Ouiji Boards ...

[RubyRose]

Okay, now, I've been toying with the idea of using an Ouiji board to contact some of my relatives that have crossed over to the other side ... or wherever it is that we go after we have died (I have yet to find a theory that suits) anyway, are there any dangers associated with using an Ouiji board? I know they shouldn't be taken lightly when you attempt you use one ... um, are they associated with the fluffy Bunnies or wanna-be pagans? Sorry, I'm not very clear if or how Ouiji boards fit into the Wiccan practices ... or am I better off doing some other ritual to contact loved ones that have crossed over ... any thoughts or help would be much appreciated ...

[turtlerain46]

I've personally never been fond of them, it is too easy for evil spirits to fool you into thinking you are talking to a loved one. All the people I know who have used them have said that after doing so, they we're followed by bad luck, or in bad cases bad spirits tend to stay in your home. I think that quiji's are best left in the 70's, and I think their are much better ways of contacting your loved ones. That's my expeirience with them anyways, but good luck on making contact anyways

[RubyRose]

Thanks ... um so, what other ways could I contact people that have crossed over, without the aid of the Ouiji Board, as I'm not too keen on unleashing evil nor am I keen on being plagued with bad luck if I do so ...

[Aidron]

Also called spirit boards, these devices have been around for centuries, or longer possibly.

Many believed you are capable of contacting spirits with these devices, whether they be angels or the deceased.

However, my belief is that since we are all connected in a universal link or concious mind, even angels and the deceased as being deceased does not detach them from such, that we tune in to our own subconcious mind and relay the messages with the board.

They are of course not to be taken lightly, as with anything. Mistreat it and it may come back to bite you in the ass, and as always it is best to use caution, especially if you are not overly familiar with what you are exploring or new to the craft. Not because being new denotes you as inferior, but experience is a valuable teacher, something you have not had a chance to learn a lot from if you are new to any aspect or concept.

My best advice is to perform it with white or red candles. Even a combination of both, perhaps within a circle of salt (if you can spare that) or with salt nearby. Sprinkle holy water in a circle and ask whatever you believe in, the god or goddess, angels, faeries, deceased loved ones, to watch over you as you explore this new territory.

They are simply tools of divination for the most part, helping us to better understand the universe we live in and ourselves.

[Aidron]

Evil spirits? :hrmm:

Man created evil, plain and simple. We define the boundaries for both and these are man-made concepts. Observe our animal friends. They kill one another for food, abandon their young, even eat their young. Do they consider this evil? No, they do what they do for their own reasons. To maintain their survival, the survival of their species, or for whatever other reason.

So leave the evil spirits concept at the door, otherwise I would not even advise you to mess with a spirit board as you will manifest your own bad luck and evil spirits.

Know that if you say something wrong or do something wrong by accident you are not going to open up a proverbial black hole of infinite evil and be sucked into or bring something forth. If your intent is not there, the magic will not manifest. It's not to say that you should not exercise caution, but often too much caution will be our downfall as we will create negativity and bad situations for ourself.

[RubyRose]

My best advice is to perform it with white or red candles. Even a combination of both, perhaps within a circle of salt (if you can spare that) or with salt nearby. Sprinkle holy water in a circle and ask whatever you believe in, the god or goddess, angels, faeries, deceased loved ones, to watch over you as you explore this new territory.

They are simply tools of divination for the most part, helping us to better understand the universe we live in and ourselves.

Thank you for the advice ...


Evil spirits?

Man created evil, plain and simple. We define the boundaries for both and these are man-made concepts. Observe our animal friends. They kill one another for food, abandon their young, even eat their young. Do they consider this evil? No, they do what they do for their own reasons. To maintain their survival, the survival of their species, or for whatever other reason.

So leave the evil spirits concept at the door, otherwise I would not even advise you to mess with a spirit board as you will manifest your own bad luck and evil spirits.

Know that if you say something wrong or do something wrong by accident you are not going to open up a proverbial black hole of infinite evil and be sucked into or bring something forth. If your intent is not there, the magic will not manifest. It's not to say that you should not exercise caution, but often too much caution will be our downfall as we will create negativity and bad situations for ourself.

