Mystery of the Ouija Board

Safe or Hazardous.... You Decide
Do you believe that the Ouija board (pronounced Wee-gee or also Wee-jah) is a dangerous "game" or that it is evil and possessed, where it can open a portal that attracts mischievous spirits, demons or malicious entities that will do harm to those who "play" with it?  But of course the important warning to acknowledge, which most people are unaware of, is that the Ouija board is not a "game" to be "played" for kicks.  However, it can be used as a viable "tool" for spiritual learning and development.

Have you been influenced by others, such as well-meaning parents, family, friends or church parishioners, who emphatically discourage you from using it built from their own fear-based beliefs, conditioning, unfounded gossip or perhaps an unpleasant experience as a result of an over-active imagination, superstition or just a simple misunderstanding or misinterpretation?  Fear is always a direct result of ignorance or an absence of faith and trust in self or a lack of truthful knowledge. 

Learn to avoid believing everything you read or hear, at face value, about the Ouija board, especially if it fails to resonate at your inner core.  Being sceptical is healthy just as long as you remain open to other prospects.  It is important to develop your own opinion about the Ouija board based on what is truthful and what is comfortable to you.  Therefore, investigate to increase your knowledge and learn to follow your own intuition for what makes sense or feels right for you, rather than mindlessly following the directive of another.

If you have become curious or are suddenly attracted to the Ouija board for unexplained reasons, then ask yourself, “Why?”  Do you want to use it as a tool for spiritual learning and development or do you want to solely play it as a trivial game?  The outcome of your experience is based upon your overall intention; therefore, if your intention is honourable, then the outcome will be rewarding. 

Ouija’s History
Ouija is a registered trademark of Parker Brothers.  The word is translated from French oui and German ja – meaning “yes” in English.  It is also known as a talking board, oracle board, psychic board and spirit board, plus it is given a host of more personalized names.

The Ouija board has an old history, recorded and used by many cultures as far back as 449 B.C.  Ancient China used a similar apparatus to communicate with deceased spirits.  Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, who is also credited with modern numerology, used a Ouija-like device to access advanced information from the spiritual realm.  The ancient Romans and Mongols used a similar instrument for divination and instructional purposes.  Native Indians of North America used a device call the squdilatc board to locate missing items, plus missing people and to retrieve ceremonial information from spirit.  The Ouija board was a popular tool used by the Spiritualists for mental mediumship practice and for connecting to loved ones in spirit for proof of survival.

In 1853, M. Planchette of France, invented an implement similar to the present one that Parker Brothers now manufactures.  In North America, William Fuld, an inventor, bought the U.S. patented rights from Elijah J. Bond in 1892, and then founded The Southern Novelty Company in Baltimore, Maryland that produced the Oriole Talking Board.

The Ouija board in North America was more popular during bad economic times where its popularity peaked during the 30’s, 40’s and 60’s.  In 1966, Parker Brothers (Hasbro), a producer of children’s games, bought the rights to the Ouija board from William Fuld and moved its operation from Baltimore to Salem, Massachusetts.

Since the Ouija board is presently marketed as a child’s toy that is found in the toy department, it has mistakenly been promoted as an insignificant, trivial game that is not to be taken seriously.  The movie industry also misrepresents the Ouija board by using scare tactics that overtly exaggerate its correct purpose or use.  No doubt the Ouija board is a big money-making tool for these giant corporations, which obviously is far more important than maintaining its uniqueness.

As with any other psychic development or divination tool, proper usage should include grounding, cleansing and protection techniques, but somehow such information is excluded in the box instructions.  And this is partly why and how the Ouija board has evolved into something of fear and dread.

Over the years, through ignorance and misguided use, unpleasant outcomes have been reported.  But basically the Ouija board is no different than using any other type of risky equipment.  First, it is necessary to read the appropriate instructions and to follow important guidelines before and during each use. 

What the Ouija Board Is and Isn’t
Some people believe that the Ouija board is a waste of time or downright spooky, but these are the ones who also think it’s nothing but a toy or game.  Contrary to belief, the Ouija board is NOT a toy and should never be taken lightly or be used for parlour and party tricks.  Instead, it should be honoured with genuine respect, and humble attitude, as a valuable psychic development tool or as an informational source that is used to seek truth with integrity.

