Planchette
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A planchette is a triangular or heart-shaped board supported by castors which moves to spell out messages, or answer questions. Whether the planchette is moved by some extra-normal force or by the hands resting lightly above it remains unknown. A pencil would be attached to the planchette, printing letters or other designs on paper to be later interpreted by a medium.
The most common use of the planchette is with a Ouija or spirit board. In this instance, it is sometimes referred to as an "indicator" or "pointer". Used since the beginning of the Spiritualism movement of the mid-nineteenth century, planchettes predate the invention of spirit boards.
Although speculation exists that the planchette was named after its inventor, the French word "planchette" translates to English as "little plank."
