, King of England
Daemonologie. by James I, King of England is a philosophical dissertation on witchcraft and demonology, reflecting the monarch's strong beliefs in the reality and dangers of spirits. This text provides crucial historical context for understanding the societal fears and legal ramifications associated with the invocation and evocation of supernatural beings during the 16th century. It was originally published in 1597 in Edinburgh.
by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Faust — Part 1 by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a monumental drama depicting the scholar Faust's pact with the demon Mephistopheles. This work is a quintessential exploration of evocation and invocation, as Faust calls upon infernal powers to transcend human limitations and experience ultimate knowledge and pleasure. Published in 1808, it is considered one of the greatest works of German literature.
by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Road to Oz by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum is another enchanting journey into the land of Oz, where Dorothy encounters a host of new and familiar characters. Similar to other Oz books, it showcases the power of imaginative worlds and the desires that drive characters to seek magical assistance or guidance, a whimsical form of invocation. This particular installment features a grand birthday party for Princess Ozma.
by Lewis Sperry Chafer
In Satan, Lewis Sperry Chafer provides a theological examination of the figure of Satan, discussing his origins, nature, and role within Christian doctrine. This work offers insight into the entity often subjected to both invocation and exorcism in various spiritual practices, reflecting a traditional perspective on spiritual adversaries. Chafer was a prominent dispensationalist theologian and the first president of Dallas Theological Seminary.
by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
The Green Mouse by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers is a whimsical and fantastical novel that blends elements of romance, mystery, and scientific invention. While not directly about occult invocation, its narrative often involves strange occurrences and the unfolding of unexpected events, hinting at unseen forces or magical influences at play. Published in 1905, it showcases Chambers's imaginative storytelling beyond his horror works.
by Schele de Vere, M. (Maximilian)
Modern Magic by M. (Maximilian) Schele de Vere provides a historical survey of magic, superstition, and occult beliefs across various cultures and eras. While not a practical guide to invocation, it contextualizes the human fascination with unseen forces and the methods used to interact with them throughout history. Published in 1873, it offers insights into cultural perceptions of magical practices and their evolution.
by Swami [Translator] Paramananda
The Upanishads, translated by Swami Paramananda, are foundational scriptures of Hinduism, delving into profound philosophical concepts such as Brahman (the ultimate reality) and Atman (the individual soul). These texts are crucial for understanding the spiritual basis of inner invocation, emphasizing the search for self-knowledge and divine union through meditation and contemplation. They form the concluding part of the Vedas.
by Tozer, A. W. (Aiden Wilson)
The Pursuit of God by A. W. (Aiden Wilson) Tozer is a classic work of Christian devotional literature that encourages a deep, personal, and continuous seeking of God's presence. While rooted in Christian theology, its emphasis on fervent spiritual yearning and intimate communion with the divine aligns closely with the essence of spiritual invocation. Published in 1948, it remains a powerful call to a deeper spiritual life.
by William Shakespeare
The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a captivating play rich with themes of magic, illusion, and the manipulation of spirits. Prospero, the exiled Duke, masterfully uses his invoked spirits, like Ariel, to exact revenge and restore his rightful place. This classic work offers a profound literary exploration of power gained through magical command and the consequences of such invocation. It is believed to be one of Shakespeare's last solo plays, written around 1610–1611.
Invocation is the reverent act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or higher power for communion, guidance, or to embody its qualities. It aims for spiritual connection and internal transformation, distinguishing it from commanding a spirit.
Begin by studying foundational texts on spiritual practices, meditation, and prayer to understand the principles of Invocation. Start with simple practices like focused prayer or mindful meditation, setting clear intentions for spiritual connection. Research different traditions to find an approach to Invocation that resonates with your personal beliefs and comfort level.
The 'best' book on Invocation depends on your path, but The Mesnevi by Jalal al-Din Rumi, Maulana offers profound spiritual depth. For historical context, Daemonologie. by James I, King of England is invaluable. For general spiritual inspiration, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran provides an accessible entry point to the spirit of Invocation.
Invocation can range from simple, heartfelt prayer to complex ceremonial rituals, so its difficulty varies. The core principles are accessible, but mastering specific techniques or achieving profound spiritual states through Invocation requires dedication, practice, and often guidance. Patience and consistent effort are key to developing a meaningful practice of Invocation.
Yes, on Esoteric Library, you can download numerous public domain books on Invocation and related spiritual topics for free. Our collection provides a wealth of historical and philosophical texts to support your exploration of Invocation without any cost. Browse our extensive selection to find the resources you need.
