



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.