ouija

Ouija board questions are some of the most frequent ones I receive. Usually, I try to answer people personally about the Ouija, but I think it's time for an essay regarding the "game." I just can't keep up with all the mail, and this essay should answer everyone's questions.

What is a Ouija Board, exactly?
It's a channelling tool, disguised as a "silly" game owned by Parker Brothers. The word "ouija" is a combination of the French and German words for "yes." I've heard different stories about its true origins, and I'm not certain which is accurate.....but the most frequent story is of two women who were interested in creating a simple way to effectively channel spirits. They would tap on a wall or table, with each tap representing a letter or number. Others became interested and eventually, three people managed to create a board with the alphabet, numbers zero through nine, a "hello" and a "goodbye," and a "yes" and a "no," written on it. They also used a crystal as a "planchette," or the channelling device. They placed their hands on the planchette and spoke aloud, asking if any spirits were present that would like to speak with them. And there you have it.....the first ouija board experience. The name "Ouija Board" is now owned by Parker Brothers.

The origins really aren't important. Most people ask, "Is it for real?" Well, yes it is. Yes, you can effectively channel a spirit by using a Ouija board. Why?... I don't really know an exact answer. My opinion is that spirits are often very eager to speak with and communicate with the living. A person who "plays" with or uses a board is often in a frame of mind that is necessary for contacting spirits- this person is open, is willing to communicate, is willing to allow a spirit to speak with them. When a person has the proper mind set, he or she can contact the spirit realm. The board itself has no special powers, no "magickal" powers. The person using it makes the difference in what happens.

So, what happens when you use the Ouija, what can you expect, how should you use it? I'll offer some answers to the most frequently asked questions.....

How does it work?
Psychologists (many are idiots) say that a person subconsciously moves the planchette across the board, spelling out desired answers to their own questions. A "muscle reflex" allows this to happen, and every person who uses a Ouija board is simply, subconsciously, communicating with him or herself (yeah, that's an intelligent philosophy).
No, this is not true, in my opinion. To me, this sounds much more ridiculous than believing spirits move a person's hand across the board.
A person who is seriously seeking spiritual contact sits quietly with the Ouija board (often, two or more people work with it together). They each place the fingertips of one hand on the planchette, very lightly, barely touching, and ask questions directed toward any spirits which may be present. The spirit, or spirits, will then use the hands of the "players" and channel answers to their questions, moving their hands across the appropriate letters and numbers to spell out words.

Why does it work?
Again, I have no exact answer. If you are willing to communicate with spirits, you can be successful in channelling a spirit with a Ouija board- or channelling in any way, for that matter. Even if you are not open-minded about the situation, you can still contact a spirit and channel it.

Can I become possessed by a spirit?
Yes. But possession isn't quite like Hollywood's idea of possession. Possession may begin as a partial possession. Example: you effectively channel a spirit. This spirit is interested in communicating with you and never leaves you- even though, at first, you may not be aware it does not leave you. You might find yourself thinking of this spirit often, unable to concentrate fully on daily life. You might notice the spirit seems to be trying to feed you thoughts even while you are away from the Ouija board. You may begin to dream of spirits, or have nightmares. You might notice that you sometimes speak out of turn or say things you don't mean. You might notice that you have a desire to use the Ouija board often to contact this spirit. You might begin to spend more time with the Ouija than with friends or family.
This can be the beginning of spirit possession. A spirit slowly enters your thoughts, hovers about you, and never seems to leave. The spirit may be interested in eventually gaining your full attention, complete trust, and want to use your body for complete possession. Yes, this can happen, and has happened to some. Eventually this person might become plagued with negative thoughts, find that the spirit is speaking through him or her, find him or herself saying things he or she would never say, suddenly begin to think about death or harming him or herself, find that concentration on work or school is impossible, find him or herself moving hands and arms quickly and uncontrollably at times. A spirit is perfectly capable of affecting a person in this way.
The thing Hollywood does not tell you is that you are in control.....at least at first. You will feel and sense a spirit that wants your full attention. If you don't like it, you can demand that it leaves you alone.

Will all spirits want to possess me?
No. A malicious spirit, or a demon, might attempt such things. But many spirits are kind and helpful. Many are just interested in some companionship. Many want to share secrets with you, or give you knowledge you might not find in the physical realm.

How do I know if a spirit is malicious or helpful?
Your state of mind should be your first concern. Why do you want to use a Ouija board? Are you just interested in seeing if it will "work?" Are you just playing games and trying to scare yourself or your friends? If so, don't expect to contact a helpful, or even a kind spirit. The angry spirits, the mischievous spirits, and the liars will probably be hovering around a person with intentions of playing a silly game.
If you are wanting to use the Ouija board to contact a spirit guide, or contact any spirit that might be willing to share knowledge with you, or want to enchance your ability to channel and possibly enhance your divination skills, etc., then you are the person who will contact a positive spirit. Yes, you can still encounter a negative spirit, but you will sense this and can ask the spirit to leave your presence.

