You’ll also need what’s called a “planchette,” or some kind of movable indicator to use to point to the letters. A shot-glass is a common substitute, but any talisman you can all put your hands on to indicate the letters would be appropriate. There’s nothing magical about the Ouija board itself, so you should feel free to create your own on simple paper, or buy a more stylish one if you like.
Designate one person and one person only to be the medium. This person will ask the questions aloud and be the one who is specifically communicating with the ghost, though both (or all) of you will have your hands on the planchette. It might also be helpful to have at least one other person present to record the communications. If it gets moving very quickly, it can be difficult to keep up with the ghost’s spelling. Having someone write it down will make sure you can keep up.
The spirit world is most active between 9 pm and 6 am, so you might consider staging your communication during those hours, or another time of particular significance. In some cultures, setting out a small amount of alcohol as an offering to the spirits can be helpful in attracting them.
Introduce yourselves and clarify your intentions. Say your names aloud and reassure any spirits of your curiosity and kind intentions: “We want to listen to what you have to say. "
Some Ouija board users like to close their eyes, both as a way of focusing their energy on communicating and sensing the spirits present, as well as to ensure that none of the participants are “cheating” the board by moving it and spelling out the answers that another party wants to hear. In general, “cheating the board” by moving the planchette on purpose is a big taboo and extremely disrespectful to both the other users and the spirits who may or may not be present.
If and when the planchette starts to move, remain calm and have the recorder start writing down the letters. Treat it like a normal conversation. Ask follow up questions that you’re legitimately curious about. Don’t treat it like something the spirit needs to “prove” to you, forcing them to answer specific trivia questions or other “test” types of questions. Treat it like a person is present. Be polite and be courteous.
Close the board and put it away when you’re finished, to ensure communication will be cut off.
The H1 Zoom mic is a professional-quality handheld recorder that musicians and other people want to use to record spontaneous audio that sounds clear and clean. Cellphone recorders are also good for this kind of recording. You want to make sure you can turn up the recording sensitivity to a very high level. EVP works best when it records things that are sub-aural for us to hear in the moment, catching things we might miss when we’re present. A recorder that has an ultra-sensitive recording setting would be ideal.
If you live in a house that’s more than 50 years old, give it a shot. If you don’t it might be worth trying to hold an EVP session elsewhere.
“Is there any benevolent spirit here who might be interested in talking?”
“What do you want?” “Why are you here?” “What would you like us to know?” “Who are you?” “Is there anything we can do for you?”
Cold and warm spots Tingles or prickles on the back of your neck Feelings of apprehension Any sounds or whispers you hear
Turn up the silent parts as loud as they’ll go and listen closely. If you can look at the recording on the computer, pay attention to any spikes you see to know where to look more closely. Isolate those places in the recording and try to decipher what they say.
Depending on the medium you visit, the communication may involve writing, speaking, or other forms of communication. It’s very important that you visit someone experienced in the matters of afterlife communication. Do not try this alone.
If there’s such a legend in your area, try it out. Drive to the particular place, bridge, or crossroad and kill your car. Put it in neutral and invite the ghost or the spirit to give you a push. See what happens.
It’s best if you let more experienced communicators and mediums show you the ropes. Wandering into a conversation with evil spirits is something no one wants to experience.
