Around the 1880's, Ouija boards began to circulate widely as a way to communicate with spirits and deceased loved ones. If there were tales of horror concerning its use, they were few and far between as it was common practice at that time to hold seances, invite in mediums, communicate with spirits by table tipping, and use the Ouija board. It was understood that respect for the spirits was necessary.
A William Fuld Version
On the back of a wooden Ouija board manufactured by William Fuld in 1917, there are directions in neat type and labeled one through six which seem to have been made by a stamp. These instructions are quite explicit explaining clearly how to use the board, how to ask questions in a clear and concise manner, and how to obtain the best results. One of the most important sentences within these directions is found in instruction number three.
"Have no one at the table who will not sit seriously and respectfully. If you use it in a frivolous spirit, asking ridiculous questions, laughing over it, you naturally get undeveloped influences around you."
Within the instructions is also a type of disclaimer labeled as instruction number four.
"The Ouija is a great mystery, and we do not claim to give exact directions for its management, neither do we claim that at all times and under all circumstances it will work equally well. But we do claim and guarantee that with reasonable patience and judgment it will more than satisfy your greatest expectation."
Undeveloped Influences
Though there is nothing written on the board that indicates that it was to be used as a way to communicate with spirits, it was known that the Ouija board was manufactured for just this purpose. With this in mind, it appears that the words "you naturally get undeveloped influences around you" is referring to spirits who might be less than desirable for Ouija board users to communicate with. The way to avoid these undeveloped influences was clearly stated.
Satisfy Greatest Expectation
To this day, no one has really determined who or what comes through the Ouija board just as in 1917 when it was stated that "the Ouija is a great mystery." There was no claim to knowing exactly how the Ouija board worked, however, offering up a claim and a guarantee that it would work indicates the manufacturer must have tested the Ouija board and was certain it would work for what it was intended for. William Fuld seemed to believe that the purchaser, if using the Ouija board with respect, patience and judgment, would be able to communicate with spirits and the results would satisfy their greatest expectation which, of course, was communication with the dead.
Mistakes Today
Today, Ouija boards can be found in local stores sitting on the shelves with other games for adults and children. It is no longer considered an object of respect. It is deemed a game which means something to be played with. Perhaps this is the cause of the many horror stories found online from people who have had bad experiences with the Ouija board. Instead of taking spirit communication seriously, the board is used for fun without heed to the warnings given by William Fuld concerning sitting seriously and respectfully and not to use the board in "a frivolous spirit."
Modern Day Safeguards
The only two areas that have not been covered by William Fuld in his instructions for safe use of the Ouija board concern protection from undeveloped influences and being specific on who to speak with while using the board.
Protection is a very individualized decision based on a specific belief. It can be as simple as asking for the white light of protection from Source to wearing a cross with the intention of protection. Gemstones are another possible solution for protection. Asking for protection is the first item of business before ever laying hands on the Ouija board.
Being specific concerning who comes through the board is important as well. Before beginning a Ouija board session and after asking for protection, make a solid statement concerning communication. To do this, say out loud, "I ask that only high level spirits attempt communication with me." If, despite these cautions, the communication becomes vulgar or unpleasant in any way, remove all hands from the planchette and demand the communicator to leave immediately. Leave the Ouija board alone for at least one day.
Listen to Your Elders
Regular use of the Ouija board continued from the 1880's until well into the 1950's. Respect and judgment seem to have been the key words from William Fuld's product to communicate with spirits safely and responsibly. It was, and still is, excellent advice.
Sources
- History and dates from Museum of Talking Boards
- Personally owned William Fuld 1917 Ouija board
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