Raven WindSong
It was never my intention to mock evil spirits or even make out that it was a "concept". I don't know much about Paganism, and Wicca, I don't claim to either, as I'm learning, I realise I may put things down in the wrong way, and for that I am sorry.

One thing though, is everyone just out to get me, because, I feel like I'm being put down just because I'm new and don't know what's right and what's wrong ... if I phrase things wrongly, it is just that, I'm new and don't know any different ... once again, I'm sorry ...

[RubyRose]

Another thing, how do we learn, if not for the mistakes we make along the way ... !?

[Aidron]

There is no need to apologize for phrasing things in a less than ideal way you would have after looking back on it.

However, as for being new, no one is putting you down. I have seen many threads you have been apart of and come across as feeling this way, yet no one in my mind has done so. I think perhaps you are just feeling insecure and letting it get the best of you.

Still, I never said anyone was mocking evil spirits. I do not believe in evil spirits as evil is a man-made concept, thus there is nothing to mock. Simply, do not enter into anything with the concept of evil things lurking somewhere out there, as you will only manifest your own misfortune, then attempt to blame it on something such as an evil spirit. The same can be said of satan. Just realize that a few words wrong here or there or working with a spirit board will not curse you or conjure up vile things. I've gotten many words wrong over the years from a result of being tongue tied and explored spirit boards fairly well. I have never had a result of bad luck because of either. It's very easy to fall into a victim mentality as though something is causing your woes, so I never advise anyone to place blame on anything else without proof. Most often it is us which is causing our problems due to our insecurities, fears, doubts, worries, and so forth.

Oh and mistakes are what will help you learn along the way. Best of all though is when you can learn from others' mistakes so that you may absorb the wisdom without going through the nightmare of experiencing the mistake.

[RubyRose]

There is no need to apologize for phrasing things in a less than ideal way you would have after looking back on it.

However, as for being new, no one is putting you down. I have seen many threads you have been apart of and come across as feeling this way, yet no one in my mind has done so. I think perhaps you are just feeling insecure and letting it get the best of you.


Thanks. Um, maybe I've just let things get to me a bit more than usual. So, Sorry, it's not my intention ... just the way this are coming across to me lately ... as for feeling insecure ... that's probably it, or I'm just feeling, a little unsure about things, either way ... I think you hit the nail on the head ...

Oh and mistakes are what will help you learn along the way. Best of all though is when you can learn from others' mistakes so that you may absorb the wisdom without going through the nightmare of experiencing the mistake.

Yes, I do admit, that is the best way to learn, but failing that, as the old saying goes, you have to crawl before you walk ... so questioning and questioning, is always best in my opinion ...

[Marchosias]

Personally, I haven't had ANY luck with Oujji boards, "good", "bad", or indifferent.

/me shrugs

[Aidron]

Don't worry about it Ruby. It takes far more than that to ruffle this Raven's feathers. ;)


If you are truly interested in spirit boards how about making your own. I did and had greater success with it than the store-bought ones, which was unsurprising of course.

Fashion it from a piece of scrap wood if you want, maybe varnish or paint it even. Try to include each letter, the numbers 1 - 9, yes, no, hello, and goodbye. Alternatively if you could replace hello and goodbye with merry meet and merry part.

I painted various symbols for divination and protection on mine, and was actually a door from an old chest that just fell to pieces.

Whatever you do, make sure the top is very smooth, which means you may need to sand, seal or vanish at least the top and if you do paint, apply very thin layers. Acrylic paint works great for this and is what I use in almost every craft project.

As for the pointer, you could be endless with ideas. They need not have a glass or plastic circle and it could merely point to the various parts of the board without magnifying or hovering over them. I honestly forget what I used, though I'm sure it involved a recycle Pringle's cans. I'm forever converting those things into new stuff.

[RubyRose]

Thanks for the tip, Raven

[Calzaer]

The problem with Oija boards is that they're the dark alley shortcut of the divination world.

You see, in order to divine with Tarot, or Runes, or Geomancy, or pretty much anything else that actually opens a thread to the astral (as opposed to Magic 8-Balls), you need to have some clue as to what you're doing. Normally, people who have that clue also know how to protect themselves and are therefore not the best meals for Malevolent Astral Entities.

