Ouija Board Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts

People have been interested in and drawn to the Ouija board for more than one hundred years. It is thought to be a way to communicate with the dead and find answers. No matter how you feel about the Ouija board—curious, respectful, or skeptical—it's important to know the right way to behave to have a safe and enjoyable experience. This guide will give you a full list of the best things to do and not to do when using a Ouija board.

The Dos

1. Do Choose the Right Environment

   • Quiet and Comfortable Space: Select a location free from distractions and noise. This will help you focus and create a more conducive atmosphere for communication.
   • Dim Lighting: Using candles or dim lighting can enhance the ambiance and help set the mood for your session.

2. Do Gather a Group

   • Two to Four Participants: Having a small group helps balance the energy and provides multiple perspectives on the messages received. Too many participants can make it difficult to control the planchette.
   • Open-Minded Individuals: Ensure all participants are open to the experience and willing to approach it with respect and seriousness.

3. Do Set Intentions

   • Clear Purpose: Before starting, discuss and agree on the purpose of your session. Are you trying to contact a specific spirit, seek guidance, or simply explore the experience?
   • Positive Energy: Encourage everyone to approach the session with positive intentions and respect.

4. Do Protect Yourself

   • Grounding Exercises: Begin with a grounding exercise, such as deep breathing or a short meditation, to center yourself and create a protective barrier.
   • Protective Symbols: Some people like to use protective symbols or objects, such as crystals, to create a sense of security.

5. Do Start with Simple Questions

   • Yes/No Questions: Begin with basic yes/no questions to get the planchette moving and establish a connection.
   • Gradual Complexity: Once the connection is established, you can move on to more complex questions.

6. Do Be Patient and Respectful

   • Wait for Responses: Give the planchette time to move and form responses. Avoid rushing or forcing movements.
   • Respectful Communication: Always speak and ask questions respectfully. Treat any entities you may contact with courtesy.

7. Do Keep a Record

   • Notebook and Pen: Have a notebook and pen handy to write down the messages and responses. This helps in keeping track of the session and analyzing the answers later.

8. Do Close the Session Properly

   • Thank the Spirits: Always express gratitude for any communication received, regardless of the outcome.
   • Move to Goodbye: Ensure the planchette moves to "goodbye" to formally end the session. This helps close the connection respectfully.

9. Do Reflect on the Experience

   • Group Discussion: After the session, discuss the experience with the other participants. Share thoughts and feelings about the messages received.
   • Personal Reflection: Take time to personally reflect on the session and what it might mean for you.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Use the Ouija Board Alone

   • Safety in Numbers: Using the board alone can be more intense and potentially unsettling. Having others present provides support and balances the energy.

2. Don’t Disrespect the Board or Spirits

   • No Provoking: Avoid asking rude or provocative questions. Disrespectful behavior can lead to negative experiences.
   • Handle with Care: Treat the Ouija board with respect. Store it properly and handle it with care during and after sessions.

3. Don’t Use the Ouija Board When Emotional or Impaired

   • Clear Mind: Avoid using the board if you are feeling emotionally distressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A clear mind is crucial for a safe session.
   • Calm Environment: Ensure everyone involved is calm and composed to maintain a positive atmosphere.

4. Don’t Take All Messages Literally

   • Skeptical Interpretation: Not all messages received through the Ouija board should be taken at face value. The ideomotor effect, where the subconscious mind guides the planchette, can influence responses.
   • Critical Analysis: Analyze the messages critically and avoid making major decisions based solely on Ouija board communications.

5. Don’t Overuse the Board

   • Limit Session Time: Keep sessions short, ideally between 15-30 minutes. Prolonged use can lead to fatigue and diminish the quality of communication.
   • Avoid Frequent Use: Using the Ouija board too often can lead to an unhealthy obsession and potentially negative experiences.

6. Don’t Forget to Ground and Protect

   • Before and After: Always perform grounding and protective rituals before and after using the Ouija board. This helps maintain your emotional and spiritual well-being.
   • Continuous Protection: Consider keeping protective symbols or objects around you during the session for added security.

7. Don’t Force the Planchette

   • Natural Movement: Allow the planchette to move naturally. Forcing it can lead to inaccurate messages and disrupt the flow of the session.
   • Hands Lightly on Planchette: Keep your fingertips lightly on the planchette, allowing it to glide smoothly across the board.

8. Don’t Ignore Negative Feelings

   • Trust Your Instincts: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or sense negative energy, end the session immediately. Trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being.
   • Immediate Closure: Move the planchette to "goodbye" and remove your fingers from it to close the session promptly.

9. Don’t Use the Board as a Joke

   • Serious Approach: Treat the Ouija board and the session seriously. Using it as a joke or prank can lead to unintended and potentially negative consequences.
   • Respect for Participants: Ensure all participants understand the importance of approaching the session with respect and seriousness.

Final Thoughts

If you use a Ouija board with the right attitude and manners, it can be an interesting and educational experience. By doing these things and not doing them, you can make sure the session is safe, polite, and useful. Remember that the Ouija board is a tool that shows what its owners want and how they feel. Respect it, be interested in it, and keep an open mind. You might find it to be a satisfying trip into the unknown.

Etiquette for the Ouija board is more than just following the rules; it's also about making sure that spiritual discovery takes place in a respectful and safe space. Following these best practices will help you get around your lessons with confidence and ease, no matter how long you've been using it or how new you are to it. Enjoy the surprise, but put safety and respect first at all times. Have fun talking!