A step-by-step guide, excerpted from Julie Winterbottom’s Frightlopedia.

Important note: Get permission from a parent before having a séance. And never invite very young children or anyone who is easily frightened.

Horrifying How-To: Hold Your Own Séance

What You Need

• Two or more people (in addition to yourself) who believe it may be possible to communicate with spirits.
• A room that is quiet—without any TV, music, or other distractions
• A table, preferably round or oval
• A chair for each participant
• A small lamp (or candles, if a parent is present)
• A glass of water
• A pad of paper and a pencil

What You Do

Prepare the room

Place the table in the center of the room and arrange the chairs around it.
Place the small lamp (or candle if your parent says it’s okay and agrees to light it) in the center of the table along with the glass of water and the paper and pencil.
Turn out any overhead lights and close the curtains or shades if it is daytime.

“Cleanse” the room

Some people say it’s a good idea to create a pleasant scent in the room to get rid of “negative energy” that could discourage spirits from entering. When your guests arrive, ask them to help you “cleanse” the room by walking in a circle carrying something with a strong but nice odor. You can use a bowl containing crushed orange peel and a few drops of vanilla extract or a stick of incense if your parent says it’s okay.

Choose a medium and a spirit

Invite your guests to be seated at the table and pick a “medium.” This is the person who will receive messages from beyond. You can offer to go first and then let others take turns being the medium.

Think of a famous person who is no longer living and whose spirit you want to contact. Discuss what questions you want to ask the person. It’s best to ask yes or no questions. Explain to everyone that if the water in the glass moves, it could be a sign that a spirit is asking you to listen.

Begin the séance

Have everyone close their eyes and take slow, deep breaths to relax. When you feel calm, ask everyone to place their hands on the table and join hands.

Chant together: “Dear [name of spirit], beloved spirit, please move among us and speak through us. We welcome you with open minds and hearts.” Stay very still and listen for any sounds that might signal a spirit is trying to reach you. Also watch the glass of water for any movements, another possible sign of communication.

If you see or hear signs that the spirit may be listening, the medium should ask a question and wait for another response. If you are the medium, close your eyes and relax as much as possible so you will notice any words or phrases flitting across your mind that might be messages. Repeat whatever you hear to the group—or write it on the pad of paper—even if it doesn’t make sense. It might just be a single word.

You can also direct the spirit to respond by making a tapping noise: once for “yes,” twice for “no.”

Continue to ask questions as long as you get responses. You may not receive any responses at all. Some people say that’s because the spirit is not ready to communicate and you should try again later. Skeptics say it’s because séances don’t work. You will have to decide for yourself. Whether or not your séance works, it can be thrillingly creepy just to try summoning spirits from beyond.

End the séance

When you are ready to stop, thank the spirits by chanting together three times: “Thank you, dear spirit, now leave in peace.”