Ouija Boards: Harmless Game or Dangerous Portal?

By NICOLE LAU

Introduction: The Board That Divides Opinion

Few occult tools inspire as much debate—and fear—as the Ouija board. To some, it's a harmless parlor game, a piece of cardboard that works through unconscious muscle movements. To others, it's a dangerous portal that opens doors to malevolent entities and spiritual attack.

The truth, as usual, is more complex than either extreme. The Ouija board's history, the mechanisms by which it works, and the experiences people have with it all contribute to a nuanced picture that defies simple categorization.

This guide explores what Ouija boards are, how they work (psychologically and potentially spiritually), the dangers (real and imagined), safety protocols if you choose to use one, and how to evaluate your own risk tolerance.

What Is a Ouija Board?

Description

A Ouija board (also called a spirit board or talking board) is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and the words "yes," "no," and "goodbye." Users place their fingers on a planchette (a small heart-shaped pointer) which moves across the board to spell out messages, supposedly from spirits.

History

Origins

• Ancient precedents: Various cultures used automatic writing and divination tools
• Spiritualism movement (1840s-1920s): Height of interest in spirit communication
• Talking boards emerge: 1890s, multiple inventors
• "Ouija" name: Patented in 1891, possibly from French/German "yes" (oui/ja) or claimed to mean "good luck" in Egyptian (dubious)

Commercialization

• 1891: Elijah Bond patents the Ouija board
• William Fuld: Popularized it, claimed to have invented it
• Parker Brothers (1966): Bought rights, mass-produced as a game
• Hasbro (1991-present): Current manufacturer
• Sold in toy stores: Marketed as a game, not occult tool

Cultural Impact

• Featured in horror movies (The Exorcist, etc.)
• Associated with demonic possession in popular culture
• Banned by some religious groups
• Remains popular despite (or because of) controversy

How Ouija Boards Work: The Skeptical View

The Ideomotor Effect

What It Is

• Definition: Unconscious muscle movements influenced by thoughts and expectations
• Discovered: 19th century, studied scientifically
• How it works: Your mind knows what you expect or want to happen, and unconsciously moves your muscles to make it happen
• You don't feel it: The movements are so subtle you don't notice you're doing it

Evidence for Ideomotor Effect

• Blindfold test: When users can't see the board, messages become gibberish
• Expectation influence: Messages align with users' beliefs and knowledge
• Group dynamics: Dominant personalities influence the planchette
• Scientific studies: Demonstrate unconscious movement

Psychological Mechanisms

1. Confirmation Bias

• You remember hits, forget misses
• Interpret vague messages as meaningful
• See patterns where none exist

2. Cold Reading

• Messages are vague enough to apply to anyone
• Users fill in meaning
• Similar to how psychics work

3. Group Suggestion

• Shared expectations influence experience
• Social pressure to believe
• Collective unconscious at play

4. Dissociation

• Feeling like you're not moving it
• Trance-like state
• Disconnection from conscious control

The Skeptical Conclusion

• Ouija boards are psychological tools
• They access the unconscious mind, not spirits
• Any "danger" is psychological (fear, suggestion, etc.)
• Harmless if you understand the mechanism

How Ouija Boards Work: The Spiritual View

Spirit Communication

The Belief

• Ouija boards allow spirits to communicate
• The planchette is moved by spiritual entities
• Can contact deceased loved ones, guides, or other spirits
• Opens a portal or doorway to the spirit realm

Types of Entities Contacted

• Deceased humans: Ghosts, ancestors, loved ones
• Spirit guides: Helpful entities
• Lower entities: Mischievous or malevolent spirits
• Demons: In some belief systems
• Thoughtforms: Created by users' minds

Why It's Considered Dangerous

1. You Don't Know Who You're Talking To

• Spirits can lie about their identity
• Malevolent entities may pretend to be loved ones
• No way to verify who's actually communicating
• Trickster spirits are common

2. Opens Doors You Can't Close

• Creates a portal or opening
• Invites entities into your space
• May not be able to make them leave
• "Goodbye" doesn't always work

3. Attachment and Possession

• Entities can attach to users
• Possession is possible (in some beliefs)
• Negative energy can follow you
• Difficult to remove attachments

4. Psychological Harm

• Fear and paranoia
• Disturbing messages
• Trauma from experiences
• Mental health impacts

5. Inviting Negative Energy

• Attracts lower vibrational entities
• Negative spirits drawn to fear
• Can affect your home and life
• Spiritual contamination

The Evidence: What Actually Happens

Common Experiences

Positive/Neutral

• Vague, general messages
• Feeling of connection to deceased loved ones
• Interesting but harmless experiences
• Nothing happens at all

Negative

• Frightening messages or threats
• Feeling of presence or being watched
• Nightmares and sleep disturbances
• Objects moving or paranormal activity
• Feeling of attachment or oppression
• Mental health deterioration

Documented Cases

• The Exorcist: Inspired by alleged Ouija board case (heavily fictionalized)
• Numerous anecdotal reports: Of negative experiences
• But also: Millions of uneventful uses
• Confirmation bias: Negative stories spread more than neutral ones

