How To Use A Ouija Board: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Play a Ouija Board So You Can Talk to Spirits (Ghost Not Included)

Download Article A step-by-step guide to contacting spirits and getting your questions answered Co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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Setting Up

Gathering Round the Board

Asking Questions

Saying Goodbye

Printable Ouija Board

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,268,667 times.

Ready to chat with some ghosts? Grab your Ouija board and some friends because you’re about to contact the other side. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know to use a Ouija board, whether you bought one or made it yourself. With our help, you’ll have a fun and spooky time, so keep reading.

How to Use a Ouija Board

Sit in a circle around the Ouija board with your friends. Have everyone place their index and middle fingers on the planchette, and start asking “yes” or “no” questions. When you're finished or when the spirits stop answering, say “goodbye” to end your Ouija session.

Steps

Printable Ouija Board

Printable Ouija Board Part 1 Part 1 of 4:

Setting Up

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1 Pick a quiet place to hold your séance. You’ll be able to focus better in a chill environment, like your bedroom or a quiet park. If you’re inside, turn off all distractions, like the TV, so you’ll be able to concentrate on the spirit world. Additionally, silence your phones—you can check in with the living later.
- Some people warn that you shouldn’t use a Ouija board at your own house. There’s no reason to worry, though. We’ll make sure you don’t get haunted.
2 Cleanse your space to remove negative energy. You can protect yourself from negative spirits by doing a simple cleansing before you start. To do a smoke cleansing, light the end of a sage bundle and waft the smoke around your space. You might even say, “I cleanse this space of all negativity.”[1] X Research source
- If you don’t have sage, use some salt water to cleanse your space. Mix some table or sea salt into fresh water. Then, pray or meditate over it. Next, spray or sprinkle the water around the room while saying, “With salt and water, I cleanse all negativity.”
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3 Place your Ouija board on a table. Technically, you can use a Ouija board pretty much anywhere. At the same time, you’ll be most comfortable sitting around a table. Just make sure the table is totally flat because you don’t want the planchette sliding down an incline.
- Your planchette is the pointer that slides around the Ouija board.
- Alternative: Try balancing the board on your legs instead. Traditionally, 2 players would sit opposite each other with their knees touching. Then, you balance the Ouija board on your legs.[2]
4 Light some candles to create ambience. Why not go full spooky? Create an Insta-worthy séance by setting a few candles around the board. Some candles even have special qualities that could help you as you connect with the spirits.
- Black candles are good for protection.
- White candles attract positive energy and repel negative energy.
- Blue candles are great for communication.
- Purple candles can enhance psychic powers.
5 Burn some incense to set the mood. You don’t need incense to contact the spirit world, but it definitely creates a vibe. If you have some on hand, go ahead and light a stick to add to the experience. The scent might even help you attract a friendly ghost.[3] X Research source
- Frankincense incense is a great scent for doing a séance.
- You could burn sage incense to keep the good vibes coming.
6 Turn off the lights if you’re feeling brave. Sure, you can talk to spirits with the lights on. But it might be more fun to do it in the dark, amirite? If you want the full spooky experience, plunge the room into darkness.
- Just make sure your candles give off enough light for you to see your Ouija board.

Part 2 Part 2 of 4:

