Witches Haven

Ouija

The Ouija board. Pronunciation (wee-juh). Most folks introduction to divination or necromancy. The first-time users are, by and large, teenagers, completely unaware and ignorant of the dangers they are courting.

They don't use the board as a divination tool per se; they are looking for the cheap thrills that come along with a dabbling in the dead. They figure if they call for Kurt Cobain or River Phoenix, that is exactly who will respond. The odds are incalculably the opposite but don't try and tell them that - they won't believe you. Until, 9 times out of 10, they find out on their own, through bitter, bitter experience. You warn and then walk away. You can't stop them from meddling. Let the powers that be handle that particular disciplinary lesson. Count on their arrogance to measure the punishment meted out.

Look at the Ouija as a gateway, like the Tarot or scrying. Answers are being requested through a guide. Hopefully, a benevolent guide. It is all about intent. This is of the utmost importance. I really can't stress that enough - INTENT.

Would you open your front door to the general public and invite them all in for a visit?

Same deal with the Ouija. It is a doorway; ordinarily kept closed, locked and bolted. Once it is brought out with an intent for use? You better make damn sure you have your intent focused. Intent becomes your big bruiser of a doorman.

Ouija is not to contact the dead. That is necromancy and a specific practice on its own that takes years to learn and even then, it has tremendous risks.

It is an open window, a door flung open, wide. Its a welcome mat with no restrictions unless you know exactly what your are doing.

You may have people tell you that a protection spell is all you need. Bad advice. Our little protection spells work wonderfully against the living but are laughable to the mortally challenged.

Your protection is your intent. You can't deviate from it, not for a second. Not even a fleeting thought of saying "Hi there!" to granny.

Let's not forget the lesson of Little Red Riding Hood. The wolf in granny's flannel nightie. Evil can disguise itself as anything that will serve its purpose. I'm not talking about demons or the devil himself. I'm talking about real evil. Evil people who have crossed over. Evil in life means evil in death. It is their energy make-up and there is no wonderous transformation when death comes knocking on their door. Do you think Ted Bundy underwent some magical transformation when he was executed? That he, had become, somehow, angelic and harmless in death? Not a chance. Evil energy in life means evil energy in death.

So, to use the Ouija:

1. Intent. A focused straight away intent. No deviation permitted. Imagine a mountain path with massive drops on either side. Stick to the path or you are in for a world of trouble.

2. Pick your querents, carefully. Simply because someone requests a reading doesn't mean that you are obliged to give one. Any misgivings you may have - any twinge of your intuition? Either say "No" straight out or find some other way to avoid it. No is your best bet. And you don't need to give a reason.

3. Make damn sure you are approaching the board in a calm, relaxed state of mind. Don't be worrying about the job or what to cook for dinner. This task needs all of your marbles to be in one bag.

4. If you feel something is "not right" during the reading? Cut it off. Immediately.

5. Don't approach the board as a game. It is deadly serious business. The board itself holds no power. It is your belief and your willingness to go beyond that allows the board to act as a conduit. It is, after all - simply pressed paper and plastic.

Above all, know yourself, understand your own limitations. If you have any fear of using the board, if you don't truly believe you can stay safe? Pack it away until you have mastered your fear.

Next: Tarot

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