How to use a Ouija board
The Ouija board, also known as a talking board, has long captured human curiosity and imagination as a tool for communicating with the spirit world. This mysterious and controversial device has both intrigued and frightened people for generations.
In this article, we will explore how to use a Ouija board responsibly and safely. We’ve included a couple of free printable Ouija boards that can be downloaded and printed to use at home.
As we explore this subject, as with any spiritual or paranormal activity, it's essential to approach it with an open mind, respect, and caution. It’s vitally important to only undertake a Ouija board session when in the right headspace, and to use it as just one tool in your spiritual toolbox.
In this ‘How to use a Ouija board’ article:
A Brief History of the Ouija Board
The origins of the Ouija board can be traced back to the mid-19th century when spiritualism was gaining popularity. Spiritualists believed that communication with the spirit realm was possible, and various methods were developed to facilitate this connection.
The Ouija board as we know it today was patented in 1890 by Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard. It quickly became a popular parlour game, combining elements of mysticism and entertainment. Find out more about the history of talking boards at the Museum of Talking Boards.
Is Ouija board real?
The question of whether messages received through a Ouija board are "real" or not is a complex and debated topic. The Ouija board is a tool that is often used in attempts to communicate with entities from the spirit world. However, its effectiveness and the nature of the communication it facilitates are subjects of scepticism, belief, and personal interpretation.
From a scientific standpoint, there is no empirical evidence to prove that the Ouija board allows communication with spirits or entities. Sceptics argue that the movements of the planchette are often attributed to the ideomotor effect, where subtle unconscious movements of the participants' hands guide the planchette's motion.
On the other hand, believers in the paranormal and spirituality may claim that the Ouija board provides a legitimate means of communication with spirits or energies beyond our immediate perception. Some people report having meaningful and seemingly supernatural experiences while using the Ouija board.
It's important to approach the Ouija board with caution and an open mind, regardless of your beliefs. If you decide to use a Ouija board, be aware of the potential psychological and emotional effects it might have on you and your fellow participants. Whether you view the Ouija board as a tool for genuine spiritual communication or a psychological phenomenon, it's essential to prioritise your safety, well-being, and mental health during its use.
How to make your own Ouija board
Creating your own Ouija board can be an engaging DIY project, but it's important to approach it with respect and caution, just as you would with a commercially available board. Below is a short list of steps to make your own Ouija board:
Materials:
Decide on whether to use a printable Ouija board and print on card or stick to a board. We’ve included a couple of free printable Ouija boards as part of this article, and more are available in the Reliquary & Curios shop.
If you decide to make your own from scratch, explore different materials that have a flat and smooth surface, such as a board or piece of wood. Items such a kitchen chopping boards can be ideal to form the base of the board/
Markers or paint, and a clear protective sealant (optional) can be useful to finish the board and protect the design from scrapes or scratches that can occur during use.
Think about what you would like to use as a planchette. Later in this article, we will explore the different items and options that you can use to make your own planchette.
Choose a Design:
Decide on the design of your board. Traditional designs feature the alphabet, numbers, "yes," "no," and "goodbye." You can also customise symbols and elements that hold personal significance. For design ideas, have a look at the Museum of Talking Boards gallery, or search on Pinterest.
Create the Layout:
Use markers or paint to create the layout on the board. You can divide the surface into sections for letters, numbers, and indicators. Ensure the layout is neat and clear for easy use.
Design the Planchette:
If you want to create your own traditional planchette design, create one that fits comfortably in your hand. It should have a transparent window in the centre for viewing letters and symbols. Attach a small felt or fabric pad on the bottom to allow smooth movement. Alternatively, check out our guide below on other items that can be used as a planchette.
Add Personal Touches:
Incorporate symbols, images, or colours that hold personal meaning or resonate with the purpose of your board. This can create a stronger connection during your sessions.
