“The ouija (/ˈwiːdʒə/ WEE-jə, /-dʒi/ jee), also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat board marked with the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0–9, the words “yes”, “no”, occasionally “hello” and “goodbye”, along with various symbols and graphics. It uses a planchette (small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic) as a movable indicator to spell out messages during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the planchette, and it is moved about the board to spell out words. “Ouija” is a trademark of Hasbro, but is often used generically to refer to any talking board.” – Wikipedia
Oui and Ja are French and German words for “Yes”. The Ouija Board has been controversial ever since its creation in the late 1800’s. The furthest back the planchette and board can be traced back though is approximately 1100. Christians are adamant that it is a thing of evil, occultists are pretty much evenly split. My belief is that the scary stories and hysterical warnings are mainly urban myth mixed in with a little truth, and that for the most part people are talking with their own subconscious rather than spirits or demons. However, there are many people who swear by them, and I have enough spiritual experience to know that spirits are real, and not all of them are helpful.
The problem with Ouija Boards is they are sold as “games” and people treat them as such. But spirits, especially those who do have negative intentions, don’t see it as a game. You wouldn’t throw your house doors open to just anyone to ask their advice, and the metaphysical version can be almost as dangerous. It’s important to be very specific as to the kind of spiritual communication you are inviting. I recommend drawing a circle of white or golden light, then affirming that only love-based beings with the most positive and healing intentions can come within the circle. You may also specify an individual you would like to speak to (but I’d still do the circle and affirmation – spirits can and do lie or pretend to be other beings). It would also help to find a psychic teaching classes on how to use the board safely.
Keep in mind that the vast majority of “Ouija problems” are not dangerous, just disquieting. The major problems are psychological, not metaphysical. Immature people with very little psychic knowledge may encounter a projection of their own shadow and may not be ready for that kind of awareness. Our own fears, amplified by fear-mongering religions and popular media, make these problems out to be far worse than they are. A high threat-defense or anxiety level makes that problem even worse. Is an occasional knocking sound or a cold spot in a room really all that “evil”? Not really. If you find yourself experiencing unusual or unwelcome phenomena, review my “Ghost Clearing” page for help.
Recently, someone in one of the resin crafting groups I follow asked if it is morally acceptable to make and sell “Ouija art”, as there are many beautiful molds available. As a resin artist and psychic, I would not. I make no judgement on those who do, provided they ensure that their customers have some basic understanding of psychic protection. I do believe it is perfectly safe to use them as décor and jewelry.
Please feel free to link to this page, and to use/quote this information in any way that feels right.