The Ouija board can be compared to using development tools such as the pendulum, crystal ball or water scrying and dowsing rods or practicing methods such as channelling, psychometry, telepathy, automatic writing or mental mediumship to retrieve information through the psychic senses or to consult the spiritual realm or universal consciousness.

Using the Ouija board does not provoke being “possessed” by a spirit or entity, as many people believe.  Rather, it involves opening your awareness to a more powerful universal source of energy.  But in order to accomplish this an awareness and acceptance to greater possibilities is required.  And finally through practice, determination, discipline and dedication your energy vibration must elevate to a higher, purer level that enables you to access and meld with the energy frequency of universal consciousness or the spiritual realm.  In other words you are briefly linked to share energy.  At all times you maintain conscious awareness and control; therefore, contrary to belief, possession of the physical body does not happen.

Many methods can successfully be used to connect to the spiritual realm to gain guidance and assistance or to access higher levels of knowledge, inspiration or wisdom.  However, these methods should always be used wisely with an attitude of gratitude and this includes the Ouija board. 

How it Works
The Ouija board consists of two pieces – a flat, smooth-surfaced board with imprinted alphabet letters and numbers, as well as a few words such as yes, no, hello and good-bye that are engraved, hand-written, burned, stencilled, glued or painted on, plus a heart or triangle-shaped finger pointer sitting on three feet, also called a planchette (pronounced Plan-chet).

There are a multitude of theories as to how or what makes the Ouija board move and work.  Many people are sceptical and strongly believe that the Ouija board is nonsense and should be banned.  Some believe that the players deliberately move the planchette.  However, from a scientific point of view it is believed that the Ouija board works as a result of the player’s subconscious muscle movement known as the idomotor effect.  Those who work with universal energy or access the spiritual realm or higher levels of universal consciousness, either through healing arts, psychic arts, martial arts, yoga, or meditation, likely believe that everything consists of varying degrees of vibrating energy; therefore, everything is inter-connected and the Ouija board only acts as a linking tool.  The player is the conduit and the Ouija board is the translator in which the energy of thoughts and impressions from spirit (or universal consciousness) are transferred via the player's electrical or muscle impulses (or vibrations) to the board for translation or interpretation.  Regardless of whatever theory you wish to accept, think of the Ouija board as a communication tool that connects or bridges the subconscious mind (or spiritual self) to the conscious mind (or physical self).

It is not evil spirits or demons who move the planchette, although this phenomenon has been documented, so therefore is debateable.  Nor are the players intentionally moving the planchette, except in cases where someone does so, deliberately and consciously, in order to be deceitful.

With practice, some players are able to place their hands just above the planchette, without actually touching it, and somehow it still whizzes around the board responding to questions asked. 

Which is Better - Store Bought or Home-made?
It really makes no difference which type of Ouija board is used.

The Ouija board can be made from wood, plywood, cardboard, fibreboard or just a piece of paper.  Some believe that wood is a better substance because it represents earth energy.  And the planchette can be made from wood or plastic, plus a coin or a small drinking glass or overturned tea-cup (the handle becomes the pointer) can also be used.

Unfortunately, the size and style of Ouija board that Parker Brothers currently produce is not exactly the ideal.  Over the years, the only thing that Parker Brothers has maintained consistency with is their three-footed plastic planchette.  The board, made from fibreboard, keeps shrinking in size.  The vintage boards once measured 15 inches by 22 inches, then shrank to 12 inches by 18 inches.  Newer boards measure about 10 inches by 17 inches (or the size of the box it comes in and no, it doesn’t unfold to open up larger), and because the letters and numbers are displayed so close to the edges, the planchette has difficulty sufficiently moving about without falling off the board.

Some believe that a home-made Ouija board will put a nasty hex or spell on its owner.  How silly!  Of course, you are what you perceive and believe in.  But as long as the Ouija board is made with the right purpose in mind, then the positive energy and personality from its owner will be embedded during construction.  After construction you have the option to dedicate the Ouija board for a specific purpose, as well as bless it.

