(yeah, i know its an old thread--but drac's been away, and now he's back. So
)
Drac is reading from Elphias Levi, which is dealing in Ceremonial magic--the relationship between the Ceremonial mages and the various spirits they summoned--from the elementals, to the infernal spirits of the Goetia--has primarily been one of dominance. The mages would need to prove their ability to subjugate the spirit to the mage's will, by force. It's the method they knew, and the methods by which they work.
An excerpt from "High Magic's Aid", by Gerald Gardner (under the pen name of Scire), in which the Ceremonial magus Thur is discussing the problem with the two boys, Jan and Olaf, as well as the Witch (who is a literary match and indicator of the Wicca Gardner was later to introduce) Morven. This is from Chapter 16: Making the Great Circle, page 165 in my copy.
Wicca itself blends aspects of ceremonial magic with other things Gardner had picked up--from the New Forest coven, to the writings and teachings of others--from Thelema to the Golden Dawn, and so forth.
"...All who enter the Circle with me come as my helpers, and must help me by thinking correctly, to give me strength and so increase my power; for if there is any in the circle who lets his thoughts stray from the matter at hand, he not only weakens me and so defeats his own ends, but brings danger upon us all."
"Danger?" Jan exclaimed, startled.
"Aye lad, for our lives."
"From what?"
"Blasting," said Thur grimly. "Nothing quicker than a spirit to detect weakness in a magus or a slackening of the powers that summon him. For I must summon the power of war and revenge. He is not evil in himself, but his powers are dangerous if not controlled. He will not want to come, he would never come of his own free will. I may command him to come and cover such command by enticements, and blind him, puzzle him and bring him by sweet incense such as all spirits love according to their nature. Then, when I have got him within hearing, command him by the power of the holy names, and so force him to obey my will. But if he sense the slightest weakness in the magus, or anyone present, straightaway he will become unruly and disobedient, and his power, clashing with our wills, might end by destroying us all. If you make the slightest gap in a mill dam, the imprisoned waters may rush forth destroying both dam and you. The water wishes you no ill, it will work willingly for you, an you control it. So remember, as this is the power of the spirits we loose forth. Our weakness is their strength. If we lose control, it may mean our destruction."
"But why do they not work for us willingly?" asked Morven.
"Dear child, an we could go cap in hand and ask them, perchance they might. But remember, we have to get in touch with them first, and the only way we know is to trap them, blind their eyes and mind and speech, till they may see and hear us only. Would you not be angered if, say, a flock of sheep surounded you and forcd you to labour for them, enforcing their demands by jostling and biting? i have to summon the spirit by force and apply mroe and more force till he comes, willing or not; and all i can offer in return is sweet odours, courtesy and respect..."
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