Talking to Spirits: Why I Don’t Use Ouija Boards

We’ve all seen it: some candles, dim lighting, a group of friends with shaky hands on a planchette whispering, “Is anyone there?”

Enter: the Ouija board.
A so-called game, sold in toy stores, that supposedly connects you to spirits.

Now, I love a good spooky story as much as the next horror movie nerd (especially if it’s got demons, portals, or cursed mirrors). But when it comes to spirit communication, this is one tool I personally won’t touch, and here’s why.

The Origins: Not So Ancient, But Still Creepy

Despite what some might believe, the Ouija board isn’t some ancient artifact handed down by witches or necromancers. Its roots go back to the 19th-century Spiritualism movement, when people were obsessed with contacting the dead. Seances, table-turning, spirit writing, you name it. Talking boards became popular because they were simple and dramatic: letters, numbers, “yes,” “no,” “goodbye,” and a planchette to glide across them all.

In 1890, businessmen Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard patented what we now know as the Ouija board, claiming the name came from the board itself (supposedly meaning “good luck” in ancient Egyptian, spoiler: it doesn’t). It was later mass-produced and popularized by William Fuld, who took credit for its creation and even claimed the board told him to build his factory. Spooky.

Eventually, Hasbro got the rights. And now you can find it on a shelf next to Monopoly. But unlike Monopoly, this one might invite something over for dinner.

Pop Culture Turned the Ouija Board into a Horror Icon

The real reputation shift came when the Ouija board left the séance room and entered Hollywood. From curious tool to cursed object, these films did a number on how we see the board today:

🎬 Movies That Used the Ouija Board (and Made You Never Want to Try One)

• The Exorcist (1973) – The film that really set the fear in motion. Regan uses an Ouija board to talk to “Captain Howdy” and ends up possessed by a demon. Iconic. Terrifying. And unfortunately, based on a true exorcism case.f
• Witchboard (1986) – A classic 80s horror where a woman becomes obsessed with an Ouija board… and things go south fast. Cue spiritual obsession, malevolent entities, and one of the earliest “don’t play with that!” tropes.
• Ouija (2014) & Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) – These modern horror films take the idea to the next level. Hauntings, possessions, creepy spirits with sewn-shut mouths, classic signs you definitely shouldn’t be dabbling.
• Paranormal Activity franchise – The board makes an appearance and, surprise, things go wrong. Violently. Spiritually. You get the idea.
• Veronica (2017) – Loosely based on a true story in Spain. A teenage girl uses a Ouija board during a solar eclipse and is later tormented by an unseen force. If you want to sleep tonight, maybe skip this one.

But Is It Real?

Science says: it’s the ideomotor effect, small subconscious movements caused by your own mind, not spirits. That makes sense… most of the time. But I believe in energy. And I’ve seen enough to know not everything we invite in has good intentions.

Why I Don’t Use It, and Why I Don’t Recommend You Do Either

As a green witch who works with spirits, I’m very careful about what doors I open. I cleanse. I protect. I ground. I don’t just fling spiritual portals wide open for anyone or anything to come through, and that’s exactly what a Ouija board does if you’re not careful.

Let’ me explain:

🔮 You don’t know who you’re talking to. Spirits lie. Tricksters exist. Not everything is your Nana with kind words.
🔮 Most people don’t properly protect or close the session. That means energy can linger… or follow you.
🔮 It’s not a beginner’s tool. Just because Hasbro sells it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Energy doesn’t care if something came in a box.

Safer Alternatives for Spirit Work

Want to connect with spirit without the spiritual equivalent of opening your front door to the void?

Try this instead:

• Ancestral altar – Light a candle, say their names, and sit in quiet reflection. This is sacred, safe, and meaningful.
• Tarot or Oracle – Cards create a boundary and structure, helping you focus your energy and receive intuitive guidance.
• Dreamwork + Journaling – Set intentions before sleep, and let your dreams become the doorway.
• Divination tools – Pendulums, runes, and scrying are all excellent ways to connect, without the drama.

