Published 30/11/2023 by Sarah Lutterloch

The Power of Ouija Boards

What Is a Ouija Board?

A Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat wooden board marked with letters of the alphabet, numbers from 0-9, and various other symbols.

Traditionally used for attempting to communicate with spirits and other entities, it is believed that when an individual places their hands on the planchette (a small device which moves around the board) and asks a question, they will receive answers from supernatural sources through mysterious movements.

The use of Ouija boards dates to 1891, when businessman Elijah Bond purchased a patent for what would become known as the first modern Ouija board. Parker Brothers then sold it in 1966, and its popularity has grown ever since. As it gained worldwide attention, the board has been used for a variety of purposes, from playing parlour games to spiritual channelling.

According to Chris French, professor emeritus of psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and past president of the British Society for Psychical Research, Ouija boards are used in two distinct ways.

The first way is when two or more people place their hands on the planchette and ask questions answered by "unconscious muscular movements". This type of board session is thought to be controlled by all participants' collective unconsciousness or the subconscious mind. The second way is when one person attempts to contact spirits or other entities through the board.

Ouija board users remain steadfast in their belief that the board is an incredibly powerful tool. Pearl Curran, an American author who popularised the use of the board during the late 1880s and early 20th century, was convinced that it was a way to unlock our unconscious minds and tap into spiritual realms. BBC Future spoke to two Ouija board users who described using it as a powerful form of meditation and communication with other planes of existence and spiritual realms.

The Mysterious History and Origins of Ouija Boards

When looking through the history of Ouija boards, one must first understand the context in which they were created. In the late 19th century, spiritualism was a popular belief system, with many individuals seeking to communicate with the dead. Ouija boards, also called spirit boards or talking boards, were one method of attempting to connect with the spiritual realm.

The concept of communicating with spirits through a board is familiar, with similar devices used in ancient China and Greece. However, the modern Ouija board as we know it today was patented by Elijah Bond in 1890, with the trademark being sold to William Fuld in 1893. Fuld marketed the board as a harmless parlour game, claiming that the movements of the planchette (the pointer used to spell out words or phrases) were due to the participants' subconscious movements.

The use of Ouija boards has been surrounded by controversy from the beginning. Many religions consider them to be tools of the devil, and there have been claims of negative spiritual experiences and possessions because of using the board. In fact, in the 1960s, the Catholic Church officially condemned the use of Ouija boards.

Despite the controversy, Ouija boards have become a pop culture icon, appearing in movies, television shows, and even music. Psychologists and parapsychologists have also studied them to explore the subconscious mind and the nature of consciousness.

How Do Ouija Boards Work?

Ouija boards, spirit boards or talking boards have been a subject of fascination for a long time. Many believe these boards can communicate with the supernatural, while others view them as mere parlour tricks designed to manipulate and deceive. But how do Ouija boards really work?

An Ouija board is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and symbols. Participants place their hands on a small, heart-shaped planchette, which moves around the board, spelling out words and sentences. According to believers, this movement is caused by the communication of spirits, ghosts, or other supernatural entities.

There are several theories about how they contact spirits. One theory is that the movement of the planchette is caused by subconscious muscle movements, known as the ideomotor effect. This effect occurs when the participant's unconscious mind moves their muscles without conscious awareness.

Another theory is that the movement of the planchette results from a phenomenon known as the ideoplastic effect. This occurs when the subconscious mind influences the physical world, producing real-world effects such as the movement of the planchette.

Many people use Ouija boards, believing they can communicate with the supernatural. Others view them as harmless fun, while some consider them to be dangerous and potentially linked to demonic possession or other negative outcomes.

The Science and Psychology Behind Ouija Boards

The science behind the functioning of Ouija boards needs to be better understood. Many researchers speculate that the board works due to the ideomotor effect, which refers to our subconscious responses to suggestion.

This effect suggests that we unconsciously guide the planchette to spell words based on our expectations and beliefs. In other words, the board might not be communicating with the spirit world but instead reflects our unconscious thoughts.

Psychologically, Ouija boards can be both fascinating and terrifying. The experience of communicating with spirits can be exciting, as it offers a sense of mystery and possibility. However, it can also be incredibly frightening, especially for those who believe in the supernatural. Many people report experiencing strange sensations and unexplained phenomena while using the board, which can further feed into their belief in its power.

Despite its popularity, many experts warn against using Ouija boards as they can be dangerous. Some people report negative experiences, such as feeling attached to malevolent spirits or experiencing increased anxiety and paranoia.

Using the board can be distressing for those who are vulnerable, such as those who have recently lost a loved one or are struggling with mental health issues.

Who Can Use an Ouija Board?

Ouija boards come with a wide range of potential dangers. As such, it is recommended that those who wish to use one for contacting the deceased should do so with caution.

