A Ouija board (commonly referred to as a spirit board or talking board) is an easy and cost-effective way of connecting with the other side. While you can purchase one from stores, crafting your own is even better!
This article will walk you through each step in creating your own Ouija board from scratch, using minimal materials and tools.
1. Choose Your Materials
Ouija boards (sometimes referred to as spirit boards or talking boards) are powerful tools for communicating with spirits or loved ones who have passed on, popular among paranormal enthusiasts and great for testing your beliefs. While store-bought versions exist, you can make your own DIY Ouija board at home using some basic materials.
Your board needs a large sheet of paper, wooden or cardboard base, writing tools (pencil works best for mapping dimensions), ruler and writing tools (if creating wood board then sanding will create smooth surfaces).
Once your layout has been decided upon, begin by adding letters. Arrange them either alphabetically or randomly as per your preferences. Next add numbers 0-9. Lastly write out "yes," "no," and "goodbye."
For your Ouija board to work properly, a planchette (pointer that moves across letters and numbers to indicate an answer) is necessary. A shot glass or similar object can serve as an emergency makeshift planchette; alternatively you could pop out one lens from an old pair of glasses and shape it into something more appropriate like heart- or teardrop-shaped planchette.
2. Paint Your Board
A Ouija board is a flat panel printed with letters, numbers, and other symbols used to hold seances and connect with spirits. Also referred to as a spirit or talking board, Ouija boards have been in use since the 1800s for communicating with those on the other side. You can purchase Ouija boards from Halloween shops or novelty stores; however it's surprisingly straightforward and simple enough to create one yourself at home!
To create your own Ouija board, all that's required is a large sheet of white paper and writing tools. White is important so that it's easy to see letters and numbers written on it; pencil, marker or any other writing implement will allow smooth writing; you should also select an appropriate font - Gothic fonts tend to work best, but choose what fits with your personal aesthetic best!
Paint your board to indicate where spirits may linger during a seance; alternatively, some people prefer painting a circle around the center to show where these will gather; others opt for diamond layout that gives more room to place letters and numbers on it.
People often decorate their boards with various hues to represent different energies and spirits. Some spirits may be good while others can be harmful; additionally, certain colors and images could affect a spirit's energy on a board.
3. Stencil Your Letters and Numbers
No matter whether you use an Ouija board for fun or serious purposes, adding some flair can only enhance its effectiveness. Stencil letters and numbers or add other symbols or pictures if desired but be wary - many believe certain images could prevent spirits from connecting.
Assemble your layout by drawing lines that connect both center points of both sides to establish board size and letter placement, followed by choosing which layout type (such as diamond) works for you.
Next, draw guidelines for letters and numbers as well as a window for your planchette to display answers to those who ask questions. It may also help to include sun and moon symbols - many people believe this indicates whether a spirit is good or evil.
Once complete, erase any pencil marks and apply a thin coat of paint over your stenciling. Allow this layer to dry before adding another one - dark colors are believed to help people connect with spirits more easily; make sure the paint is thin enough that pencil marks still show through when looking underneath it; add wood varnish as a final step and you are now ready to start using your homemade Ouija board!
4. Add Embellishments
Ouija boards can be an effective tool to connect with spirits that may be either good or evil. Since interacting with spirits can be dangerous, it is wise to remain calm when communicating with one. Spirits may detect fearful signals and use this against you by manipulating their targets accordingly.
A Ouija board requires participants to place their index and middle fingers lightly on a planchette (a gliding plastic or wooden piece with a viewing hole). When invoking spirits, their planchette will move along each alphabet letter, spelling out words. Furthermore, spirits will answer any questions asked of them from living participants - typically, however, only positive messages will receive replies.
There are various ways of customizing a homemade Ouija board. Some people like adding the words 'YES' and 'NO' in each corner. You could also add words like 'Ouija Board' or 'Spirit Board' somewhere on the board for an authentic feel; other players might like adding sun/moon symbols.
Make your Ouija board even more appealing by placing some candles and soft music in the room where you plan on using it; this will make connecting to spirit easier for both yourself and your friends.
5. Add a Planchette
Addition of a planchette (or "pointer") is completely optional but can greatly enhance your Ouija board experience. This gliding plastic or wooden piece with a viewing hole in its middle enables users to spell out letters and numbers on their Ouija board, with some people decorating their planchette with astrological symbols, spirit names or other mystical writing. Some even apply wood sealant or varnish after creating wooden boards!
Instead of stenciling letters and numbers onto your Ouija board, use a pencil to map out their placement before stenciling them. Printed letters or transfer paper may save time as an alternative method; additionally a soldering iron with calligraphy tip would come in handy should you wish to solder.
Once you've decorated your Ouija board with letters, numbers, and symbols, it is also wise to paint its planchette any color you please. Most people opt for darker tones because this is believed to be more effective; others might like white planchettes to symbolize innocence. Keep in mind that answers given from an Ouija board are only what spirits tell it; experienced users suggest not blindly trusting every answer provided from it; it's always useful having someone with pen and paper ready as a third person when answering Ouija boards as this way everyone gets an accurate account of what comes back from spirits when answering it all!
6. Set Up Your Board
Though Ouija boards may have the reputation for conjuring ghosts, for many people they simply provide an entertaining way of connecting with spirits and answering burning questions or connecting with loved ones who have passed on. Plus, creating your own Ouija board is easy and economical using just a few low-cost supplies!
Before adding letters or symbols, draw guidelines using pencil. Be sure to erase any pencil marks. A more traditional layout might include alphabet letters, numbers 0-9 and the words 'Yes", "No", and "Farewell", while you could add extras such as moons, stars, or hearts for variety.
If you own a wooden board, add varnish as protection from scratches or damage. This step is particularly essential if it will be used regularly.
As soon as you are ready to use the board, dim the lights and light some candles to create an environment conducive to relaxation and meditation. Soft music may also help. Remember that spirits can pick up on our energy; for best results when using the board we should always remain calm and positive in mood and demeanor; never get afraid or angry while using it; if we experience discomfort then close immediately or say farewell before lifting pointer as otherwise you risk angering spirits and inviting unwanted visitors into your home.