It's not surprising that so many people are curious about the Ouija board -- a so-called "game," part of which seems to move by unseen forces. It's this phenomenon that makes it so mysterious and strikes fear in the hearts of many who have used it.

But is there anything supernatural about the Ouija or similar devices?

How to Use the Ouija Board
No matter your opinion of the Ouija, you should at least know how to use it properly.

Here are the basic instructions, plus tips on getting the best results.

Ouija: How Does It Work?
This article briefly describes the history of the board as well as some of the prevailing opinions and theories on what makes the planchette move. Does it spell out messages through the influence of spirits or demons? Psychokinesis? Or is it a combination of the ideomotor effect -- involuntary muscle movements -- and the psychological fears and expectations of the participants?

The Ouija Debate
Whether or not the Ouija board should be avoided has been a subject of controversy and debate for many years, even among paranormal researchers. Many in the religious community seem to have their minds made up that its movements are the work of the Devil. This article reveals that even some paranormal researchers have grave reservations about the Ouija, pointing to anecdotes of negative experiences. Some even call it a gateway to evil and the occult. Others, however, see it as inherently harmless with problems only arising out of the reactions of the users.

Expressing their opinions are Brad Steiger, Dale Kaczmarek, Hans Holzer, and Loyd Auerbach.

The Ouija Board: Is It Really Evil?
Fear of the Ouija board, in my view, crosses the line from the paranormal to outright superstition. In this article I argue that the negative reputation of the Ouija board has arisen primarily from the movies. One of the first (and most terrifying) was The Exorcist, which depicted Regan communicating with "Captain Howdy" through the Ouija. The implication was that this was how Regan became possessed by the demon. Other films capitalizing on the Ouija scare factor (and none based on reality) include Witchboard, Paranormal Activity, and Ouija.

• Paganism/Wicca Expert Patti Wigington answers the question: How Safe is a Ouija Board?

7 Reasons to Avoid Using the Ouija Board
If the Ouija is inherently harmless, as I claim, are there good reasons why some people should not use it. Yes, I would say there are several reasons it should be avoided in some circumstances and by certain people completely. Because the idea of the Ouija as a negative force or a demonic portal is so prevalent, it probably should not be used by those who are easily terrified, have been drinking or taking drugs, take it too seriously, and other reasons. They're just common sense.

Ouija: The Spirits and the Positive Side of the Talking Board
At the other end of the spectrum are those who say they have only has positive experiences with the Ouija board. Author Karen A. Dahlman is one of them, and in this interview she explains the best ways to use the Ouija for positive results, the effect its had on her life, and more.

Tales of the Ouija

Apart from the movies and TV, the Ouija stays in our collective awareness due to the many personal experiences reported. If you haven't had one yourself, you probably have a family member or friend who says they've had a Ouija experience that was somehow remarkable, fascinating, scary, or otherwise unexplained. Whether you believe them or not, they are entertaining. There is a great collection of such stories on this website:

• Tales of the Ouija - 15 volumes of stories, at last count, from readers who affirm that the experiences they relate are completely true.
• Ouija Tales - Extreme - There is even an "extreme" edition of stories that are really out there!
• The Ouija, the Bones, and the Ghosts - When two cousins experiment with the Ouija board, they uncover a buried secret, which then triggers the appearance of three ghosts.
• Why You Should Beware of the Name Zozo During Ouija Seances - Darren encounters the dreaded entity Zozo while using the Ouija board.
• More Zozo Encounters - Others who use the Ouija board who have reported contact with an entity known as Zozo, which they believe might be a demon.

The real power of the Ouija is the psychological effect it can have on participants. In my opinion, its movements and messages come not from spirits or dark realms, but from our own subconscious. So it's little wonder that what it tells us can be meaningful, frightening, or even surprising. It's all about your intention and how you approach it.