onjuration

Banishing
In the event that you have summoned a spirit who won’t leave on his own, you must know
how to effectively banish. Banishing is a basic technique of psychic hygiene. To BANISH
something is to make it leave. It is important to know how to banish before you ever call a
spirit or energy to you. You wouldn't let someone in your house without knowing you can
get them to leave. Some guests, like some spirits, will leave on their own at the end of a vis-
it. Others need to be told politely that the time is up. And some folks have to be told
(forcibly) to GO.
Anything from a good, strong impromptu dismissal to a full Star Ruby or Lesser
Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram will work great. You can also write your own banishing
incantations, if you like. If you write your own, be polite, specific, brief, and firm.

You can banish the entity by proclaiming “Get out" while focusing on the intruder.
Or … you can say/chant the following Greek words:

Hekas, o hekas, este bebeloi.

It translates to “Afar, afar, o ye Profane." So, really, it is saying “Get out, bad spir-
it." But in Greek.

Whatever you say, say it with meaning and conviction. And picture the spirit/
energy being forced away.

You can also use physical items to banish. Florida Water or some other very floral
perfumed water can be sprinkled around you, your working space, and your home. You can
cleanse yourself with salt-water — including swishing some in your mouth. You can smudge
with sage or cedar bundles — or burn an incense stick that has a clearing effect.

Gestures can also add potency to your banishing technique. Holding your hand up
in the “stop” gesture or pointing vigorously toward a door are every bit as potent as draw-
ing banishing pentagrams in the air with your hand or wand. Use what feels right to you.

All of these techniques should work wonders. You may have to “banish, rinse, re-
peat.” Banishing is like sweeping the floors. Dust and schmutz can come back, and you have
to sweep again.

Copyright Asteria Books 2015

 Egregore Creation
Egregores and Servitors are thought-forms that have been created to serve a particular
purpose. You can create a spirit to accomplish the goals you desire. Magicians do it all the
time, and it is a traditional part of sorcery.
It can actually be quite difficult to tell the difference between a new creation or an
older, existing being. That's because ALL spirits start somewhere, and many of them
begin as servitors/egregores. Now, for a great many of the ones whose names we have rec-
orded in old grimoires and such, they were created centuries or even millennia ago. Some
were deities of conquered people whose Gods were demonized and brought low by the
conquerors. Following this line of thinking brings a philosophical person back to the old
question — did the Gods/God create us, or do we create them/him?
Generally, though, a newly created servitor isn't going to have the oomph behind it
that an older being has. Not enough people have put their faith into that being, communi-
cated with that being, etc. It hasn't done enough work to be as strong or as solid or as
“weighty" as a spirit that has been around longer.
I would also suggest being open to working with newly “created" spirits. If they're
getting the job done, and you enjoy them, then they can be every bit as effective and won-
derful a companion as an older being. Thought creates reality, after all, which means that
these beings are very “real."
When creating a new spirit, you can borrow the following symbols for creating the
spirit’s sigil, as well.

Three dots means a very old spirit

Little circles show realms of influence

Crosses show good communication

Moons show vision power and wisdom

Triangles indicate crowns or high honors

Copyright Asteria Books 2016

 Evoking Spirits
In regards to evocation of spirits, we advocate complete dismissal of traditional texts in
which threats, binding, and torture by fire are called up in order to induce the spirits to ap-
pear before the mage and do his bidding. If you and the spirit don’t have great enough af-
finity for each other, or if the spirit is too mischievous or angry for you to summon without
the use of force, you’re obviously better off leaving that spirit alone.

That isn’t to say that every spirit will respond to softly-worded requests. Many of the Goe-
tic Legion, as well as other types of spirits, require a firm hand and a strong Will in a Mas-
ter. You must be strong, but not abusive.

The relationship you are seeking is an old-fashioned one. A great many (but not all) of the
spirits covered in these pages refer to magicians as “Masters,” but they are not our slaves.
They are more like servants or employees; and if we are very lucky, they might become
friends. We tend to make contractual agreements with them, whether we realize it or not,
for either short or long periods of time. A simple magical working is relatively short,
whereas having a spirit become your familiar is quite a long relationship. In either case, you
do the spirit a disservice if you treat it like a slave. It is older than you, often by millennia,
and it is probably willing and happy to help you if you treat it decently.

