You don't have to work with non-gods!

Some people prefer to work with just their god/ess of choice. Some people prefer the versatility offered by working with non-gods as well. Some people find that just spells is enough. Do what is right for you. There is no wrong answer, only answers that suit different needs.

Why would I want to work with a non-god?

There are a lot more things out there that are not gods than those that are gods. Non-gods are generally less powerful, but that doesn't make them all weak or useless. Mixing the two means not only are you more likely to find someone who will work with you reliably on a regular basis, this person will be at a power level that is good for general day to day stuff. As mentioned in the Working with Gods Page, you do not need to use a chainsaw to cut your dinner. Having the right hands to help your situation is nice.

Non-gods have religious perks as well. For example, non-gods may serve your god/ess of choice. You can worship together and enjoy the shared bond of faith. They also may know prayers/rites you don't know which can help you serve your god/ess of choice better. Some are atheist or even against the idea of gods, which is very nice for those who don't want to deal with gods at all. On the flip side, if you do not want to deal with a specific god-type, then you will want to avoid their devotees as they may accidentally "drag you in" to their faith. If faith is a major issue for you be sure to talk to your potential entity friend and/or research them in order to assure their beliefs align with yours.

Overview various non-god types I have worked with

These are beings that generally are not worshiped these days. This is not an exhaustive list. It just lists a few popular kinds people frequently ask me about. The experiences are also my own, complete with what my research has brought in. Yours may vary so please do research from other sources if a particular class of entity interests you.

As this class is generally less written about than god types are, research and fact checking are very important. Here is how to cross-check things you learn (also useful for researching) and here is a page on spotting fake info/entities.

Angels

Beings that work under a god-type, often created by them. I'll lump nymphs, graces, muses and the like in among the angels as they tend to have similar traits. "Angels" worship their god of choice and follow their will as an extension of that being. Some of them have more free will than others. The Abramamic angels (Christian, Judaic, Muslim) may have no free will at all in some cases and are programmed puppets. Meanwhile Nymphs, Graces, Muses and the like not only have free will they can be very willful indeed! Either way, you must worship the same god as the angel. You also must have values and goals that align with that god. If you do not do this, your angel will turn against you. Do not work with angels if you can not do this!

Pros: Perfect for those who are super religious, generally will not offend faiths that discourage "working with spirits", a good way to commune with your favorite god-type.
Cons: You must adhere to the same faith as the angel. You must keep the same values as the angel and align your goals to match. Angels can turn against you if you do not have the same faith and values as they do.
Overall (my take): Best suited to the very religious. If you aren't very religious, then avoid angels entirely.

Black Dogs (and other animals)

These entities famously take the form of very large black dogs with red eyes. They can shape shift, however, and may take other forms such as cats or horses. The giveaway is the red eyes and black fur. Generally these creatures are tasked by other non-god races and may serve as their pets. They seem to work with elves the most. Most of the time they do not speak and seem to be no smarter than a very bright animal.

There are stories of black dogs protecting children and people with good hearts. There also are stories of them attacking people seemingly at random and snatching up children. I think both cases are examples of them doing tasks. The attacks are probably them protecting an area from intruders. The protection's underlying task is obvious (protect them). Snatching children may be a symptom of changelings. Are the children misplaced fae/elf children being taken home? Or are they humans be swapped with fae/elves? It's hard to know.

Pros: Very loyal, goal-oriented, surprisingly strong, can shape shift, smart animals.
Cons: Usually already serves an elf. If you do not get along eith elves, avoid these. Usually do not speak (may be hard to communicate with).
Overall (my take): Approach with caution. If they seem friendly, then work with them politely. If they do not seem friendly, run away! Remember that these beasts serve a master so it may be wise to try to seek out and befriend their master as well.

Daemons

These are not the "hail Satan!" horns and claws things. These are guiding spirits that move between the realms to give wisdom to those who will listen. Daemon literally means "one who moves between". There is no religious affiliation for most daemons. This makes them well suited to anyone willing to learn some new things. Typically a daemon will show up, spend some time teaching you things, then leave. In general, you simply need to demonstrate an open mind ready to learn and one will eventually find you. Just keep learning, looking, and listening.

Pros: Great teachers. Not religious, comes to those who want to learn.
Cons: I don't think there is a way to "summon" these. They can teach, but you must be willing to listen and put in effort on your part to really learn. May be mistaken for an "angel".
Overall (my take): Harmless and very beneficial. A couple hours spent learning with a daemon is a wonderful investment for anyone serious about learning the paranormal. If you are visited by one, listen up and get ready to take notes. School is in session.

