The Ouija board, a fixture in spiritual practices and popular culture, fascinates and terrifies in equal measure. Its history is as complex as the debates surrounding its use. Is it a gateway to the spirit world or merely a conduit for the subconscious mind? Let’s delve deeper into the Ouija board’s origins and explore its spiritual and paranormal dimensions.
A Portal Opens: The Origins of the Ouija Board
The Ouija board’s journey began in the mid-to-late 19th century during the blossoming spiritualist movement in the United States. Spiritualism, which advocated communication with the dead, was not just a religious practice but also a social phenomenon, offering solace in an era rife with mortality. The talking board concept was born from this milieu and was designed as a more structured means for spirit communication than the table-turning séances popular at the time.
Charles Kennard, Elijah Bond, and Helen Peters, critical figures in the board’s commercialization, claimed no ownership over the concept, viewing themselves as mere facilitators. The name “Ouija,” purportedly given by the board itself, means “good luck” in Egyptian, according to Peters, though skeptics suggest it combines the French and German words for “yes” (oui and ja).
Spiritualism and the Ouija Board
Spiritualists embraced the Ouija board as a tool for democratizing communication with the spirit realm. It was seen as a direct line to the other side, where spirits could convey messages of wisdom and warnings or affirm their presence. This practice was rooted in a profound belief in an afterlife where spirits remained aware and engaged with the living world.
The Paranormal Dimension
As the Ouija board seeped into popular culture, so did accounts of its darker side. Paranormal researchers and enthusiasts often warn of the Ouija board’s potential to open portals not just to benign spirits but to entities with evil intentions. Stories abound of sessions that led to hauntings, possessions, and an array of unexplained phenomena, suggesting that the board might serve as a bridge to dimensions best left unexplored.
The concept of “Zozo,” an evil spirit allegedly contacted through the Ouija board across various instances, exemplifies these dangers. Whether Zozo is a singular entity, a type of demonic presence, or a mass cultural creation remains debated, yet the cautionary tales persist, warning of the risks inherent in seeking contact with the unknown.
While the debate on the true nature of the Ouija board rages on, many users and paranormal enthusiasts agree on a set of unwritten rules for its use. These guidelines are designed to protect users from potential negative experiences and to ensure respectful communication with any entities that might be contacted. Here’s a closer look at some commonly agreed-upon rules for using a Ouija board:
1. Set a Protective Atmosphere
Before beginning a session, creating a protective atmosphere around the space is advised. This can be done through a prayer, setting a circle of salt, or any method that aligns with your beliefs. The intention is to create a barrier against evil spirits.
2. Never Use a Ouija Board Alone
The presence of multiple people is thought to provide a stronger spiritual shield and distribute the psychic energy required for communication. It also ensures emotional support is available if the experience becomes overwhelming.
3. Be Clear and Respectful with Your Intentions
Start the session by clearly stating your intentions aloud, specifying that only spirits with good intentions are welcome to communicate. This establishes the tone and purpose of the session, signaling respect for the spirit world.
4. Avoid Certain Questions
There are topics considered risky or taboo, such as asking about your death or other people’s deaths. These subjects might attract negative energies or lead to distressing answers. Again, and this can’t be stressed enough…never ask about anyone’s death, especially your own…read that part again.
5. Always Say Goodbye
Perhaps the most crucial rule is always to conclude the session by moving the planchette to “Goodbye” and saying “Goodbye.” This formally closes the communication portal, preventing spirits from lingering or attaching themselves to the users or the space. Do not ever leave it open.
6. Store the Board Properly
After use, store the board and planchette separately, ideally wrapped in a cloth with protective symbols or meanings. This ensures the board is respectfully kept and not inadvertently activated. Never leave the planchette on the board…and as for getting rid of the board, do not try to burn it. There are varying beliefs about destroying the board so we won’t go into those here.
7. Trust Your Intuition
If the session feels wrong or the energy shifts negatively at any point, end the session immediately by saying goodbye. Your intuition is a powerful tool for safeguarding your well-being.
8. Never use a Board in a Cemetery, Graveyard, or location of Violent events
Never, ever, ever…ever ever ever ever ever… (have I stressed never enough) play with a board in a graveyard or somewhere where a violent murder took place. This can become a gateway for an evil entity through the veil. You don’t want to risk opening channels they may enter from the other side.
Reflections on the Veil
The Ouija board symbolizes human fascination with the veil between life and death. It challenges our understanding of consciousness, the afterlife, and the unseen forces that may exist beyond our perception. Whether viewed through the lens of spiritual practice, paranormal investigation, or psychological phenomenon, the Ouija board invites us to question, explore, and perhaps connect with realms beyond our understanding.
As we ponder the mysteries of the Ouija board, we’re reminded of the complexity of the human spirit and the eternal quest for knowledge about the worlds that lie just out of reach. Whether a tool of communication or creation, the Ouija board remains a poignant reminder of the mysteries that have captivated humanity through the ages.
Here are some links if you want to learn to use one, which I don’t endorse in any way, shape, or form. I’d love to hear your comments on this, and you might as well leave me a like while your at it.
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-the-Ouija-Board-Safely
And if you’d like to have your own, you can buy one here, (click the board and yes, I do get a small comission from the sales, it helps to keep the lights on):
Or how bout a nifty Ouija Blanket? (click the blanket, and yes I would get a small commission on this as well, and ya know, it helps keep the lights on).
OH, and a little piece of housekeeping before we go… New podcast episodes are imminent. Stay tuned!
2 Responses