Gathering Round the Board

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1 Invite at least 1 friend to join you. According to the rules of Ouija, you need more than 1 person to use the board. Ask people who believe in the spirit world, or who are at least open minded. You don’t want a skeptic scaring away all the ghosts.
- Some traditions recommend playing Ouija with just 2 people, often a male and a female. But there’s more than 1 way to use a spirit board, so don’t stress about it.
2 Ask someone to take notes if you have more than 2 people. Your new spirit friend is going to be spelling out answers, and it might be hard to keep up. It’s easier to decipher answers if you have someone there to write down the letters. Since you can’t take your fingers off the planchette while it’s moving, have your notetaker just watch.
- You could always take turns being the notetaker so everyone gets a chance to touch the planchette.
3 Sit in a circle around the board. When you’re using a Ouija board, you’re basically doing a séance. During a séance, it’s tradition to sit in a circle, so spread out.[4] X Research source Make sure everyone has space to touch the planchette.
- With 2 players, just sit across from each other because that’ll form a tiny circle.
4 Place your index and middle fingers on the planchette. Put the fingers on both of your hands on the planchette. Lightly touch it so that you aren’t accidentally moving it. Then, position your planchette over the "G" on your Ouija board to get started.[5] X Expert Source Jennifer McVey, ChtSpiritual Director Expert Interview
- Don’t overlap your fingers because that could put too much pressure on your planchette. If you have a bunch of players, you might have to take turns.
5 Pick a medium to lead the session. Your medium will start and end your session, and they’ll lead the questioning. If any of you are “sensitive” to spirits, ask them to be medium. Otherwise, choose whoever feels the most comfortable taking the lead.
- Anyone can use a Ouija board, so don’t worry if none of you feel psychically gifted. You’ll still be able to talk to spirits through the board.

Part 3 Part 3 of 4:

Asking Questions

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1 Welcome positive spirits into the space. It’s time to meet some ghosts! To protect yourselves, state out loud that you’re only open to positive energy.[6] X Expert Source Jennifer McVey, ChtSpiritual Director Expert Interview That way, you’re more likely to encounter a friendly spirit.
- “We call upon the spirit world and welcome any kind spirits to talk with us.”
- “Spirits, we call to you. If you’re good, come and speak to us.”
- “Our circle invites positive spirits to use our Ouija board to communicate.”
2 Ask if there’s a spirit with you. The easiest way to make contact is to just ask if anyone is there. If there’s a ghost nearby, they might decide to chat. Hopefully, your planchette will move to “yes.”
- “Is there anyone here now?”
- “Are there any ghosts that want to speak to us?”
3 Wait for an answer, which could take a little time. Go ahead and repeat the question a few times if the planchette doesn’t start moving after a minute or so. If it’s taking a while, you might move the planchette once in a clockwise circle to get it going.
- Some people think it’s not necessary to “warm up” your planchette. Just do what feels right for you.
4 Start with an easy “yes” or “no” question. Some spirits are stronger than others, and you don’t know who you might get. A weak spirit may not be able to spell out long responses, so stick with easy questions at first. Later on, you can ask open-ended questions and see if your spirit can spell out words.
- Can you hear us?
- Did you live in this house?
- Can you see us?
5 Watch the planchette spell out an answer. When a spirit answers you, they’ll slide the planchette to point at different letters. Call out each letter to help you keep track of what the ghost is spelling. The planchette could move quickly or slowly—there’s no wrong way.
- None of the players should be moving the planchette. That’s for the spirit to do!
- If your board has a sun and moon, the sun traditionally represents “light” spirits and the moon represents “dark” spirits.
- If a spirit says they’re bad, just say “goodbye” and try again later. You don’t need to worry about the spirit hanging around after you close the session.
6 Keep asking questions until the spirit stops talking—or you get scared. Your Ouija board séance can be as long or as short as you like. As long as the spirits keep talking, continue asking questions. At the same time, it’s best to call it quits if anyone in your group feels nervous or spooked. Ask questions like:
- What’s your name?
- How old are you?
- When did you live?
- What did you like to do when you were alive?
- What do you want to tell us?
7 Be skeptical about what the board tells you. Ouija boards are super fun, but they’re not always accurate. Spirits aren’t able to see into the future, and they’re not aware of everything that’s happening everywhere. Your spirit guest isn’t going to know who you’re going to marry or when your bestie is going to die. Since ghosts can lie, take everything it says with a grain of salt.
- Since spirits are just like people, you might get a rude or cheeky response. It’s best to just ignore this type of behavior. You could always ask to talk to someone else.
- Just have fun! Playing a Ouija board should be a fun bonding experience. Don’t let a silly ghost ruin it.

