This is for safety reasons, in case something happens to you and you are unable to end the session. It is also for practical reasons; you will need other people to help channel and build the energy. Plan on having a group of three to five people. Here's what an ideal group should look like:  One person to handle the pointer and ask the spirit questions. One to three people who are also touching the pointer. They are focusing the energy, but not asking any questions. One person to take notes or record the session. This will allow the group to analyze the spirit's answers later. The pointer is very important. It helps the spirits talk with you. Usually, it will move to a number or letter, but sometimes, it may start to do other things. Here are some things you should watch out for:  If the pointer starts to move through the alphabet or numbers in sequence, the spirit is counting down. Once it finishes, it can escape through the board. You want to end the session before this happens. If the pointer travels to each corner of the board, you have reached an evil spirit. End the session immediately. If the pointer starts to make figure eights, it means that an evil spirit has taken control of the board. Flip the pointer over and end the session. Never let the pointer fall to the floor. This will release the spirit that is moving it. Never leave the pointer on the board once you have finished a session. Always put it back into its bag and store it on the other side of the room. If you see the pointer on the board and no one is using it, flip it over, and end the session. Then, store the pointer on the opposite side of the room. There are some things you shouldn't talk about when using a Ouija board. Also, read the spirit's replies carefully. If he or she appears annoyed by a question, change the subject. In general, you should avoid any of the following topics:  God and religion Your death Where to find buried treasure Your name or any of your group members' names Most people ask the spirit questions about itself, such as its name and its gender. Some people also ask the spirit about its death, such as: what it died, how old it was when it died, the year it died in, and how it died. You don't have to ask the spirit these questions; you can also ask the spirit if it has a message for anyone, or if there's something it would like you (or a group member) to do. Here are some other topics you can bring up:  What the spirit's hobbies where, or what the spirit likes to do Whether or not the spirit always lives in the realm of the living Where the spirit used to live The spirit's family and home You should not believe everything a spirit tells you, especially if the spirit seems to be mischievous or malicious. Sometimes, the spirit will end the session first. If it doesn't, you will need to move the pointer to the word GOODBYE. This is important. If you don't do this, you will leave the doorway to the spirit world open. Other spirits might use this to enter your house.  Remember to thank the spirit for his or her time before saying goodbye. Respect the spirits. Try not to annoy, anger, or irritate them. Sometimes, you may need to end the session early, especially if you, any of your friends, or the space around you starts to feel strange. When this happens, you must move the pointer to the word GOODBYE, flip it upside down, and take it off the board. This will break any spiritual connections. Here are other things to keep in mind:  Remain calm at all times. If you start to panic, you may forget what to do. The spirit may also sense it, and use it to his or her advantage. If the spirit starts to get angry or swear, apologize to the spirit and end the session. An angry spirit is a dangerous spirit. If a spirit uses your name in any way, it is getting dangerous. You should finish the session right away. Keep your board someplace clean. Make sure that no one can mess with it. Keep the pointer in a cloth bag, and store it separately from the board. Do not store the pointer on top of the board, or you will risk leaving a portal to the spirit world open.

Summary: Always use the board in a group and never alone. Keep an eye on the pointer. Know what not to ask and what topics to avoid. Know what to ask about and what topics are acceptable. Understand that the dead, just like the living, can tell lies. Make sure you are polite and end a session by saying goodbye. Know when to end a session. Store the board and pointer properly when you are done using it.


This should be your top priority. Look for nearby buildings and cars. If none are available, look for any structure you can huddle under to protect from the wind and snow. Stay there until the storm passes or help arrives.  Build a snow shelter if you can't find cover and are in an area unlikely to be found by rescuers, such as in the wilderness. If you're in a more populous area, a snow shelter is not advised, as it will make it much harder for rescuers to find you. If you have a cell phone with you, try calling both your city's emergency number and any loved ones who may be able to help. If cell towers are down, turn your phone off to conserve power and try again later. Periodically shout for help in case someone is nearby who can assist you. Staying hydrated will help to prevent hypothermia. If you have a water bottle with you, drink from it. However, do not eat snow, as this will drop your body temperature, and snow often contains chemicals such as car exhaustion. Find a means of melting it first, and boil it if possible to make sure it is clean. Clap your hands, wave your arms, kick your legs. This will keep your heart rate up and keep the blood circulating in your extremities. Good circulation will help to prevent frostbite.

Summary: Seek dry shelter as soon as possible. Call for help. Stay hydrated. Do minor, non-strenuous exercises.


Using dirty, dull pruning shears to make cuts on a tree leaves it prone to disease. Make a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Dip your shears in the solution and rinse them off with hot water. Once your shears are sterilized, dry them off with a clean towel.   It might take a few extra minutes, but it's worth it to ensure your tree won't be harmed by the pruning process. Make sure your shears are sharp, so that they don't damage the wood on your cherry tree. Sterilize your pruning shears every time you prune your tree. Before you prune the tree, measure it with measuring tape or a yardstick to see if it's tall enough. If the sapling is short, wait until it's well over 30 inches (76.2 cm) before inches before heading it. Waiting until the tree is more established before you cut the top will ensure that the cut won't weaken the tree. Cutting the top of the tree is called heading. Use your sharpened shears to cut the tree with your to 24 to 36 inches (61.0 to 91.4 cm) in height, on a 45-degree angle. Heading the tree will reduce the potential for disease and rot. Do this within the first year or two of  planting the tree so you can control the shape the tree takes as it grows.  If you wait until spring, the tree will have developed buds and the energy that went into bud formation gets wasted. Making the cut before buds have formed allows the tree to use that energy to produce healthy branches.

Summary: Sterilize and sharpen your pruning shears. Measure your cherry tree. Cut the top of the central trunk in the fall or winter.


Carbs and protein help give your body energy so you don’t get exhausted while you’re out on your hike. Opt for something like oatmeal, eggs, pasta, and lean meat since they’re nutritious. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meal as well for additional carbs and natural sugars.Avoid overeating since you may feel uncomfortable while you’re out hiking.
Summary: Eat a meal with carbs and protein before your hike.