How to Conduct a Séance

The term "séance" is loaded. It's become iconic: darkened Victorian parlor rooms, heads of entranced mediums dropping in possessed rapture, tables tipping to the grim delight of fancy-clad gentlemen and ladies. High drama--and high maintenance. Surely, there's no way to casually partake of an antiquated séance dynamic, right? Wrong!

Although the scenario described above may sound fun, it isn't practical. For one, it requires a medium, confident enough in his or her abilities to channel a spirit. Although certain people do have natural abilities, effective mediumship requires practice, like anything else.

Fortunately, for beginners wishing to contact spirits in a séance setting, there are some very simple, practical, grounded techniques that can be employed, to effect real results. The technique suggested below has been used since the early days of Spiritualism, and is part of the séance tradition.

Making and using a talking board

A talking board is a classic séance tool. It is essentially a tabletop or large board that contains each letter of the alphabet and a few words. An inverted wine glass serves as a vehicle that can be moved by a spirit (via the séance members' fingertips) to various letters, spelling out words and messages.

The talking board is not to be confused with a Ouija Board, although the principles are the same. Although it may be tempting to skip the trouble and simply use a Ouija Board, I recommend this DIY technique for several reasons.

Poor, dear Ouija has a terrible rap. Even though your group may be generally open to the idea of Ouija, it is hard to find more than a couple people who don't come with preconceived ideas about its dangerous and evil nature-even if they don't profess to buy into it, the truth is that the narrative of myth that has developed around the Ouija Board is so strong that it may be best to reserve it for other times.

The board is also very small and is meant to be used by only two people. Besides, there's something more organic and authentic about creating your own talking board. Below is everything you need to know to conduct a productive séance using the talking board method.

Items needed:

Table with smooth surface (a card table is a good size.)
Pack of index cards or a couple sheets of cardstock
Sharpie or marker
Wine or Margarita glass
Scotch tape or packing tape

Constructing the talking board:

Cut the index cards in half vertically, so they are approximately 3x 2 ½ inches. For cardstock, cut each sheet into 20 even pieces. Write each letter or the alphabet on a card, using neat, printed (not cursive) capital letters.

One some of the sheets, write the words "YES," "NO," "ASK AGAIN," and "GOOD-BYE" in neat, printed capital letters. You may choose to write these words on a larger card-a whole index card or double-size cardstock card. Just remember to cut about ½ of the cardstock double size, or you may just tape two pieces together.

Arrange the cards to form a complete, large circle on your séance table. Disperse the word-cards evenly (approximate) within the letter-cards. Make sure there is some space between the cards-the bigger the circle the better.

Once you have a suitable arrangement, place a rolled piece of tape on the back of each card, and affix it to the table. Place the wine or margarita glass upside down in the center of the circle. Your talking board is now complete and ready to use.

Conducting the séance:

The séance can consist of just two people, or several. It should not be so crowded that it provides a distraction. Make sure everyone in the group can comfortably sit at the table and reach the furthest cards in the circle.

One person should be designated as the séance leader. If you're going to be spending quite a while with this endeavor, you might want to break it up into sessions, allowing different people to take turns as leader. This is a good idea, because some people just seem to have a talent for eliciting results.

Another person should be designated as the recorder. They may choose to sit just off to the side of the table, or stand out of the way, but still in full view of the table and cards. The leader's questions, along with all results should be written down. Using a pen and paper is the best method. The typing of a laptop, or a voice recorder can be distracting. If desired, switch recorders between sessions, so that he or she gets a chance to participate.

If you have a belief system that includes rituals for invoking protection or blessings, incorporate those into the séance appropriately. Make sure everyone present is comfortable with it and on the same page.

After any such rituals, it's time to begin. Have all the sitters place one or two fingertips on the top of the base of the inverted glass. The séance is essentially a conversation. Keeping in mind the spirits you wish to contact are (or were) regular people, the leader should simply attempt to begin a dialogue with an unseen visitor. An obvious first question might be, "Is there anyone present?"

The initial attempts at communication might not be very productive. The glass may remain still; make very small movements, or larger, random ones. Keep focus, staying with the same question for a while. Move on to other, differently phrased easy questions if there continues to be no response.

If, on the other hand, you get good results, take the questions to as much detail as you feel is appropriate. Asking the spirit to spell out her name, and other information is good. There's a balance between keeping things open-ended enough, yet easily answerable. The yes and no cards will be helpful in determining what the spirit would like to convey. Even asking the spirit to spell out a topic of conversation might be in order.

The gist of the séance is this question-and-answer dynamic. When you feel you have completed a session, or when a spirit indicates it is over by using the "good-bye" card, you may wish to conclude with a closing ritual.

Tips for an optimum séance experience

Make sure the space you're using is quiet. Television, conversations, music, etc. sounds from other rooms should not be present. Even the outside traffic, neighbors, and pets can be a distraction. For this reason, it may be best to conduct the séance in the evening.

Refrain from all unnecessary conversations. When the wine glass starts making progress, it is common for the sitters to collectively call out the letters-the leader should be the one to do so, in a regular, reverent voice.

The pressure on the wine glass should be light, but definite. A good analogy is the think of the weight of a nickel on your fingertip. Attempt to exert that same amount of pressure on the glass. This information, along with the instruction that the glass is not to be purposefully moved, nor to be kept still, should be conveyed to the sitters before the séance begins.

In choosing a table and glass, there are some things to consider. The table should be as smooth as possible, without crevices from leaves, raised designs or tiles, or even distracting patterns. The whole idea is that the glass moves freely over the table, so test this out before deciding on a table or glass.

Margarita glasses are nice because the base is usually wider (to accommodate fingertips), and the rim more stable. The downside is that it may be heavier. Just make sure to test the movement of the glass on the table prior to the session.

One last note here: It might be a good idea to avoid asking the spirit about his or her death or the afterlife. Some schools of thought suggest that some spirits may not even be aware they have died, or have the same perspective on "life and death" states of existence as we do.

As the living, wanting to know about the nature of the afterlife is natural. But do keep in mind this topic may not be sensical or important to those on the other side.

So, at least for the first séances, stick to straightforward questions, answerable with a yes or no, or by spelling out a few words. Chances are, within a few sessions, you will have some real results.

Like anything, practice is required for proficiency, and this talking board method is a fabulous way to begin your journey with spirit communication through séances.