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In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explains how to talk to spirits safely. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
The veil between the physical and metaphysical world is thin during Halloween and in the days before. Then, Dia De Los Muertos and All Saints' Day occur on November 1, allowing us to share an exchange with spirits. But just because we may have more access to the deceased during this time doesn't mean we should speak with them without precaution. Being mindful of how we approach entities is vital, so knowing how to talk to spirits and ghosts safely is of the utmost importance.
If you don't feel safe when conjuring and communicating with spirits, you should end the exchange ASAP (follow the tips below to learn how to do so correctly). You should never be a part of anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or frantic — especially when it comes to liaising and connecting with entities.
If you're wondering how to talk to spirits, here are some tips to ensure you have a pleasant experience communicating with the other side:
What to Do Before Talking to Spirits
Centering your energy before doing any esoteric work or divination is essential. Meditate for 30 minutes before contacting the other side to ensure you're in the right headspace. This is advisable because you want to be present and able to listen to what they're articulating or trying to share. Also, this will guide you towards having an intention in the conversation or a goal you wish to achieve instead of jumping into a discussion about anything.
Once you're in the right headspace, many spiritualists, psychics, and mediums like to set the mood by cleansing the room with copal or frankincense incense. Some like to draw the curtains, light white candles, and cover the mirrors (since they are portals to the other side, you don't want to leave an open gate for them to come and go as they please). Wearing darker colors can help shield oneself from psychic attacks or entities. Doing all of these activities can ensure that the atmosphere is right.
PSA: Entities from the other side could be good or bad — and you may inadvertently call in one who disguised themselves as spirit you intended to reach. To make sure you're protected in the event of a bad spirit, make a circle of protection with your index finger in the air, surround yourself with salt, and surround yourself with amethyst or onyx as a shield. Florida water is another ample source of psychic defense. Spray it on your whole body and home to keep your space and place ghost-free (when you are not trying to interface with them).
Now that the vibe is set and you're properly protected, you can use a pendulum or tarot cards to get insight as to what your connection with spirits will be like, or whether you'll make one at all. Whichever way the pendulum swings, you'll receive yes or no answers to questions you ask in advance about what you should discuss and if you can make contact (because sometimes you won’t). Tarot cards are a great form of divination to give you a heads-up on what you can expect from the experience.
How to Talk to Spirits Safely
First, you have to call in the spirits you want to talk to by asking them to join you in dialogue. Knowing their full names and birthdates can help ensure you're calling in the beings you wish to converse with. Say your name and let them know who you're looking for. Skipping these identifying steps can result in calling in entities who might have mischievous or unruly desires. Once you've named yourself and those who you wish to speak to, ringing a tiny bell can grant them access.
If you do make contact, you'll likely feel the spirits's energy. When you feel the connection, acknowledge their presence in the room. Say “hello” or “thank you for joining me/us.” Let them know that you are ready to communicate. Manners are required for both the living and the dead! Plus, connecting with the living takes a lot of work on the spirit's part, so they might not want to unless something is in it for them. If you know of a treat or flowers they like, present it to them as an incentive to talk to you. For instance, my grandmother loved orange Tic Tacs and Entenmann's chocolate donuts. So, when I want to gab, I leave some Tic Tacs or a donut out for her to show appreciation for her presence.
The one thing to remember is that you're in charge of this situation. Spirits and ghosts have power — but not as much as the living. You are calling the shots, so you should let them know your intentions and motivations from the jump. Sometimes, the spirits won’t want to talk and do not want to be seen. This isn’t out of the ordinary. Be patient and wait, or try another time. You might find they come to you at random hours or in the astral plane while you’re asleep at the witching hour. If so, follow the protection steps to ensure your slumber is safe.
Once you're in conversation (again, remember to be polite and appreciative — you'll get more access this way!), you can ask the spirit what they want if an apparition or entity comes to you. Be as specific as possible to avoid confusion. Knowing their motives is the best way to gauge how to talk to them and get the tea on what they want to know. Listen carefully to the spirits. They will share information and secrets with you. But you have to pay attention.
How to Close out the Session
When you're done with the conversation or find the spirit’s energy fading, say “goodbye.” End the conversation on a high note and tell them you appreciate their time. It’ll let the spirits know that the discussion is over, and they should not bother you until you conjure them in the future. That way, they'll feel you are giving them the honor and recognition they deserve. Also, it allows you to chime in when you're ready to converse with them again. Ring the tiny bell when done with the session.
After the spirits are gone, you can use copal or frankincense to refresh the space. You might even take a bath with Epsom salt to detox your aura. Many practitioners wash their hands with cinnamon to eliminate the lingering vibes surrounding them. Then, you won't have the energy of the spirits lingering around. Most importantly, rest. Talking to spirits is exhausting, so you should let your body and mind chill to decompress.