Ouija boards, on the other hand, not only require no training to use, they DIRECTLY access a random astral critter to get answers, AND they're most popularly used by 14 year old girls at slumber parties.

Astral entities aren't dumb. They know an Ouija-signature when they see one, and go "Hey! I'm very likely to find a young, defenseless, gullible human on the other end of that thing! Yummy!" and bad things ensue.

A skilled practitioner who CAN defend him/herself doesn't usually have much to worry about, but again, it's like the dark alley shortcut. The layman will get jumped by thugs, and the martial artist could beat up the thugs, but knows it's better not to walk down the dark alley in the first place.

And in the end, the answers you get from an Ouija board are no more reliable than the answers you'd get asking a random Joe off the street the same question. Because, on an astral level, that's exactly what you're doing. Remember: just because they're immaterial doesn't mean they're smart.

[turtlerain46]

I guess I just feel that quiji carries too much bad karma. They have become way too comercialized (milton bradley), so you get alot of kids just playing around with the spirit world which opens a can of worms that is hard to close, but in the end Ruby it going to be up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

[cloud]

i've used one of the cheap parker brother's versions several times with a few of my friends. we've only really had a problem once when there was a tad bit of negative energy floating around, but it dissapated shortly after we quit using the board. also, on the good note, we seem to speak with teh same 12 or so spirits everytime we use it, and they predicted my friend getting pregnant, and she's now pregnant. they've told us a few other things that've happened also. and they seem to keep an eye on us... strange though. so i guess i have a good experience with it. just use some common sense. :)

[RubyRose]

just use some common sense.

Exactly what I was thinking

[Mau]

"or in bad cases bad spirits tend to stay in your home."
Been there, done that..YUCK. I haven't touched a Ouji board in 11 years..just remember to not take it too lightly..and practice precaution with those things. They can be helpful, but as with any tool..use discretion. :D

[cloud]

"or in bad cases bad spirits tend to stay in your home."
Been there, done that..YUCK. I haven't touched a Ouji board in 11 years..just remember to not take it too lightly..and practice precaution with those things. They can be helpful, but as with any tool..use discretion. :D
had that happen for 2/3 weeks. wasn't fun. :ugh:

[Prudence Rose]

to be honest I used to be interested in Oija boards until I read a bunch of stuff about them that creeped me out. If you really want to use one though, try putting a protection spell over the board you use that should hopefully help.

[RubyRose]

to be honest I used to be interested in Oija boards until I read a bunch of stuff about them that creeped me out. If you really want to use one though, try putting a protection spell over the board you use that should hopefully help.


Thanks for the suggestion ...

[lauren]

I myself have also been interested in Ouija boards for some time, altho too scared to ever use or make one. I would be too scared that evil spirits managed to get in somehow, and everyone I have known who has used one has advised against it saying they feel they have been followed their whole lives. I dont want that.

Then again, maybe they didnt use them properly as most people just dive right into them, without thinking to protect themselves. I think if I was ever going to do one, I would craft it myself, and use it inside a circle of protection/purity (salt or other) and use a protection spell upon myself and the house beforehand.

Good luck to you, though and I hope u can make contact with those you want to :)

[cloud]

you're on the right track yourself lauren. if you're scared though, you're just asking for trouble.. ;)

[lauren]

you're on the right track yourself lauren. if you're scared though, you're just asking for trouble.. ;)

Heh...true enough. I think thats why I would never do it, really.
The idea still intrigues me though and I love reading about it.

[cloud]

some people can't even use it as a divination tool, so maybe nothing would happen. :) curiosity got me after many years, and i tried it. the spirits i've spoken with have done nothing but tell me of things that will happen in the short term future(and oh have they happened) and simply say hi. of course they do tell some tall tales. heh. and jokes too. :lol:

[lauren]

Awww...thats really cool. Consider yourself lucky :)

[RubyRose]

you're on the right track yourself lauren. if you're scared though, you're just asking for trouble.. ;)

Interesting ... maybe I'll put it off ... until I understand everything a little more ...

