How to Play Ouija

Although the basics of the board were developed earlier, the patent for the Ouija board was granted in 1891 to Elijah J. Bond, Charles W. Kennard and William H.A. Maupin. They called the board Ouija, believing it to mean good luck in Egyptian. As of publication, the Ouija game is sold by Hasbro.

Things You'll Need

• Ouija game

Instructions

1. Find somewhere quiet and spacious. Place the board on a table or floor so that you can accommodate other players. Draw the blinds or curtains and turn the lights to dim. Some believe that light interferes with the spirit world. Place the planchette in the middle of the board and you're ready to begin.

2. Have all of the papers lightly put their middle and index fingers on the planchette. All players should then close their eyes as one of the players asks a question out loud.

3. Wait a couple of seconds for the planchette to start moving. Do not push the planchette yourself; you should feel it sliding on the board.

4. Watch the planchette stop in places on the board to answer the question. It might stop at letters, numbers, "yes," "no" or "goodbye."

5. End the game when players have no more questions or if the planchette moves to "goodbye."

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful how you use the ouija board. Some people claim to be haunted by spirits.

• If you feel uncomfortable at any time, quit the game.

References

• Ouijaboardky: The History of the Ouija Board

Resources

• Hasbro: Ouija