I spend a lot of time on Yahoo! answers in the Mythology & Folklore section, and one of the most common questions asked revolve around the Ouija or Spirit Board.
Most questions are about how to use them safely, or about people's experiences with them. I have used the Spirit Board a few times over the years, and wanted to share my knowledge with the people who are curious about how to use them safely.
First a very very important warning. Ouija Boards CAN BE DANGEROUS! I understand that telling you not to use them may only make you more apt to use it anyway, because it seems exciting, or you are a skeptic. Whatever the reason, it is true that someone is more likely to do something if told not to. That said, Please Please PLEASE head my warning - Do NOT use an Ouija board. Period. If you want to contact relatives or friends who have passed on - try going to a genuine psychic or medium. Or try tarot cards, pendulum, or runes. But please, do not use a spirit board! They can be dangerous to anyone, especially those who do not know how to use them safely.
That said, if you still insist on using it - please at least read my safety guidelines here. They will help protect you from the negativity or downright evil that you may draw to yourself. And yes, it can happen. You should not use the Ouija board unless you are skilled enough to handle the situation if you draw out something evil or sinister. But, like I said before, most of you will still use it anyway. So here are some ways to keep yourself safe....
First some history. The first reported case of the use of something resembling a Spirit Board was in China, around 1200 BC! It was used for divination. But it was in the 19th century in America that the boards became very popular. In the early 1900s (1920s, 1930s) American had a boom in "spiritual" and "occult" practices. Palm reading, tarot cards, and Ouija boards became extremely popular, especially among women. Since then the Ouija board has been both famous and infamous. There are terror stories and urban legends surrounding the Ouija board. Stories of girls slumber parties where they used the board and later they all died terrible deaths.
First some history. The first reported case of the use of something resembling a Spirit Board was in China, around 1200 BC! It was used for divination. But it was in the 19th century in America that the boards became very popular. In the early 1900s (1920s, 1930s) American had a boom in "spiritual" and "occult" practices. Palm reading, tarot cards, and Ouija boards became extremely popular, especially among women. Since then the Ouija board has been both famous and infamous. There are terror stories and urban legends surrounding the Ouija board. Stories of girls slumber parties where they used the board and later they all died terrible deaths.
So if they are so scary, why are they still so popular? Well - for the same reason teens will gathered in a dark bathroom in front of the mirror chanting "Bloody Mary" and hoping to see her ghost, or why people go to horror movies. People enjoy being scared when they are sure nothing "Really" bad will happen.
Well let me tell you, the Ouija board IS DANGEROUS. I advise anyone who wants to use the board to first understand the proper ways to protect yourself.
But protect yourself from what? you ask.
Ouija Boards create a doorway between our world, and the lower planes, also called the Spirit worlds, or the Astral planes. Normally, spirits cannot pass between worlds unless there are doors. These doors are not just Ouija boards, but can be objects tied to spirits, like divination tools, or even times of the year or day, like Samhein (Halloween) or dawn and dusk (known as the twilight times. the times between night and day). Using an Ouija board opens one of these doorways, so spirits can effect the board and converse with you. There is no way to stop evil or negative entities from coming through - the only thing you can do is learn to protect yourself should it happen.
First, how to use the board safely. You will need an Ouija board, obviously. You will also need at least one candle, preferably white, and some incense, either incense sticks, cones, or oils. (You can put incense oils on the top of the candle around the wick. The flame heats the oils and produces the smell). Beginners should NOT use the board alone.
Much of the protection comes from your own instinctual defenses. The more people, the stronger the defense of your own spirits.
The people who participate should always be serious and respectful. If you come to the board distrusting it, or with the intent to move the pointer yourself to scare your friends, you will lessen the protection of the group and your strength against the negativity - it is basically an invite for dangerous spirits. Despite the fact that the Ouija board can be purchased in the game isle of a toy store, does not make it a game!
Do not use drugs, or drink, or use any other form of intoxicant while using the board, for the same reasons, it lowers your mental strength, and thus your ability to hold up mental shields/barriers.
Your mind needs to be clean, clear, and focused. Try not to think negative thoughts. Just focus on the question at hand.
NEVER ask questions about death.
NEVER ask when you, or your friends will die.
NEVER ask the spirit its name or how it died, and
NEVER ask the spirit to show itself. EVER.
One of the most IMPORTANT things to do is to protect yourself mentally and visually. If you are of a Christian religion, then pray for protection, and imagine your guardian angel beside you, or god's love protecting you in a white sphere. If you are more pagan/spiritual - envision yourself wrapped in a glowing white sphere of protective energy. We call this a Shield. (It is also good against psychic attacks). No matter what your religion, visiualizing shields of protecting white light around yourself is OK, and does not go against any rules/tennants/laws of your faith.