Part 4 Part 4 of 4:

Saying Goodbye

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1 Thank the spirit for talking to you. It’s super nice that your new spectral friend made an appearance at your séance. Ghosts don’t have to talk to us, so it’s kind to offer them a little appreciation. Say a quick “thank you” so the spirit knows you appreciate that they used their ghostly energy to communicate with you.
- “Thank you for talking to us today.”
- “Thank you so much for your responses.”
- “We really appreciate you for answering.”
2 Say “Goodbye” to end the session. Don’t “ghost” your new spirit pal. If you just leave, they might feel slighted. Plus, some people believe that the ghost can linger around. Have your medium state out loud that you’re ending the session. Then, say a friendly “goodbye” to the spirit and move the planchette so that it’s hovering over “goodbye” on the board.
- “We’re all finished today. Goodbye.”
- “Our séance is finished. Goodbye.”
3 Put your board away—until next time. Congrats on a great Ouija sesh! Once you’re done, pack up your board and planchette so the ghosts know you’re totally finished using it. Ideally, put your planchette in a pouch or turn it upside down so that a spirit doesn’t try to use the board while you’re away.

Join the Discussion...

Are Ouija boards real? What are your experiences?

wikiHow Editorial Team Many people believe they've successfully used ouija boards to get in touch with the "other side." However, there's no scientific evidence ouija boards can actually help you communicate with spirits. The scientific explanation points to the ideomotor effect, meaning that a person's brain unconciously sends signals to the body to move the planchette (or pointer) on the ouija board to provide answers that they unconciously want to receive. However, just because there's no scientific evidence ouija boards work doesn't mean they definitely don't work! Many people believe they do. So if you want to use one to reach the other side, go for it (and let us know what happens!). Read More

Kelly Ferguson Psychic Medium and Shamanic Healer Absolutely they are real and they should not be treated as a toy or played with for fun. They are essentially a tool for communicating with those who have passed away, and can be a tool used in mediumship. The Ouija board itself is not negative or evil. However as with any spiritual tool of communication, if you don't know what you're doing you can invite in spirits that are not helpful and can be potentially harmful. Don't buy or play with a Ouija board. If you use one, it should be under the supervision of someone who has conducted mediumship sessions, knows how to open and close an Ouija / mediumship circle and also is aware and able to handle negative/ lower vibrational spirits if they start to be disruptive or aggressive. Please, go to the experts here. But remember... a Ouija board is a tool and your OWN connection to spirit is ALWAYS stronger than any tool. If you want to communicate with your loved ones, simply visit a trusted and experienced medium, who connect to your loved ones on the other side naturally and through love instead of tool. :) Read More

See all 22 Replies and Read Discussion

Community Q&A

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Question What if the planchette doesn't move to "Goodbye"? Community Answer If the planchette doesn't move there, then you must move it to "Goodbye" yourself. Not doing this will leave the "portal" open, and can be very dangerous. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 65 Helpful 584
Question How do I know when I should stop playing because I have either annoyed the spirit or contacted a bad one? Community Answer You should be polite at all times, to avoid the problem in the first place. If you have annoyed the spirit, its replies might be short, curt, or rude. If you have reached a bad spirit, it might be ill-tempered or deceitful. You should also trust your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, politely end the session, and move the planchette to "goodbye." Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 31 Helpful 252
Question Does the Ouija board work if I use it in the morning? Community Answer Ouija is about contacting spirits, so it doesn't matter when you use it. As long as things are safe, you can use it whenever. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 49 Helpful 350

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Video

Tips

Some spirits haven't had any communication in many years. Be patient with them and be polite. You're calling them, not the other way around. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
Lots of ghost stories start with a Ouija board, but there’s no reason to worry. If you’re afraid, check out these instructions for using a Ouija board safely. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 2
If you enjoy talking to the spirit, ask it to come again. Say, “Please join me again sometime.” Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Before the séance, circle the board with the planchette for the number of players present and all say: "As friends we have gathered, our hearts are true, spirits near, we call to you." Always remember to say goodbye before ending the séance or the spirit may be open to roam our world.
Do not let the spirit count down from zero to one or let the spirit go from Z to A. If the spirit does this, it could successfully exit the board and enter your environment.
Don't appear to be scared if something strange does happen! If you are, the spirits present may seem discouraged and may leave.
You can try summoning a certain spirit by simply calling their name. This may rid confusion to other spirits trying to enter.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