Apply a Protective Sealant:
Once the design is complete and dry, you may choose to apply a clear protective sealant or varnish to preserve the artwork and ensure durability.
Charge the Board:
Some creators choose to cleanse and charge their Ouija board energetically before using it. This can involve methods like smudging, placing it in moonlight, or using crystals.
How to make your own Ouija planchette
When using a Ouija board, the planchette is the tool that participants place their hands on to facilitate movement across the board's surface.
The planchette should move smoothly over the board, and ideally have a pointing edge or space in the centre to allow the letters to be read. It should also only be used for purpose, and not used in everyday life to maintain its connection to the board.
While the traditional planchette is usually included with the board, you can also use a variety of objects as substitutes, each with their own unique energy.
After each session, or before the next session, it can be beneficial to cleanse the planchette using drops of salt water, or passing it over a candle flame and through incense smoke to remove any energies left from previous spiritual work, and the people who participated.
If you’re making your own board, or using our free printable Ouija board, there are a number of items that you can use as a planchette:
Traditional Planchette: The planchette that comes with the Ouija board is specifically designed for this purpose. It's usually made of lightweight material and has a transparent window in the center to reveal the letters and symbols on the board.
Crystal or Gemstone: Choose a smooth and flat crystal or gemstone that fits comfortably in your hand. Crystals like clear quartz, amethyst, or moonstone are often used for their spiritual properties.
Glass or Crystal Shot Glass: A small glass or crystal shot glass can serve as an improvised planchette. Its weight and smooth surface can facilitate movement on the board.
Pendant: A pendant suspended from a chain or string can be used as a planchette. Hold the pendant's chain between your fingers and allow the pendant to move freely over the board's surface.
Wine Glass: A wine glass turned upside down can be used as a planchette. The base of the glass can glide smoothly over the board, facilitating movement.
Small Wooden Disk: A small, lightweight wooden disk or coaster can be used as a makeshift planchette. Ensure its edges are smooth to prevent scratching the board.
Metal Locket: A metal locket with a loop or hole for a chain can be used similarly to a pendant. Hold onto the chain and allow the locket to move over the board. If you are trying to focus on contacting a specific energy, items that represent the person or spirit could be held inside the locket to aid the connection.
Hand-Carved Stone: A smooth, hand-carved stone or small figurine can be used as a planchette. Choose a piece that fits comfortably in your hand and has a flat base.
Compact Mirror: A small compact mirror with a smooth underside can be placed face-down on the board and used as a planchette.
Board Game Piece: Some board game pieces, like those from Monopoly or chess sets, can be repurposed as planchettes due to their flat bases and easy handling.
Remember that whichever item you choose as a planchette, the most important factor is your intention and the energy you bring to the session. Always approach Ouija board sessions with respect, caution, and an open mind, regardless of the tool you use for communication.
Setting Up a Sacred Space for a Ouija Board Session
When engaging in a Ouija board session, it's important to create a respectful and positive environment to ensure a safe and meaningful experience. It can help centre and focus everyone involved, and help bring harmony, balance and resonate energy in the room.
A sacred space could be anywhere - a room that you dedicate to spirit work, a space within a room that isn’t used for mundane everyday activities, or even in an outdoor space such as a shed or outbuilding. The more that you reserve this space for focused spiritual work only, the stronger that the energy will become over time.
Setting up a proper space can help you establish a strong connection and maintain a sense of reverence throughout the session. There are a number of key steps that can both make the experience more meaningful for those involved, and give a sense of a start and an end, which is important for any spiritual work.
Choose the Right Location:
Select a quiet and calm space for your session. This could be a dedicated room, a corner of your home, or any area where you feel comfortable and free from distractions.
Cleanse the Space:
Before you start, consider cleansing the space, both physically and energetically. Vacuum and dust the room, and you can use techniques like smudging with sage, lighting incense, or using saltwater to purify the energy in the area. This helps create a fresh and positive atmosphere.
