When thinking of the paranormal and what types of equipment are used to communicate with the unknown many tend to think of the Spirit Board, also known as a Ouija board.

Ouija boards are believed to have originated in the 1800s, but some believe it was much earlier than that. Ouija boards, which consist of numbers, letters and a Yes and No, are believed to be a communication device between the living and those who have left us. Many people over the years have debated whether these boards can actually connect with the spirit world or are just a board game produced by novelty companies.

Those who have used the boards claim the messages they received are from those who have passed on, giving peace to the living. But when we use these boards are we really communicating with someone who has passed away or are we being deceived by something else? These boards are very similar to what is called automatic writing. This is done when a person allows a spirit to control them to share a written message. But instead of using a pen or pencil to write out the message one would use a planchette, which is moved across a board answering your questions.

However, some researchers claim that when using the Ouija board, no spirits are involved and that our subconscious mind actually moves the planchette. But, if a person is communicating with spirits and allowing them to have control, then they must also consider the possible dangers.

Do not believe you will always have a good spirit to communicate with. Because you are opening a door to allow them to communicate through you, it is possible to have an evil spirit attempt to do the same. After all, you are trying to communicate with the unknown. Some believe that people who use the board may also open doors allowing themselves to be exposed to more evil spirits.

Over a period of time I have been contacted by several people who have used the Ouija board. They began telling me why they believe their home was haunted and that nothing ever really happened until after they used the Ouija board. One person claimed that every window in their building blew out and shattered across the ground, while others claim seeing shadows and hearing things.

I remember the only time that I have ever used the Ouija board was several years ago. I sat down at the table not expecting anything to happen other than some fun moving the planchette around the board. But as a seeker I had to record it just in case something did happen. I was shocked to hear a low growling sound on my recorder shortly after asking questions. After hearing this and considering what it could have been, I decided not to use one again.

There are some seekers who still use the board while searching for the paranormal. But due to the uncertainty of its capability and the possible dangers that it holds, our group has decided not to use it for our research. After all, we are at these locations to help people find out who or what is there without causing them more harm.

So the next time you are using the board and a door opens or the windows blow out just keep telling yourself … it’s only a game.

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Tom Moore is a founding member of Mid-Ohio Valley Ghost Hunters and has been conducting research for 14 years. He can be reached at tom.movgh@gmail.com.