You may also speak a prayer, or a rite before you begin, or ask the god and goddess to protect you. Ask whatever higher power, or guardians or spirit guides for protection. Always in your mind envision that protection surrounding you and have pure, solid faith in its protection. Faith is a powerful tool - it creates a very powerful barrier against negativity and evil.
Now you may begin.
Set up the board on a table where all involved can reach it easily without stretching or twisting. Keep your arms relaxed, and put only the lightest pressure on the pointer. Use just your fingertips. ( You may notice that under your fingernails it is pinkish, but if you press down with your fingertips you will get a band of white at the tips from the pressure. Keep an eye on the fingertips of those taking part - if you see this band of white, it might mean they are applying too much pressure, and moving the pointer. Your fingers should be very light on the board. )
Set up the board at night, after the sun has set. I do not recommend using the board during storms, or when it is noisy out or around. It should be calm and quiet.
Watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away. (See steps on closing the board below)
It is best if someone keeps pen and paper to record the answers. Start with simple yes or no questions. It is best if only one person does the talking. Ask the questions in a clear and steady voice. This is the basic first question to ask - "Are there any spirits that would like to speak to us tonight?" Ask simple questions until a spirit contacts you - then you can begin to delve deaper as your learn more about who your are conversing with. It may take time, even 20 or more minutes, before a spirit will come forth. Be patient, and keep 2-4 fingers on the pointer (also called a Planchette) at all times.
Start with simple questions, ones that require just yes or no, or simple answers. Keep pen and paper to write down the answers.
Closing the Board:
This is vital. If you do not close the board down at the end of every session, then you leave the door open for any spirits that want to get in. Closing down the board is closing the door you have made to the lower planes. IT IS VITAL.
To do this, thank the spirits for speaking with you. Wish them peace, and then say goodbye. Wait for the pointer to move to the word goodbye, or spell it out. You can then put the board away and blow out the candle.
However, if the spirit is stubborn and refuses to say goodbye (try saying goodbye two or three times) then move the pointer to Goodbye yourself. In a strong, firm, and demanding voice say "GOODBYE" and "LEAVE" If you feel this is enough, you may put away the board. Or you can slam the pointer down on a hard surface (don't break it) or pass it through the flame of a candle (be very careful, especially if it is plastic. If it is paper or cardboard, just pass it over the top of the candle, or pass it through very quickly so it doesn't catch fire).
Try not to use the board for longer then an hour. It is difficult to keep up your defenses much longer then that, and is also tiring for both you and the spirits.
It is also good to ground and center yourself afterward, as if completing a ritual. Eat and drink something (cake and juice is good), and meditate for a few moments.
Safety note:
The more often you use a board, the stronger the connection gets (which also means the harder to close the door it gets). Spirit boards can be a great way to ask spirits for guidance, get information, or just have fun. But it can become addictive. Try to limit how often you use it. Try not to use it more then once a week.
Also - it is well known that creating magickal tools makes them stronger. My own spirit board is sanded, smoothed and stained cherry wood, with the letters burned in with my wood-burning tool. You can try creating your own as well, even just using cardboard, so long as the surface is smooth so the pointer can easily glide over it.
And lastly, but very important, watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away.
I hope this helps people learn to use the board safely, and answers the questions that many of you have.
Good luck, and Blessed Be!
-Epona Waterlily
Well let me tell you, the Ouija board IS DANGEROUS. I advise anyone who wants to use the board to first understand the proper ways to protect yourself.
But protect yourself from what? you ask.
Ouija Boards create a doorway between our world, and the lower planes, also called the Spirit worlds, or the Astral planes. Normally, spirits cannot pass between worlds unless there are doors. These doors are not just Ouija boards, but can be objects tied to spirits, like divination tools, or even times of the year or day, like Samhein (Halloween) or dawn and dusk (known as the twilight times. the times between night and day). Using an Ouija board opens one of these doorways, so spirits can effect the board and converse with you. There is no way to stop evil or negative entities from coming through - the only thing you can do is learn to protect yourself should it happen.
First, how to use the board safely. You will need an Ouija board, obviously. You will also need at least one candle, preferably white, and some incense, either incense sticks, cones, or oils. (You can put incense oils on the top of the candle around the wick. The flame heats the oils and produces the smell). Beginners should NOT use the board alone.
Much of the protection comes from your own instinctual defenses. The more people, the stronger the defense of your own spirits.