You may use the following summoning incantation until you have developed your own.
Substitute the specific name, characteristics, and type appropriate to the spirit you are try-
ing to call.

Orobas! Orobas! Orobas! Thrice, I call.

Wise and helpful, Orobas, come now to the Pyramid of Art

As my guest and counselor.

Appear to me now, friend Orobas!

Copyright Asteria Books 2016

 The Fetch
The Fetch is an energetic form that the Witch creates and projects her Black Soul
(astral body) into during flight. Some Witches do this so seamlessly and naturally
that they are unaware of the projection and believe this is the natural form of the
their Black Soul. In truth, this Fetch is an energetic shell that acts as a protective
barrier and can even be sent independently of the Black Soul by an adept Witch.

The Fetch can be built to look like an exact copy of the Witch’s physical body, or
it might be constructed to look like a natural or mythological Animal Form. It can
also be a combination of these forms. Whatever the nature of the Fetch, it should
be one that the Witch resonates with on a deep level. Indeed, the Fetch should
suggest its shape to the Witch (in a manner of speaking), more than the Witch de-
fining the shape consciously.

Interestingly, this Fetch is not sentient in its own right. It is a shell that awaits the
Black Soul to inhabit and enliven it. When it is en-souled (or programmed with
enough directed energy) it can move among the Realms and even be seen in physi-
cal, consensus reality by some.

It is a good idea to create a physical vessel or “home” for the Fetch to inhabit
when you aren’t using it. The vessel (called a Fetich) can be practically anything,
and since the Fetch is not a being of Will the way a Familiar is, it won’t have its
own opinion about what sort of vessel it prefers. You can make something that
strikes your fancy and fits your needs. You might consider a large stone, a wood
carving, a leather engraving, a painting, a sculpture, a statue, a spirit bottle, a doll,
a talisman.

The more you work with a particular Fetch, the more powerful it becomes. You are
feeding it energy each time you enter it and send it forth. You can also feed it en-
ergy when it is in residence it its house. Furthermore, you can create more than one
Fetch and Fetich (house), though this is admittedly a division of your energetic re-
sources. You may, however, find that you have reasons for doing this. You may also
discover that you wish to deconstruct or destroy a Fetch, which you can do by de-
stroying the Fetich and reabsorbing the energy. This should be avoided, if possi-
ble, though. In fact, you’ll probably find that you have psychological or emotional
resistance to such destruction. This is because the Fetch is a sort of egregore or
Spirit. And while it may not have Will or sentience of its own, it does have a sort of
Life. Still, that Life is an extension of yourself -- of your Black Soul, specifically.
If the vessel is no longer able to serve, it must be cleared and rebuilt.

Copyright Asteria Books 2016

 The Witch’s Familiar
When a Witch talks about a “spirit known unto
her" -- a familiar spirit -- that isn't a historical
implication of the household cat. In fact, cats
weren't even the most likely animals to be a
witch's corporeal familiar in the Middle Ages, as
the cat wasn't a common household compatriot
at that time. The term “pussycat" most likely re-
ferred to the rabbit (Latin “lepus"), an animal
that was much more associated with witchcraft,
lunar magic, necromancy, and shapeshifting. Iso-
bel Gowdie's famous confession is said to include the following chant for
shapeshifting into a rabbit:
Corporeal Familiar
A corporeal familiar is a living animal with whom you have a working, magical
relationship. This animal shows an interest and adeptness for some types of
magic you perform. Some familiars love ritual, and they present themselves
promptly at the start of every circle and spell. Some are magnificent energy
workers, and they'll help you direct healing energy. Most animals like energy,
and many animals are willing to help with the healing process in some capacity.
As for willingness or talent to be a familiar in magic, you really need to pay at-
tention to the proclivities of the specific animal. They aren't all interested or
able, no matter how much you love each other.
Incorporeal Familiar
Witches didn't just have animals who helped them manifest their magic. Folk-
lore, nursery rhymes, and trial records are filled with accounts of witches and
other adepts calling upon familiar spirits to do their bidding and assist them
with both mundane and spiritual struggles.
Nature spirits, angels, demons, magistelli, Deities, the Mighty Dead, the Good
People —there are a host of unseen forces with myriad names. Witches have cer-
tainly worked with all of these. The Unseen World enfolds us, and we Witches
walk within it, while maintaining a connection to consensus reality. Our famil-
iar spirits help us navigate and understand the Unseen, for they are a part of
that world.
Copyright Asteria Books 2019
 Sphere and Pyramid