Demons (Goetic)

Now here is where the edgy kids shout "Hail Satan". This really is not the true scope of the goetic demon, however! Goetic demons are a mixed bag. Some are fallen angels (ex: Amy). Others are forgotten gods (Bael AKA "Baal"). Some are spirits that are seen as "dangerous" to various faiths (ex: Lilith is a corruption of "Lilitu", a Babylonian wind-night disease/death spirit).

Generally, a demon will help if you are respectful enough. Typically the first demon you summon you will end up "marking" you as one of theirs (not always, just very common). No, this does not mean "you are going to hell". It's closer to ending up with a patron saint. You will end up slowly taking on your patron demon's traits over time. You also may sometimes be tasked to help others or do things for your patron. In exchange your patron demon will come to your aid more frequently, often without being asked. Your patron demon will watch over you for the rest of your life.

Some say that you can break out of being "marked", but I'm not sure on this so I wouldn't bet on it. If you do not want to be marked, do not work with Goetic demons. Your first summon often will mark you, but it can vary. The fact that your first summon can mark you is why I say "Always research first: do not summon lightly".

Secrets to success for working with Goetic Demons:

Research before attempting contact.
Don't just ask practitioners as they can be very misleading... especially Lilith followers with succubi. There is a ton of bad info on that group. More that in the "succubus" section. Don't just read one passage from a book and run with it! Look around for as many sources as you can find, ideally not from practitioners. Neutral parties are your best sources.

be very respectful at all times.
Do not treat them like slaves you can order around even if the summoning book says you should. These are very powerful beings who require respect and understanding. Treat them as such.

Do not summon these lightly: these are DANGEROUS.
All demons are dangerous. ALL OF THEM. Even the nicer ones can wreck you. Some of them don't even get along, which makes summoning multiples extremely risky. Do one at a time, only as needed. Put lots of protective wards up. Cleanse and protect before and after each summon.

Remember who "Marked" you.
Not all demons work well together. In fact, some hate each other. If you ever end up working with other demons, avoid your patron demon's enemies. Also don't work with angels. Most demons dislike angels to put it mildly. Abrahamic faiths (Christian, Muslim, Judaism) also do not get along with demons.

Pros: Extremely powerful, can mark you, you will take on your patron's traits over time.
Cons: Some of them hate each other. You can end up marked on your very first summon. Very hard (impossible?) to break out of being marked. They do not get along with Angels or god-types in general. This is a give-and-take, not a "make me powerful" deal.
Overall (my take): Like the idea of having a very powerful being watch over you but aren't into god-types or angels? This could be a viable option for you. Choose who you summon wisely, do not work with multiples, and remember that you will need to stay away from Angels from now on. If you are religious in any Abrahamic religion or just seeking power, do not summon these!

Elves

Elves are not like in Tolkien. In fact, anyone who says elves are like something out of Lord of the Rings should be ignored. At best they have bad info, at worst they are delusional otherkin. Either way they won't steer you in the right direction.

Elves vary wildly. I will use "Elf" is an umbrella for many various races with similar traits.

Elves are humanoid beings with appearances that tend to vary based upon where they live. For example, South American elves ("Duende") tend to be wrinkly and tan skinned. Then there's the Norse "Black Elves" (Svartálfar) which are literally black... and possibly a subset of dwarves (or are the dwarves actually elves? The translations aren't clear) who live underground. Drow, anyone? Usually elves are at least two feet (0.6 meters) tall, often four to six feet (1.4 to 1.8 meters). Pointed ears are common, but not all of them have pointed ears. Many elves are not what human beings would call "pretty". Don't expect them them be beautiful. Some people call elves "the fair folk" out of politeness due to the fact that calling them ugly will offend them.

Most elves live in organized societies with their own laws and structure. They are at least as advanced as human beings. Many elves see humans as a lesser species something close to the level of a very smart dog. Elves are living beings who seem to spend most of their time in a different dimension of reality. They can cross into our dimension and sometimes take others back with them. Their world seems to share the same "space" as ours which can lead to areas that are "claimed by elves" out here. Elves seem aware of our world's rules and some of our myths as well which has led to them to occasionally adopting some more human terms and habits while interacting with us. For example, some may call themselves "Seelie" or "Unseelie" for your convenience. These terms were invented by humans but the elves found the terms useful, so they use them.

Generally politeness goes a long way with elves. Respect their laws, land, and culture. Ask questions; do not assume things! Be quick to apologize and slow to anger when dealing with elves or things will not end well. Elves get vengeful when offended. Some will warn you when they are getting angry/offended. Other just SNAP. If the elf seems upset, politely ask if they are upset and what you can do to make things right. From there listen and obey. You are only a smart dog to them; you have no special rights for being human.

