What’s Another Name for a Summoner? Delving into the Art of Invocation
A Summoner, in the simplest terms, is someone who calls upon or invokes entities – spirits, deities, or other beings – through ritualistic practices. While “Summoner” itself is a widely recognized term, especially within fantasy literature, games, and occult circles, several other names describe individuals who engage in this practice. Alternative terms for a Summoner include Evocator, Invoker, Conjurer, and even, in specific contexts, Necromancer or Channeler. The specific term used often depends on the type of entity being summoned and the methods employed. Let’s take a deep dive to truly understand Summoners and their practices.
Unpacking the Terminology: Exploring Synonyms and Related Roles
Evocator: The Art of Bringing Forth
An Evocator is perhaps the closest synonym to Summoner. It emphasizes the action of evocation, which is the act of calling forth a spirit or deity, often from another realm or dimension. Evocation, in occult traditions, typically involves elaborate rituals and preparations to ensure the safe and effective communication with the entity being summoned.
Invoker: Calling Upon Higher Powers
Invoker highlights the act of invocation, which usually implies calling upon a higher power, like a deity or angel, for assistance or guidance. Unlike evocation, invocation often focuses on establishing a connection with the divine rather than commanding a spirit. Invocation is often used in prayer or meditation.
Conjurer: A More General Term
Conjurer is a more general term that encompasses various forms of magical practice, including summoning. It often implies the use of spells and rituals to achieve a desired outcome, which may or may not involve summoning entities. Think of the term conjurer being used alongside stage magic and simple illusions.
Necromancer: Summoning the Deceased
While not always a direct synonym, Necromancer is a specific type of Summoner who specializes in summoning the spirits of the dead. Necromancy is often associated with darker forms of magic and is typically frowned upon in many cultures and belief systems. Necromancers utilize communication with the deceased to gain knowledge of future events.
Channeler: A Conduit for Entities
Channeler is a term often used in New Age spirituality to describe someone who acts as a conduit for spirits or entities to communicate with the living. Channeling typically involves entering a trance state and allowing the entity to speak or act through the channeler’s body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Summoners
1. What is the primary difference between a Summoner and a Wizard?
A Wizard is a general term for someone who practices magic, whereas a Summoner specializes in calling upon and controlling external entities. Wizards typically manipulate magical energies themselves, while Summoners rely on the power of the beings they summon. Wizards can often summon, but Summoners can also be wizards.
2. What are the ethical considerations involved in summoning?
Ethical considerations in summoning depend largely on the type of entity being summoned and the purpose of the summoning. Summoning malevolent entities can have negative consequences, while summoning helpful spirits with respect and good intentions is often seen as more acceptable. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both the Summoner and those around them is paramount.
3. Can anyone become a Summoner?
The ability to become a Summoner often depends on the belief system. Some believe it requires innate talent or a predisposition to magic, while others believe it can be learned through dedicated study and practice. A strong will and focused mind are often considered essential qualities.
4. What types of entities can a Summoner summon?
The types of entities a Summoner can summon vary widely depending on their skills, knowledge, and belief system. These entities can range from elemental spirits and nature spirits to angels, demons, and even deities. Some Summoners also specialize in summoning familiars – animal spirits that serve as companions and assistants.
5. What are the dangers associated with summoning?
Summoning can be dangerous if not approached with caution and respect. Summoning powerful entities can lead to being overwhelmed or controlled by the entity. Other risks include attracting unwanted attention from other spirits or experiencing psychological distress.
6. What tools or rituals are typically used in summoning?
Summoning rituals often involve the use of specific tools and symbols, such as circles, sigils, incense, candles, and ritual daggers. The specific tools and rituals vary depending on the entity being summoned and the tradition being followed. Many rituals require precise timing and incantations.
7. How does one protect themselves during a summoning ritual?
Protection during a summoning ritual is crucial. This often involves creating a protective circle around the Summoner and using protective symbols or incantations to ward off unwanted entities. A clear understanding of the entity being summoned and its potential dangers is also essential.
8. Is summoning the same as communicating with ghosts?
While both involve interacting with spirits, summoning typically involves actively calling upon a specific entity and attempting to control or command it. Communicating with ghosts, on the other hand, is often more passive and involves simply listening to and interacting with the spirits of the deceased.
9. What is the role of a familiar in summoning?
A familiar is a spirit, often in animal form, that serves as a companion and assistant to the Summoner. Familiars can provide protection, guidance, and magical assistance. They are often bound to the Summoner through a magical pact or ritual.
10. How has the concept of the Summoner been portrayed in popular culture?
The concept of the Summoner has been widely portrayed in fantasy literature, games, and films. Summoners are often depicted as powerful mages who can command armies of summoned creatures. The portrayal of Summoners varies from benevolent protectors to malevolent sorcerers.
11. What is the difference between a high summoner and a low summoner?
The difference between a high summoner and a low summoner is often in the power of what can be summoned. Low summoners usually conjure animals and minor spirits, while high summoners usually summon legendary beasts, angels, demons, and powerful supernatural beings.
12. How can GamesLearningSociety.org help with understanding the role of a Summoner in a game?
The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games can be used for educational purposes, and as such, can explain the history of and reasoning for different fantasy roles like that of a Summoner within different fantasy game settings.
13. What skills are most important to a Summoner?
Concentration is the most important skill for a summoner, followed by knowledge of the specific entities he is trying to summon. You cannot summon an entity without knowing its history, its weaknesses, and its language.
14. Can Summoners ever summon Gods?
While extremely rare and difficult, many traditions hold it is possible to summon even Gods. The rituals and preparations required for such a feat would be incredibly complex and potentially dangerous.
15. How do you destroy a Summoner?
The easiest way to destroy a Summoner is to defeat or destroy their summoned entity. By ending the thing that is the source of their power, they can be defeated as if they were a regular person.
In conclusion, while “Summoner” is the most common term, several other names effectively describe individuals who engage in the practice of calling upon and interacting with spirits and other entities. The specific term used often depends on the context, the type of entity being summoned, and the tradition being followed. Understanding these nuances provides a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse world of invocation and evocation.