Summoning

Summoning is the act of calling upon a spirit, demon, god or other supernatural agent in the Western mystery tradition.

Description

The word is often used synonymously with terms such as invocation or evocation or "summoning", although many authors find it useful to maintain some distinction between these terms. The term "conjuring" is also used as a general term for casting spells in some magical traditions, such as Hoodoo. In that context, amulets and talismans are often kept in a "conjure bag" and "conjuring oils" may be used to anoint candles and other magical supplies and thus imbue them with specific magical powers.

Comparable practices exist in many religions and magical traditions and may employ the use of mind-altering substances with and without uttered word formulas.

In the series

Storm Front

Main article: Storm Front

In Storm Front, Victor Sells summons Kalshazzak, unleashing it on Harry Dresden and Susan Rodriguez. A second attempt ends disastrously for Sells; the demon is freed from his control and kills him.

Fool Moon

Main article: Fool Moon

In Fool Moon, Harry Dresden summons Chaunzaggoroth for information on Harley MacFinn and Northwest Passage Project; the demon is known for never having lied to him. In the bargain, Chaunzaggoroth asks for one of Dresden's names.

Grave Peril

Main article: Grave Peril

In Grave Peril, Harry Dresden attempts to summon Azorthragal, but winds up summoning the Nightmare, and binds the ghost to him.

Death Masks

Main article: Death Masks

In Death Masks, Harry Dresden summons Ulsharavas for information on the Shroud of Turin. The Loa points to the Churchmice on the yacht the Estranger.

Cold Days

Main article: Grave Peril

In Cold Days, Harry Dresden summons Titania, Mother Winter for information on Mab and Maeve, and finally Mab when he confronts Lily and Maeve on Demonreach.