Adjuration

"The command for spirits"

An adjuration is a command that, when spoken, must be obeyed. The command is usually combined with the name of God (or something/someone sacred) to compel a being (such as a spirit) to do the speaker's bidding.

In magic, occultism and other spiritual activities, a summoned spirit may be commanded to begin or cease a particular activity. The command is usually considered a fair and just action.

The word adjured appears in the Bible, where the people of Israel were adjured from rebuilding Jericho, which was destroyed after they entered the Promised Land.

Originally it is thought that an adjuration referred to a solemn, heartfelt appeal rather than a supernatural command. In this sense, asking someone to respond to a question under oath is a type of adjuration.