The Ouija Board

Facts and Information

The name ouija apparently comes from "oui" and "ja", the French and German words for "yes". The Ouija Board is thus a "yes-yes" board - slightly strange given that it is more normally asked to reply to "yes-no" questions. Some say that the name actually arose because the inventor wrongly believed "ouija" to be an Egyptian word for "luck". Another possibility is that the name derived from the Moroccan city of Oujda.

What is a Ouija Board?

A Ouija Board consists of a smooth surface - originally polished wood, more likely plastic on the ones you can buy today - on which are marked the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 1 to 10 and the words "Yes" and "No". In addition there is some form of indicator, which can be as simple or elaborate as desired so long as it will move smoothly across the board. An upturned glass is used by some scryers however this is not recommended because of the risk of it shattering.

Unlike many forms of scrying, the Ouija Board is designed for use by multiple sitters at the same time. It makes an unusual party event and in the 19th century was very popular with spiritualists and at seances.

The board is placed on a table around which all the participants sit. If desired, lights can be dimmed etc in order to heighten the atmosphere. The pointer is placed on the board and everyone rests one finger gently on top of it. The sitters ask questions and, hopefully, the pointer will move around.

Those of a spiritualist or mediumistic persuaion believe that Ouija messages are sent from spirits. Others see the board as simply a tool harnessed by the power of the psychic. Skeptics tend to believe the whole thing is a result of fraud and the ideomotor effect.

Dangers

Ouija board divinations are visually interesting and can produce some tension as the answer is slowly spelled out. Perhaps for that reason the Ouija Board has appeared in many TV shows and movies, most memorably in The Exorcist and Witchboard. Such movies usually portray usage of the board as dangerous.

Personally I have no problem with the board, I tend to see such things as a tool; it's the users we have to worry about! However I've met many mediums and sensitives who refuse to use ouija boards or even remain in the room when they're being used.

Trust your instincts and do whatever's best for you.