INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Have everyone sit down and patiently wait while you light the candles in the center of the table. Make sure electric lighting has been turned off or dimmed. Light incense and turn on instrumental music if you wish. Once everything is ready, assess the environment and make adjustments if necessary to create just the right atmosphere. Check in with the other sitters to make sure everyone is relaxed. If necessary, meditate for 5-10 minutes so that everyone is focused on the spirit world. Talk to the sitters and get a feel for their moods. It's normal for people to be a little anxious, and some may giggle nervous or look worried. However, if someone is cynical or frightened, you might ask them to sit out. Don't force someone to participate in a séance if they're not ready. It will likely disrupt your ritual and may upset the person further. Each person should take the hands of the people on either side of them. Then, you’ll each relax and shut your eyes. Keep your eyes closed until the séance begins. Holding hands closes the circle and allows your energy to build up inside the circle. Everyone participating in the séance must focus on the same goal. For instance, your purpose may be to contact a deceased relative. This intensifies your energy and increases your chances of success. Think about the purpose of the séance as you wait for it to begin. If you choose, the person acting as the medium can state the purpose aloud to keep everyone’s thoughts on it. They might say, “Tonight we are here to contact the spirit of Greta Darlow,” or “Tonight we gather to seek guidance from the spirit world.” The opening incantation officially begins your séance and invites the spirits to join your. Generally, this incantation is spoken by the medium. State the incantation in a clear, firm voice.  You might say, “We welcome any good spirits who are near us to join our circle. Please make your presence known,” or “We are reaching out to Ms. Greta Jeane Darlow. Please join us in our circle tonight when you’re ready.” If nothing happens for several minutes after you recite the opening incantation, say it again. Continue to repeat the incantation every few minutes until something happens. Either the medium should ask all of the questions, or the sitters can take turns asking. Ask one question at a time and pause for several minutes to wait for an answer. Be sure everyone stays quiet, since the presence of a spirit may be difficult to notice. Remember that yes-or-no questions are more likely to get a clear answer. Questions like "Are you with us?" and "Do you have a message for us?" are better than "What is it like to live in the spirit world?" Breaking the circle is thought to be unsafe, so continue to hold hands for the entirety of the séance. If someone gets up and leaves, or becomes distracted in some way, the spiritual energy will be lost. This will likely end your séance immediately. Ask all of your sitters to stay put until the séance is complete. If someone really needs to leave, you can try continuing the séance without them. However, it’s likely that the spirit will leave when the circle is broken. Pay attention to the responses you’re getting through the tool you’re using to communicate with the spirit world. A psychic medium might speak for the spirit. If you’re using a spirit board, spell out the answers. If you’re using a pendulum, rapping, or signs, consider if the spirit seems to be saying “yes” or “no.”  Pay attention to what's physically happening in the room. Things like water being knocked over, a flickering candle, or a slamming door may be signs that a spirit is present. Listen for sounds that are out of the ordinary and have no explainable source.

SUMMARY: Be seated in a circle and light the candles. Make sure everyone is ready to take part in the séance. Join hands and close your eyes to begin the séance. Focus on the purpose of your séance to help you make contact. Recite an opening incantation if you’re acting as the medium. Ask the spirit a question when you feel it’s near. Hold hands throughout the séance to maintain the circle. Decipher the spirits' answers to your questions.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Professional nail salons have the right equipment to give you a long lasting coat of polish. If you want a really long-lasting coat that doesn't chip, you can opt for a gel manicure, which uses a super hard setting type of nail polish that acts almost like acrylic nails. If you are very dedicated to having long nails, you can get acrylic nails, which are fake nails that are attached to your actual nails. These nails are very, very strong but they cost more than a regular manicure and are quite a commitment. Although there is a myth that you should soak your nails before a manicure, water on your nails will actually stop the polish from adhering correctly. This could cause your nail polish to chip off quickly. You also want to make sure there are no creams or lotions on on your nails right before painting them. This will also stop the polish from attaching correctly. More expensive nail polishes usually contain more pigment, fewer potentially toxic chemicals, and better brushes inside. That said, you don't need to spend $50 to get a quality bottle of nail polish. Balance your budget with your desire for a crisp and smooth manicure. Also avoid using quick-drying polish if you want to avoid chips. The formula of quick-drying polish, while containing the same ingredients as the regular, has different ratios of ingredients. This difference in ratio makes the polish more likely to chip. Don't use a 2-in-1 base and top coat. These will not work as well as a separate base and top coats that are each formulated specifically for their location on your nail. Letting each coat dry completely allows it to become hard and tough. Besides the possibility of messing up the previous coat, waiting for each coat to dry is an important, but frustrating, step in creating a lasting manicure. You will want to brush on at least 2-3 coats. Remember, you want to let each coat dry before adding on another. Begin your top coat by doing a small layer around the tip of the nail. Then, once that is dry, cover the whole nail in top coat. This will give the tip of your nails more strength over the life of your manicure. Apply a few layers of top coat if you have the time to do it. The top coat should leave a nice, smooth finish that will resist chips and snags.

SUMMARY:
Consider getting a professional manicure. Apply nail polish when your nails are dry. Use good quality nail polish. Use a base coat. Let the polish dry completely between coats. Apply several layers of polish. Apply a top coat.