Development:
The modern Ouija board developed from the 19th Century with the rise in popularity of mediumship and spiritualism. Spectators would be entertained by mediums who would appear to communicate with the dead by either entering a trance-like state or by using certain specialist apparatus.
One method of communicating with the spirit world was the use of a round table with the alphabet printed on it and a piece of polished wood. Sitters would ask questions and place their fingers on the wood which would glide from letter to letter to spell out answers. This method was particularly efficient as not only were communications from spirit both quick and accurate, but also provided the possibility for anyone to make contact with the dead without the need of mediumship skills or the service of a professional spiritualist.
Businesses saw the potential for such items and manufacturing evolved from the mass productions of planchettes to the standard Ouija boards we know today.
The Ouija Board and its use:
The modern board consists of a material such as wood, hardboard or cardboard. The alphabet is printed across it, as well as numbers 0-9 and the words "yes," "no" and "goodbye." The board also includes a planchette which is usually a smooth, heart shaped object.
The board is used by placing it on an even surface with all the participants sitting around it. The ideal number of participants is three to four and it is not recommended that just one person use the Ouija board. The planchette is placed in the middle of the board and each participant puts a finger on the planchette. Questions should then be directed at the board and the planchette may move and give a response. The planchette may move very slowly or the letters spelt out may not make any sense. When the session is finished, the planchette is moved to "goodbye".
How the Ouija Board Works:
There are a number of theories as to how the Ouija board works:
- Spiritualists believe that the Ouija board provides spirits with a way to communicate. Spirit is channelled through the board and uses the collective energies of the participants to push the planchette to spell out its communications.
- Parapsychologists believe that the collective subconsciousness of the Ouija board participants is what effectively moves the planchette. Participants are tapping into their subconscious and the planchette is moving without there conscious knowledge.
- Sceptics and non believers of course argue that there is no paranormal activity involved and that one or more of the participant purposely moves the planchette.
Good v. Evil:
I do not have black or white answer to whether a Ouija board is a good tool for mediumship or the tool of the Devil as some would claim! I can only judge from past experience and stories told to me by others. Personally, I have never had a bad experience with a Ouija board and I look upon this tool as you would any other.
If someone is killed in a car accident, you would not blame the car and call it evil, you would blame the recklessness of the person driving the car. The same can be said about a Ouija board. Silliness and irresponsibleness will only attract malevolent spirits. Saying that, I am incredibly cautious if using a board and make sure I use cleansing and protection rituals before and during any Ouija sessions. I also work closely with my spirit guide to ensure further protection.
In my seven years of retailing experience, I have never recommended to anyone to use a board as I believe this is a personal choice and inevitably, your responsibility. Only you can decide whether you are fully prepared to safely use a Ouija board and if you have any doubts at all about using the Ouija board you shouldn't.
With over seven years experience, I have been running the online store Spirit Adventures.co.uk which specializes in new age supplies and Witchcraft & Wiccan items. Orders can be made online at http://www.spiritadventures.co.uk. The store is based in Kent (UK).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Tanner
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