Don’t ask when you or someone else will die. Spirits are just like people, so they can’t predict the future. You’re more likely to get a joke response that could make you scared for no reason. Thanks Helpful 34 Not Helpful 2
Spirits can totally lie to you! Don’t believe everything your board tells you because your ghost could be a prankster. Thanks Helpful 40 Not Helpful 6
Never ask for a physical sign that the spirit is there because you’re inviting the ghost to move things in your home. Thanks Helpful 37 Not Helpful 7

Things You'll Need

A Ouija board and planchette
1 or more friends
Sage or salt water
Candles (optional)
Incense (optional)

How to Use a Ouija Board Safely: 18 Rules, Dos, and Don’ts

How toPerform a Séance Talk to Ghosts

The Best Ways to Communicate and Connect with Spirits

How toCreate a Ouija Board

How to Talk to Ghosts & Communicate with Other Spirits

How to Summon a Ghost: Detect and Talk to Spirits

How toPlay the Spirit Channeling Game "Ghost" Play a Coined Spirit Game

How to Play Spirit of the Coin: Easy Setup & Gameplay

How toFind Ghosts in Your House Get Rid of a Ouija Board

How to Safely Dispose of a Ouija Board

18 Divination Tools & Techniques to Predict Your Future

How toTalk to the Dead

How toMake a Planchette

How toCast a Circle Advertisement

References

↑ https://whimsysoul.com/how-to-cleanse-a-space-energetically-and-spiritually/
↑ https://www.museumoftalkingboards.com/directio.html
↑ https://chakragalaxy.com/blogs/guides/guide-incense-spiritual-benefits/
↑ https://daily.jstor.org/how-to-summon-spirits/
↑ Jennifer McVey, Cht. Spiritual Director. Expert Interview
↑ Jennifer McVey, Cht. Spiritual Director. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Jennifer McVey, Cht Spiritual Director This article was co-authored by Jennifer McVey, Cht and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Jennifer McVey is a Spiritualist, Seer, and the Spiritual Director of Spiritual Answers and Solutions. With more than 22 years of experience, she specializes in manifesting, ghosts and spirit attachments, hypnotherapy, channeling, and spiritually based life coaching. Jennifer has also published 13 Affirmation Image and six Word Search Puzzle books in spirituality and self-help and has produced over 600 audio sessions. This article has been viewed 2,268,667 times. 116 votes - 85% Co-authors: 169 Updated: June 27, 2024 Views: 2,268,667 Categories: Paranormal Beliefs Article SummaryX

To use a Ouija board, get together with at least one other person and dim the lights in the room. You may also want to light candles or burn sage to create the right ambience. Once you’re ready to start, set out the board on a table or across two people’s knees that are touching. Before asking questions, choose one person to be the medium, which will prevent the spirits from getting confused. Then, place your finger on the pointer, which should be placed on the “G.” Next, have the medium greet the spirits and declare that only positive energy is in the room. When you ask your first question, keep it simple by saying something like “How many spirits are in the room?” or “Are you a good spirit?”. Afterwards, ask more complex questions, but avoid asking for physical proof of the spirit's presence. For tips on when you should end the session and close the board, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Co-authored by: Jennifer McVey, Cht Spiritual Director Co-authors: 169 Updated: June 27, 2024 Views: 2,268,667 85% of readers found this article helpful. 116 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote

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How to Use a Ouija Board

Steps

Printable Ouija Board

Setting Up

Gathering Round the Board

Asking Questions

Saying Goodbye

Join the Discussion...

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

Warnings

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

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