Evocation vs. Invocation vs. Incantation
Let’s discuss some semantics here, if only for a better understanding of the craft itself.
The dictionary lists their definitions as:
Evocation: (noun) 1. The act of bringing or recalling a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind. 2. The action of invoking a spirit.
Invocation: (noun) 1. The action of invoking something or someone for assistance or as an authority. 2. The summoning of a deity or the supernatural. 3. An incantation used for this.
Incantation: (noun) 1. A series of words used as a magic spell or charm. 2. The use of words as a magic spell.
To put it more simply and practically, invocation is the action of summoning an entity. This could be any god, goddess, spirit, fae, etc. The act of invocation is left open to interpretation, although you might find yourself coming across more rituals than anything else. It can be done through incantation as mentioned in the definition.
Evocation is summoning either a spirit or personal energy. This may seem odd, but mustering personal energy is something we do constantly in our daily lives. Picturing your happy place to calm down is a form of evocation. It is also left open to interpretation as far as the actual act goes.
Incantation, as stated above, is the use of words as a spell. It can be the whole spell or a portion of a spell. This can be as simple as a mantra to repeat when you need it or writing a full four page long epic poem homage to your patron deity for an offering.
Incantations, while often used out loud, do no have to be said out loud to have power. Just thinking or writing the spell will work.