The truest working space of the Conjurer or Witch is not a flat space marked on the
ground with words and symbols. Mark the circle and triangle with the names of Gods
and Angels if it improves your focus, but understand that you live and work in three
physical dimensions (and more which aren’t of a physical nature). The Mage needs a
sphere, not a circle, to stand within. She calls spirits into a pyramid, not a triangle. En-
close yourself and the entity on all sides for sure protection.

Most Witches already work within this paradigm, marking their circle in flat
space while visualizing and energizing it in space. However, the concept bears repeating,
in the event that readers haven’t been exposed to this idea previously.

As far as the words and gestures used to create the sacred space, you can be very
simple or very elaborate.

Another point to consider is that not every spirit needs to be called into a Pyra-
mid. Many of the spirits you’ll encounter are helpful and benevolent. Most Witches
would call such entities into the Circle (Sphere) with themselves, not outside of it in a
spirit trap. If you truly honor and respect the spirit whom you are calling, it makes sense
to call it into your sphere.

Copyright Asteria Books 2015

 Spirit Keeping
The decision to have a familiar is not a unilateral one. A Witch does not simply choose a
spirit from a list and then trap it within a seal, a bottle, or a figurine. A familiar is not a
spiritual slave or a prisoner.

The relationship between master and familiar should be mutually beneficial. The
familiar assists in magic, according to his abilities; and the Witch returns energy in the
forms of gratitude, gifts, ritual, or something specific to the familiar. Spirits will often tell
you specifically what they want if you just talk to them.

Look to traditional texts and lore for inspiration regarding what your spirit may
like, but don’t rely solely on these sources. No one person who knows you is privy to all
the things you may like or dislike. The same is true of spirits. The traditional texts and lore
can’t encapsulate all there is to know about a spirit.

Most familiar spirits want some sort of

housing. This is often a jar or bottle. The
housing can also take the shape of a candle or
a statue, a piece of jewelry, or some other
item. Just ask and they will be very clear, of-
ten asking for something you already own.
The purpose of the house is to give the spirit
a vessel to inhabit. There are benefits to hav-
ing a physical form, after all. The house or
vessel brings a certain level of pleasure to the
spirit.

They almost all like offerings, as well;

though the nature of the offerings varies
greatly from spirit to spirit. Our coven famil-
iar wants smoke, and she gave us a specific in-
cense recipe that we were to make and burn for her. The familiar of one of our students
wanted ashes. She didn’t care what was burned to create the ash, as long as it was burned
with the intention of giving it to her. Some like honey, mint candies, liquor, or other co-
mestibles. Others want energy in the form of dancing, laughing, or sex. Again, we recom-
mend asking your spirit directly what he wants and how often he wants it.

Copyright Asteria Books 2016

 Witches and the Goetia
It has been the role of the Witch to summon
and stir spirits as allies in magic since Witches
first started practicing their Craft. We see
evidence of that in folklore, trial records, and
art. Spirit conjuration (what can rightly be
called “demonic conjuration") is a long-
standing practice in the sort of sorcerous
witchcraft that is practiced by people like us.
Lore and witch trial records (not ALL of which can be complete fabrications) are filled with
accounts of witches calling upon familiar spirits to do their bidding.

