Spirit Board
- Source(s): General Paranormal
- Categorisation: Paranormal/Ghosts
Spirit boards, commonly known as Ouija boards, are flat surfaces typically made from wood or cardboard, marked with letters of the alphabet, numbers 0-9, and the words "Yes," "No," and "Goodbye." Originating in the late 19th century amidst the American spiritualist movement, these boards are used as a means of communication with spirits or other supernatural entities.
The basic premise involves participants placing their fingers lightly on a planchette, a small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic that serves as a movable indicator. As participants ask questions, it is believed that the planchette moves across the board to spell out messages or point to simple responses such as "Yes" or "No." The movement is often attributed to spiritual forces or the psychic energies of the participants.
Spirit boards have been a subject of fascination and controversy. While some view them as harmless fun or as tools for spiritual exploration, others believe they can open portals to negative energies or lead to psychological distress. Scientifically, the movement of the planchette is generally explained by the ideomotor effect, where individuals make motions unconsciously.
Despite their controversial nature, spirit boards continue to be popular in cultural representations, often depicted in horror films and literature, and remain a topic of intrigue for those interested in the paranormal.
The basic premise involves participants placing their fingers lightly on a planchette, a small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic that serves as a movable indicator. As participants ask questions, it is believed that the planchette moves across the board to spell out messages or point to simple responses such as "Yes" or "No." The movement is often attributed to spiritual forces or the psychic energies of the participants.
Spirit boards have been a subject of fascination and controversy. While some view them as harmless fun or as tools for spiritual exploration, others believe they can open portals to negative energies or lead to psychological distress. Scientifically, the movement of the planchette is generally explained by the ideomotor effect, where individuals make motions unconsciously.
Despite their controversial nature, spirit boards continue to be popular in cultural representations, often depicted in horror films and literature, and remain a topic of intrigue for those interested in the paranormal.