The reputation of talking boards is not necessarily a good one. Stories of people becoming possessed, houses catching fire and objects moving around the house by themselves are just some of the stories of events that have followed after using a talking board.
The most famous of talking boards, Parker Bros’ Ouija Board, tends by far to have the majority of these incidents, which is most likely due to its widespread availability and age as compared to some of the other available boards.
But does the Ouija deserve this reputation? Various religious groups believe that we have no inherent power to communicate without our bodies, therefore any communication that occurs by any other means must only be from demons. This overall vilification of talking boards appears to me to be unfortunate, as talking boards can work as a tool of communication (or, at least with a few caveats).
My First Board Experiences
About 20 years ago, my mother purchased a board called a Psychic Circle (shown above). I tried it with her a few times, and I can remember how slowly the messages came across. She told me about her spirit guide, and how a few people she knew from the past had shown up. My mother and sister would spend their Saturday nights using this board, doing this for some time. I purchased my own board and used it with varying success.
It’s A Trap!
After a number of years, I became much more adept at using my board. However, using a talking board during an emotionally turbulent time can be a “very bad thing.” It can be very easy to become addicted to the board, and to constantly refer to it for questions you may have about the path your life is going to take over the next few minutes or hours. I fell into that trap for a short period, believing that who I was talking to could see things that I couldn’t. I replaced my board several times during this time, due to what felt like some bastard spirit manipulating me and laughing about it afterwards. Oops. Needless to say, I backed away from it for a while after that.
Never Forget Protection
The reason my mother and sister never had any issues with their talking board was that they followed certain rules, and probably had a spirit guide or two watching their backs. In my history with the board, as long as these rules were followed, I have never had a problem with strange phenomena. The few times I or those around me have broken these rules, odd things have happened, such as cold spots and repeated apparitions following people.
Rules Rulez!
So, how have I managed to keep my activities with my talking board safe? Besides not using it during any major emotional duress, I abide by the following rules:
Rule Number One: Read a prayer or mantra. In the booklet accompanying the Psychic Circle, there is a protection prayer. Read it. Every time you use the board. Even if you take a break for five minutes. Read it again. You’ll be happier. Find one that you feel comfortable with if there is none supplied, or if you want to use your own.
Rule Number Two: Never, I repeat, never, leave the planchette on the board without someone touching it. Even for a second. For some reason, it seems to open up some sort of portal that allows random spirits to enter your home. Not a good idea, especially if you rent.
Rule Number Three: Close the board out when you’re done! I will always ask the spirit to say goodbye — both the Ouija and the Psychic Circle have a “Goodbye” on them. Use it. I also use the center of the Psychic Circle as the area to say goodbye. It works. And it keeps me safe.
So, A Blind Man Walks Into a Bar…
Bear in mind that the nature of a talking board is one where you can’t readily identify who you are talking to by sight or sound. You have to rely on other ways. Which is next to impossible to do. When you use one of these boards, it’s similar to being blind in a bar – strangers come up to you that you can’t see, they have the ability to pretend they’re someone else, and may try to make you believe almost anything. I always tell myself and others to take what they get with a grain of salt, always. Unless you have the ability to confirm the information, there is no way to be sure what you are being told is accurate. Even if it is a spirit you talk to on a regular basis, their ability to interpret things may be impaired in some way as well. Maintain your skepticism, but have an open mind.
Man, It’s Noisy In Here!
On occasion, I have had issues with my board when too many spirits are trying to say something. It usually manifests itself with everything coming out jumbled, or the planchette wanting to keep on the bottom half of the board. Usually, asking nicely to let the original spirit talk works (and it helps to have my guide act as a ref!). Other times, it just makes more sense to close out the board, and it can take a bit of effort to get to goodbye or the center of the board. I have had spirits tell me to “close,” and I heed their advice. I can also feel an energy change in the movement of the planchette when there are others trying to talk – I have been using it for so long now that I am familiar with the particular energies of those I converse with. I usually know when it is a different spirit trying to come through.
Summary
In closing, I would just like to say that I believe it is possible to use one of these boards safely, but your mileage may vary. I don’t recommend using a board solo unless you have spent a good amount of time getting used to it – it has taken me a long time to get there, and I have obtained a fair amount of verifiable information from its use. Choose one that you like – I prefer the Psychic Circle as I find it colorful and uplifting. Whichever you choose, be careful, and remember to take all information you receive with its due skepticism.