The word “angel" comes from the Greek ἄγγελος pronounced "angelos", which
means messenger. “Demon" also comes from the Greek — δαίμων pronounced daímōn,
meaning nothing more or less than “spirit." Neither was inherently benevolent, nor was the
other malevolent.
We humans are spiritual beings having a human experience. We are spirits enfleshed,
and we walk within a world of ethereal spirits who act as guides, guardians, and aides to us,
often whether we are aware of them or not. People find comfort in knowing that they are
not alone, even if they cannot see their circle of friends because they dwell in Spirit. More
than that, Witches find companions in magic among the spirits familiar to them (spirit fa-
miliars).
Like most beings, angels and demons are primarily looking out for themselves, but
they're willing to make a deal with you. Actually, I think that can be said of ALL non-
corporeal spirits. Some are naturally more amiable and inclined to work with you. Some, not
so much. A few can be down-right nasty, but don't let their “racial” category be the decid-
ing factor. There are more fey that I would recommend avoiding than there are Goetic de-
mons, frankly.
In fact, Paul Huson, in his book Mastering Witchcraft suggests getting in touch with a
particular Goetic demon pretty early in your Craft practice. “Goetia” may actually be one
of the ancient Greek words for witchcraft.

γοητεία goēteia – charm, jugglery

γόης goes – charmer, enchanter, sorcerer

Don’t approach any demon or other spirit lightly or unprepared, by any means. But
having a good working relationship with a couple of these spirits is a good thing for a witch.

Copyright Asteria Books 2015

 Spirit Magic and Communication
Finding a spirit with whom you can work magic, communicate, and build a relationship isn’t
as tricky a task as it may sound. There are hundreds or even thousands of different “races”
of spirits. Within each race, there are countless individuals. Someone on the other side of
the veil is right for you.

There is literally no end to the work you can accomplish with the help of “your lit-
tle daemon.” Liberal sciences, necromancy, alchemy, art, foreign language, diplomacy, law,
love – these spirits know all of the things that you want to know. The can make learning sig-
nificantly easier. They love what you love and will help you pursue, protect, and promote
those passions.

This is sorcery, witchcraft. You don’t have to make it complicated unless that pla-
cates your sense of the Arte Magical.

Each spirit is an individual and will have his preferred method of working, as well.
Some are chatty, others communicate with images. Some might like complicated ritual and
arcane language, while many prefer simplicity. Some sing – all the time. They are as individ-
ual and quirky as the magicians who work with them.

However old the spirits you work with may be, the traditional descriptions you may
find of them online or in books may be equally old (and outdated). Everybody changes at
least a little in 400 years, even spirits. Furthermore, some details weren’t recorded accurate-
ly in the first place. (As an example, the spirits of the Goetic Legion were all originally de-
scribed as inherently masculine, regardless of how anciently that spirit may have been wor-
shipped as a Goddess.)

Communicate with your chosen spirit in whatever way makes the most sense. If he is
verbal, use automatic writing or a talking board as you develop your clairaudient abilities. If
she is visual, use a scrying mirror, cauldron, crystal ball, etc. Try trance, flying out, lucid
dreaming, smoke/fire scrying, trance dance, or sexual energy; or simply try listening and
looking for your spirit.

The Unseen World is not a separate place, distinct and untouched by This World.
Beings of spirit and beings of flesh walk in both places. We ourselves are, ultimately, beings
of spirit who are also beings of flesh. Spirits know that we inhabit both spaces at once. Mag-
es and Witches should know this, as well.

Copyright Asteria Books 2016

 Affinity With a Spirit
Not every spirit is a good fit for each Witch or Mage. Not only are some spirits dangerous
and should be avoided, but many are simply incompatible for a given individual. You have
undoubtedly met people with whom you couldn’t work or whose company you didn’t en-
joy. They aren’t inherently bad people. You just don’t like them. The same will be true of
many spirits. The goal with spirit keeping is to find those spirits with whom you can build a
working, fraternal, familial, or even romantic relationship with.

A Witch will have a number of potential spirits from whom she might choose. Dur-
ing the time that she is researching those spirits, they might also be observing her.
When a particularly strong attraction presents itself to a Master, this spirit is a natu-
ral candidate to become a familiar. Indeed, the spirit may already be acting in that capacity
for the Witch, and the Witch needs only to recognize the spirit’s presence.

Of course, more than one spirit may be available to you from the hosts of individu-
als on the Other Side, but it is important that you pay close attention to how well these
spirits work with each other before you take on multiple working partnerships with various
spirits. They don’t all get along, after all, and to bring too many of them into your life is to
court madness.

Copyright Asteria Books 2016