Ouija Boards: Legitimate Portal or Overhyped Party Trick?

Master the art of Ouija board use! This guide offers step-by-step instructions and vital safety tips to enhance your experience and keep it fun. This essential guide covers everything from operation basics to lesser-known facts. Perfect for those who want to engage with a Ouija board but always hesitated out of fear. . .

INVOCATIONOUIJASPIRITUAL

Lya Brk Ujv

1/21/20256 min read

For well over a hundred years, the Ouija board has been a subject of fascination, fear, and skepticism. Some claim it provides a direct line to the spirit world, while others argue it's nothing more than a cleverly marketed psychological trick. If you're on the fence about whether to give it a try, you're not alone. Even seasoned occultists (like me) have reservations. Let’s inspect the science and origins and the supernatural claims surrounding the Ouija board.

A Brief History of the Board That Speaks

The Ouija board was first patented in 1891 during a wave of spiritualism in the U.S. It was marketed as an "intelligent" tool for answering questions through supernatural means. Long before Parker Brothers commercialized it as a toy in 1966, people were already using similar devices—pendulums and automatic writing—to attempt communication with spirits. However, whether the messages are from beyond or just the subconscious mind remains up for debate.

The Science of the "Talking Board"

If you've ever experienced a Ouija session where the planchette seemed to move on its own, you may have fallen victim to the ideomotor effect—an unconscious reflex where small muscle movements cause involuntary action. British physiologist William Benjamin Carpenter first described this phenomenon in 1852, and Harvard psychologist William James later expanded on it. Essentially, your brain believes in the experience so strongly that your hands unknowingly guide the planchette. So, if science is saying it's just your own subconscious at work, why does it feel real? Welp, belief plays a huge role in perception. If you expect something ominous to happen, your mind can amplify random occurrences into seemingly supernatural events. Makes sense, yes?

The Paranormal Perspective: Dangerous or Just Overrated?

Let's address the elephant in the room—the supernatural dangers associated with the Ouija board. The Catholic Church and many exorcists warn against its use, citing it as a tool for demonic communication. In fact, some exorcists claim that 90% of their worst demonic cases stem from Ouija board sessions gone wrong. The concern isn't just about spirits; it’s about opening oneself up to malevolent forces that manipulate and deceive.

On the flip side, skeptics argue that the only real "danger" is psychological—people can convince themselves that they're being haunted, leading to paranoia and distress. There's no empirical evidence proving that spirits or demons are involved, but belief is powerful thing, specifically the impressionable minds of God-followers, as they've been refuted and proven wrong scientifically time and time again. That belief alone can make things feel very real and personal.

In my humble opinion, true demonic possession is as random as winning the lottery. Highly unlikely, but still possible— if you play into it, that is. To me, a Ouija Board would have to be ordained by means of ritual in order for it to wield any invoking power. So, no, you cannot just break open a brand-new Ouija and summon Belial. It just doesn't work that way, grow up.

Should You Give It a Go?

Hesitation is understandable. (presuming you have one that's been enchanted) Unlike controlled spell work and structured conjuring, the Ouija board is unpredictable—you don't know who or what you're inviting in. Even seasoned occultists take precautions when engaging in spirit communication, often relying on ritual protections prior to engagement with a blessed board. Given my own experience and understanding of occultism, there's still a gut instinct to pause; and it's probably a wise decision to refrain from sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. Believe you me, I'm no expert and I don't pretend to be.

Would you roll the dice with the unknown, or do you prefer your spiritual work to be a little more organized? Either way, when it comes to the supernatural, it’s always better to err on the side of caution because no one can fight what they can't see. But, if you ever decide to use a Ouija board, consider doing it under the guidance of experienced practitioners who can provide both spiritual and practical safeguards. Otherwise, you might be opening a door that’s much harder to close.

