As many of you know, I have a tremendous interest in spiritualism and how the whole field of paranormal investigation began here in the US. A very important part of that history was mediumship.
Mediums used many tools during the hey day of spiritualism – from tarot cards and spirit trumpets – to spirit boards.
Yes, spirit boards.
Ouija is a brand name, not the name of the board. The name ouija is trademarked by Hasbro. Spirit boards were introduced as a parlor game in 1890. It wasn’t until their use by mediums during WW1 that they were seen as being associated with the occult – and it wasn’t until a spirit board made an appearance in the Exorcist that it was associated with demonic possession.
I own many spirit boards. Personally, I have never had a run in of the paranormal nature using one. It is my opinion that if you are going to use ANY TOOL to communicate with the other side, you should be ready for any repercussions. Be it a K2 meter, a digital voice recorder, a camera, a dowsing rod, a pendulum – what ever you fancy.
That being said, the entire reason I’m writing this, is because one of the designs on t-shirts I sell is that of a spirit board. I am fascinated with their history, and I think many of them are beautiful. They are a large part of what we do and I recognize and appreciate that – hence the design. I feel like every time I post related to it, I get a few, (not many), overly zealous ouija board haters.
FYI, the few times I’ve met people who actually dealt with demonic possession – not one had toyed with a ouija board. In almost all the cases, they had a moment of weakness in their life and a “demon” took advantage, or they were investigating a place they had no business being in. Most of the people I’ve met who have experienced activity after using a spirit board, experienced typical haunt type activity from a entity who had learned to communicate and wanted more – as seen many times using many other methods of investigation.
I have a collection of vintage spirit boards of my own – as well as old spirit photos, tarot cards, etc. None of these things have brought any harm to me or my family. I know – some of you will say, “YET.” – But, I could get in a car accident driving to the post office tomorrow. I can’t dictate my entire life on very slim chances of danger, because they’re everywhere. Truthfully, I feel my space heater or a lit candle pose a greater threat to my safety at home than my collection of occult artifacts.
So, there you have it. My feelings on the Ouija. Expect to be referred to this if you ever question my merchandise designs. 😉
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