Few paranormal objects spark as much fascination—and fear—as the Ouija board. Marketed as a family game by Hasbro but rooted in spiritualist traditions, this “talking board” has been featured in horror films like The Exorcist, Witchboard, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. But is it just a harmless toy, or a portal to the unknown? Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, follow these essential do’s and don’ts to avoid real-life horror stories.

Ouija Board Do’s: How to Minimize Risks
✅ Do: Set Clear Intentions
- State your purpose aloud (e.g., “We seek only positive energy”).
- Visualize protective white light around participants.
✅ Do: Use Protection Rituals
- Place salt circles around the board or room to block negative entities.
- Burn sage or palo santo before/after to cleanse the space.
✅ Do: Stay Respectful
- Address spirits politely—no taunting or challenges (e.g., “Show us a sign!”).
- Say goodbye properly: Move the planchette to “GOODBYE” to close the session.
✅ Do: Work in Pairs or Groups
- Extra witnesses deter hoaxes and help spot odd movements.
- Designate one person to ask questions to avoid chaos.
✅ Do: Trust Your Gut
- If the planchette spells threats, moves erratically, or you feel dizzy/nauseous, end the session immediately.
Ouija Board Don’ts: Avoid These Horror Movie Mistakes
❌ Don’t: Play Alone
- Solo sessions increase risks of false messages or psychological distress.
❌ Don’t: Use It in a Haunted Location
- Boards amplify energy—avoid graveyards, abandoned buildings, or places with dark histories.
❌ Don’t: Ask Dangerous Questions
- Never ask:
- “When will I die?”
- “Are you a demon?”
- “Can you possess someone?”
❌ Don’t: Believe Everything It Says
- Spirits lie. Cross-check names/dates with research.
- Some movements come from the ideomotor effect (subconscious muscle twitches).
❌ Don’t: Keep the Board If Things Feel “Off”
- If you experience nightmares, poltergeist activity, or unexplained illnesses, dispose of the board:
- Break it into 7 pieces and sprinkle with salt.
- Bury it or toss it in flowing water (e.g., a river).
Horror Stories: When Ouija Sessions Go Wrong
- The 1913 Pearl Curse: A group allegedly summoned a spirit named “Pearl” who predicted deaths—some participants later died under mysterious circumstances.
- The 1921 ‘Patience Worth’ Case: A spirit claiming to be a 17th-century woman dictated entire novels via Ouija—but skeptics suspect fraud.
- Real-Life ‘The Exorcist’: In 1949, a boy’s demonic possession (inspiration for the film) reportedly began after using a board.
Alternatives for the Cautious
Try these less risky ways to explore the paranormal:
- Pendulums (for yes/no answers).
- Automatic writing (channeling spirits through pen and paper).
- Tarot cards (structured symbolism lowers misinterpretation risks).
Final Verdict: Should You Use a Ouija Board?
If you’re drawn to the thrill, follow the rules—but remember: Horror movies exist for a reason. For many, the board is just plastic; for others, it’s a one-way ticket to paranormal trouble.
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Have you ever had a creepy Ouija experience? Share your stories in the comments!