Another advantage to a home-made Ouija board is that you can personalize the size and style of both the board and planchette.  A reasonable size board is 15 inches by 22 inches or 18 inches by 30 inches.  Anything larger will be too heavy or too awkward to handle.

The size of the planchette is dependent on the size of the board.  Common shapes are heart or triangle, about 5 inches in length by 3" in width, but others shapes can be used as well.  A hole is unnecessary as long as the planchette is designed with a long point used for indicating.

Fonts or stencils for the letters and numbers are available in various sizes and styles through on-line sites, in books or at craft stores.  These can be hand-written, stencilled, painted, glued or burned into position.  Be sure there is sufficient space between each letter and number in order to eliminate confusion for what the planchette is pointing at.  Also, allow free space around the edges of the board - avoid placing the letters, numbers and words too close to the edge; otherwise the planchette cannot manoeuvre around properly and may fall off the board when trying to indicate the answer.

Commercial Ouija boards usually display: Yes, No, Hello and Goodbye and the usual decorations are the Sun, Moon and Star.  However, with a home-made board extra words or sentences can be added such as:

• Answer is unavailable

• Re-phrase question

• It is not for you to know at this time

• Maybe

• Wait

• Day – Week – Month - Year

• Jan – Feb – Mar – Apr – May – Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep – Oct – Nov – Dec

 Decorations can also be more personalized by using:

• Special colours

• Astrological signs

• Meaningful pictures or symbols

Where to Purchase
If you are unconcerned about the size, style or material of the Ouija board, then you can usually find it in the toy/games department at your local department store.  Ouija boards manufactured by Parker Brothers (Hasbro) are constructed from fibreboard and the planchette is plastic.  Be aware that the current 2010 edition is smaller in size - approximately 10-1/2 inches by 16 inches and comes with a plastic planchette.

If you require a larger board, then search for a vintage model at garage sales, thrift shops, estate sales, antique shops, Craigslist, Amazon or ebay.  (Note: Use caution when viewing or shopping via the Internet as some sites may contain computer viruses or may not be legitimate businesses).

Some vintage Ouija boards manufactured by William Fuld or Parker Brothers are made from fibreboard or masonite and measure 12 inches by 18 inches, while others measure 15 inches by 22 inches and come with a plastic planchette.

Wooden boards, with a wooden planchette, are usually professionally handcrafted and are available on-line, but of course are costlier.  Home-made Ouija boards and planchettes can be inexpensively constructed from various types of wood or hardboard and offer the advantage of being totally unique.  Parker Brothers produced a limited-edition wooden Ouija board with wooden planchette in two different sizes in the late 60's, but they are now only available used.

Before Using a New, Home-made or Vintage (used) Ouija Board
As with any tool used for the purpose of communicating with universal consciousness or the spiritual realm, prudent steps should be observed.  Energy originates in everything - it is never destroyed, only transmuted.

During construction or manufacturing, the Ouija board is handled by many people with variable energy vibration, fluctuating from high (positive) to low (negative).  A pre-owned Ouija board can also carry the previous owner's energetic impressions.  Therefore, before using the Ouija board, it is important to release any undesirable energy attachment and to start with a clean slate.

1. First cleanse the Ouija board by using a technique of your choice such as smudging, visualization, sound or Reiki symbols

2. Make it your intention for.... all toxins, impurities or undesirable energies be released to the centre core of the earth to be recycled into positive energy that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

3. Then dedicate the board for a specific positive purpose (E.g. To access knowledge and wisdom from higher level spiritual teachers or guides or To assist with developing writing skills that will benefit self and others or To receive higher levels of inspiration that will be beneficial to all or To develop and strengthen natural psychic abilities that will aide self and others or To learn useful skills that will be helpful to all concerned or To assist and give guidance that will be beneficial to all)

4. And finally bless it with positive and loving universal energy or white light

Basic Guidelines to Observe
Whether the Ouija board is used by self or with others, it is important to take precautionary measures each and every time it is used.

