Fellow Wiccans/Pagans, what do YOU think about ouija boards?

Question

Since the ouija board seems to be the "topic du jour"...

What do you think about ouija boards and their use?

Myself, I think that a ouija board is like a telephone on a party line -- even assuming that you're actually talking to somebody, you have NO idea who that entity is, and a mischievious entity could tell you a lot of silly and untrue things.

I look forward to reading your opinions.

Answer 1

The ouija board has been the victim of the mainstream, in that it's been appropriated as a game. Tarot cards have suffered a similar, if less drastic, fate.

My husband and I are both experienced magicians, and we've used a modified ouija board for evoking specific spirits, including Goetic demons. No possession, no getting the "wrong" spirit--in fact, it's been quite effecitve. It's the same as using incense to allow a spirit to have a somewhat physical form--you're giving the spirit something to latch onto in your communication.

The problem is that people *expect* ouija boards to bring up something bad. Even if they don't expect it on a *conscious* level, that expectation still increases the chances of something bad occurring. Additionally, people with absolutely no magical practice under their belts whatsoever are the first ones to use ouija boards to get spooky effects, which just adds to the reputation. You have a bunch of children scaring themselves.

ETA: And of COURSE you're going to get whatever comes in if you just open the thing up. That's why, as with any other tool, you use it in a *focused* manner. The trouble is with the user, not the tool.

Answer 2

Ouija boards are a nice divination tool when used correctly. Let me say that again... WHEN USED CORRECTLY!!! The fact they're sold at Toys R Us as a GAME is not cool. I cannot tell you how many houses I've had to go in and clean out because some stupid kid has gotten together with his/her friends and brought something in they cannot control.

A Ouija board should NEVER be used as a divination tool without a protective circle drawn first. Someone that has power enough to control what is being spoken with should be present also.

Yes, you have to be discerning about what you hear because there are "things" out there that like to mess with you and not everything you hear is going to be true. If you're looking for straight answers, your best tool would be scrying, tarot or runes. They do work, but you have to be careful with the board itself and the information you get.

Answer 3

I'd say you're partly right.

It's more, to me, like going to a postal box and puling out random letters without looking at the address.

If you wished though, you could take the time to do a ritual which would create a certain amount of selectivity and help keep the mischievous entities at bay. Picking up a telephone and dialing numbers at random is not a great way to gain any meaningful information. It's always better to consult a directory first. Rather than using a Ouija board to simply ask questions of the universe, you can use ritual to leave it open to specific individuals.

Answer 4

I had a Ouija Board growing up. My brothers and I played with it all the time as kids. Never had anything weird, strange, or bad happen. I still have the same Ouija board now that I'm married (almost 20 years) and still bring it out once in awhile. Still haven't had anything weird, strange, or bad happen. I go into it asking to speak with someone specific... I ask a few questions for proof of who it is I'm speaking to, and then I go ahead. If I don't get the proof I'm looking for, I say goodbye and put it away. I ask simple questions. It gives simple answers. I don't expect evil. I don't get evil.

Answer 5

Greetings!

Each person has their own "DoorWay"-for some, the Board works just fine, for others, rolling the Bones works, others do automatic writing, etc.

Some people get nothing, nada, zip.

The last time I used one, was about 30 years ago-a friend and I had just decided to see what we might get right then, no special agenda, no special questions-so bang bang! EVERY question got an answer, then, it started answering questions that were not asked, just THOUGHT-

After a few glances at my friend, we both stood up, moved toward the door-the air came alive with what looking like interference waves, swirling through the whole room-

Now, we both had grown up with everything Mystical, and that was just our Families Traditions-we had studied everything we could, and were not easily scared-

We turned and ran.

Haven`t touched one since, but if it works for you-hey! go for it! I prefer Imbas Forosnai, Lucid Dreaming, Divination Rituals-

Do be careful though kids!

/!\

Answer 6

Personally, I believe that a Ouija Board can connect you to spirits, but--I agree with you--since you have no idea who the entity is; what his/her intentions are. . . I won't use them. Playing with a Ouija Board is like playing with fire. If you really want to connect with spirit, there are other, safer ways of doing so.

Answer 7

I believe that Ouija boards are possible conduits into the spiritual world, and as such must be used with caution, since pretty much any spirit may answer. It's how the board is used is what the concern should be. I doubt the board itself is dangerous or beneficial, more inert than active.

Answer 8

Never used one.
I know people that sell Glow in the Dark Ouija boards as a joke. Makes good money from dabblers and wannabes.
Ouija boards remind me of bad 70's horror movies.

Answer 9

Personally, I'm exceedingly wary of any spirit - works. Channelling, speaking with spirits, attempting to get spirits to do your will, etc. I know I can trust my own energy, and I leave it at that. If I can't do something by my own power, I won't do it at all.

Making a connection with spirits is a two way street. As much access as you have to them, they have to you. It opens you up for possible manipulation. I've proven this fact to other pagan/wiccans by having them link with me to probe for something (doesn't matter what, as that's not the point of this test) and then messing with their heads, causing strange sensations and thoughts to appear in their minds.

If I can do that, who knows what an old spirit can manage. It's way too risky.

Ouija boards seem to be a tool used to assist in making the link, for those incapable (or who have difficulty) making the link themselves. Or for those who can't directly understand what the spirit is saying. Tools are helpful, undeniably. But to make the link, regardless of what tools you use, is dangerous.

My body I'll risk. But I don't want people or spirits tampering with my spirit. So I'm very much against them.

Answer 10

I would like to think that they are mearly a toy, a Parlor game to bring out for friends to do. But, it isn't so. I think, as stated, that it opens a door that should stay closed. To many wrong things can go on. It also is a matter of personal beliefs. If you choose not to believe it, then it can't hurt you, right? It scares the boogers out of me though, one was brought into my home, and we had a few little mishaps until we finally got rid of it and did a cleaning.