How to Use a Ouija Board (But Honestly… I Wouldn’t)

Okay, let’s get one thing straight: I don’t recommend playing with a Ouija board.
As I mentioned above, it’s not a fun party trick. It’s not something to do while tipsy with your friends in a candlelit basement for “vibes.” It’s a spiritual tool; one that, when used carelessly, can open energetic doors you may not know how to close.

But I also know that telling people “just don’t do it” doesn’t always stop them. So if you’re absolutely going to do it anyway, here’s how to do it as safely and respectfully as possible, from someone who’s walked with spirit long enough to know the risks are real. I also recommend you do not do this at home.

Step 1: Gather What You Need (And Know Why You’re Doing This)

• A Ouija board and planchette
• A flat surface
• A quiet, undisturbed space
• 2 to 4 participants (no solo sessions, please)
• Optional: candles, incense, protective crystals (black tourmaline, obsidian, or selenite are good choices)

⚠️ Never use a Ouija board when you’re emotionally unstable, under the influence, or just doing it “for a laugh.” The energy you bring in sets the tone for what comes through.

Step 2: Set the Mood – But Ground It

Turn off phones, TVs, music… anything that could interrupt the flow. Light a few candles or burn some cleansing herbs (I prefer mugwort or rosemary). Setting intention, calming the energy, and establishing sacred space.

Before you begin, take a few deep breaths. Visualize yourself surrounded by light or a protective bubble. You can even say something like:

“Only spirits of the highest good may enter this space. All others must leave.”

Trust me, it’s better to look “extra” than end up spiritually compromised.

Step 3: Begin with Respect (And Boundaries)

Place your fingers lightly on the planchette. Don’t force it. Everyone involved should be calm, respectful, and not trying to manipulate the board.

Start with a simple question like:

“Is there anyone who wishes to speak with us?”
“Are there any messages from spirit willing to come through for our highest good?”

Let the planchette move naturally if it does, but remain in control of your energy.

Step 4: Pay Attention, but Don’t Obsess

If the planchette moves, follow it. Write down the letters, keep a record. If you get full sentences, names, or repeated symbols, take note, but don’t fall down a rabbit hole trying to “solve” everything in real-time.

And if the energy shifts? You’ll feel it. Cold spots, sudden mood changes, unease… those are your cues to stop.

Step 5: Know When to Say NOPE

If the board starts spelling disturbing things like threats, lies, or creepy messages that feel manipulative, shut it down. Immediately.

If someone’s hand feels “stuck” to the planchette, break the connection.
If the spirit won’t say goodbye, you say it for them.
Your space. Your rules.

You are never obligated to keep communicating.

Step 6: Always Say Goodbye

This is spiritual etiquette. Move the planchette to “Goodbye” with intention. Thank any spirits who came through with respect and close the session firmly. Then cleanse your space and yourselves.

Yes, seriously. Salt bath. Smoke cleanse. Touch some dirt. Drink water. Reclaim your energy.

Final Thoughts from a Witch Who Doesn’t Use the Board

I don’t play with Ouija boards because I don’t play with energy. If I want to speak to spirit, I go through my guides, my ancestors, or the earth itself. I use protection, intuition, ritual, and most importantly, discernment.

The Ouija board isn’t just a piece of cardboard; it’s an invitation.
And not every guest who shows up is friendly.

You don’t need to invite chaos to feel a spiritual connection. There are quieter, safer, more nourishing ways to walk between worlds. You don’t need to prove you’re brave by opening doors you don’t know how to close.

So no, I don’t use the Ouija board. And no, I don’t allow it in my home.
My boundaries are strong. My energy is sacred.
And I’ve got nothing to prove to whatever might be lurking in the dark.

Be curious, but be wise.
Be open, but be shielded.
And if in doubt? Don’t.