And yes, as long as your intention is pure of heart and you follow the guidelines, it is perfectly safe to use and practice the Ouija board by yourself.  More practice develops a stronger connection to the spiritual realm, plus as an added bonus improvement using and accessing your psychic abilities also transpires.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

1. Before using the Ouija board, despite whether it's brand new, home-made or vintage (used), be sure to cleanse, dedicate and bless it (see above notes in "Before Using a New, Home-made or Vintage (used) Ouija Board" section)

2. Avoid using the Ouija board directly after consuming mind-altering drugs or alcohol.

3. Avoid using the Ouija board if you are physically ill, depressed, over-tired or suffer from mental illness.

4. Avoid using the Ouija board with individuals who are not like-minded.

5. Avoid using the Ouija board as a frivolous game – this isn’t a game.

6. Set the mood by turning off the TV, radio and telephone.  Play soft instrumental music or light candles if you wish, although electric lighting is also acceptable.  There are no set rules that are cast in stone.

7. Each person should cleanse, ground and protect beforehand.  Use whatever technique you are comfortable with – there is no right or wrong method and it does not have to be steeped in shrouded mystery or complicated rituals.  Here are some popular examples for grounding cleansing and protection.

Grounding - The "tree root" is an easy and popular method.  There are many others to choose from, so use whichever method you find easiest or which resonates with you.

Tree Root Method

1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do it standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Your intention and focus is to visualize tree roots spreading from your root chakra (the base of your spine or buttocks) down to the soles of your feet and continuing to the centre of the earth

4. See the tree roots spread out in all directions, attaching themselves to the earth's centre

5. Feel and know that you are grounded firmly to earth energies

Cleansing Method - The "waterfall/shower" and "dry brush" are two popular methods to employ.  Cleansing can be done during the day, as needed – monitor your feelings and thoughts for negative changes to your overall well-being.  There are a variety of other methods to choose from, so use whichever method you find easiest or which resonates with you.
 

Waterfall/Shower Method

1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do this standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Visualize standing under a waterfall or shower (this can be clear, a specific colour or a rainbow)

4. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that the water is washing and cleansing away all energy blockages, all lower vibrating energy, plus all toxins and impurities from your body.  Know that these will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into higher, finer vibrating energy (also called positive energy) that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

5. You can cleanse several times per day if you feel that you have absorbed outside energies (E.g. you may start to feel a headache, or your energy may feel drained or you may become irritable, headachy or uneasy, etc.)

 OR 

Dry Brush Method

1. From a standing position, use the palms of both hands and gently brush or "dust" yourself off starting from the top of your head downward to your feet

2. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that you are cleansed of all debris, toxins, impurities, energy blockages or lower vibrating energies

3. Feel and know that the all debris, toxins, energy blockages or negative energy will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into higher, finer vibrating energy that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

Protection Method - The "bubble" and "deflecting mirror" are two easy methods to employ.  There are many other methods to choose from, so use whichever method you find easiest or which resonates with you.

Bubble of Colour

1. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

2. Visualize surrounding yourself in a bubble of colour – any colour that you are attracted to use; don’t be concerned about the significance of the colour’s meaning

3. Visualize surrounding the other person or object in a different bubble of colour

4. This separates your energy from the other person or object

5. Know and feel that you are always protected from outside lower vibrating energies (also called negative energies)

OR 

 Deflecting Mirrors

1. If you want further protection, then after you surround yourself in a bubble of colour, visualize an armour of mirrors, facing outwards , surrounding you

2. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that any lower vibrating energy directed at you will be deflected up towards the universe to be transformed into positive energy that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

7. Maintain genuine intention and a positive attitude.  Remember - thoughts are energy, which create action and in turn creates your present reality.  Like energy attracts like energy; therefore the level of energy vibration that you send out is also what you will attract.

8. Know and feel that you are safe and secure at all times.  Remember - you are always in the driver’s seat maintaining control at all times.

9. Once the session starts, in order to avoid creating a disturbance or interference, refrain from chatting or giggling with others.

10. Place the board on a table between two (or more) players or it can also be balanced on the knees between two players.

11. To link with the board, place one hand on it while placing one or two finger-tips of the other hand  lightly on the planchette – avoid pressing down.  (Note: If manually pushed, the planchette should slide easily from beneath the finger-tips, but if it doesn’t then too much pressure is being applied).  Through continued practice some people can place their hand above the planchette without actually touching it.

