Hobbies And Interests
Parts and Materials
Ouija boards have two parts: the board itself and the planchette. The planchette is traditionally heart-shaped with a plexiglass circle that stops on particular letters or numbers to build a message. Ouija boards are traditionally made from wood, but some are made from thick cardboard like other board games.
Ouija Board Requirements
The Museum of Talking Boards specifies the minimum information that a Ouija board must display. This includes the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0 through 9 and the words "hello" and "goodbye." William Fuld wrote the first official instructions for using a Ouija board in 1902 but did not set restrictions on building or customizing a board. Instead, he stressed that users must maintain a serious attitude and reverence for the experience while using the board.
Customizing the Board
Those building and using a Ouija board can add other words and symbols to the board once the basic letters, numbers and words are written. Symbols are commonly taken from the user's religious faith or spiritual beliefs, including Christian or Wiccan symbols such as the cross, the sun and the moon. Also, a see-through object such as a drinking glass can be used as the planchette.
Seance
To conduct a proper seance with your board, Fuld recommended having two people touch the board at all times, balanced on both users' laps. The Museum of Talking Boards notes that opening and closing rituals, such as short prayers or poems, are sometimes used. Users place their index and middle fingers lightly on the planchette and try to relax completely. One user asks a question aloud, such as "Is anyone there?" If you don't "feel" the planchette moving in a certain direction, move it slowly around the board in a circle. According to Fuld, you will feel the planchette "wanting" to stop at certain letters. The Museum of Talking Boards urges beginners to try multiple times before giving up if the process doesn't appear to be working.