Ouija Boards: Dangerous or Not?

Is the infamous Ouija board--and other versions of the "talking board"--dangerous? This much discussed and maligned 'toy'--trademarked by the Parker Brothers--is still sold today at stores across America. Is the general recommendation of people experienced with the device--leave well enough alone--good advice? Or is it's infamous reputation all hype?

Many groups and individuals unequivocally feel that the Ouija Board may be dangerous to use. In general, the utilization of the Ouija Board and other divining devices--as well methods such as automatic writing--are not recommended for the unexperienced. Even those with experience do not generally undertake the use of such devices lightly or without proper preparation.

It is our current advice that the uninitiated--especially children--do NOT use such devices, nor should anyone treat such things in a flippant manner whether the purported effects are due to the power of the human mind or due to external sources such as spirits.

At the very least, we feel that anyone that uses such 'tools' without experience and adequate preparation is treating the possibility of communication with the deceased or spirits in a disrespectful manner. As paranormal researchers, we have a responsibility to consider such things very seriously.

I consider myself a skeptic and personally believe most of the negative stories surrounding the device to be exaggerated, coincidences, and/or hoaxes. One also needs to consider the influences of religious fundamentalists attempting to turn people away from the occult. Still, even as a skeptic, I don't intend to ever utilize a Ouija board.

Even though I don't believe a Ouija Board to be inherently dangerous, I wouldn't recommend using one, just as I wouldn't recommend that someone use a chainsaw unless they were proficient with it. There are members of this team who are experienced in the use of divining devices, and report some very chilling experiences with Ouija Boards. I take these accounts very seriously because I know and respect these individuals.

It is possible that people are deluding themselves and ascribing paranormal causes to decidedly non-paranormal events such as ideomotor stimulation and suggestion. In that case, games such as Pictionary and Trivial Pursuit are certainly more intellectually stimulating then the Ouiji Board. It is also possible that all the negative stories are true.

At the worst, one could be messing with forces beyond their comprehension with ramifications that may range from trapping spirits who should have moved on to opening a doorway that invites antagonizing inhuman entities into their lives. To me, that implies a lot of risk without a big up-side.

It does bear mentioning that other methods commonly used by paranormal investigators-- including the use of audio recorders to collect EVPs--may actually be considered methods of divination, especially if the method involves asking questions in an attempt to communicate with ghosts or spirits.

Yet even groups that utilize these devices--us included--generally recommend that any divining devices or methods not be used except with adequate preparation. The overwhelming majority of paranormal groups do not use Ouija boards as part of their investigative process.

Finally, for anyone of a Judeo-Christian faith, the Bible is pretty clear on its stance on occultism and--according to several biblical passages--it may be considered a sin to utilize such devices.

To help expand your background and knowledge, we've assembled a variety of links to some interesting information on the Ouija Board. Do your own research and check them out.

Ouija and Talking Boards by Troy Talyor
What does well-respected ghost hunter and author Troy Taylor think about Ouija Boards? Find out in this wonderfully researched and informative article. Troy tells it like it is and you can always depend on him for an honest and unflinching view of all things paranormal.

Paranormal Group Experiments with Ouija Board
Here is the link to the only site we could find where a paranormal group documents an experiment with a Ouija Board for what appears to be for both entertainment and 'research.'

The Skeptic's Dictionary
This site gives a skeptics point of view, e.g. any messages received are from within the human mind and not due to the the supernatural. Interestingly enough, they still offer some words of warning about using the device.

About.com
This is one of our favorite Web sites and has a wealth of information about everything paranormal. This link is to some extensive information on the Ouija Board.

Bobby Elgee; Sights Unseen Paranormal