The History of the Ouija Board (Part 3) - The Rules

The internet graciously gives us a set of cautionary rules [guidelines] for using the Ouija Board. Confusion will set in when you try to determine just how many there are and which ones you should follow.

So I looked through all the versions and have compacted them all into just a few.

Early British planchette, 1850s to 1860s

The History of the Ouija Board (Part 2)

In part one, we learned that the Ouija Board 'game' came to be after it was discovered being used in Spiritualist camps in Ohio. But where did the device come from? And who first designed it?

"Spirit Rapping" was first used in 1848. Questions were asked out loud and the spirits would answer through rapping, or tapping. It was a long and tedious process as the alphabet was recited until a rap was heard to choose a letter. Then the alphabet was begun again for the next letter. And so on.

Mediums began looking for quicker ways to communicate with the dead. Some of them began printing out the alphabet and numbers on a board or a card. They would then sweep a pencil over it while asking a question and wait for a knock to designate the letter. Some also resorted to "Table Tipping". The medium would have everyone gather around a small to medium-sized table and have them place their hands on it. Eventually, the table would start moving. Questions would be asked and the table would rap out responses to the called-out alphabet.

Early Fuld Ouija Board

The History of the Ouija Board (Part 1)

 
Most people think of the Ouija board as a Victorian séance tool or just a Parker Brothers game board. They see them used in the movies and have a good scare fest as the board summons demons and evil spirits that try to take over the people using the board.

But there is much more to this device than most know. Its origins reach back into history -- diving deep into man's desire to reach loved ones who have died or his desire to know what happens when we die.

First, let's take a look at the most recent history of the Ouija Board -- how it became a popular game/psychic tool in the United States.