invocação

Invocação is a term with roots in Latin, derived from "invocare," meaning to call upon or appeal to. In its broadest sense, invocação refers to the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, force, or abstract concept. This act is often performed within religious, spiritual, or magical contexts.

The purpose of an invocação can vary widely. It may be a plea for divine intervention, guidance, protection, or blessings. In some traditions, it is used to summon a specific entity for assistance, knowledge, or power. In other instances, invocação might be a formal declaration or affirmation, such as invoking the name of a country's constitution or a legal principle to establish authority or legitimacy.

Rituals involving invocação often include spoken words, prayers, chants, or specific gestures. The precise form and content are dependent on the tradition or belief system. For example, in some religious ceremonies, an invocação might be the opening prayer to God at the beginning of a service. In magical practices, it could be a more direct call to elemental forces or supernatural beings.

The concept of invocação also appears in literature and art, where characters might invoke powers or memories. In a non-religious context, it can simply mean to cite or refer to something as justification or support. Regardless of the specific application, the core idea remains that of calling upon something greater or external to oneself.