First Summoning Options

Two nights ago, I summoned my first entity. I didn't use a circle, or any other kind of protection. I just got into a trance, and I asked the nearest friendly entity to come forth. I felt him here, and I asked him his name. I'm not sure if it was my imagination, but
he told me his name was Apophis in a monster-ish kind of voice. I don't think it was my imagination... because if it was, I would've probably picked a name I could relate to... I've never heard of Apophis. Anyway, I asked him to leave, and I thought he did, until I got in bed to go to sleep, and I felt him behind me. He was touching my back or something. I banished him with the Solar Cross, and it worked. The end...

Thanks Nero!
This thread was started some year and 3 months ago. I do agree that there are many (many) different forms of evocation, etc. out there. Some involve use of a circle, some do not. (A side note here: It is fairly interesting to note that by finding out if a person uses protective devices or a circle can clue the questioner as to what tradition the questioned has come from...) I responded to Shonenman initial post with the concern that he may not be thinking of some rather salient points concerning the practice of evocation. I've learned that there are always going to be those that differ with your opinion and are able to give some well researched arguments to their cause. One can't please everyone! I do not use a circle all the time...it depends on the territory to be covered. I've only used it once in a shamanic setting as the whole Solomonic method doesn't work well with some of the South American shamanic practices.
Also, we're ressurecting some older stuff here and alot has been processed in the interim. I'd like to think that I'm open to new ideas and methodology. Thanks for the reminder though! I've met some very interesting people over the time I've been here. Some would think nothing of invoking the spirit of Pazuzu whilst I either wouldn't or would be sure to have it an evocation with my blast shields up! Newage has lulled some out there into a false sense of security when it comes down to possession and intrusive spirit work. Pazuzu is not known for his Flower parades!
Ah well, to each their own. Take what you will and leave the rest. I wish you well on your journey! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/egypt1.gif)
PS An addendum to my response to Traveller:
The diagrams used in the Simon Necronomicon are of (to me) unconfirmed sources. Simon didn't give me the manuscripts beforehand. It should be of interest to note that the Planetary Gates roughly resemble the ziggurat step pyramids all fashionably in rage at the time...The use of the 4 quarters of the world is still present in todays lodge rituals whether they are protective or not! Thanks!