The Ouija board is certainly one of the esoteric accessories that has generated the most buzz. Considered folklore to scare people, a means of communication beyond the world of the living different from mediumship, or a subject of many horror movies, the Ouija is popular. But do you really know it? Do you know its power? And above all, do you know how to use it properly? We cover all this in this practical guide.
1. Discovering the Ouija board
1.1. What is a Ouija board?
An Ouija board, also known as a "talking board" or "spirit board," is an instrument used to try to communicate with spirits or spiritual entities. The board is usually made of wood and always features the alphabet, the numbers 0 to 9, the words "yes," "no," "hello," and "goodbye." Accompanied by a planchette, a small cursor called a pointer, it allows users to form words and sentences by moving the planchette over the letters and numbers on the board. The graphic style of the board can vary, from Gothic, modern, or Celtic styles.
1.2. Where does the Ouija board come from?
It should be known that before the Ouija board, one had to call on a medium to try to communicate with the dead. But that is expensive and time-consuming. That is when the talking board became popular as a simple and quick way to get started with spiritualism, which was one tool among others like the cablegraph, the psychograph, or the spiritoscopes.
Important fact: this era was marked by the ravages of the Civil War and the loss of many loved ones (about 850,000 victims). Mourning then led to the search for proof of life after death to try to communicate with the deceased.
In 1890, inspired by the talking board, two American businessmen, Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard, adopted this idea and obtained their patent on February 10, 1891, marking the official invention of the Ouija. However, Bond and Kennard did not venture into marketing their creation, leading to their bankruptcy in 1892. Two of Kennard's employees, the brothers William and Isaac Fuld, were convinced of the commercial potential of the object. In 1901, they each began producing boards of their own manufacture. William Fuld's company acquired the rights associated with the name and invention of the Ouija, and after several years of legal battles, William eventually ousted his brother. After his death, the brand was acquired and is still owned by Hasbro.
1.3. What does the term Ouija mean?
The origin of the name is uncertain and revolves around two explanations.
The most well-known explanation is that the name "Ouija" is a combination of the French word "oui" and the German word "ja," both meaning "yes." This refers to the fact that these simple words allow clear communication with spirits.
Another explanation is that in 1890, when Elijah Bond and his associates were seeking to patent their talking board, one of the people involved in the project was Helen Peters, a recognized medium. During a session with the board, they reportedly asked what it should be called. The board then spelled out the word "O-u-i-j-a." When they asked what it meant, the board supposedly replied that it meant "good luck."
2. What equipment is needed?
The main tool needed for a spirit session is the Ouija board itself. This board is usually made of wood or cardboard and features the letters of the alphabet arranged in an arc, the numbers 0 to 9, as well as the words "yes," "no," "hello," and "goodbye." The quality of the board can vary, but it is recommended to use a well-made board with clear inscriptions and a smooth surface to facilitate the planchette's movement.
The planchette, or pointer, is the movable element that participants use to indicate letters and numbers on the Ouija board. It is usually heart-shaped and has a small hole or transparent window to better see the letters it moves over. The planchette should be light and glide easily over the board's surface. A good quality wooden or plastic planchette is essential for a smooth and accurate session.
To create a favorable ambiance and increase concentration, several additional accessories can be used during a Ouija session:
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Candles are often used to provide soft, dim light, creating a mystical atmosphere. White candles are recommended for purity and protection, but other colors can be chosen based on personal preferences or the goals of the session.
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Burning incense, such as sage, sandalwood, or copal, can help purify the space and create an atmosphere conducive to spiritual communication. Incense is also used to ward off negative energies and invite benevolent spirits.
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Crystals such as Amethyst, Clear Quartz, or Tourmaline can be placed around the board to offer extra protection and enhance spiritual vibrations.
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Light background music or natural sounds, like birdsong or the sound of rain, can help participants relax and focus. However, many people prefer complete silence to better hear any possible messages.
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It can be helpful to have a notebook and a pen handy to write down the questions asked and the answers received. This allows you to keep a record of the session and better analyze the messages afterward.
3. How to prepare to use an Ouija board?
You don’t use an Ouija board without preparation, and even less so just "for a scare." It is therefore advisable to do some preliminary work.
3.1. Choose a suitable place
The first step in using an Ouija board is to choose an appropriate place for the session. The ideal location is a quiet and isolated spot, free from interruptions and outside noises. A familiar and secure room where participants feel comfortable is preferable. It is important that this space is clean and tidy, as a disorganized environment can disrupt concentration and the energy of the session.
3.2. Aim for a suitable time
Choosing the right time to use the Ouija board is just as crucial. Sessions are often more effective in the evening or at night, when the atmosphere is naturally quieter and more conducive to concentration. Some prefer the hours between midnight and three in the morning, often called "the hour of spirits." However, it is essential to choose a time when all participants are awake and alert, as fatigue can negatively affect the experience.
3.3. Create the atmosphere
Creating the right atmosphere is essential for a successful session with the Ouija board. Dim lighting, achieved with candles, can help establish a mystical and relaxed ambiance. Using white candles is recommended to symbolize purity and protection. Incense, such as sage or sandalwood, can also be burned to purify the space and create an environment conducive to spiritual communication. Soft music or nature sounds can be used to promote relaxation and focus, but it is often best to maintain complete silence to better hear any possible messages.
