How to Use a Ouija Board

A Ouija board is a wooden board printed with the alphabet (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and symbols of the Sun and Moon. A movable pointer, or "planchette," is used to answer questions posed by players. In popular culture, especially during the 1920s, the Ouija board was thought to be a "spiritual gateway" to communicate with the deceased; however, the only evidence for this function is the experiences of the players, with no scientific proof to support it. Decide for yourself—would you want to try using a Ouija board?

Invite some friends over. While one person can use the Ouija board, it is recommended to play with at least one other person. On dark, stormy nights, it's even better to play with others.

• Two players is ideal. The more people involved, the easier it is for the atmosphere to become chaotic (loud, distracting...). More than two players can join, but everyone must remain calm and focused.

Set the mood. Before attempting to communicate with the other side, it is important to create the right atmosphere by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and burning incense or sage.

• Timing is key for a successful Ouija session. Sometimes, the board responds quickly, but other times it may remain still. It is best to play during the night or early morning (around 3-4 AM).
• Eliminate distractions. Avoid loud music or TV, and keep children from running around. For the session to be effective, you must maintain uninterrupted focus.
• Turn off your phone! Receiving a call in the middle of a session can break the concentration and mood.

Sit down. According to the original instructions for the game, the Ouija board should be placed on the laps of two players, with their knees touching. It is also mentioned that "Ladies and Gentlemen" should be prioritized, but you can trust that this will not impact your experience.

• Playing on a large table or the floor works just fine. As long as everyone can see the board clearly and place their fingers on the planchette (or pointer).
• Players should sit around or face the board's direction; sometimes the planchette moves quickly and the letters need to be noted down fast. Sitting in the opposite direction may make it difficult to read the messages.

Be patient. Sometimes, spirits need time to focus. You might not get an immediate response. Do not give up.

• The rumor that 'moving the planchette to start' is a myth. The spirit provides the answers, not the planchette, so delays in responses are unrelated to the planchette itself. Some spirits may move it faster than others.
• At times, the planchette moves very quickly, and other times, it is slow. Getting a response is similar to waiting for a dial-up phone call—do not get frustrated. Wait a bit or end the session and try again later.

Be polite. If you encounter a spirit that is open to communication, engage with them kindly. This will encourage them to cooperate more.

• You may not always get the answer you desire. This is not the fault of the spirit or the board. Becoming angry or violent will ruin the atmosphere of the game and the room.

Start simple. It’s best not to overwhelm the spirit with a flood of questions about upcoming history exams. Begin with something casual, like a friendly chat.

• Your first questions should aim for short and straightforward answers.
  • How many spirits are in the room?
  • Are you a good spirit?
  • What is your name?

Be careful what you wish to know. Surely, you don't want to spend the whole night pondering your own death. If there’s something you truly don’t want to hear, don’t ask about it. But if you're bent on asking about the future, do so with the understanding that it’s all just for fun. Just like the living, spirits can't predict the future. If they say your sister will die in a week, they’re probably just messing with you.

• Don’t ask silly questions. "What did Nam tell his sister about me?" is not something a spirit would want to waste time answering. Plus, you’ll waste a lot of time forming the response letter by letter.
• Don’t ask to see signs of the spirit’s presence. This could cause trouble for you. Also, the other players might not be able to keep up. It’s best to keep the game confined to the Ouija board. However, some spirits might be willing to demonstrate their presence, depending on them.
• Don’t trust everything the board says. If it tells you that you’ll die in 10 minutes, don’t rush in front of a bus. Doing so would make the prophecy come true, rather than it being correct from the start.

Choose a leader. Designate one person to ask all the questions. This keeps things simple, and the spirit won’t get confused.

• However, everyone should have the opportunity to speak when asking questions. Take turns thinking of your questions, but always let the leader communicate them to the board.

Place your fingers on the planchette. The planchette should be positioned at the 'G' spot when starting.

• Ask the players to gently place their index and middle fingers on the planchette. Slowly move the planchette in a circle to activate the board and focus on your question. Place your fingers on the planchette firmly but not too forcefully; too much pressure will make it difficult for the planchette to move.

Create an opening ritual. You can do anything — pray, greet, or even scatter jewelry around.

• The leader should greet the spirit and emphasize that only positive energies are welcomed.
• Place jewelry or other meaningful items on the Ouija board. If you wish to communicate with a deceased loved one, place something of theirs nearby.

Ask questions. Start with simple questions, then gradually develop them as you feel comfortable.

• If the spirit claims to be evil, it’s best to end the session and try again later.
• If you begin receiving rude or disrespectful responses, do not react aggressively. Avoid using offensive language. Don’t scream if you’re scared. Simply say goodbye to the spirit and stop the session.

