Ouija Board Basics

The lights are off and the candles lit while you and your friends lean in close around a Ouija board in the hopes of interpreting otherworldly messages. We’ve all had experiences with them before—some of us have had a childhood sleepover ruined by one, or they may have been a catalyst for your favorite horror movie plot. The history of the game, how to use it correctly, and more importantly—how to avoid trickster spirits or spirits with malicious intent, however, is less known to us. Get the Ouija board breakdown so you can enjoy its supernatural adventures rather than curse the day you let it into your home.

Ouija Origins

Despite myths that ancient versions of the Ouija board existed, the invention of the game corresponds to a boost in spiritualism in the late 1840’s. Psychics and mediums first used “talking boards” to legitimize their services, and the Ouija board became a household name when the Kennard Novelty Company decided to capitalize and turn the phenomena into a toy, which was later sold to the children’s toy giant Parker Brothers. Combining the French and German words for ‘yes,’ the name “Ouija” stuck with the brand.

How to Use Your Ouija Board

A board with a planchette might seem pretty self-explanatory, but consider the following tips to get the most out of your Ouija board experience.

1. Set the Mood

It’s all about atmosphere—dim the lights and light a candle. Make sure to turn off any electronic distractions that may interfere with you and your partner(s) ability to concentrate. If you are trying to channel a specific spirit, you can place objects associated with them around the board to help manifest their energy. Respect the souls you are communicating with and use the Ouija board while sober.

2. Be Patient and Polite

Spirits may take some time to manifest, or may not manifest at all. Don’t let this discourage you from trying a Ouija board, be patient and respectful. While asking questions, keep them simple at first and give the spirit and board time to warm up. Stay away from questions such as “When will I die,” in the event the spirit is playing tricks and is trying to worry you wrongfully. Remember to take everything the board shows you with a grain of salt—just because it shows up does not always mean it has to be true!

3. Maintain Control

If you find that the board is answering in crude, obscene, or vulgar ways, slide the planchette to “Goodbye” and close the board. One of the common ways users are taken advantage of by a spirit is the inability to maintain boundaries. Be respectful, yet firm. Remember that you are a part of the experience, not just the vehicle, so play your role and play it well.

4. Properly Close the Board

Another way to avoid disrespecting spirits is properly closing the board after each use. First, thank the spirit(s) for their communications then slide the planchette to “Goodbye” before leaving the board. Respect cannot be emphasized enough while dealing with the spiritual realm—if you and your partner(s) remain respectful and humble throughout your Ouija experience, the chance for a traumatic experience with a malicious spirit is significantly less.

If you are looking for a way to spruce up your evening with friends and family or are merely curious about connecting with the spiritual realm, consider using a Ouija board—with care, intent, and respect!