How To Conduct Your Own Séance At Home

When I facilitate a séance, it is to give the sitters opportunity to communicate with departed spirits that have crossed over to the other side, which the spirits like to call ‘home.’

Spirits often like to call the day they left the earth plain their ‘birthday’ going back home. Death is the beginning of their life in the other side, as some people like to call it. Matter cannot be destroyed it just changes form.

A séance is group session aimed at communicating with spirits. The word séance comes from the French word for seat, session or setting (from the old French seoir, which means to sit).

There are usually three to twelve people in the séance. I prefer six to eight, and if possible a mix of female and male energy. When people come to my space for a séance I have a nice round wooden pedestal table. Lighting is a personal preference.

Some mediums like very little light, some like a red light, because they believe it is easier to see spirit in red light. I personally feel spirit can communicate in any kind of lighting.

As a professional psychic medium I communicate with spirit every day. When doing a mediumship session, I am in a light trance, or altered state of consciousness. When conducting a séance mediums are usually in a little deeper trance state.

Holding hands and ask the spirit world for information that would be the highest and best most useful for all sitters to come through the medium. It is always best to discuss the intention and have some questions ready before asking spirit to make their presence known in some way.

The séance brings the gift of assurance that our loved ones live on in another dimension, and when the time comes we will be together again ~ Barbara Parks

Spirit may come through in a variety of ways. Spirit messages may come through trance speaking or channeling, voices may come through, or sounds, music, and light knocks. Some mediums record or video the séance as all voices or sounds may not be heard by all sitters. Apports can also appear out of the blue and land on the table, or in a sitters lap. An apport is the appearance of an article from an unknown source.

I personally prefer to have sitters that believe that life goes on after the change we call ‘death.’ While I’ve witnessed numerous skeptics become firm believers over the years, it is never my intention as a psychic medium to change anyone’s beliefs. That transformation, when it happens, unfolds naturally, just as it should.

I always ask that each sitter be respectful of spirit and of each other. They must arrive on time, because the date has been set and spirit knows that and are usually waiting and willing to communicate in some way. Once all sitters have arrived the door is locked, to prevent interruption, and sitters can get comfortable and relax.

It is important for all to understand that the sitters and the medium have an equal share in the success or failure of a session. Often it takes a few sessions with the same sitters to produce the desired results.

Séances are usually one to two hours long. If a séance does not produce the desired result, please try again. Spirit always knows when the sitters are truly ready to receive communication. clIt has been my experience that spirits can communicate as soon as they leave the physical body.

They seem to be more concerned with people still on the earth plane and how they are handling things. Their communication or signs show that they are still around.

Sometime when spirit is present there is a cold chill in the air. Other times it might feel warm, or there is a change in the energy that is noticeable. The séance table may rise off the floor in the air, also known as levitation. On rare occasions a substance known as ectoplasm may be produced from the mediums own body. Sometime the ectoplasm takes the form of the spirit that wants to communicate.

In conclusion, always show the spirit world respect by thanking them for coming through and thank all sitters for their participation.

If you feel called to create your own séance gathering at home, here are some thoughtful, respectful steps you can follow. Inspired by the traditions of spiritualist mediumship, this guide honors spirit while giving you room to adapt your own style.

Step 1: Prepare The Space

Use a quiet, comfortable room where you won’t be interrupted. A round or pedestal-style table is ideal, but not necessary. Make sure there are enough chairs for each sitter. Consider dim lighting or a soft red light, as some believe spirits are more visible in red tones. Candles may be placed nearby (but not on the séance table) for atmosphere, but safety first, so never leave them unattended.

Optional Tools & Techniques

Some séance circles include spiritual tools, though they’re not required:

Spirit trumpet: amplifies spirit voices

Slate or paper: for automatic writing

Bell or chimes: for signaling presence

Crystals or talismans: to raise or focus energy

Step 2: Set Your Intention

Before anything else, decide why you’re holding the séance. Do you wish to connect with a loved one? Seek guidance from spirit? Always approach the spirit world with reverence, clarity, and respect. You may wish to write your intention down or speak it aloud. Encourage your guests to reflect on their own intentions too.

Step 3: Gather Your Circle

Invite at least three up to twelve  people. Many mediums prefer six to eight with a balance of male and female energy. Choose people who are open-minded, respectful, and emotionally grounded. Arrive on time, because spirit may already be present. Once everyone is seated, consider locking the door to avoid interruption if you do not live alone.

Step 4: Form The Circle

Have everyone sit around the table with palms down, fingers gently touching or nearly touching. This helps create a flow of energy, what some traditions call a “spirit circuit.” Some groups prefer to hold hands instead, so go with what feels right for you.

Step 5: Enter An Altered State

Begin with a few minutes of silence or gentle breathing to relax and shift into a receptive state. A prayer, invocation, or simple request for guidance can be said aloud by the host or medium. A professional or natural medium may enter a light or deeper trance to assist the communication process.

Step 6: Invite Spirit

Ask spirit to come forward for the highest good of all. You might ask for a sign, message, or presence to make itself known. Stay open. Communication may come as knocks, chills, images, voices, sensations, or sudden thoughts. You may wish to record audio for review later.

Step 7: Close With Gratitude

When the session feels complete, thank spirit for their presence and the sitters for their energy. This brings energetic closure and honors the sacred space you’ve held.