What's Actually Proven

• Ideomotor effect is real: Scientifically demonstrated
• Psychological effects are real: Fear, suggestion, trauma
• Spiritual effects are unproven: No scientific evidence for actual spirits
• But absence of evidence ≠ evidence of absence

Risk Factors

Who Shouldn't Use Ouija Boards

• Children: Vulnerable and easily frightened
• Those with mental health issues: Can exacerbate conditions
• People prone to paranoia or psychosis: Can trigger episodes
• Those easily frightened: Psychological harm from fear
• People in vulnerable states: Grief, trauma, substance use
• Those without spiritual protection knowledge: If you believe in spirits but don't know how to protect yourself

High-Risk Situations

• Using alone: No grounding influence
• In haunted locations: If you believe in such things
• While intoxicated: Lowered defenses and judgment
• With malicious intent: Trying to contact demons, curse others, etc.
• Without protection: If you believe in spiritual danger
• As a joke or dare: Disrespectful approach may attract negative energy

Lower-Risk Situations

• With experienced, grounded people
• With proper protection and protocols
• Respectful, serious approach
• In safe, protected space
• With clear intentions and boundaries

Safety Protocols (If You Choose to Use One)

Before Using

1. Set Clear Intentions

• Know why you're using it
• What you hope to achieve
• What you will and won't accept

2. Protect Your Space

• Cast a circle or create sacred space
• Use salt, protective herbs, or crystals
• Call on protective deities, guides, or angels
• Visualize white light protection

3. Protect Yourself

• Ground and center
• Shield your energy
• Wear protective amulets
• Be in a strong, positive mental state

4. Set Rules

• Only positive entities allowed
• No lying or deception
• Must leave when told
• Cannot follow you or attach

During Use

1. Maintain Control

• You are in charge, not the spirits
• Don't let fear take over
• Stay grounded and present
• Trust your intuition

2. Verify Information

• Ask questions only the real entity would know
• Be skeptical of claims
• Don't believe everything you're told
• Test for deception

3. Set Boundaries

• Don't allow threatening or negative messages
• End session if it feels wrong
• Don't give personal information
• Don't make deals or promises

4. Watch for Red Flags

• Counting down or going through alphabet (allegedly bad signs)
• Figure-8 or infinity symbol movements
• Refusing to say goodbye
• Threatening or disturbing messages
• Feeling of malevolence

After Using

1. Proper Closing

• Always say goodbye
• Move planchette to "goodbye"
• Thank any helpful entities
• Dismiss any others firmly

2. Close the Portal

• Visualize the doorway closing
• Seal the space
• Release the circle
• Ground excess energy

3. Cleanse

• Cleanse yourself (shower, smoke, salt)
• Cleanse the space
• Cleanse the board (if you believe it's necessary)
• Ground and center

4. Store Properly

• Some say break the board in seven pieces and bury it
• Others say store respectfully
• Keep planchette separate from board (traditional advice)
• Or just put it away like any other object

Alternatives to Ouija Boards

Safer Spirit Communication Methods

• Pendulum: Less "open" than Ouija
• Automatic writing: Direct channeling
• Meditation: Quieter, more controlled
• Divination tools: Tarot, runes, etc.
• Professional mediums: Experienced intermediaries

If You Want the Experience Without the Risk

• Use it as a psychological tool only
• Understand it as ideomotor effect
• Don't believe you're contacting spirits
• Treat it as accessing your unconscious

The Middle Path: Nuanced Understanding

Both/And Perspective

• Ideomotor effect is real AND spirits might be real
• Psychological danger is real AND spiritual danger might be real
• Most experiences are harmless AND some are genuinely problematic
• It's a game AND it can be a spiritual tool

Personal Responsibility

• Decide what you believe
• Assess your own risk tolerance
• Take appropriate precautions
• Respect others' boundaries and beliefs
• Don't pressure others to use one

When in Doubt, Don't

• If you're scared, don't do it
• If you're not prepared, wait
• If you don't know how to protect yourself, learn first
• There's no requirement to use a Ouija board

Conclusion: Respect and Discernment

Are Ouija boards harmless games or dangerous portals? The answer depends on your beliefs, your approach, and your vulnerability.

Key takeaways:

• Ideomotor effect is scientifically proven—unconscious movement is real
• Psychological effects are real—fear and suggestion can cause harm
• Spiritual effects are debated—no scientific proof, but many believe
• Risk varies by person and situation—some are more vulnerable
• Precautions matter—if you use one, do it safely
• Respect is essential—whether spirits or psychology, approach seriously
• You don't have to use one—there are other ways to explore spirituality

Whether you believe Ouija boards contact spirits or simply access the unconscious mind, they deserve respect and caution. They're not toys to be used carelessly, nor are they necessarily the demonic portals of horror movies.

If you choose to use one, do so with knowledge, protection, and respect. If you choose not to, that's equally valid. The most important thing is making an informed decision based on your own beliefs, boundaries, and risk tolerance.

The board itself is just wood and cardboard. What matters is what you bring to it—and what you're willing to risk.

NICOLE LAU is a researcher and writer specializing in Western esotericism, Jungian psychology, and comparative mysticism. She is the author of the Western Esoteric Classics series and New Age Spirituality series.