Create a Calm Atmosphere:
Set the mood by lighting candles, playing soft music, or using dim lighting. Creating a serene and peaceful ambiance can enhance your connection with the spiritual realm. Make sure no mobile phones are in the room, and any devices that can’t be switched off are set to silent.
Arrange Sacred Objects:
Place meaningful and spiritually significant objects around the space. These could include crystals, symbols, or images that hold personal significance or resonate with your intentions for the session.
Set Intentions:
Before you begin, set positive and respectful intentions for the session. Focus on seeking guidance, understanding, or connecting with benevolent energies. State your intentions aloud or silently, inviting positive energies to join the session.
Lay Out the Ouija Board:
Place the Ouija board on a flat and stable surface, ensuring all participants have easy access to it. Make sure the letters, numbers, and "yes," "no," and "goodbye" indicators are clearly visible to everyone.
Prepare the Planchette:
Position the planchette at the centre of the board. Some practitioners like to gently move the planchette around the board to help it "warm up" to build energy and establish a connection.
Encourage Respectful Behaviour:
Remind all participants to approach the session with respect and seriousness. Encourage them to avoid making jokes, mocking the process, or engaging in negative or fearful conversations.
Set Clear Ground Rules:
Establish ground rules for the session, including what topics are off-limits. Agreeing a ‘session lead’ beforehand who has some prior experience to manage opening and closing rituals, and to take control of potentially unsettling communications or experiences, can be of great benefit.
Open and Close the Session:
Begin the session by inviting positive and benevolent energies to join you. Consider ringing a bell, or lighting a candle that can be easily and meaningfully lit at the beginning and extinguished at the end of the session to reinforce when the participants are ‘open’ and when they are ‘closed’ to communication. In the next section we’ve included a Ouija board opening ritual and Ouija board closing ritual that can be used to raise energy, align the intent of the participants and help set boundaries to the session.
Remember - always end the session by moving the planchette to "goodbye" to properly close the connection and thank the spirits for their interaction.
Remember, the key to a successful and meaningful Ouija board session is to approach it with an open heart, a clear mind, and a sense of reverence. While the experience can be intriguing, it's essential to prioritise your safety and well-being and to respect the energies you're engaging with.
Ouija board opening ritual
Many people are fascinated by spirit communication, and ask ‘How to use a Ouija board safely’ to feel more confident being part of a session. Undertaking a ritual at the opening and closing of the session can help set the tone and create a focused, protective and respectful atmosphere. Below is a ritual and invocation that can be used, or adapted, to align with your beliefs and intentions. The key is to approach the session with respect, mindfulness, and an open heart.
Opening Invocation for a Ouija Board Session
Materials needed:
3 Candles (to resonate with communication), preferably white plus matches/lighter
Incense, ideally Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood or Patchouli
A large crystal to hold and place as a focus point near the Ouija board, ideally Clear Quartz, Selenite or Labradorite
A small bell
Choose who will be the ‘session lead’. This person will be responsible for leading the opening and closing the session, and undertaking some of the actions in the invocation. They will also take responsibility for ensuring that all participants are respectful and safe, have phones turned off and will shut down the session if communication strays into an area that people are uncomfortable with
Instructions:
Light the 3 candles and incense. If possible, light them in a clockwise direction (if in the Northern Hemisphere, anti-clockwise if in the Southern Hemisphere)
The session lead passes the first the planchette then the Ouija board through the incense smoke, and above the candle flame in a clockwise direction (or anti-clockwise - see above) three times (take care not to burn the board, or your hands). Visualise any negativity or past energy leaving the Ouija board and planchette and fading away as you do so
If possible, link hands with everyone participating in the session, and together repeat the following. If it’s not possible, one person can ‘lead’ the session and speak alone:
In this quiet space, where realms intertwine,
With respect and intention, our circle aligns.
We gather here with open hearts and minds,
To seek guidance and understanding, the mystical we find.
