A lot of what we do in Palo is based on collected spirits. Our spirit pots are designed specifically for this purpose. There’s two views on this subject that’s debated a lot within the community. Trapping/Enslavement vs Contractual Binding. I’m of the contractual camp.
Some spirits aren’t very bright, because they weren’t bright people when alive. And some of those spirits are willing to do just about anything given the proper payment for their efforts. Those who trap spirits tend to look for these kind. You can “enslave” them and they won’t really understand that they’re enslaved. So they blindly do your bidding. Problem with those kinds is that there’s a chance for backfire or even worse, they get collected by the Palero that you sent them to do work against. Many a times I have collected another Paleros else’s mistreated, not-so-bright spirits. Gave em a nice home where they’re cared for.
Now the way I prefer to do it is based on an agreement between both parties. If I feel a spirit at home, outside, someone’s house I’m cleansing, wherever, I’ll throw my chamalongos (divination tool made from coconut shells) and see if they’re up for a chat. I’ll start by asking who they are, why they’re still around and what they’re goal is. If they push back, I’ll essentially pray for their enlightenment and progress and walk away. If they’re interested I’ll collect their spirit and bring it home to integrate into an nganga (spirit pot), nkisi (wooden fetish), or matari (consecrated rock) using the proper rituals.
Hot take here, but I blame the keys of Solomon and most texts related to ceremonial/necromantic practices for at least westerners view on working with spirits. It’s almost always in the context of trapping or binding. Having demons and evil spirits do as you command kind of shit. Yeah maybe that works, but IMO it’s unnecessarily dangerous and not the best way to achieve results. It’s very temporary with a chance to blow up in your face.
Be kind to them, ask for their permission to house them, feed them well and you’ll have help for the rest of your life.