[Silver_Undine]

I've used a Oiuji board twice. One of the times it seemed like someone or something was impatient with me and my friends because we kept asking a question over and over again. Other than that I haven't had any strange happenings.

[RubyRose]

:lol: Thanks. I think I'll investigate more, before I decide whether or not, I want to use one.

[bloodstone]

I'm new to the Pagan path, but I have used Ouija boards before and refuse to come close to them. I used them as a child innocently and was very scared, because doors slammed, things fell off shelves, the sound of extremely loud wind came through my house(with no actual wind), floor boards started creaking to the point where they sounded like they would break and needless to say I was scared. I didn't necessarily have a bad experience, but it did scare me. And my best friend has messed with one before for fun and her and the friends she was doing it with got scratches all over their bodies.

I'm not saying not to use one, just be sure you know what you're doing first.

[fallen one]

For some reason the last time I played the ouija board nothing happened. Now, before jumping into conclusions, I do believe in it and wished it would work when I play it. The only thing that I would have to say that did happen was nightmares. I dont mean your usual nightmares. The second time I played it nothing happened and ofcoarse I had the grotesque nightmares. Similar ones but not the same. Any input as to why the damn ouija board doesnt work when I play it? Please dont tell me that I dont believe in it enough either because I have gotten that false statement too many times. :smoke:


_________________________

As I was walking up the stairs
I met a man who was'nt there
He was'nt there again today
Oh how I wish he'd go away

[Teshuva3D]

I myself have also been interested in Ouija boards for some time, altho too scared to ever use or make one. I would be too scared that evil spirits managed to get in somehow, and everyone I have known who has used one has advised against it saying they feel they have been followed their whole lives. I dont want that.

Then again, maybe they didnt use them properly as most people just dive right into them, without thinking to protect themselves. I think if I was ever going to do one, I would craft it myself, and use it inside a circle of protection/purity (salt or other) and use a protection spell upon myself and the house beforehand.

Good luck to you, though and I hope u can make contact with those you want to :)
I've had negative experiences using the quija..and I must say that your idea of one creating one's own sounds safer..at least I could comfort myself by using something crafted from my own energies..thus hopefully impervious to alien(entity) interference which may be detrimental(and,or uninvited)..but as far as the commercially crafted quija..I swore that off a long time ago.. :rolleyes:

[bloodstone]

Fallen One, don't know why it didn't work when you used it. I played with them several times as a child with success, but always needed at least two people. And that just produced the normal thing moving around the board.

When I had the experience with actual....somethings, it was because my mom's roommate had my sister, him and I all partake in a seance he directed. That's when things got scary. And we didn't use the Ouija in the normal way, like asking it questions and having it answer them. He just called spirits to come, asking for "good" ones(there was more to it than that, but I don't want to go into it). He then tried to get us to call and evil spirit, but my sister and I wouldn't go for it. I was petrified as is by the "good" ones.

So, my only question is whether or not you're trying to use it by yourself. I've never been able to use it by myself.

[Romani Vixen]

They're tools... that have been misused wayyy too often and thus have a very bad reputation.

There's a basic principle that a good friend taught me. Calling up spirits is like walking in on people having sex. Some won't care... some don't like it!!!!

Thus, I let spirits come to me if they want to! :)

FalconSong

[missy]

Hello Ruby, I myself are newly getting into divination and am currently reading a book by Scott Cunningham called Divination for beginners: Reading The Past, Present &Future. It has/is helping very much. I rented it from my local library. As for the ouiji board thing, I did it when I was young and had a very bad experience with it and havent touched it since. I dont reccomend it, but if you are going to use it PLEASE use extreme caution and cover all your bases before you start.
Hope this helps some.
Blessed be:D

[RubyRose]

Thanks all for the help. I still maintain that I'll put it off, until I'm more comfortable about calling upon Spirits and the like. I realise some people may say, that there's no harm in using an Ouji board, while others, will tell you to steer clear of them until you know how to handle such power and knowledge of the otherwise unknown. So for now, I'm going to concentrate on reading and learning as much as I can about the do's and donts of an Ouji board before I make that leap. Thankyou all again.

