Part 1: Oujia Boards
Recently, some of my good friends and I were talking about paranormal investigations and they asked if I ever use a Ouija board. I immediately said HELL NO.
I’ve always had a thing against them. A big part of that is due to a story my mom told me when I was young. Her and my grandmother were playing with one and it spelled out “Kelly is easy to work through”. My grandma took the board, threw it in the garbage outside and told my mom to never touch one again. She’s instilled this in me as well and I’ve never used one. So, my friend then asked me how it’s any different than using other paranormal investigation equipment and I was at a loss. In my mind, it’s always been way different, but is it really? Whether I’m using a K2 or a Ouija board, I’m still attempting communication with something unknown.
Some Fun Facts
- In 1891 the first advertisements started to appear in the papers. - Spiritualism begain to gain a massice following in the mid to late 1800s. Seances and contacting the dead became very popular social events. - There is supposedly a demon named "Zozo" that communicated with people through the board and then wreaks havoc on the users lives. - Sold and marketed as a childrens toy
Let me say that most of the time I believe that nothing comes through. Other times, when you put a bunch of people together who are looking for a scare, subconsciously the planchette is probably being moved by the group. Occasionally you may get a spirit coming through, which could be good or not-so-good. There are even theories that it is a person’s subconscious answering questions that they already know. A way for the conscious and subconscious to communicate. I kind of like that idea. I know I’ve had plenty of experiences where deep down I knew an answer but I still sought the validation. Maybe that’s all the #Ouija board does? Maybe it’s just an oracle game like “Magic 8 Ball”? Maybe, but I’m not so sure.
Safely Using a Ouija Board
When I met with my spiritual mentor I asked her opinion on the subject. She told me one of the biggest issues is that the “ceremony” isn’t properly executed. There are certain ways to open and close the sessions of a Ouija board, as well as other spiritual precautions one should take. Kids & teenagers especially are more reckless and unaware of these precautions.
An Opinion on the Matter
So, you’ve played with one once and nothing happened, right? Plenty of people play with Ouija boards without consequences…probably more often than not. I guess the best comparison I can make is that people speed while they drive all the time and nothing happens. But all it takes is that one time speeding by the cop at the wrong time that you get busted. Calling on anything can be dangerous. The use of ANY equipment can be dangerous, really. As paranormal investigators we take that risk. Most of us know what we are signing up for. Perhaps this shouldn’t be marketed as a kids toy, though. The last thing a parent needs is their children accidentally bringing spirits (or something darker) into the house.
To me the most unnerving part of the Ouija board IS the ritualistic nature. Or maybe it’s all the crazy stories I’ve heard, or the scary movies I’ve seen. You don’t see too many horror flicks start out with a group of teens saying, “Let’s pull out our K2 meter!”. There are so many stories out there and I find it hard to believe that all of them are fake.
From @paranormalsupplies on Instagram!
Respect
I read this on Quora by accident, but I love this:
“Always play with respect. Imagine a Ouija board as an online chatroom where you post your telephone number and wait for someone to call you. You have no idea who is on the other line. Respect whomever you’re talking to or don’t play. You could be asking for consequences.” – Koi Wozz
Stay spooky. Stay safe. Don’t summon any demons! Part 2 coming soon!!! Xoxo
