Ouija Board

The ouija board is probably the most controversial piece of investigation equipment, with many people believing it is dangerous to use. Others would argue that it is just a tool and that the approach to using it is the key factor in personal / spiritual safety. Either way, it is still widely used (in one form or another) in paranormal investigations.

Generally speaking, a printed board is used with letters, words, or symbols covering the surface. A pointer (planchette) is placed on the board and seance participants lightly place one or two fingers on it. Sometimes an upturned glass is used on a tabletop, with printed letters circling the edge of the table.

The idea behind the ouija board, is that by moving the planchette to words or letters on the board, spirits can spell out messages to the living either of its own accord or in answer to questions posed by the participants.

Like all things concerning the ouija board, even its origins are in despute. Some records claim that the first ever ouija board came from China in 1200 B.C. in the form of a divination technique called "Fuji". Although the methods used in Fuji, more closely resemble spirit writing. There are also claims that the ouija board originates from ancient Greece (approx 540 B.C.) although the account itself is called into question by not being historically correct.

The first undesputed record of ouija board usage comes from America in the mid 19th century, when many forms of 'ouija style' divination were being used. From swinging a pendulum over a plate with letters on it, to using a whole table to spell out messages using letters that had been drawn on the floor. Also a small wooden tablet, supported on casters, was used to hold a pencil in order to write messages (similar to automatic writing). It was this wooden tablet that was known as a planchette.

The idea to sell (and patent) a planchette that came with a board printed with the alphabet, was the brainchild of two businessmen, Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard. An employee of Kennard, William Fuld, took over production of the boards and in 1901 went into business on his own, making boards under the name of "Ouija".

He even went as far as to claim that he had invented the idea himself and spent many years suing competitors over the use of the word Ouija and the concept of the board right up until his death in 1927. in 1966 his business was sold to the Parker Brothers who still hold the trademark and patents.

Many other boards are produced today but under various identities - talking boards, spirit boards, angel boards etc. Intrestingly, although "Ouija" is a trademark, the term "Ouija board" is not anymore.

Even the origins of the term "Ouija" is in question. Some say it is derived from the French word "Oui" and the German / Norwegian word "Ja" - both words meaning yes. Others claim that the name was revealed to Charles Kennard during an ouija seance, as an ancient Egyptian word meaning "good luck". There are various other claims that the name was inspired by the Moroccan city Oujda.

P.I.G.S. Spotlight - Ouija Board