12. For beginners, it may take up to 20-minutes or longer before the planchette moves and sometimes it just randomly circles the board – just be patient and keep focused.  Avoid expecting or forcing a preconceived outcome – daily practice will stimulate eventual success.

13. Silently (or out loud) ask your own spirit team for additional support, guidance and protection.

14. Start the session by saying, “I ask to be connected to ONLY high-level spirit guides, teachers or loved ones in spirit.”

15. Then say, "I ask to be given information that is for the highest good for all concerned."

16. Then say, “Is anybody there?”

17. Once you establish connection, ask, “Are you from the light?”  If you receive no reply, ask again.

18. If you still do not receive a reply or if you feel uneasy or frightened, firmly say, “Leave immediately and return to the light and do not bother me again.”  Remember – you maintain control at all times and spirit must adhere to your wishes or command.

19. Once you are satisfied and comfortable with your connection, feel free to ask simple, but clear and precise questions.  Avoid trivial, trick-type or stupid questions – this isn’t a game.

20. If you receive silly or futile answers to your questions or feel uneasy or suspicious, stop the session.  Then firmly say, “I do not wish to communicate with you anymore.  Return to the light at once and do not bother me again.”  Then take a recess until you feel comfortable enough to start a new session.

21. Your goal is to connect and receive valuable information or answers from a high-level spirit guide, teacher or loved one.  Avoid settling for anything less.  A high level guide, teacher or loved one in spirit will always have your best interest at heart.  They will only provide you with material that benefits the highest good for all concerned or that raises the consciousness level of humanity.

22. Avoid becoming overly dependent on the Ouija board.  Instead, rely first on your own good judgement and intuition so that you build confidence with self.  Reserve using the Ouija board for sincere purposes such as:

1. A tool for developing and strengthening psychic skills

2. For consultation to acquire extra guidance

3. To gain advanced knowledge or inspiration

4. To receive a second opinion

5. To answer a specific question

6. To gain clarity or clearer insight regarding a problem

7. To receive peace of mind or closure

19. Record the answers with a voice recorder or have someone manually write down the information as it is given.

20. Before closing a session, be humble and show gratitude by saying, “Thank-you for all help, guidance, inspiration, information, or answers received and shared.”

21. Then close the session and disconnect your energies by saying, “Good-bye.”

22. At the end of the session each person should once again cleanse, ground and protect.

23. The Ouija board and planchette can also be cleansed by using methods such as smudging, visualization such as the waterfall method, sound or Reiki symbol techniques.

Be Responsible and Show Common Sense
Despite what you may read in books or hear through conversation or find on the Internet, if the Ouija board is treated with respect, then playing it should provide much pleasure that offers higher levels of knowledge, as well as improve your psychic skills.

When using the Ouija board, the key is to use good old common sense and to show purposeful, responsible commitment for all actions taken.

The Ouija board can be a precursor to channelling or mental mediumship techniques; however, not everybody is interested in pursuing these two avenues.  Eventually, players may find that the Ouija board is too slow or that answers now flow through the psychic senses such as clairvoyantly (clear seeing) or clairaudiently (clear hearing), where the player accesses or knows the information before the planchette spells it out.

Never-the-less, the Ouija board remains a valuable learning and teaching tool and if used wisely it can bring considerable satisfaction, plus hours of enjoyment.

© Margaret I. Jang
www.onesourcelearn.com
January 14th, 2011

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About the author: Margaret Jang is a spiritual poet and inspirational writer, as well as an intuitive arts teacher focusing on psychic/channelling development.  She also dedicates her time to soul numerology readings and is a Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner.  Margaret established One Source Learning Centre for Inner Healing in 2005 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.  She may be contacted via e-mail.

Note: Articles, poetry and soul inspiring expressions are © Copyright protected - all rights reserved. In order to copy, reprint, publish, quote, electronically transfer, post to websites or blogs, or reproduce in any manner, please obtain written permission from author Margaret I. Jang.

Disclaimer
The above information is not intended to replace, diagnose, prescribe or treat any ailment or to be used as a replacement for medical treatment or consultation.  It is only intended to enhance your knowledge or general interest and is offered as an alternative and complimentary source of information.   In all cases, it is recommended that you continue to follow medical treatment as prescribed by your medical physician.
 

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