The person leading the session drops hands and holds the crystal. Everyone else remains holding hands:
By this crystal's light, we charge this sacred space,
Inviting energies of love and light to grace.
With pure intentions and respect, we begin this rite,
Guided by higher realms, by the truth's pure light.
Place the crystal next to the board. The session lead next holds their hands over the Ouija board and planchette:
With hands above this board, our energies combine,
A bridge to the unknown, where realms entwine.
In this moment, we open the door,
To realms beyond, to knowledge and more.
Place the planchette at the centre of the Ouija board and the session lead gently touches it with their fingertips:
Planchette poised, hearts wide awake,
We ask for positive energies, no harm to make.
To the spirits and guides who wish to share,
We welcome your presence, a connection to bear.
All participants join the session lead in placing their hands gently on the planchette and say together:
As our energies unite, a channel is formed,
From our world to the beyond, we're transformed.
With reverence and patience, our questions we send,
Seeking insights and guidance, our journey to blend.
The session lead states the intention for the session aloud or silently. If more participants want to state their intention, move around each person in a clockwise direction:
We open this session with love and respect,
To communicate with wisdom, truth to detect.
May our hearts be guarded, our intentions pure,
As we enter this realm, let love endure.
Optional: Call upon specific higher energies, guides, or angels for protection and guidance. A general call can be used as follows:
With gratitude, we invite the light to guard,
Guiding us through, every question to be heard.
May our circle be blessed, may our spirits soar,
As we embrace this moment, forevermore.
Everyone should now sit (if not already seated) and close their eyes. Take a moment to meditate, centre yourself, and connect with the energy of the space by taking three slow breaths.
The session lead speaks the following words:
With these words spoken, our session begins,
A dance between realms, where the veil thins.
We step into mystery with hearts aglow,
With open minds and reverence, we may come to know.
The session lead rings the bell and declares, ‘the session is now open’
Begin your Ouija board session while maintaining focus and mindfulness
Ouija board closing ritual
Closing a Ouija board session mindfully and spiritually is as important as opening one. It helps ensure that any connections made are properly concluded and that you and your fellow participants disengage from the energy that you've communicated with.
Closing Invocation for a Ouija Board Session
Materials Needed:
3 Candles (to resonate with communication), preferably white plus matches/lighter
Incense, ideally Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood or Patchouli
A large crystal to hold and place as a focus point near the Ouija board, ideally Clear Quartz, Selenite or Labradorite
A small bell
Choose who will be the ‘session lead’. This person will be responsible for leading the opening and closing the session, and undertaking some of the actions in the invocation. They will also take responsibility for ensuring that all participants are respectful and safe, and will shut down the session if it strays into an area that people are uncomfortable with
Instructions:
The session lead rings the bell and declares, ‘the session is now closed’
Move the Planchette to "Goodbye". The session lead stands (if seated) to respectfully begin the closing invocation:
As this session comes to its end,
We thank the energies that did attend.
With gratitude and respect, we say goodbye,
Returning to our realm, where spirits fly.
Return the planchette to the centre of the board. All participants place their hands on the planchette one last time:
Planchette's journey now must cease,
Connections fade, energies release.
With hands that guided, now let go,
As we disengage, the connection slows.
The session lead extinguishes the 3 candles and incense:
Candles' flames now gently fade,
Incense's smoke, like memories, is laid.
Extinguished now, their light subside,
With gratitude and closure, we bide.
The session lead picks up the crystal and holds the crystal in their hands:
By this crystal's light, we release,
Energies that joined, may they find peace.
Guides who helped, with thanks we part,
Closing this session, with a grateful heart.
Express gratitude and ask each participant to thank the spirits in their own words before saying:
Guides and guardians, we thank you so,
For your protection in our session's flow.
With gratitude and respect, we release,
This circle of guidance, now find your peace.
Each participant and session lead closes their eyes and takes three slow breaths. Take a moment for personal grounding and reflection, before for saying:
With hearts serene, our energies ground,
Returning to the earth's embrace, we're bound.
