Shadow peopleā¦ The last thing I want to encounter. And hopefully not a thing Iāve already encountered. 
(About a year ago, I saw a black shadow figure behind my partner. They used to only appear in my dreams, but to see one while 100% awake was beyond startling.)
What are you thinking, in regards to the ouija board? Safe if aware and protected, doesnāt do anything, or no touchy?
@Devenne I love that talking board.
I do like the talking boards, just wonāt use one at present as I have too many doors open as it is 
. I have gathered in my grim loads of tips from different witches here on Spells8, and written it all down. Hereās a few:
NEVER do the board when the veil is at its thinnest, like tonight.
Open by creating a protective circle.
Light a candle or more
NEVER move the planchette in a figure of 8 because the others (bad spirits), can come through. It opens up the portal too much
ALWAYS keep your fingers on the planchette, at all times until you say Goodbye.
Say Goodbye 3 times while moving the planchette over the word goodbye.
NEVER keep the planchette on the board while not in use (once youāve activated it). Keep it separate.
Cleanse the board and your area before and after.
NEVER burn it. If you no longer want it, bury it, or dispose but not burn.
Donāt use the talking board alone.
Never use the board if you are in any emotional state other than calm, clear in head and heart.
Personally Iād store it in a consecrated bag with crystals, obsidian is a favourite.
A note from a witch here, if youāre spirit sensitive you should stay away from talking boards as they may not be safe. (This is why Iām reluctant to have one right now, got too many lovely demons coming and going, so my doors wide open already 
).
How to tell the different kind of spirit that come through. Hereās a few hints Iāve researched:
Others are harmful. Theyāll leave you feeling unsettled, negative, exhausted, afraid, paranoid, agitated. Demons will leave you feeling upbuilt, calm, and enlightened. Ancestors youāll know if you test them out.
One day I would love to use a board, and if you search Ouija on here, many witches have good experiences. As long as youāre safe, and in a good head and heart space, (both you and whoever you do the board with), you should have a good experience.
Blessed be. And pink Ouija, has to invite sweet spirits 
For now no touchy. One I donāt have anyone to use it with. 2 . Not ready really lol.
@tracyS Thank You! I donāt have anyone I could use it with even if I decided to use it. Iām not comfortable using it yet. You said Demons will leave you feeling upbuilt, calm, and enlightened those sound like good thhthings to me. So some demons are good? I bookmarked the rules in case. Lol
I am intrigued by talking board but I will say that I am a bit frightened by them and this puts me off working with themā¦hollywood has a lot to answer for here as I always associate them with those movies where things go terribly wrong.
Blessed be
Alan
It is kind of funny the days played out like that 
Alas, it is time to close the door on the challengeā¦
(but donāt worry- the ghosts can still get through! 
)
Gif from Pinterest
OooOOOOOOooooooOOOO!!! A spooky challenge indeed! Thank you so much to everyone who joined in to share ghost stories and spirit experiences. From the spine-tingling to the heartfelt, it has been an honor to read the wonderful entries shared this week. Thank you to all those who shared an entry! 
A Props and Presents post will soon appear with shout-outs and prize details for everyone who submitted an entry. Please keep an eye on the main page of the forums.
Note : To avoid confusion, this discussion will be locked until the Props and Presents post appears. At that time, this thread will reopen for discussion for a few more days- comments are welcome during this time, but please note that no additional prizes will be given.
Thanks again for joining in the challenge! 
Blessed be!
The challenge deadline has passed- thank you to everyone who joined in!
This topic is reopening for continued discussion and comments (feel free to respond to entries that were shared, chat about the challenge theme, etc!)
The āProps and Presentsā award post for this challenge is now live in the forum and badges have been sent to all entrants! 
ā Award Post for the Ghosts & Spirits Challenge
Thank you once again to all those who joined the challenge! 
I hope you enjoy your new badge 
This thread has been reopened for discussion- feel free to comment on the theme, ask questions or reply to entries! However, please remember that no additional badges will be given out now that the challenge has officially closed. Thank you!
Hi Devenne! Thanks again for your wonderful entry- if you have more stories that you feel called to share, please know that you are very welcome to do so! Although the challenge itself has ended, this space will remain open until next Monday for replies and continued chatting.
Alternatively, everyone is always welcome to create a new discussion (guide here) to continue to discuss long after the weekly challenge closes. Feel free to do what works best for you! Thanks again for sharing 
@tracyS Iāll be able to tell the difference between the good demons and the bad ones? Iāll check it out.
@starborn I could see that, Iām feeling that. Iām listening to a book right now about the Morrigan. Right this second at work itās in my ears.
On the upside, I think Sam uses one to talk to Dean (when Dean died), just like a phone, in Supernatural. Maybe only positive rendering of a talky board in the movies .
@Devenne No bad demons, lots of different personalities, some more dynamic than others. But so far, Iāve not had a bad experience. Nothing scary if thatās what you mean. (Even my Alu, who is scary, is not scary once I understood what heās all about, if that makes sense 
)
Speaking ofā¦ Iām enjoying a city with no people.
There are lights and ambient sounds. Machine sounds coming out of carparks, traffic light pedestrian crossings, whirring of air conditioners, chirping of fruit bats. But none actively being made by people.
Just the stars and moon above, and me.