[Goddess Rhiannon]

I don't use them. In my opinion it is way to easy to allow evil in and far too difficult to remove it. My sister used to use them when we were growing up...so many disturbing things happened in that house as a result of it.

[Calzaer]

Calling up spirits is like walking in on people having sex. Some won't care... some don't like it!!!!

It's better than that. It's like walking in on people having sex and then asking them some really inane question like "Does the boy in my english class like me?"

[RubyRose]

It's better than that. It's like walking in on people having sex and then asking them some really inane question like "Does the boy in my english class like me?"

:lol:

[MoonChild78]

I've had really really weird stuff happen when it comes to a Ojiia board. I can't explain it but just weird stuff. One time that sticks in my mind was a time that my friend and I were just "playing" with it, neither one of us took it very seriously, but when we put it under her bed at night, in the morning it would be in the middle of the floor again. And this happen for 3 nights in a row before she called a more experienced witch for advise. Needless to say, we don't play with the Ojiia anymore. I don't know, I think that they are wierd and they give me an eery feeling now. that's just my input.

[Kes]

It's been a while since I've dealt with Ouija boards or known anybody who used them.

Pardon if I'm mistaken, but aren't the spirits supposed to move the little plastic indicator more or less with your hands? Aren't you pretty much inviting them into your body, no matter how small an opening it might be?

I'm really of the opinion that things like that are best left alone. Generally if I need to talk to somebody who has passed on, I'll receive a message in a dream, and if I don't then it's because I didn't actually have to talk to them in the first place.



As far as "evil" spirits go. I don't necessarily think that "evil" is an inherent aspect of anything, anymore than something can be "good" without equivalent context. However, for our purposes, describing a spirit as "evil" is valid because the spirit could have intent to harm. While a better word might be "dangerous" or even "malevolent", "evil" works just fine for the circumstance, even if it is a little imprecise.

[Nygel]

Raven is right. You are not going open a portal to Hades or anywhere else with a Ouija board. Your risk of "possession" is very minimal. More likely is "obsession". If you are not of healthy mind the board can seem very mystical and friendly to you causing you to spend more and more time with it. You don't want end up a two dollar ouija "whore" looking for the next fix. I know it sounds funny but it can happen. If you are going to use it, it is best to use it with a trusted friend. I would advise against using it, not because it's evil, but because you won't be talking with your relatives from "the other side". You will be talking to your own subconsious 99% of the time.

This is an area left best to a tried and tested medium.

For what it is worth, that's my advice.

[Rain Gnosis]

By using a ouija board you're inviting spirits to speak to you. At best you can use a protective circle and consecrate the ouija board to keep some of the nastier stuff out, and even then one hopes that it works.

Ouija boards tend to attract lower-level entities that are looking for someone to spook, especially if you happen to be one of those people who are playing it as a game, or who expect to be spooked by some nasty demon.

As Nygel said, it can be addictive to think you know every tidbit of the future. However, as in any form of divination, one should remember the future is not set in stone - even assuming you get a truthful, positive spirit, what they predict may change. Just as when you throw tarot cards - they suggest what is likely to happen given current circumstances, and yet the future can change as it becomes the present.

The spirits don't move your hands at least in my experience. I tend to visualize a spirits hands on the planchette with mine.

[RubyRose]

Hhmmm. I'd still like to have a go at using one. Not that I'm taking it lightly or anything, but Ouiji Boards have always intrigued me, but I've been frightened of them at the same time. But first, I'd have to own an Ouiji Board, and I don't at this point in time.

[Nygel]

Hhmmm. I'd still like to have a go at using one. Not that I'm taking it lightly or anything, but Ouiji Boards have always intrigued me, but I've been frightened of them at the same time. But first, I'd have to own an Ouiji Board, and I don't at this point in time.

If you are still interested in using one I would do the following:

1. Obtain a round table and A pack of Index Cards. Write a letter of the alphabet on each card, Write a numbe 0-9 (always one character per card) and then write yes and no each on their own card.

Arrange the alphabet, numbers, yes and no around the rim of the table.

