A common phrase that people search on the internet is, "are Ouija boards real?" Here is the history and some factors to consider when approaching this dangerous occult tool.
Are Ouija Boards Real?
The history of Ouija boards is a blend of commercialism, spiritualism, and folklore. Here's a brief overview of their development:
Early 19th Century Spiritualism: In the early 19th century, spiritualism gained popularity, a movement that focused on communication with the spirits of the deceased. Seances, where mediums claimed to contact the spirit world, became a common practice.
Rise of Talking Boards: By the mid-19th century, a form of divination called "talking boards" emerged. These were often used in seances and involved a flat surface with letters, numbers, and simple words. Participants would use a pointer, known as a planchette, to spell out messages.
Elijah Bond and Patenting the Ouija Board: In 1890, businessman Elijah Bond, along with Helen Peters and her sister-in-law Pearl Curran, claimed to have invented the Ouija board. They filed for a patent, and it was granted on February 10, 1891. The etymology of the term "Ouija" is disputed, but it's believed to be a combination of the French and German words for "yes."
Commercial Success: The Kennard Novelty Company, founded by Elijah Bond, began producing and selling Ouija boards. They marketed it as a parlor game and a means of entertainment rather than a serious tool for communication with the spirit world.
Parker Brothers Acquisition: In 1966, the game company Parker Brothers (now a subsidiary of Hasbro) acquired the rights to the Ouija board. They continued to produce and market it as a game.
Pop Culture and Notoriety: The Ouija board gained notoriety in popular culture, often associated with supernatural or paranormal activities. It has appeared in movies, television shows, and literature as a tool for contacting spirits or summoning malevolent entities.
Controversy and Beliefs: The use of Ouija boards is a subject of much controversy and diverse beliefs. Some view it as a harmless game, while others believe it can open doors to potentially negative or malevolent spiritual influences.
Legal Disputes and Exorcisms: Over the years, there have been legal disputes and claims of possession or malevolent influence attributed to the use of Ouija boards. Some religious groups and individuals caution against their use.
Continued Availability: Despite its controversial reputation, Ouija boards remain commercially available and are used by people for various reasons, ranging from curiosity to serious attempts at spiritual communication.
It's important to note that even if a person does not believe in the spirit world, or even just thinks that a Ouija board is a toy, there can be negative spiritual consequences. The act of using a Ouija board invites the demonic, regardless of intention. A person can have a seemingly innocent curiosity, but can still experience dangerous results.
Here are some examples of stories from over the years where the use of a Ouija board evoked nasty consequences.
The "Zozo" Phenomenon: One of the most infamous Ouija board stories involves encounters with a supposed malevolent entity named "Zozo." Numerous people have claimed to have made contact with Zozo through the Ouija board and have reported disturbing experiences, including harassment and possession-like symptoms. This phenomenon has been widely discussed in paranormal circles.
The San Pedro Haunting: In the 1980s, a family in San Pedro, California, claimed to have experienced poltergeist activity after using a Ouija board. They reported objects moving on their own, strange noises, and physical attacks. The case was featured in the book "The Entity" by Frank De Felitta and later made into a movie.
The Doris Bither Case: The Doris Bither case, also known as "The Entity" case, gained attention in the 1970s. Doris Bither and her children claimed to have been sexually assaulted by invisible entities in their Culver City, California home. Some reports suggest that Doris had used a Ouija board before these incidents occurred.
Possession Claims: There have been various reports of individuals claiming to have become possessed or influenced by malevolent spirits or demons after using a Ouija board. These accounts often involve bizarre and disturbing behavior.
Exorcisms and Spiritual Cleansings: In some cases, individuals who believe they have had negative experiences with Ouija boards seek exorcisms or spiritual cleansings to rid themselves of perceived spiritual or demonic attachments.
Closing Thoughts
Although some people views the use of Ouija boards as a form of entertainment, others hold strong beliefs about its negative spiritual or psychological effects. Either way, this tool should absolutely not be used as it is a portal to demonic influence. Many get involved in this practice with good intentions, and regret it later, once they are experiencing the negative results caused from demonic attachments or oppression.
If you have used a Ouija board and you are worried that you have a spiritual issue, please do not isolate. Reach out to your diocesan office or submit our contact form.
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