There are many games and pastimes of different kinds. Some are simple amusements whose only purpose is to entertain; others are more exotic activities, related to tarot and other esoteric practices. That is the case of the Ouija game: a game with followers and detractors, one that stirs controversy and is sometimes linked to diabolical practices, but whose origin, and that of its very name, is fascinating.
Origin and history of the Ouija game
The Ouija game is popular all over the world, but its exact origin is unknown. It is usually placed in the 19th century, because that is when Elijah Bond patented it, although it had been practised for decades before. A game with similar features is the popular glass game: it consists of a board, just like the Ouija, and a pointer that in this case is a glass object, often replaced by an ordinary drinking glass.
The link between games and spiritualism is very old. It appears in Europe in the Middle Ages, when hunters, witches and sorcerers played a prominent role. It was possibly then that the Ouija game was born, unofficially, and with the discovery of America it reached that continent in the hands of the explorers.
As for the origin of the name, it is made up of two words in two languages, French and German, both meaning the same thing: yes. Oui is yes in French and ja is yes in German.
One of the most curious facts is that, although the game has an esoteric character and is practised privately and in groups, in the United States it was marketed as a toy by Charles Kennard. He claimed that the true origin of the practice went back to Egyptian traditions and that it was closely linked to tarot, astral cards and runes.
Today it is still sold in some countries as just another pastime, made up of a board and a pointer. In English-speaking countries it is sold under the name witchboard.
Features of the game
As we have said, the game basically consists of a board, usually made of wood, with the alphabet and, below it, the numbers from 0 to 9. The board can be made of other materials, such as plastic, metal or cardboard, and carry other decorative motifs, but the basis of the Ouija game is always the alphabet and the numbers.
To play the Ouija game, certain conditions must be met that stem from its very purpose: since the aim is for the spirits to manifest themselves and convey their messages, it is important to first create a suitable atmosphere and setting. That way the session is easier and the messages come through more clearly.
It is usually played at night, with the lights off or very dim, or simply with a couple of candles lit. Then the participants place their index finger on the pointer and call upon the spirits. The pointer moves according to the will of the souls that have been summoned, which is how they reveal their messages.
There are several ways to summon spirits and other beings. They are generally called souls, but they may also be deceased people, deceased pets, spirits, angels, demons, extraterrestrial beings or other supernatural entities. The pointer is moved by a mysterious force, which in this case is the spirits that have been summoned.
The reasons for playing Ouija are varied. Most young people do it out of sheer curiosity or to live an extraordinary experience. Many others turn to the Ouija game to contact loved ones who have passed away, convinced that they have a message or a piece of advice to give them and that they can be reached through the board.
Those who devote themselves to spiritualist practices often turn to the Ouija game and to the glass game, for different purposes: to learn the messages of other beings from the beyond, or simply to stay in contact with the spirits. There are no precise figures on who practises this activity, since young people and teenagers also do it, in most cases out of curiosity.
The meaning of the Ouija game admits many readings. For those who practise tarot, Santería, buzios or the so-called spiritism of some Latin American countries, it is just one more activity. For many religious denominations, on the other hand, it is a diabolical practice that can harm those who take part in it.
In the Ouija game, spirits or supernatural entities are summoned that may be evil or diabolical, and for that reason it can have negative and harmful effects on those who practise it. The Catholic Church considers it contrary to the will of God, because it gives prominence to spiritual forces from the beyond that may be diabolical. In some cases the game can become addictive, because it not only attracts curiosity but can lead to a relationship with the spirits.
There are also those who consider it a hoax: they believe the pointer does not move by the will of the spirits, but through the force, conscious or not, exerted by the participants' hands resting on it. Another common criticism comes from those who consider that all paranormal activities and spirit summonings are false and make no sense.
Sometimes the messages are not as clear as one would like: the word formed may be poorly defined or ambiguous. In those situations it is advisable to have someone involved in spiritualism who knows the subject better.