Seelie Elves: Elves that like humans... in general. These are like humans that like dogs. They may watch humans, seek their company, be more patient/lenient with them, and think humans are adorable in general. This has limits so do not abuse it. Seelie are more likely to try to behave human-like and may try to "look pretty" for you. These elves work best with humans who get along with other humans.

Unseelie Elves: Elves that think humans are foolish at best and downright destructive at worst. They do not agree with most common human culture norms. These have little patience for humans and are more likely to get offended quickly. This said, unseelie elves know more about elvish culture and will display more of it than a seelie will. Unseelie elves prefer humans who do not agree with most of human society. Misanthropy is a plus.

Both kinds are known to keep Black Dogs as pets/messengers.

Pros: Highly intelligent, versatile, social, unique worldview, does not care about your faith (or lack thereof).
Cons: Gets vengeful when offended, sees humans as a lesser species, behavior varies wildly depending on where you are, comes from a completely different culture so mistakes will happen on both sides.
Overall (my take): Elves aren't for the faint of heart. Be prepared to learn an all new culture complete with a lot of mistakes along the way. If you can learn and keep up with them, elves can be a great many things: teachers, brothers in arms, even lovers. They are extremely versatile.

Elementals

The collected energy of a place or thing. This energy collects to form a sort of rudimentary intelligence. There is no soul or mind, only energy. Elementals comes in two flavors: true elementals and genus loci.

True Elemental: These have no real location they are tethered to, but places where the element of choice are abundant will make it easier to commune with them. Any scrap of the correct elemental energy may be used to commune with a true elemental once you are skilled enough. You do not really talk to an elemental. You reach out to the element, harmonize your energies to theirs, then "feel" for them. With time and practice it is possible to "communicate" with the element by feeling for changes in it's energy flow. Initially this may be as simple as "one pulse for yes, two for no". In time and with practice it is possible to converse with an elemental, even if it is not as easy to understand as most other entities on this page.

Genus Loci: An energy attached to and spawned from a place and the various elements located there. These tend to protect to and stick to an area. If the area is altered enough, the genus loci may be altered as well or or may even dissipate. Some people class these as "spirits" as they tend to have more of a mind and will to them than a true elemental does. You may "talk" to a genus loci in the same way you communicate/commune with an elemental. Sufficiently advanced genus loci may also communicate like a spirit.

Pros: Very hard to offend, non-religious, great for magic and elemental workers
Cons: Rudimentary intelligence only, not easy to work with
Overall (my take): Elementals are best suited to either those who want to work with magic or those who want to specifically work with an element. Magic can use elemental energies, so working with an elemental can give a magic user a better idea of what they are really working with. This said, working with elementals is not easy. If you are a beginner it is possible to end up frustrated. Practice feeling and working with energy in general before you try to work with elementals.

Faeries

Like elves, fae vary wildly depending on where you are. Generally speaking, these are short at under a foot (0.3 meters) tall. They may have wings, or not. Some are elemental aligned which can blur the line between fae and elementals. Elementals do not speak in any way most can comprehend. Fae can. Elementals also are stronger in their element than fae, but fae are more versatile. These are not cute little tinkerbells: they are semi-wild creatures that are less intelligent and organized than elves. This can cause fae to be very unpredictable, potentially even dangerous. This unpredictable nature is why some people choose to block out all fae instead of trying to deal with them.

How to remove/block out fae

Tools: Salt and iron filings mixed together (50% of each). Basket or jar for your salt/iron mix. Iron trinkets (one per exterior facing door). Prayer book (optional).

Remove all items fae like (see "attracting fae" for a list).

Start with a cleansing ritual on yourself and all tools you plan to use.

Speak out loud that you want all fae to leave. Repeat this as you walk through the area you plan to remove/block the fae from. This is a polite warning.

Sprinkle salt-iron around the area you want the fae to stay out of. If you are doing a room, make sure you do the windows and doors as well. Leave one way open leading from room to room as a clear path "out". Pick areas that won't get wet if possible as iron can rust.

Start at the back side of the barred off area. Pray, smudge sage, or scatter plain salt through the area. Walk through the entire area heading towards the "exit" you left open. You may also read prayers from your book as you add the salt-iron. This chases the fae out.

Seal each exit with the iron-salt mix as you walk through it. This prevents them from coming back in.

Add an iron trinket over each doorframe to further reinforce that they are not welcome.

