Originally known as "talking boards," the device we refer to today as a Spirit Board or Ouija Board dates back to a concept that came into play in the mid-nineteenth century, during the movement known as Spiritualism, which is thought to have begun in the town of Hydesville, New York in 1848.

One forerunner of the spirit board as we know it today was a small wooden table, referred to as a "Planchette," or "little plank." It consisted of a wooden platform on three legs with a pencil substituted for one of them. As the Planchette moved, the pencil would write out letters and numerals on the spirit board. The Planchette survives today as the small platform that is guided to successive letters on the surface of the spirit board, thereby spelling out a message.

The true origins of the spirit board are shrouded in history. It is known, however, that the first real Ouija board was invented late in the nineteenth century, though there is some question as to whether its inventor was Elijah Bond or Charles Kennard. Even the origins of the name "Ouija" is uncertain, though one theory is that it is a combination of the words "yes" in French (Oui) and German (Ja).

There is nothing sinister or evil about the Spirit Board. It is simply a collection of letters and numbers, with the addition of "Yes," "No," "Hello" and "Goodbye." The Planchette serves to communicate a message, spelling it by pointing to successive words, letters and/or numbers.

What matters, however, is the people who may use it, their level of sensitivity and honesty. Plainly, anyone can manipulate the Planchette to achieve some desired result, and then deviously deny having done so.

Why do people believe that the spirits move the Planchette? Some cannot imagine how their subconscious mind might be doing it. If you should ask the Spirit Board, "Who is controlling this board?" you might receive an answer spelling out a name unknown to the users. Or there might be cryptic messages or warnings. Too often, users might take these at face value, never considering the role their own imagination plays.

Are spirits controlling the Planchette?
Or is its movement coming from the user?

There are two prevailing theories of how the Spirit Board works:

Adherents to this theory will say that you may not realize that you are moving the Planchette, but you are. This is referred to as an "ideomotor response." This is similar to automatic writing, or "automatism." A medium, for example would hold a pencil and write furiously, while paying no attention to it. Some observers believed that these messages came from the spirit world. Others were sure it was pure hokum. Proponents of the automatism theory accept that it is possible for a person to move the planchette unconsciously, claiming that the Spirit Board opens a direct path from the conscious to the subconscious.

The spiritualist will tell you that messages come to you from forces beyond our world. You contact, or "channel" these entities through the séance, or session. These are spirits, ghosts, or other supernatural beings who have a purpose in contacting the living. Many spiritualists feel that there is no harm in contacting the other world, as most spirits are basically benign, and may have important information to convey. Other spiritualists theorize that malevolent forces can masquerade as good, and can cause emotional damage to the user of the Spirit Board.

1. To begin the séance, for that is what the session is called, place the board upon the knees of two persons, lady and gentleman preferred, with the Planchette upon the board. Place the fingers lightly, but firmly and without pressure, upon the Planchette to allow it to move easily and freely. In from one to five minutes it will commence to move, at first slowly, then faster, and then will be able to talk or answer questions which it will do by touching, with the circular opening or the pointer, printed words or letters necessary to form words and sentences.

2. Only one person at a time should ask questions, so as to avoid confusion, and questions should be put plainly and accurately.

3. To obtain the best results it is important the persons present should focus upon the matter in question, and avoid other topics. There should be no one present who will not observe or participate seriously and respectfully.

4. The Spirit Board is a great mystery, and we do not claim to give exact directions for its management. Neither do we claim that it will work equally well in all circumstances or at all times.

The Board should be kept smooth and free from dust and moisture, to facilitate movement of the planchette. Rubbing gently with a dry silk handkerchief just before use is suggested.

The Haunted Studio Spirit Board is offered as an entertainment device and collectible artifact. Neither I nor The Haunted Studio make any warranty as to its ability to help you contact the spirit world, and accept no liability for consequences should you attempt to do so.