Energies released, intentions fulfilled,
With love and gratitude, we are skilled.
The session lead securely stores the Ouija board and planchette either in a cloth or box ready for storing
Ouija board and planchette, rest in peace,
Until again, our quest for insight increase.
Stored with care, in sacred space,
Until the next time we seek grace.
With these words spoken, our session concludes,
Energies released, connections diffused.
With gratitude and respect, we part ways,
Until next time, in the spirit's maze.
The ritual and Ouija board session is now closed. Store the Ouija board and planchette in a safe and sacred place, and encourage the participants to focus on grounding activities like getting some air, and eating a meal and drinking water before returning to their day-to-day life
The session lead should check in with the participants before they leave the location and make sure that everyone is ok. Depending on the strength and type of messages that are received, it can be helpful to check in a week after the session to discuss and reflect on the experience
Remember, the words you speak during the closing ritual can be adapted to resonate with your beliefs and intentions. The purpose of this ritual is to respectfully release any connections and energies while expressing gratitude for the guidance and insights received
Ouija board rules - dos and don’ts
The Ouija board remains an enigmatic tool, offering a window into the unknown and an opportunity to explore the mysteries of the spirit world. Whether you approach it as a form of entertainment or a serious spiritual endeavour, it's crucial to exercise caution, respect, and responsibility.
As with any paranormal activity, remember that the experiences and outcomes can vary widely. Approach the Ouija board with an open heart, an inquisitive mind, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. This article includes instructions for setting up a sacred space, and rituals for opening and closing a session. Whilst following these guidelines can help support focused spiritual work, it’s important to modify or develop your own practice to gain the best way of working for you, or your group.
Dos:
Set Intentions: Before starting, set positive and respectful intentions for the session. Focus on seeking guidance or understanding rather than attempting to scare or manipulate.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Light candles or incense, and consider playing soft, calming music to create a serene ambiance.
Have Clear Questions: Frame your questions in a clear and concise manner. Open-ended questions often yield better results.
Practice Patience: The planchette might not move immediately. Be patient and give the spirits time to respond.
Close the Session: Always end the session properly by moving the planchette to "goodbye." Thank the spirits for their interaction and leave the space in a positive manner.
Store the board carefully: In between sessions, find a place to store your Ouija board and planchette that is away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This can help maintain respect for the tools, and maintain separation away from other energies.
Don'ts:
Never Mock or Disrespect: Treat the experience with respect and seriousness. Avoid making jokes or disrespectful remarks.
Don't Overuse: Limit your sessions to avoid potential negative energies or overwhelming experiences.
Don't Ask for Proof: The Ouija board is not a scientific tool, and asking for proof of its legitimacy might lead to disappointment.
Avoid Dark or Negative Topics: Stay away from topics like death, illness, or harm. Focus on positive and uplifting questions.
Don't Use Alone: It's generally advised not to use the Ouija board alone, as having multiple participants helps balance the energy and prevents potential negative outcomes.
Don’t use if not in the right headspace: It’s important that you, and everyone else who participates, is in a positive mood, and is not currently experiencing challenges with their mental health. Whilst some people may feel drawn to using Ouija boards during times of loss or grief, it is important to allow them to heal and recover before taking part in sessions.
Free printable Ouija board
In this article, we’ve looked at how to use a Ouija board, and how to make a Ouija board to personalise it to your needs. We’ve also looked at the different items that you can use as a Ouija board planchette, and have shared in detail a Ouija board opening ritual and a closing invocation that can be used to make your session more meaningful and spiritually safe.
You might now feel ready to try setting up a session with friends, and we’ve included two free printable Ouija boards in standard international and US paper sizes that you can download and print for personal use. Don’t forget to read the ‘How to make your own Ouija planchette’ section to use with your printable Ouija board.
Download free printable Ouija boards
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