Invocation is a term often used in religious or spiritual contexts, referring to the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or higher power for assistance, guidance, or inspiration. This practice can be found in various traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Wicca, where specific prayers or rituals are performed to invite the presence of the divine. In literature and art, invocation can also refer to the opening lines of a poem or story where the author calls upon a muse or inspiration. This technique is commonly seen in works like Homer's "The Iliad," where the poet seeks the help of the Muses to tell the story effectively.