What is an Invocation?
A ritualistic request or call for inspiration or guidance in writing.
Calling All the Writing Spirits: The Invocation in Creative Writing
An invocation in creative writing refers to a ritualistic request or call for inspiration or guidance from the muses or literary spirits during the writing process. It is a way for writers to connect with and honor the tradition of writing and seek the blessing of those who have come before them.
The idea of invocation has its roots in ancient Greek mythology, where poets and musicians would invoke the muses, goddesses of the arts, to assist and inspire them in their creative endeavors. Today, the practice continues as a way for writers to tap into their subconscious, connect with the creative energy of the universe, and invite the flow of ideas and words.
The invocation can take many forms, from a formal prayer to a simple moment of silence or visualization, but the intention remains the same: to open oneself to the creative force and seek guidance and inspiration. So whether you're writing a novel, a poem, or a blog post, take a moment to honor the spirit of writing and call on your literary muse to guide you on your journey.
Invocation is a term that has been used in literature for centuries, and some works that exemplify its use stand the test of time.
Homer's epic poem chronicles the adventures of the hero Odysseus as he tries to return home to his wife and son from the Trojan War. In the opening lines, Homer invokes the muses, asking for their help in telling the story of Odysseus:
'Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns
driven time and again off course, once he had plundered
the hallowed heights of Troy. '
T.S. Eliot's landmark modernist poem is a fragmented meditation on the state of Western civilization after World War I. In one section of the poem, Eliot references the Fisher King legend and invokes the thunder god, hoping for a renewal of life:
'Shall I at least set my lands in order?
London Bridge is falling down falling down falling down
Poi s'ascose nel foco che gli affina
Quando fiam ceu chelidon—O swallow swallow
Le Prince d'Aquitaine à la tour abolie
These fragments I have shored against my ruins
Why then Ile fit you. Hieronymo's mad againe.
Datta. Dayadhvam. Damyata. Shantih shantih shantih'