Directions To Use the Ouija Board

1st--"Place the board upon the knees of two persons, lady and gentleman preferred, with the small table upon the board. Place the fingers lightly but firmly, without pressure, upon the table so as to allow it to move easily and freely. In from one to five minutes the tablet will commence to move, at first slowly, then faster, and will be then able to talk or answer questions, which it will do rapidly by touching the printed words or the letters necessary to form words and sentences with the foreleg or pointer.

2nd--Care should be taken that one person only should ask questions at a time, so as to avoid confusion, and the questions should be put plainly and accurately.

3rd--To obtain the best results it is important that the persons present should concentrate their minds upon the matter in question and avoid other topics. Have no one at the table who will not sit seriously and respectfully. If you use it in a frivolous spirit, asking ridiculous questions, laughing over it, you naturally get undeveloped influences around you.

4th--The Ouija is a great mystery, and we do not claim to give exact directions for its management, neither do we claim that at all times and under all circumstances it will work equally well. But we do claim and guarantee that with reasonable patience and judgment it will more than satisfy your greatest expectation."5th--In putting the table together wet the tops of the legs, and drive them firmly into the table. Care should be taken that they are firm and tight.6th--The board should be kept smooth and free from dust and moisture, as all depends upon the ease with which the feet of the table can glide over the surface of the board. Rubbing with a dry silk handkerchief just before use is advised.

These were the instructions printed on the back of the Ouija Board in 1902 by William Fuld. Aside from our observation that many operate the Ouija successfully alone, we feel that this says it all -- almost. Here are some tips of our own. You may find them particularly helpful if you operate the board by yourself:

First decide what you would like the Ouija to do for you. Most do this anyway, but without conscious knowledge. If you want it to scare your pants off, as apparently many people do, the Ouija will not disappoint. If however, you want to galvanize your creative side, or use the Ouija as a psycho-dynamic tool to help resolve subconscious issues, you won't be disappointed either.

Make sure that your surroundings are conducive to a good Ouija session. There should be no loud noises, distractions or interruptions of any kind. Good places to Ouija are bedrooms, closets, quiet attics, empty fields under the stars, graveyards, lonely wind swept beaches. You get the idea.

Recite poems, spirit invocations, or sing songs that are meaningful to you. Surround yourself with candles, if you feel like it. Above all "personalize" your session. Do whatever gets you in the mood. No drugs, though! Wear something comfortable yet special to the occasion.

Observe proper Ouija technique. Sit with the board balanced securely on your lap. Make sure you have adequate back support so that you don't topple over at an inopportune moment. Place your fingers lightly on the planchette and slowly circle it around the center of the board. Empty your mind of any thoughts then after a brief period, ask the Ouija: "Is anyone there?" Try to become a spectator as the planchette takes over and begins to move on its own. Remember that the Ouija may use abbreviated words and phrases. Nonsensical expressions may have meaning when you think about them later, so pay attention.

Gaining any new skill requires practice and patience. This is as true for the Ouija as it is for bicycling or juggling. We are amazed at the people who try the Ouija for three minutes then proclaim loudly that "it doesn't work." Imagine if you tried to drive a car that way. If at first you don't succeed, give it a rest, then go back and try it again. Expect it to take a little while.