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👻 Ouija Boards for Beginners: What They Really Do, and How to Use One Safely

If you’ve ever whispered “Is anyone there?” while nervously eyeing a wooden board and a sliding planchette… welcome to the club.

Whether you’ve watched too many ghost-hunting shows or your spooky intuition has you curious, this is your beginner-friendly, spiritually-safe, and slightly cheeky guide to using a Ouija board (aka spirit board, talking board, or—if you’re our ancestors—”dabbling with the Devil”).

Ready to raise some eyebrows and some spirits? Let’s get into it. 🔮


🧙‍♀️ What is a Ouija Board, Really?

At its core, a Ouija board is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and simple words like yes, no, and goodbye. It’s used with a planchette (the heart-shaped pointer) to communicate with spirits.

Contrary to pop culture panic, it’s not a guaranteed ticket to a full-blown haunting. It’s a tool—like tarot cards or pendulums—for connecting with energy beyond the veil. Used respectfully, it’s like a spiritual telephone (with very patchy reception sometimes, let’s be honest).

👉 Try it yourself with our beautifully illustrated printable Ouija board and planchette on Etsy—perfect for beginners, black-and-white for ink-saving printing, and witchy AF.


📜 A Brief History of the Ouija Board

  • 1890s: Commercially sold as a parlour game (seriously) by Elijah Bond.
  • Early 1900s: Spiritualists began using it during sĂŠances to speak with the dead.
  • 1973: The Exorcist hits theatres… and the Ouija board’s PR went very downhill.

So, yes—it started as a Victorian game night activity. The demon drama came later.


😈 Common Misconceptions (Let’s Debunk ‘Em)

  1. “It always opens portals.”
    Nope. Energy goes where intention flows. If you open with respect and close the session properly, you’re more likely to receive intuitive messages—not ghosts in your bathroom mirror.
  2. “Only demons answer.”
    Again, fear attracts fear. If you enter with grounded energy, boundaries, and protection (see next section!), you’re not exactly inviting Beelzebub to tea.
  3. “It’s cursed!”
    Tools only hold the energy you give them. So bless your board, set your intention, and don’t let Hollywood scripts freak you out.

🛡️ Ouija Board Safety 101

Don’t skip this bit—we mean it.

  • Always ground and protect your space before beginning. We’ve created a free Ouija Board Ritual Prep Sheet to help you do just that.
    👉 Download it here
  • Cleanse the space with herbs (mugwort, rosemary, sage), sound, or incense.
  • Never use it alone if you’re new. Buddy system = balanced energy.
  • Say goodbye every time—yes, even if nothing happened. That closure matters.
  • Don’t ask dumb or disrespectful questions. Don’t demand proof. Don’t be a jerk to spirits.

🕯️ How to Use a Ouija Board (Step-by-Step)

  1. Set the mood: Dim the lights, light a candle or two (black or white is ideal), and centre your energy.
  2. Gather your tools:
  3. Cleanse & cast a protective circle using our free ritual sheet if you haven’t already.
  4. Place fingers lightly on the planchette and invite any loving, benevolent energies to come forward.
  5. Ask clear, simple questions:
    • “Is there anyone here who wishes to speak?”
    • “What is your name?”
    • “Do you have a message for me?”
  6. Let the planchette move. Don’t push. Stay open, relaxed, and patient.
  7. Thank the spirit and say goodbye once you’re done.
  8. Ground yourself with tea, food, or journaling. Don’t leave your energy open-ended!

🌚 What to Expect During and After a Session

  • Subtle movements—especially if you’re new. Sometimes spirits come through slowly.
  • Sudden chills, ringing ears, or intuitive “pings.” You’re more connected than you think.
  • Weird dreams later? Totally normal.
  • Nothing at all? Also normal. Spirit communication isn’t an Amazon delivery—it doesn’t show up just because you ordered it.

🪄 When’s the Best Time to Use a Ouija Board?

  • New Moon or Samhain for intention-setting or ancestor work
  • Full Moon for energetic clarity
  • Late at night when the veil is thinner (but not if you’re too tired to ground yourself after!)

Avoid when:

  • You’re emotionally unstable, angry, or anxious
  • You’re under the influence of alcohol/drugs
  • You’re just doing it “for a laugh” or to prove it wrong

🌒 Aftercare: Shadow Work & Spiritual Debriefing

Even if your session felt lowkey or uneventful, your subconscious is still processing. That’s why we always recommend a gentle round of shadow work afterward.

🎁 Grab a free printable Shadow Work After-Session Journal Sheet to help process your experience, symbols, or unexpected emotions:
👉 Download free here

And if you’re feeling brave (and thrifty), our full Shadow Work Journal PDF is currently on Etsy for under £5. It’s printable, foldable, and ideal for moon rituals, spirit communication, or just working through your emotional goblins:
👉 Grab it here on Etsy


✨ Final Thoughts

Using a Ouija board isn’t inherently scary—it’s sacred. It’s a way to connect with energies beyond the physical, sharpen your intuition, and build your spiritual confidence.

But like any magical tool, it demands respect, intention, and the right follow-up practices. So go slow, be kind, and don’t skip the protection rituals.

🎴 Want to try it yourself? Download our printable Ouija board and planchette and light a candle tonight.

And don’t forget your free ritual sheet.

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