The people who participate should always be serious and respectful. If you come to the board distrusting it, or with the intent to move the pointer yourself to scare your friends, you will lessen the protection of the group and your strength against the negativity - it is basically an invite for dangerous spirits. Despite the fact that the Ouija board can be purchased in the game isle of a toy store, does not make it a game!
Do not use drugs, or drink, or use any other form of intoxicant while using the board, for the same reasons, it lowers your mental strength, and thus your ability to hold up mental shields/barriers.
Your mind needs to be clean, clear, and focused. Try not to think negative thoughts. Just focus on the question at hand.
NEVER ask questions about death.
NEVER ask when you, or your friends will die.
NEVER ask the spirit its name or how it died, and
NEVER ask the spirit to show itself. EVER.
One of the most IMPORTANT things to do is to protect yourself mentally and visually. If you are of a Christian religion, then pray for protection, and imagine your guardian angel beside you, or god's love protecting you in a white sphere. If you are more pagan/spiritual - envision yourself wrapped in a glowing white sphere of protective energy. We call this a Shield. (It is also good against psychic attacks). No matter what your religion, visiualizing shields of protecting white light around yourself is OK, and does not go against any rules/tennants/laws of your faith.
You may also speak a prayer, or a rite before you begin, or ask the god and goddess to protect you. Ask whatever higher power, or guardians or spirit guides for protection. Always in your mind envision that protection surrounding you and have pure, solid faith in its protection. Faith is a powerful tool - it creates a very powerful barrier against negativity and evil.
Now you may begin.
Set up the board on a table where all involved can reach it easily without stretching or twisting. Keep your arms relaxed, and put only the lightest pressure on the pointer. Use just your fingertips. ( You may notice that under your fingernails it is pinkish, but if you press down with your fingertips you will get a band of white at the tips from the pressure. Keep an eye on the fingertips of those taking part - if you see this band of white, it might mean they are applying too much pressure, and moving the pointer. Your fingers should be very light on the board. )
Set up the board at night, after the sun has set. I do not recommend using the board during storms, or when it is noisy out or around. It should be calm and quiet.
Watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away. (See steps on closing the board below)
It is best if someone keeps pen and paper to record the answers. Start with simple yes or no questions. It is best if only one person does the talking. Ask the questions in a clear and steady voice. This is the basic first question to ask - "Are there any spirits that would like to speak to us tonight?" Ask simple questions until a spirit contacts you - then you can begin to delve deaper as your learn more about who your are conversing with. It may take time, even 20 or more minutes, before a spirit will come forth. Be patient, and keep 2-4 fingers on the pointer (also called a Planchette) at all times.
Start with simple questions, ones that require just yes or no, or simple answers. Keep pen and paper to write down the answers.
Closing the Board:
This is vital. If you do not close the board down at the end of every session, then you leave the door open for any spirits that want to get in. Closing down the board is closing the door you have made to the lower planes. IT IS VITAL.
To do this, thank the spirits for speaking with you. Wish them peace, and then say goodbye. Wait for the pointer to move to the word goodbye, or spell it out. You can then put the board away and blow out the candle.
However, if the spirit is stubborn and refuses to say goodbye (try saying goodbye two or three times) then move the pointer to Goodbye yourself. In a strong, firm, and demanding voice say "GOODBYE" and "LEAVE" If you feel this is enough, you may put away the board. Or you can slam the pointer down on a hard surface (don't break it) or pass it through the flame of a candle (be very careful, especially if it is plastic. If it is paper or cardboard, just pass it over the top of the candle, or pass it through very quickly so it doesn't catch fire).
Try not to use the board for longer then an hour. It is difficult to keep up your defenses much longer then that, and is also tiring for both you and the spirits.
It is also good to ground and center yourself afterward, as if completing a ritual. Eat and drink something (cake and juice is good), and meditate for a few moments.
Safety note:
The more often you use a board, the stronger the connection gets (which also means the harder to close the door it gets). Spirit boards can be a great way to ask spirits for guidance, get information, or just have fun. But it can become addictive. Try to limit how often you use it. Try not to use it more then once a week.
Also - it is well known that creating magickal tools makes them stronger. My own spirit board is sanded, smoothed and stained cherry wood, with the letters burned in with my wood-burning tool. You can try creating your own as well, even just using cardboard, so long as the surface is smooth so the pointer can easily glide over it.
And lastly, but very important, watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away.
I hope this helps people learn to use the board safely, and answers the questions that many of you have.
Good luck, and Blessed Be!
-Epona Waterlily
1 comments:
im going to use a board at my house and im hoping to use your information to help me out. thanx.
god bless!
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