Exploring the Mystery of the Ouija Board: Is It Safe?
The Ouija board has been a popular and controversial topic for over a century, but its roots can be traced back nearly 200 years. The board is a flat surface printed with letters, numbers, and symbols, and it's used as a tool to communicate with spirits. It has been used for different reasons, including contacting dead loved ones, communing with angels or demons, and exploring spirituality.
In 1852, two sisters from Baltimore, Maryland created a board game called "Ouija." The game became popular in America after an article about it was published in Scientific American magazine in 1890. People began using Ouija boards to contact their loved ones who had passed away or communicate with otherworldly beings like angels and demons. Many people believed that these spirits were real because they felt something supernatural happening while using their Ouija boards.
While some people view the Ouija board as a harmless game, others believe that using it can open the door to evil spirits. The idea behind this is that the board itself moves and spells out words, giving answers to questions asked by users. This is why it's thought that Ouija boards can be used as a way for people to talk with dead relatives or even God himself.
This article aims to explore both sides of the argument surrounding the mysterious Ouija board. We will examine the history of the Ouija board, how it works, and the arguments for and against its use. Additionally, we'll discuss the potential risks associated with using the board and how to use it safely.
History of the Ouija Board
The Ouija board has been around for a long time, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations. However, the modern version of the board that we know today was first patented in 1891 by Elijah Bond, and it quickly became popular during World War I, when it was used by soldiers to communicate with their loved ones back home. The board's name comes from the French word for "yes" (oui) and the German word for "yes" (ja).
According to legend, the Ouija board was created by two sisters from Baltimore, Maryland named Kate and Margaret Fox. They claimed that they could communicate with the dead, and they used a "spirit board" to do so. The spirit board was a precursor to the Ouija board and was made from a table with letters and numbers written on it.
The sisters' spirit board was eventually sold to a man named Charles Kennard, who made some changes to it and patented it as the Ouija board. The board quickly became popular, and Kennard formed the Kennard Novelty Company to manufacture and sell it.
During the 20th century, the Ouija board became increasingly popular and was used for a variety of reasons. People used it to contact their dead relatives, to communicate with angels or demons, and to explore their spirituality. Many people believed that the board was a tool for spirits to communicate with humans, and that it could provide answers to questions that couldn't be answered in any other way.
How Does the Ouija Board Work?
The Ouija board is a flat surface with letters, numbers, and symbols printed on it. One end of the board has an alphabetized grid, while the other end has words or phrases (like "yes" or "no"). You can use your fingers or a pointer device like a planchette (a small heart-shaped piece) to move across this board as you ask questions and receive answers from spirits who are said to inhabit it.
When using the Ouija board, the players place their fingers on the planchette, which then moves around the board as if guided by a spirit. Some people believe that the planchette is moved by the subconscious mind of the players, while others believe that it's moved by spirits.
The concept behind the Ouija board is that the players open a gateway to the spirit world by asking questions and receiving answers. Some people believe that the spirits are friendly and helpful, while others believe that they're malevolent and dangerous.
Arguments For and Against Using the Ouija Board
The use of the Ouija board has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people believe that it's a harmless game that can be used to connect with the spirit world, while others believe that it's a dangerous tool that should be avoided at all costs.
Those who argue for the use of the Ouija board believe that it can be a helpful tool for communicating with spirits. They argue that it can provide answers to questions that can't be answered in any other way and that it can offer comfort to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
On the other hand, those who argue against the use of the Ouija board believe that it can be dangerous. They argue that it can open a gateway to malevolent spirits, who can cause harm to those who use the board. They also believe that the board can be used by people with malicious intentions to manipulate others.
Potential Risks Associated with Using the Ouija Board
There are several potential risks associated with using the Ouija board. These include:
Opening a gateway to malevolent spirits: Some people believe that using the Ouija board can open a gateway to malevolent spirits, who can cause harm to those who use the board.
Psychological harm: Some people may become psychologically distressed or traumatized after using the Ouija board, especially if they receive messages that are disturbing or frightening.
Addiction: Some people may become addicted to using the Ouija board and may become obsessed with communicating with spirits.
Manipulation: The Ouija board can be used by people with malicious intentions to manipulate others.
How to Use the Ouija Board Safely
If you choose to use the Ouija board, it's important to do so safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use the board with caution: Be aware of the potential risks associated with using the Ouija board and use it with caution.
Use the board in a safe environment: Use the board in a safe environment, free from distractions or interruptions.
Protect yourself: Before using the board, you can protect yourself by visualizing a white light of protection around you, or by saying a prayer for protection.
Have a positive attitude: Approach the board with a positive attitude and an open mind. Avoid asking negative or harmful questions.
End the session properly: When you're finished using the board, properly close the session by saying goodbye to the spirits and moving the planchette to "goodbye."
In conclusion, the Ouija board remains a mystery to this day. While some people view it as a harmless game, others believe that it's a dangerous tool that should be avoided. Whether you choose to use the Ouija board or not, it's important to do so with caution and to be aware of the potential risks associated with it.