Anyone can use an Ouija board; it is highly recommended that those without experience or training seek out the assistance of a professional psychic medium. This is because misusing an Ouija board can open portals to negative or dark energy and may even invite dangerous entities.

Professional mediums and experienced psychics are generally equipped to navigate the potential risks associated with Ouija board usage. They are skilled in communicating with spirits and can provide spiritual guidance or protection to those who seek to contact their deceased loved ones.

Spirit boards should only be used with a clear and respectful intention. Engaging with the spirit world should be done with the utmost respect and caution, as it is not a game but a severe and potentially life-altering experience.

Read our guide on Why You Shouldn't Use Ouija Boards.

What Messages Can You Receive From an Ouija Board?

According to believers, the messages received from an Ouija board can come from a variety of sources, including deceased loved ones, angels, demons, or other entities.

The messages may be personal, offering guidance or insight into one's life or future, or they may be more general, offering warnings or predictions about world events.

Some people claim to have received messages that have led to significant life changes or even miracles. In contrast, others warn of the dangers of opening oneself to communication with unseen entities. Regardless of one's personal beliefs or experiences with the Ouija board, it remains a popular and controversial tool for divination and spiritual communication.

How to Tell if Someone Is Possessed?

Possession by a demon or spirit is a topic long debated by religious scholars, psychiatrists, and paranormal investigators. The belief in demonic possession is ingrained in the Christian faith and many other cultures and religions around the world. It is believed that when a person is possessed, their body and mind are controlled by supernatural forces, often leading to bizarre and unexplainable behaviour.

The signs of possession are not always easy to identify, as they can mimic symptoms of mental illness or physical ailments. The following are some of the common signs of demon possession:

1. Speaking in tongues: The possessed person may suddenly start chatting in languages they have never spoken or in a language unknown to anyone around them.
2. Superhuman strength: The possessed person may exhibit strength and abilities beyond what is humanly possible.
3. Unexplainable marks: The possessed person may have inexplicable marks or wounds on their body, such as scratches or bruises.
4. Extreme aversion to religion: The possessed person may have an extreme aversion to religion and anything related to it, including holy water, crucifixes, and prayers.
5. Sudden personality changes: The possessed person may exhibit sudden and severe changes in personality, such as anger, aggression, or violence.
6. Levitation: In some cases, the possessed person may levitate or float in the air, which is considered a clear sign of demonic possession.

It is important to note that not all cases of unexplainable behaviour or strange occurrences are signs of demonic possession. It is rare for someone to be possessed by a demon. So, it is essential to consult with a medical professional or religious authority to rule out any other explanations, such as mental health issues.

What Is a Paranormal Experience?

A paranormal experience is a phenomenon that defies scientific explanation and appears to be beyond the realm of what is usually encountered in everyday life. Such experiences can range from ghost sightings to out-of-body experiences to encounters with angels or demons.

These experiences can be positive or even negative, with some people feeling a sense of peace and comfort while others experience terror and extreme anxiety.

There are many different theories about what causes paranormal experiences. Some psychologists believe that they are the result of a person's unconscious mind playing tricks on them. Others think they result from a person's heightened sensitivity to the spiritual world. Still others believe that they result from supernatural forces acting on a person.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence to support paranormal experiences, they continue to fascinate and intrigue people worldwide. Many people turn to mediums, psychics, and other spiritual practitioners to gain insight into their experiences. Others turn to scientific research to understand the underlying mechanisms causing these experiences.

Psychic Mediumship Readings Online

Trusted Psychics Australia offers psychic medium readings that are designed to help individuals channel messages from loved ones who have passed away. Mediumship readings can help individuals connect with departed loved ones in spirit form, allowing them to gain closure, wisdom, and solace from their departed loved ones.

These readings are conducted by experienced and gifted psychic mediums who can sense the presence of spirits, communicate with them, and interpret their signals.

Trusted Psychics Australia provides exceptional psychic medium readings that utilise various tools such as tarot cards, crystal balls, and other spiritual tools to help strengthen the readings. These expert psychic mediums use their intuitive abilities to perceive the energy around individuals, identify the areas of concern, and provide insightful guidance and messages from the spirit world.

Whether you require a spiritual connection with your loved ones, guidance on a specific issue, or guidance on using an Ouija Board, Trusted Psychics Australia takes pride in providing a supportive and empowering mediumship experience. These readings are at affordable rates with accurate reading results and can truly change lives - leaving individuals with a sense of relief, closure, and healing.

Trusted Psychics Australia is a trusted and reputable psychic service with only the best psychics in the psychic reading industry. You can use various communication channels to get in touch. You can have a reading by phone or start an instant online chat on Live Messenger. So, sit back, relax, and connect with your loved ones in spirit with the assurance that you receive quality and trusted guidance from our talented psychic mediums.

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