Where do I use the Ouija?
Go somewhere quiet and comfortable. Don't take a trip to a "haunted" area or a cemetery (unless you are well versed in the art of conjuring, or channelling- but most of these people won't be using Ouija boards). You'll just be opening yourself up to mischief in this way. Don't go to a place where a person was killed or where an accident occurred. Spirits in these places may be confused or angry.
Stay at home or at a friend's home. Go to your room or in your living room when it's quiet and peaceful. Be comfortable, play soft music if you like, turn off the lights and light some candles. Burn some incense. Burn protection incense if it will help you to feel more comfortable. Sprinkle some herbs around you if you enjoy herbs and if they make you feel comfortable. Make an herb satchel for the occasion, with your favorite herbs, and set it nearby as you work with the Ouija. Do whatever you want in order to have peaceful, comfortable environment.

What if I'm freaked out, will I get possessed?
First, why are you frightened? If the whole situation- working with spirits- is unsettling, then why are you even working with a Ouija board? Put it away or get rid of it, you shouldn't even be messing with it. What are your real intentions? If they are postive, then you shouldn't even be frightened.
Yes, negative energies seem to gravitate to frightened or stressed individuals. If you are frightened, the malicious spirits that might be near could possibly try to control you. But remember, this doesn't happen like the movies. Your head won't spin, you won't puke pea soup, you won't do a spider walk down the stairs, and a priest won't have to come and fling holy water on you. You won't channel the voices of people in "hell" or have words appear on your skin. I'm sure this type of possession is "possible" yes. I'm sure if a person is driven long enough by a malicious spirit, he or she can eventually be totally controlled by the spirit.
But spirits don't just jump into your body and take over (again...possible, yes...likely with a Ouija, no). It will be subtle and affect your thoughts at first, as mentioned earlier. If you feel this, then ask the spirit to leave your life for good. You will have control.....you just need to be aware so you can remedy your situation.

Will I be possessed if I'm alone?
Being alone doesn't make you more "open" to possession, unless you are frightened. It's a myth. If your state of mind is positive, you'll be fine.

Will it "work" if I'm alone?
It depends. If you are sensitive to the spirit realm, yes it can definitely "work" if you are alone. If you are not, yes, you can learn to be sensitive and effectively channel a spirit. If you have prior experience with spirits of any kind, you will be able to successfully work alone with a Ouija board. If it's your first time, and you are positive and open, you might need a few attempts to be successful in contacting and channelling. And, yes, it's possible you will never have success when alone. It depends on you, your experience, your state of mind, your sensitivity.

Should I work with friends?
Yes, it's more likely you will have success. No, I don't know exactly why. Collective energies seem to channel more effectively. Two or more is fine. If you want to work alone, try with a friend at first and when you feel comfortable or establish a relationship with a particular spirit, try it alone if you wish. My personal opinion.....work with friends first. Gain some experience collectively first. Get comfortable first. Gain a relationship with a spirit or spirits first. Then decide if you are okay to work alone.

Should I only do this at night?
It's not necessary, but it seems most have their best success at night. You are able to have a more appropriate atmosphere at night so working at that time, with candles and such, seems most appealing to both the people using the board and the spirits they contact.

Should I believe everything the spirits say?
For the gods sake, no. Have some common sense. Do you think a negative spirit will be telling you truthful things? Doubt it. Are all spirits "nice".......no. So use your head. You will need to develop a relationship with a spirit before you "trust." And if you work with a Ouija only once or twice, listen to what the spirits say, but remember their answers can be lies, or they can be truth. Use your judgement and draw your own conclusions.

Can I ask anything I want?
Yes, but I'd stay away from stupid questions like, "Where is my boyfriend right now?" or "Is he cheating on me?" or "Will I make a lot of money and be rich?" etc. Don't waste a spirit's time with ignorance. Be serious and ask meaningful questions of substance. I mean, sure, ask what you want. But spirits are like you and me....they get annoyed with stupidity, ignorance, and silliness. Ask something serious and be respectful. Use this time to better yourself spiritually, to learn meaningful knowlege....not to be juvenile and bother the spirits with your silly, earthly, boyfriend problems.

Is the Ouija Board you buy at the store the only one that works?
No. Besides, the board doesn't work- you and the spirit you channel does. The board is just a channelling device.
You can make your own. Draw the alphabet in a large circle on a table top, on a piece of cardboard or paper, on a board of some type, or even on a hardwood floor (use chalk or anything else that will wash easily, please). Write the numbers zero through nine in a straight line in the middle of the alphabet circle. Write "hello" and "goodbye" above the alphabet. Write "yes" and "no" below the alphabet. There, you have a channelling board. Now, for a planchette......find a small, light-weight wine glass (or any light-weight glass). Place it upside-down in the center of the board. You're ready for business.
Yes, this works. Yes, I've made a board like this. Yes, it worked just as effectively as the one you buy in the store.
I wouldn't use any of the other boards that some call "imitation Ouijas." Most of them are very colorful and more complex, which can cause confusion. The colors might be a bit distracting and the elaborate setup of the board might also be distracting or confusing. Simple is good.

Yes, you can channel a negative energy. Yes, you can channel a positive energy. Yes, you can become possessed (be reasonable and remember, not like the Exorcist). Yes, you can have a beautiful relationship with a positive spirit. Yes, you can invite a malicious spirit with intentions of harming you or family and friends. Yes, you can annoy a spirit with silliness or ignorance. Be careful and take necessary precautions. Be aware of the spirit's intentions, feel it's energies, and be reasonable when working with a Ouija board.

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