3.4. Prepare the participants
Preparing the participants is a key step to ensure a harmonious and effective session. All participants must be open-minded, respectful, and ready to take the session seriously. It is recommended to have at least two people, as one person alone could unintentionally influence the planchette's movements. The collective mindset should be positive and calm, avoiding negative emotions like fear or excessive skepticism, which can disrupt the session's energy. It is also helpful to discuss expectations and rules of conduct in advance, such as the need to stay focused and not joke or interrupt the session inappropriately.
4. How to use a Ouija board?
4.1. Setting up the equipment
To begin, place the Ouija board on a flat, stable surface such as a table or the floor. Make sure all participants can comfortably reach the planchette without having to lean or stretch excessively. Place candles around the board to provide soft lighting and create a mystical ambiance. If you use incense, light it before starting to allow the smoke time to purify the space. Place crystals or other protective objects around the board if you wish. Also, make sure the notebook and pen are within reach to take notes during the session.
4.2. Starting a Ouija session
Before starting, it is important that all participants agree on the basic rules and expectations for the session. Then, sit around the Ouija board and gently place your fingers on the planchette, making sure all participants touch it lightly. Close your eyes for a few moments, take some deep breaths, and focus on the session's purpose. Create an atmosphere of calm and respect, ensuring everyone is ready to take the experience seriously.
4.3. Introductory phrases to invite spirits
To initiate communication, start with respectful and clear introductory phrases. Here are some examples:
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"Benevolent spirit, we invite you to communicate with us tonight."
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"We seek to contact a spirit who wishes to share a message with us."
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"If a spirit is present, please move the planchette to indicate your presence."
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"We welcome you with respect and hope to receive your messages."
It is essential to use a respectful and calm tone to establish positive contact with spirits.
4.4. What never to do with a Ouija board
Certain actions must absolutely be avoided when using a Ouija board:
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Do not intentionally push or pull the planchette. Let it move freely.
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Never ask how or when someone will die. This can attract negative energies.
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Never use the Ouija board if you are emotionally unstable, depressed, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Always move the planchette to "goodbye" to close the session. Never leave the board open and unattended.
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Do not treat the session as a game or joke. The Ouija board should be used with seriousness and respect.
Also, to minimize the risk of bad experiences, follow these tips:
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Make sure all participants are calm, positive, and ready to take the session seriously.
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Crystals, prayers, or incantations can be used to protect the participants and the space.
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Start each session by clearly setting your intention to contact only benevolent spirits.
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If the planchette starts moving erratically or aggressively, end the session immediately.
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Note all questions and answers. This can help analyze the experience and detect patterns or anomalies.
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Take breaks if necessary: If the atmosphere becomes tense or if someone feels uncomfortable, take a break or end the session.
5. How to Interpret the Answers?
5.1. Reading the Messages
During a Ouija session, messages form by the planchette moving over the letters and numbers on the board. Participants should note each letter indicated by the planchette to form words and sentences. It is important to remain patient and not rush the process. Often, messages can be fragmented or difficult to understand immediately, but by taking careful notes, you can reconstruct the full messages after the session. It is helpful to designate one person as a scribe to record the letters and words formed by the planchette.
5.2. Understanding the Movements of the Drop
The planchette can move in different ways, and it is crucial to understand these movements to correctly interpret the messages. If the planchette moves slowly and smoothly, it may indicate a clear and strong connection with the spirit. Rapid or jerky movements can indicate uncertainty or disruption in communication. Sometimes, the planchette may move in circles or hesitate over certain letters, which can mean the spirit is trying to clarify a point or find a precise answer. The key is to stay attentive and patient, allowing the planchette to move freely under the light pressure of the participants' fingers.
5.3. Interpreting Signs and Symbols
Besides letters and numbers, the planchette can indicate other signs or symbols on the board, such as "yes," "no," "hello," and "goodbye." It is crucial to consider these indications to correctly interpret the messages. For example, if the planchette moves towards "yes" or "no," it may directly answer a question asked. If the planchette moves towards "goodbye," it is respectful to close the session, as this may mean the spirit wishes to end the communication.
Sometimes, unusual symbols or movements may appear, and their interpretation may require further reflection or discussion among participants. It can be helpful to consult additional resources on interpreting spiritual signs or to seek advice from someone experienced in using the Ouija board.
6. How to close a Ouija session?
6.1. End the session properly
Properly closing a Ouija session is essential to ensure safety and respect towards the contacted spirits. When you feel the session should end, inform all participants of your intention to close. Make sure everyone agrees to end the session. Then, clearly and calmly ask the spirit to end the communication. Move the planchette to "goodbye" to signal the end of the session. This helps close the communication channel respectfully and safely.
6.2. Thank and release the spirits
Use respectful closing phrases to thank and release the spirits. Here are some examples:
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"We thank you for your communication and your presence tonight."
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"Kind spirit, we thank you for the messages shared. We will now end the session. Goodbye."
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"Thank you for your time and guidance. We now release you. Goodbye."
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"We appreciate your help and your answers. We will now close this session. Thank you and goodbye."
These phrases show respect and gratitude towards the spirits, helping to close the session positively.
6.3. Purify the space
After finishing a Ouija session, it is important to perform purification rituals to cleanse the space and protect the participants:
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Pass a lit sage stick around the board, the participants, and throughout the room to purify the space and ward off negative energies.
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Place crystals like Black Tourmaline or Clear Quartz around the room and on the board to absorb residual energies.
You now know everything to properly use a Ouija board. Follow the dos and don'ts carefully and everything will go smoothly. However, be careful not to consider the Ouija as just a "game".
