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As many of you know, I have a tremendous interest in spiritualism and how the whole field of paranormal investigation began here in the US. A very important part of that history was mediumship.
Mediums used many tools during the hey day of spiritualism – from tarot cards and spirit trumpets – to spirit boards.
Yes, spirit boards.
Ouija is a brand name, not the name of the board. The name ouija is trademarked by Hasbro. Spirit boards were introduced as a parlor game in 1890. It wasn’t until their use by mediums during WW1 that they were seen as being associated with the occult – and it wasn’t until a spirit board made an appearance in the Exorcist that it was associated with demonic possession.
I own many spirit boards. Personally, I have never had a run in of the paranormal nature using one. It is my opinion that if you are going to use ANY TOOL to communicate with the other side, you should be ready for any repercussions. Be it a K2 meter, a digital voice recorder, a camera, a dowsing rod, a pendulum – what ever you fancy.
That being said, the entire reason I’m writing this, is because one of the designs on t-shirts I sell is that of a spirit board. I am fascinated with their history, and I think many of them are beautiful. They are a large part of what we do and I recognize and appreciate that – hence the design. I feel like every time I post related to it, I get a few, (not many), overly zealous ouija board haters.
FYI, the few times I’ve met people who actually dealt with demonic possession – not one had toyed with a ouija board. In almost all the cases, they had a moment of weakness in their life and a “demon” took advantage, or they were investigating a place they had no business being in. Most of the people I’ve met who have experienced activity after using a spirit board, experienced typical haunt type activity from a entity who had learned to communicate and wanted more – as seen many times using many other methods of investigation.
I have a collection of vintage spirit boards of my own – as well as old spirit photos, tarot cards, etc. None of these things have brought any harm to me or my family. I know – some of you will say, “YET.” – But, I could get in a car accident driving to the post office tomorrow. I can’t dictate my entire life on very slim chances of danger, because they’re everywhere. Truthfully, I feel my space heater or a lit candle pose a greater threat to my safety at home than my collection of occult artifacts.
So, there you have it. My feelings on the Ouija. Expect to be referred to this if you ever question my merchandise designs. 😉
7 Comments
Amy, thank you for posting this, I agree with everything you have said! I have multiple spirit boards (I also collect) and have never experienced any “demonic” activity, or anything bad from having them in my home. The media has corrupted the view of the spirit board. I wish everyone felt this way about boards! <3
Hi Amy,
I agree with you completely! And, even in the spiritual sense, I feel that it’s what we use them for that makes them good or bad. I’ve just started experimenting with Tarot cards, and I always approach my readings coming from a positive place. I’ve never felt threatened or attacked or that my family was in harm. And mamas are very sensitive and aware of anything that would hurt their family! 🙂
Thanks for writing this!
A
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this. I have used the spirit board in my past and have had some luck with it. I don’t know enough really to use it as I was young and the spirit board that we had just vanished one day. (I think it was my mother that got rid of it) I am glad you pointed out that to date you have had no “demonic” happenings with it. I have long felt that I would like to make one but to date that hasn’t happened. Keep up the great work both with the spirit boards and the work with Ghost Hunters I feel that the research you do is very important. Thank you for you.
Joe
Amy,
You said all my thoughts exactly….I feel some people just want to dramatize everything ….I am seriously considering one of those awesome t-shirts of yours!
Amy, thank you so much, I agree with you 100%. As with all of life’s experiences, you get what you bring to it. Spirit boards or Ouija boards get a very bad reputation through urban legends. If you approach it as a “spooky” experience, you might get a playful prankster on the other end. I always joke that when my practical joker husband passes, he’ll spend his time responding to teenage slumber parties that bring out the Ouija boards. As an aside, the now famous Esther Hicks of “Abraham” and “Law of Attraction” fame started their spiritual journey channeling Abraham through a Ouija board, with nothing but inspirational and motivational, positive messages coming through. It all depends on your intent.
Amy, I am so glad you posted this brief history on spirit boards. Many people associate them with evil and they are anything but. As you stated a person can have an experience in many forms not just by using a spirit board. I have never had an issue with mine so I am glad you gave us this information.
very well put, it’s all in how you use what you have, and when it’s your time it could be anything run of the mill!!
I also liked the history of the spirit board, it’s date and origin.