The ouija (/ˈwiːdʒə/ WEE-jə), 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, hello (occasionally), 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 indicate the spirits message by spelling it out on the board during a séance. Participants place their fingers on the planchette, and it is moved about the board to spell out words. Ouija has become a trademark that is often used generically to refer to any talking board. Following its commercial introduction by businessman Elijah Bond on July 1, 1890,[1] the Ouija board was regarded as a harmless parlor game unrelated to the occult until American Spiritualist Pearl Curran popularized its use as a divining tool during World War I.[2] Paranormal and supernatural beliefs associated with Ouija have been harshly criticized by the scientific community. The action of the board can be parsimoniously explained by unconscious movements of those controlling the pointer, a psychophysiological phenomenon known as the ideomotor effect.[3][4][5][6] Some mainstream Christian denominations have warned against using Ouija boards, holding that they can lead to demonic possession.[7][8] Occultists, on the other hand, are divided on the issue, with some saying that it can be a positive transformation; others rehash the warnings of many Christians and caution inexperienced users against it.[7]
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 02:47:36 +0000