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...

Your right of course that there is no circle in afro-carribean cultures and shamanism but there are still levels of protection from their good spirits and gods and what have you. Also those are religious ceremonies and not something akin to what most people on this board practices.

Although that being said this thread is about shonenman's experence and methods. Which I really do hate to critize others on their methods but I have to say what he attempted was very stupid. Shonenman mentions no prep work, no past work, no planning, and zero protection. There are methods and reasons for no circle but I wouldn't say this was one of them. I have seen the croc hunter on TV handle crocs with his bare hands with no protection equipment but that doesn't mean I am qualified to.

I am not trying to sound harsh but having no clear plan for "who" you intend to speak to in the first place and just asking for anyone who is close is not a good idea.

Your right of course that there is no circle in afro-carribean cultures and shamanism but there are still levels of protection from their good spirits and gods and what have you. Also those are religious ceremonies and not something akin to what most people on this board practices.

Unless you're a Bokor trained in the arts of Voodoo Sorcery.

Although that being said this thread is about shonenman's experence and methods. Which I really do hate to critize others on their methods but I have to say what he attempted was very stupid. Shonenman mentions no prep work, no past work, no planning, and zero protection. There are methods and reasons for no circle but I wouldn't say this was one of them.

Indeed I concur. It's not cool to bust the chops of a newbie especially after s/he got some results. The fact is there are some rather nasty little things running around out there on different planes and s/he was lucky that one did not venture forth to harm him - whether or not asking for them to be nice. I hate to give crap to a Novice only because it can psychologically cause them to be ever fearful to the point they won't practice anylonger.

It is prudent to at the VERY least utter a prayer (or incantation) of a protective nature which is what Mediums do prior to calling out to the world of Spirits. With my very first evocation, I worked with the Elemental Kings (Ghob, Nicksa, Djinn & Paralda) at various times to learn more about how to use their elements in Sorcery. Later my first Spirit that I summoned was from the Goetia and I used ALL warding both from what the book recommended and from what my teachers recommended. But even with all the wards, one can have some problems with the NPE (Non-Physial Entity).

I am not trying to sound harsh but having no clear plan for "who" you intend to speak to in the first place and just asking for anyone who is close is not a good idea.

In all fairness, Bardon discusses "Astral Wanderings" and how you can meet up with new Spirits, make their acqaintance and learn new things. Also it is customary in many cultures for new students of Shamans to travel to the Underworld to learn and do by meeting the NPEs of that realm. Shonenman was experimenting. I give him credit for that since he came out of this unscathed. But you are right - it is better to have a valid, genuine reason for such an action.

I think too many folks on this board take Evocation too lighthearted. While it is easier to do than some other forms of Occultism, many incorrectly think such a thing is going to make them so much more powerful especially before they're ready to accept that power. Conversely, in this instance, we do not know much about Shoneneman's practices, background or anything else which makes the slap on the back or boxing his ears diffiuclt.

All the Best,