Once you reach the final exit seal it with the salt-iron mix. This should complete the rite.

How to attract fae
Some people actually like fae for their unpredictable nature and consider them to be "cute". Attracting fae is pretty simple, but may take persistence if none live nearby.

Put out things they like (non-edible). Most fae love bushes, flowers, and bells. Stolen bushes are especially adored. Sneak some clippings, get them to root, then plant them in your yard.

Leave out snacks. Most fae like sweets, milk, and bread. Put it outside on your back doorstep. If you can't do this, put it on your windowsill. Change it out daily. Nobody likes old snacks.

Don't use salt in rituals! Most fae dislike salt.

Do not pray outloud: supposedly some fae are repelled by prayer.

Do not keep items made of iron out in the open. For example, cast iron pots or trivets. Fae hate iron.

Pros: Some people think fae are adorable, easier to work with than elementals.
Cons: Unpredictable in general: fae can be very annoying or even destructive.
Overall (my take): Why would anyone want to work with fae when better alternatives exist? I agree with the people who prefer to avoid them.

Ghosts / Spirits

Your classic "dead thing", ghosts are energy impressions left behind from someone or something's death. Weak ghosts just manifest in places they once held dear. Stronger ones can exhibit personalities, the ability to interact with matter, and may travel. These are not souls. They are more like the impression of a soul/mind left on reality after the soul itself moves on. Ghosts can be "conjured" by strengthening the energies that hold their impression. If one can find and reach an energy, one should be able to conjure a ghost from almost anywhere.

Souls can be worked with similarly, but are generally more intense as well as harder to reach as they must choose to return to our world from the afterlife. This is not easy. Some people use "spirit" to refer to souls, while others use it to refer to ghosts. When in doubt, ask them to define "spirit" so you can understand what they are talking about.

Ghosts are literally everywhere. They can do anything a human can do. Teacher, brother, friend, lover, protector... you get the idea. They vary as much as humans do with many personalities and temperaments. Most ghosts are just happy to be noticed and to work with the living again. Some have previous issues that need to be resolved. Talk with the ghost to learn what kind of person you have found and if they have any personal needs.

Pros:The most common kind of non-god, they are literally everywhere! Versatile and varied. Understands and respects being human.
Cons: May have personal baggage that needs to be resolved. Some faiths say "don't work with spirits".
Overall (my take): Ghosts are great for beginners as they are so easy to work with and easy to find. As long as you remember to use common sense and Crosscheck what you learn, you can make a friend for life and beyond.

Succubi/Incubi

This class of entity is popular because people hear that succubus or incubus have sex with humans. Technically this is true, but almost ANYTHING except for a black dog or an elemental can have sex with a human! Yes, even angels according to Ida Craddock. What makes the succubus unique is that they PREY on humans via sex.

From my experiences, succubi will pretend to by anything you want. Want love? They fake loving you. Want a cute anime girl? They mimic your waifu. They are masters of mimicry. They will use this to get into your head. Soon you are defending and praising what is basically a sophisticated parasite. They want you to never leave them. Many will go so far as saying they literally own you and will enforce it.

Online you will find a lot of people praising their succubus and talking about how much they "love" them. This is the exact effect the succubus wants. They want the human to fall for the lie. What does the succubus actually do? They drain the human's vitality and energy. They blur their prey's perception to hide what they are really doing. They take up their prey's time and may even sabotage their attempts at finding an actual loving mate. They will do ANYTHING to keep the human dependant on them. Humans are their food.

Due to a lot of bad sources out there, you really should ignore the hype and seek historical sources on succubi/incubi. Malleus Maleficarum has a good section on them. A few fun succubus facts from the Malleus Malefactrum: A Succibus actually is an incubus. They take semen from men while pretending to be female, then pass it on to women as an incubus. They do not have sex for pleasure, but to meet their own ends and drive humans into ruin. Here are the translated sections on Incubus/Succubus from the Malleus Malefacarum for full details.

Wikipedia can also help with a little critical thinking. It is said that succubi are "daughters of Lilith", correct? According to Wikipedia, Lilith is a corruption of "Lilitu". Lilitu is a Babylonian disease spirit who spreads death on night winds. With this in mind, her daughters are death that preys on humans in the night.

Pros:Sex. A "succubus" is also an "incubus" (some people are into that).
Cons: A "succubus" is also an "incubus" (some people are not into that). You are being used, controlled, manipulated, lied to, and preyed upon just to get sex. Almost every other entity can have sex, so there is no shortage of better alternatives.
Overall (my take): Have sex with basically anything else or go buy some decent sex toys. This is not worth it.