Understanding Ritual Possession: Invocation, Evocation, and Connecting with the Divine

The terms invocation and evocation are often used interchangeably, but in practice, they are very different. While they both involve communicating with spirits, it is important to understand each one before we delve into the practice of ritual possession.

Evocation is the summoning of a deity, spirit, energetic form, ancestor, or element for the purposes of communication or providing an offering. Practitioners evoke deities during rituals to bring them into the circle, petition a spirit for protection, offer sacrifices of gratitude, or when communicating with spirit guides. In each case, a general call or recited passage is said to evoke the energy or deity to the sacred space. These passages can take the form of songs, poems, or incantations. Ultimately, evoking a deity provides reciprocal benefits to both the practitioner and the entity as they forge a connection.

On the other hand, invocation is when a practitioner conjures an entity and invites it to become a part of oneself. The entity is drawn into the practitioner and works through them as a human host. To clarify, evoking is calling a deity forth to externally join a practitioner in their magickal practice while invoking is a form of voluntary possession.

Ritual possession, whether voluntary or involuntary, is when a spirit, deity, or other supernatural force enters a human and is able to take control. The consciousness of the human is, in essence, set to the side so that the spiritual entity can, in a way, take over.

Since ancient times, people have desired to connect with the divine. Anthropologists have studied ritual possessions from cultures around the world, as it is not unique to a particular path. Practitioners of faiths all across the globe and throughout time have stood in awe of the power of divine possession. But creating a single definition of ritual possession beyond a transcendental human experience can be quite elusive. The concept of ritual possession takes on many different forms depending upon how practitioners make sense of the world around them.

From an academic perspective, ritual possession is classified by its function to the society and culture in which it is a part. It is seen as a form of group therapy whereby it heals the social group by creating a shared experience and cohesion. But for those who have participated directly in ritual possession rituals, it is much more than a unifying event for a collective group of people. It is a way to connect, heal, and be given messages from the divine.

While possession rituals take place all over the world, each has its own unique flavor in practice. In Christianity, ritual possession can be found in followers being possessed with the holy spirit. This practice stems from the first day of Pentecost when fire appeared above the heads of the Apostles. During this time, the Apostles were able to speak in tongues (glossolalia). This ecstatic communion with their god has taken more modern forms of followers writing on the floor as they are filled with the spirit. Being possessed by the holy spirit was considered a blessing.

Practitioner possession as a blessing also occurs in Vodun. Within the Voodoo and Santeria tradition, followers are ridden by the loa or orisha. Being possessed by various gods is called “mounting the horse.” In this case, the spirit mounts the human host and “rides” them. The host gives up their consciousness and allows their vessel to be taken over. In many cases, the human host behaves through words and gestures like the orisha or loa.

Ritual possession doesn’t happen instantaneously. A practitioner must be willing and able to relax and let go of their self enough to be possessed. For possession to take place, a participant must be in the perfect atmosphere surrounded by trusted individuals and able to get into a trance-like state through dancing, chanting, or drumming.

It is important not to confuse ritual possession with the concept of demonic possession. Demonic possession involves a person being taken over by evil spirits or demons against their will. The negative entity uses the human host for their own ill will, predominantly to cause harm to others. During a ritual possession, the host willingly invites the spirit or deity into their vessel to communicate with the living. While many people have no recollection of their actions during a possession, others state that they maintain a semblance of awareness as they are merely in a deep trance and could “free” themselves from the entity at any time.

Anyone can participate in a possession ritual, and there are no limits or bounds on who an entity or deity chooses. In many cultures, such as in Africa and India, it appears that women are more often possessed than men. However, this may be a cultural pattern of the suppression of women as possession allows women a higher degree of attention as well as a socially acceptable way to speak against the patriarch.

Being possessed by the divine is an integral part of spiritual worship in many traditions. It allows humans to connect in a deeper way to the divine and transcend human experience. To be possessed by an entity equates to spiritual worth, as the entity specifically chose the host for their devotion. It is important to decipher between actual possession and exaggerated possession. There can be times when people of all faiths and cultures use ritual possession as a way to feel important or special. The feeling of being chosen by a deity and deemed worthy of possession increases a person’s self-worth, especially in the eyes of the community.

In ancient cultures and some modern practices, those possessed by the gods speak as oracles and prophets. These individuals go into a trance-like state where they are then possessed by the deity (or deities) to prophesize the future or help to heal the sick. In fact, in certain shamanic traditions, the shamans will become possessed to help remove (or suck) evil spirits from the afflicted. However, in most shamanic traditions, the shamans do not allow themselves to be possessed; instead, they focus on controlling the spirits.

Magickal practitioners of Wicca often use altered states of consciousness in their rituals.

Gardnerian practice teaches eight different pathways to achieve a trance state.

-meditation and deep practiced concentration

-trance, projection of the Astral

-rites, chants, spells, runes, charms, etc.

-incense, drugs, wine, etc.

-dance and movement practices

-blood control, breath control, etc.

-the scourge (ritual pain)

-the Great Rite (ritual sex)

These eight pathways opened the consciousness, which allows practitioners to enter an altered state of consciousness. Each pathway provided a means to connect with beings that are often outside of our everyday reality. When a person is in a trance state, they are able to commune with the divine and, as such, work wonders and be filled with inspiration.

In Wicca, ritual possession occurs through the invocation, or voluntary possession, of the deities. Specifically, the ritual of Drawing Down the Moon (and Sun) is a form of possession as the goddess connects with a human host. The goddess (moon) enters the feminine representation while the god (sun) enters the masculine representation during the ritual. The two practitioners invoke the god and goddess during this rite and can speak with coven members, provide prophesy, and aid in healing both physical and emotional wounds. Those who have been possessed during a Drawing Down the Moon ritual radiate light, love, inspiration, and power. The divine inside shines outward and encapsulates everything in the vicinity. It is truly a spectacular experience for the possessed and the participants.

Just like any intense spiritual practice, ritual possession is safe when working with the right group of people. It is best to practice within a trustworthy community alongside people who have experience with ritual possession before jumping out on your own. Ritual possession is not something to take lightly, but it also is not a practice to be feared. There are dangers with any practice, so it is best to be well informed and with others when attempting a possession during a ritual.

Possession permits practitioners the opportunity to interact directly with their deity, regardless of their chosen path. However, ritual possession is not a basic skill that can be done on a whim. Those who practice the Craft, work on honing their meditation skills and refining their ability to relax and focus during a ritual. Only then can they open their minds and their consciousness to the idea of ritual possession. Reaching that state takes much practice and dedication. But when it occurs, it is a beautiful, mesmerizing sight to behold.