How to Respectfully and Properly Deactivate and Dispose of a Ouija Board

Take precautionary measures when you’re done with a Ouija board, and want it gone. Before you chuck it in the trash or toss it in the fireplace (bad idea, by the way), let’s talk about the right way to send it off—because when it comes to spirit communication tools, a little respect goes a long way.

STEP ONE: SHOW SOME RESPECT!

You might think of a Ouija board as just a game, but let’s be honest—no one ever dramatically flips over a Monopoly board because they’re afraid of Mr. Moneybags haunting them. The Ouija board, whether you see it as a spiritual portal, a psychological tool, or just a piece of wood, should be handled with care when deactivating and disposing of it. Disrespecting it (e.g., breaking it, mocking it, or burning it) is rumored to invite some… lingering consequences. Let’s avoid that, shall we?

STEP TWO: PROPERLY CLOSING THE CONNECTION

  • If you’ve used the board before, you need to close the session correctly before disposal. Think of it like hanging up a phone call—you wouldn’t just drop the receiver and walk away mid-conversation, especially if the person on the other end might be an entity beyond our understanding.

    To safely close the board:
    1. Move the planchette to “GOODBYE” and say it out loud. This signals the end of communication.

    2. Thank any spirits that may have been present, even if you’re pretty sure no one was listening.

    3. Never leave the planchette on the board after a session—store it separately until you’re ready for disposal. Skipping this step is the metaphysical equivalent of leaving a door wide open in a house you just moved out of—except instead of squatters, you might get an uninvited spiritual guest.

STEP THREE: SAFE DISPOSAL OPTIONS

Now that the connection is officially severed, you have a few respectful ways to dispose of your Ouija board.

1. Bury It (The Traditional Method)

If you want to ensure your board stays gone, burying it is one of the safest disposal methods. Here’s how to do it right:

  • Find a location where the board can decompose naturally, like in the woods or your backyard.

  • Wrap the board and planchette separately in cloth (preferably black) and bury them a few feet underground.

  • Some traditions suggest sprinkling salt over the burial site to purify and neutralize any lingering energy.

It might feel like you’re giving your board a mini funeral, and honestly—you kind of are. But that’s the point! You’re showing respect and ensuring no unfinished business remains!

2. Dismantle and Dispose Separately

If burial feels a little too dramatic for your taste, you can take apart the board and dispose of it in separate trash bins over time. This method involves:

  • Breaking the board into multiple pieces (gently and without anger).

  • Sprinkling salt over the pieces to cleanse them.

  • Wrapping the planchette in cloth and disposing of it separately from the board. This prevents the board from being “reassembled,” at least energetically speaking. It’s the spiritual equivalent of scattering a vampire’s ashes—just a little extra security to ensure it doesn’t find its way back.

3. Donate or Pass It On (Not Recommended)

Only advised if you’re getting rid of the board not because it’s haunted, but simply because it’s not your thing, you can give it away to someone who genuinely wants it. Just be upfront about its history—no one likes surprise hauntings.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do Not Burn It: Despite what horror movies suggest, burning a Ouija board is a terrible idea. Some believe it can release trapped energies or spirits instead of banishing them. If you must get rid of it, opt for one of the safer methods above.

  • Do Not Smash It in Anger: Aggressive destruction can, according to some beliefs, invite negative energy rather than dispelling it. Plus, do you really want to find out the hard way if the board holds a grudge?

  • Do Not Just Toss It in the Trash: Throwing it away without proper deactivation is like leaving a lit candle in an empty house. It’s careless, and you never know what might happen.


THE OBJECTIVE IS TO PART WITH IT PEACEFULLY

Getting rid of a Ouija board isn’t just about physical disposal—it’s about making sure there are no loose ends. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, a little respect never hurts, and taking the right precautions ensures you don’t end up starring in your own real-life ghost story.

So, take your time, follow the steps, and bid your board a proper farewell. When it comes to spirit-related matters, it’s always better to be safe than seriously regretting your choices at 3 AM.