Similar to the ouija board but without the undeserved sinister reputation, the wineglass is just that, an inverted wineglass (the champagne type is better than the wine type, as it is less likely to tip). The glass is surrounded by a circle of letters. An alphabet in gothic style drawn on white squares of paper help create the appropriate atmosphere.
It must be mentioned here that many occultists turn up their highly evolved noses at such devices as the ouija board, the pendulum board, and no doubt, the wineglass, preferring instead personal mediumship, or channneling, as it is currently being called. But we beleive that entities willing to take control of the body or voice of another cannot be of the highest caliber. Nor is every scene that passes before your inner eye psychic or spiritual or the motivations that created them always spiritually pure. This is not to say that we do not beleive in either channeled information or that which was received psychically. We most certainly do, but we have seen many instances of self - delusion, which is one of the greatest barriers to true spiritual development.
The wineglass, on the other hand has several built in saftey devices. It cannot easily be operated alone, so spiritual possession is less likely, and since two or more people are operating it, self - delusion is not so easy. It is interesting to note, too, that the wineglass brings with it some intrinsic symbolism. It is a vessel or container for wine, itself a symbol for spiritual awareness, so the wineglass is a container for spiritual knowledge.
The wineglass can be used in within the Samhain Circle. The four quarters of the circle may be marked with candles, and an extra candle, an indigo blue one (the color symbolizing the higher spiritual planes), should also be lit. This candle might be anoited with oil and marked with a rune that describes the travel between the the two planes. After a moment of meditation each person present places a fingertip on the upturned base ot the wineglass and the tradional "Is anyone here who wishes to give us a message?" is asked. Then as the glass slides from one letter to the next, rapidly spelling out messages, read the words. You may find it easier to use a tape recorder because it can get confusing. At this, the most solemn of Pagan festivals, the messages are often personal and profound.