Often portrayed in folklore and literature as mysterious words uttered under the moonlight, conjurations are more than theatrical chants. They are carefully constructed verbal formulas that witches have used for centuries to focus intention, summon energies, and bridge the seen and unseen worlds.
In the realm of magical practice, words are not empty vessels. They carry vibrations, rhythm, and symbolic meaning that can shape reality when spoken with clarity and intent. This is the essence of conjuration.
What Are Conjurations?
In witchcraft, conjurations are ritualized phrases, invocations, or spells spoken aloud to direct energy. Unlike simple affirmations, conjurations often follow a specific structure. They may call upon spirits, deities, elements, or archetypal forces to assist in magical workings.
The term “conjure” itself comes from the Latin conjurare, meaning “to swear together” or “to call upon solemnly.” This reveals the dual nature of conjurations: they are both promises made by the practitioner and calls for aid from beyond the self.
While some conjurations are elaborate and poetic, others are brief and direct. The potency lies not in length but in precision, intention, and the alignment between words, gestures, and willpower.
Examples of Conjurations
1. Conjuration for Rain
“Element, I call you back.
Here in this place, hear my voice.
Element of water, I summon you.
Let the rain fall, let it be so,
Thus shall it be.”
2. Latin Conjuration to End a Storm
“Come, winds, come—
But let them feel only calm.
Come now, come at once,
Come, come, come.”
3. Conjuration for a Curse
“…Worms, cancers, and maggots shall devour you.
May worms, disease, and decay consume your hands, your head, your feet.
May they eat away your flesh and marrow.”
4. Conjuration for Lucifer (from the grimoire Dragon Rouge, 1846)
“Lucifer—Ouyar, Chameron, Aliseon, Mandousin, Premy, Oriet, Naydru, Esmony, Eparinesoni, Estiot, Dumosson, Danochar, Casmiel, Hayras, Fabelleronthou, Sodirno, Peatham—
Come forth, come forth, LUCIFER.
Shemhamforash!”
5. Conjuration for Love
“Go now, let (Name of Person) love me as I love them.
May their heart be bound to mine in true affection.”
Historical Roots of Conjurations
Ancient Civilizations
Conjurations can be traced back to the earliest civilizations. In Mesopotamia, incantations written on clay tablets invoked gods and spirits for healing or protection. Egyptian magicians spoke ritual words to awaken statues of deities or to guard tombs against intrusion.
Greco-Roman Traditions
In the Greco-Roman world, conjurations often took the form of invocations to gods, daimons, or planetary forces. The Greek Magical Papyri, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE, contain numerous conjurations combining names of power, astrological timing, and symbolic actions.
Medieval and Renaissance Witchcraft
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, conjurations were central to both folk magic and ceremonial traditions. Grimoires like The Key of Solomon or The Book of Abramelin preserved complex conjurations, often blending Christian prayers with older pagan elements. Witches, cunning folk, and ceremonial magicians all relied on conjurations to summon spirits, banish harmful forces, or secure blessings.
The Anatomy of a Conjuration
Although conjurations vary widely, they often share key components:
- Invocation of Power – Addressing a spirit, deity, or elemental force by name.
- Statement of Intention – Clearly expressing the desired outcome, such as protection, healing, or transformation.
- Words of Command or Request – Establishing authority or respectful appeal.
- Closing Formula – Often sealing the conjuration with a phrase like “So mote it be” or “Amen.”
For example, a protection conjuration may begin by invoking the four directions, state the intent to repel harm, command negative forces to withdraw, and conclude with a sacred affirmation.
Types of Conjurations in Witchcraft
Protective Conjurations
These are designed to ward off evil, curses, or psychic attacks. Many witches carry memorized protective conjurations for spontaneous use in stressful situations.
Healing Conjurations
Spoken words directed toward restoring health have been part of folk medicine for centuries. Healers often whispered conjurations over herbs, poultices, or water to imbue them with potency.
Love and Attraction Conjurations
Love conjurations seek to attract affection, strengthen bonds, or restore harmony. Ethical witches emphasize consent and mutual respect when working with such formulas.
Banishing Conjurations
These drive away unwanted influences, whether spiritual entities, toxic energies, or destructive habits. They often include strong, commanding language.
Summoning Conjurations
Perhaps the most famous kind, these call forth spirits, ancestors, or elemental beings. Such conjurations demand careful preparation, respect, and protection.
Conjurations Across Cultures
European Witchcraft
European witches often employed conjurations rooted in Christian prayers, pagan invocations, or a blend of both. Cunning folk in Britain, for example, used conjurations to heal livestock, remove curses, or locate stolen goods.
African and Afro-Caribbean Traditions
In Hoodoo and Vodou, conjurations are central to ritual practice. Words are often spoken alongside offerings, drumming, and gestures. These traditions emphasize the living power of spoken charms passed down orally.
Practical Tips for Crafting Conjurations
- Clarity of Intention – Know exactly what you want before speaking words of power.
- Simplicity – A short, focused conjuration is often stronger than a long, rambling one.
- Correspondences – Align words with timing (moon phases, planetary hours), herbs, colors, or symbols for added power.
- Repetition – Repeat the conjuration rhythmically to build energy.
- Emotion – Speak with conviction. Emotion fuels the words.
Conclusion: The Living Breath of Witchcraft
Conjurations stand at the heart of witchcraft as bridges between thought and manifestation. Rooted in ancient traditions yet adaptable to modern life, they remind us that words are never “just words.” When spoken with awareness, conjurations transform language into magic. By honoring this tradition, witches keep alive a lineage of spoken magic that continues to inspire, protect, and heal.