Focus. For the best results, everyone involved must maintain a clear mind and focus on the question at hand.

• Everyone should sit seriously and respectfully. If someone laughs or asks absurd questions, ask them to leave the room.
• When the planchette moves, designate someone to take notes. Sometimes, the answers can be quite long and need to be written down carefully.

Watch the planchette’s movement. Sometimes, it will move quickly, other times slowly; occasionally, it may not move at all. However, if everyone is focused and attentive, the planchette will eventually respond.

• Ensure no one is intentionally moving the planchette. If they are, they should not participate. Everyone must apply an even pressure to the planchette.

End the session. If the planchette begins to trace an 8 shape, move backwards from Z to A, or count down from 9 to 0, it’s time to end the session by moving the planchette to 'Goodbye'. Any of these three signs indicate that the spirit is trying to leave the board. Saying goodbye is crucial. After all, wouldn’t you dislike being abandoned abruptly if you were the spirit?

• Let the leader announce that it's time to conclude the session and move the planchette to the 'GOODBYE' section of the board.
  • If you’ve enjoyed your time with the spirit, say "goodbye!" and wait for the planchette to move to Goodbye.
• Before storing the Ouija board back in its box, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dust and moisture buildup.

• To avoid summoning evil spirits, place a silver coin on the ouija board. It will help repel negative entities, though they may still cross over and appear.
• The sun and moon can reveal the nature of the spirit contacting you. If it originates from the sun, it's good; from the moon, it's bad. If you encounter a malicious spirit, thank them for their visit and bid them farewell. When the planchette reaches the word 'Goodbye,' it indicates the departure of the evil spirit.
• Never use a ouija board unless you are certain of what you're doing. It's not a mere game; it can summon dark spirits. Avoid using it alone or in your home or a funeral home, as it may lead to hauntings. Always research thoroughly before using a ouija board. Stay safe, and remember that God (or any higher power you believe in) will protect you.
• If you feel scared or lose control at any point, end the session by guiding the planchette to 'Goodbye' and say: 'We must go now. Rest in peace.'
• If the session goes well and you have finished asking questions, loudly say goodbye and wait for the planchette to move to 'Goodbye.' If it doesn't, politely say that you enjoyed the conversation and move it there yourself.
• If the planchette repeatedly points to the number 8, the spirit is angry. The number 8 is considered unlucky in the 'Wild Bill' Hickok legend, who was killed after drawing cards in the order 'Eight, Ace, Eight, Ace.' This has somehow become associated with the ouija board. However, you should not worry unless you're a gunslinger playing the ouija board in Deadwood, South Dakota.
• Before starting, sit in a circle, hold hands, and say 'May evil spirits or demons not appear.'
• Some spirits haven't spoken to anyone for many years. Be patient and respectful. You are the one summoning them, not the other way around.
• Only light a single white candle. White is used in magic for protection and purification; black symbolizes energy and is also used in dark magic.
• Ensure that all participants refrain from deliberately moving the planchette. Imagine yourself as a spirit, having finally had a chance to speak with the living, only for someone to cut you off!
• Nothing can 'crawl out of' a board, paper, or cardboard.
• This only works if you genuinely believe; don't expect results if your spiritual energy is negative and you aren't open to such experiences.
• No spirit can harm you unless you allow it. You are alive, with both a body and soul, which means you are stronger than any spirit. If a spirit threatens harm, simply tell them that you are alive and they are not, so they cannot do anything to you.
• Use the ouija board somewhere other than your home.
• Many will suggest that purchasing a ouija board is a waste of money, and it's better to make your own. If you make one, write 'Yes,' 'No,' the numbers 0 to 9, the letters A to Z, and 'Goodbye.' You can also add words like maybe or sometimes on the board. There are always templates online for reference.

• Before using the ouija board, search for ouija board stories on Google and read them to ensure you still want to contact the spiritual realm.
• Do not use the ouija board while drinking alcohol or using drugs. This will easily attract negative entities.
• The existence of ghosts, demons, and other supernatural beings is still up for debate. Don't take things lightly.
• Important Notice: The ouija board is considered a two-way portal to other realms. Be extremely cautious when using it, and ensure nothing from another world enters your 'real' world.
• Never ask about your own or someone else's death. Avoid asking about the future, but if you can't resist curiosity, remember that spirits can be mischievous.
• Never ask a spirit to prove its existence. Many believe that doing so allows the spirit to leave the ouija board and invite demons into your home.

• Ouija board and planchette
• One or two friends (never attempt the Ouija board alone)
• White candle or dim lighting
• Sage or incense (optional)