2. A small glass can serve as your "pointer". Overturn it on the table. Each person lays a finger on the glass and yes, it will move to the correct card.

I like this method because if you know a simple banishing/cleansing ritual you can use it to cleanse the items after you are done and then use them in everyday life. If you don't know a banishing ritual I would "NOT" use these items for any other form of "Magick", (don't use your favorite chalice, don't use the table as an altar.)

If you are not wanting to expend this effort do not buy a "parker brothers" wal-mart ouija. Not that they won't work, but they are just cheesy. Since this something that you will most likely only buy once, spend a few dollars more and search online for a planchette. This would be just the pointer with a pencil that affixes to the middle. These are much more interesting than the ouija and much closer to "automatic writing. They can draw pictures, write in other languages. Cool stuff!

Now, if you should summon something accidently or "a force" takes control of your ouija. DO NOT BURN IT UNLESS DIRECTED TO BY A BANISHING RITUAL. I wouldn't even burn it then. The safest method for disposal is to bury it on consecrated ground (Edge of cemetary, church, etc).

If it goes one step further than that and takes up residency in your home, private message me, and I will explain how to rid yourself of that influence.

If it goes even further than that and you "catch" the attention of a preternatural being. Leave me out of it. Just kidding, but keep in mind that any touchy feely new age wicca (no offense meant to anyone) books with unicorns and roses airbrushed on the cover are not going to be able to help you. "Surrounding yourself in the white light of god" will send the being into hysterics and he/she may actually laugh themselves into a different realm. Sending "positive energy" to the goddess will generate a "roar" of laughter from one of these beings and they may show up with more of their preternatural buddies and expect you to perform this type of comedy on a regular basis. You are going to need serious help quick before it kills you. Keep in mind that this is a very minimal, small chance. A chance nonetheless.

Whew! that was a mouthful. Hope you read carefully. I've been in this arena far too long and have seen far too much. My advice is real and sincere.

[RubyRose]

If you are still interested in using one I would do the following:

1. Obtain a round table and A pack of Index Cards. Write a letter of the alphabet on each card, Write a numbe 0-9 (always one character per card) and then write yes and no each on their own card.

Arrange the alphabet, numbers, yes and no around the rim of the table.

2. A small glass can serve as your "pointer". Overturn it on the table. Each person lays a finger on the glass and yes, it will move to the correct card.

I like this method because if you know a simple banishing/cleansing ritual you can use it to cleanse the items after you are done and then use them in everyday life. If you don't know a banishing ritual I would "NOT" use these items for any other form of "Magick", (don't use your favorite chalice, don't use the table as an altar.)

If you are not wanting to expend this effort do not buy a "parker brothers" wal-mart ouija. Not that they won't work, but they are just cheesy. Since this something that you will most likely only buy once, spend a few dollars more and search online for a planchette. This would be just the pointer with a pencil that affixes to the middle. These are much more interesting than the ouija and much closer to "automatic writing. They can draw pictures, write in other languages. Cool stuff!

Now, if you should summon something accidently or "a force" takes control of your ouija. DO NOT BURN IT UNLESS DIRECTED TO BY A BANISHING RITUAL. I wouldn't even burn it then. The safest method for disposal is to bury it on consecrated ground (Edge of cemetary, church, etc).

If it goes one step further than that and takes up residency in your home, private message me, and I will explain how to rid yourself of that influence.

If it goes even further than that and you "catch" the attention of a preternatural being. Leave me out of it. Just kidding, but keep in mind that any touchy feely new age wicca (no offense meant to anyone) books with unicorns and roses airbrushed on the cover are not going to be able to help you. "Surrounding yourself in the white light of god" will send the being into hysterics and he/she may actually laugh themselves into a different realm. Sending "positive energy" to the goddess will generate a "roar" of laughter from one of these beings and they may show up with more of their preternatural buddies and expect you to perform this type of comedy on a regular basis. You are going to need serious help quick before it kills you. Keep in mind that this is a very minimal, small chance. A chance nonetheless.

Whew! that was a mouthful. Hope you read carefully. I've been in this arena far too long and have seen far too much. My advice is real and sincere.

Thanks.