A client sought my insight on the Ouija board after learning her teenage son had participated in the “game” at a friend’s home.

Honestly, I find it challenging to even write about this topic, which reveals my genuine thoughts and emotions concerning it.

The Ouija board might appear as a harmless board game or an entertaining psychic instrument for spiritual exploration. Yet, there are substantial reasons to approach this supposed “game” with considerable caution, if not avoid it altogether.

In my experience as a spiritual counselor, I’ve assisted several clients over the years who engaged with the Ouija board and other questionable forms of spirit communication, including necromancy. Although interacting with the spirit world can provide significant opportunities for healing, growth, and connection, it is not something to be taken lightly.

Enhancing your intuition and spiritual connection is a beautiful and uplifting journey. It enables you to become more aware of the unseen and to reach out to your departed loved ones, ancestors, spirit guides, and angels. However, this form of communication and interaction requires respect, reverence, and sincere intention.

Well-meaning practices such as divination, psychic readings, and mediumship are fundamentally different from opening yourself indiscriminately, without safeguards, to any and all spiritual beings and energies.

When you recklessly open yourself through the Ouija board or other unchecked methods, you relinquish your ability to control who and what enters your energy sphere and interacts with your soul. It’s akin to throwing open the door to your aura and allowing a crowd of strangers inside, some of whom may not harbor the best intentions.

Never invite in a lesser evil, for greater horrors will inevitably follow in its wake ~ Baltasar Gracián

You lack a filtering mechanism, gatekeepers, safeguards, or protective barriers. This is precisely why I advise against using the Ouija board or any unstructured method for spirit communication.

Your departed loved ones, ancestors, spirit guides, and divine angels serve as protective buffers, permitting only those energies aligned with our highest good. When you reach out through them, you reap the benefits of their wisdom, discernment, and guarding. Without their presence, you might inadvertently attract lower vibrational entities into your life, which can adversely affect your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

The Mysterious Origins Of The Ouija

Also referred to as a spirit board, talking board, or witch board, the Ouija board is a flat, rectangular wooden surface inscribed with the Latin alphabet, numbers 0-9, the words “yes” and “no,” and sometimes “hello” and “goodbye,” along with other symbols. A planchette, typically a small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic, serves as a mobile indicator to spell out messages from spirits during a séance. Participants lightly touch the planchette, which glides across the board, pointing to letters or symbols that form words.

Although the Ouija board is commodified as a board game, its true purpose was originally to facilitate spirit communication. Not much is known about its actual origins, except that it emerged during 19th-century spiritualism, a belief system rooted in diverse cultural and religious practices centered on communication with the spirit world and belief in an afterlife. Influences that may have set the stage include shamanism, where shamans act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, and mesmerism, which investigated the manipulation of an invisible force for healing through trance.

Early religious movements in the United States, like the Quakers, also encouraged direct personal experiences with the divine, while Enlightenment thinkers investigated the essence of the soul and consciousness. Additionally, ghost tales and folklore across cultures expressed a longstanding interest in spirits, laying the groundwork for spiritualism to emerge as a formal movement and belief system.

Factors contributing to the rise of spiritualism and mediumship in the mid-1800s included significant loss of life from wars, diseases, and industrial mishaps. Mass fatalities, quick industrialization and urbanization, along with substantial social transformations, fostered a sense of insecurity and erosion of traditional values. Spiritualism offered comfort and a sense of spiritual connection. It also responded to scientific progress and an emerging fascination with the esoteric.

The movement gained traction through prominent figures such as the Fox sisters – Margaret, Kate, and Leah – who communicated with spirits at their home in Hydesville, New York. Séances, table-turning, and automatic writing became common practices during this era, comforting a society grappling with short life spans, war, and pervasive grief.

As early as 1886, some spiritualists commenced using a “talking board” similar to the contemporary Ouija board, particularly at their gatherings in Ohio. In the late 1800s in Chestertown, Maryland, Charles Kennard, a businessman with a talent for seizing opportunities, along with E.C. Reiche, a coffin maker and undertaker, were inspired by early spiritualist boards and began collaborating to create their own edition.

When Kennard later moved to Baltimore seeking investors for his talking board innovation, he faced numerous rejections until local attorney Elijah Bond found interest in the project. With his sister-in-law, the renowned medium Helen Peters, Bond helped patent the board in 1891. Interestingly, it was tested and confirmed to function at the U.S. Patent Office before the patent was granted, adding to the allure and mystery of the Ouija.

During World War I, spiritualist Pearl Curran further popularized the board as a divining tool, altering its perception and application in spiritual practices. In modern times, it is advertised as a fun novelty item that connects the material with the immaterial. Although “Ouija” is a registered trademark of Hasbro (which acquired Parker Brothers), the term is often generically used to denote any similar talking board employed for spirit communication.

A small amount of knowledge about the occult can be perilous. Unless used for benevolent purposes, disaster will ensue. That is Cosmic Law ~ Clarence Upson Young

Engaging With Spirits Is Not A Game

Engaging with spirits, whether via mediumship, channeling, divination, or other occult practices, should never be taken lightly. It is a sacred art that demands preparation, respect, and protection.

When conducted properly, communicating with spirits can be enlightening, insightful, and healing. It can provide comfort and closure to those mourning the loss of loved ones. It can deepen our spiritual practice and enhance our understanding of karmic lessons and soul journeys. Moreover, it can grant us divine inspiration and guidance, along with insights into our futures and destinies.

This is not mere entertainment. If we approach spiritual communication with a careless mindset, we undermine the sacredness of the bond. Particularly, mediumship must be exercised with caution.

A responsible and seasoned medium understands how to distinguish between different types of energies and spirit entities, recognizing the significance of invoking protection before engaging with unseen realms. This cannot be achieved with a piece of cardboard and a plastic pointer.

Opening yourself to the spirit realm without adequate preparation and safeguards is potentially a perilous endeavor. It’s similar to igniting a match in a dense, dry forest. Once the flames take hold, they can swiftly spiral out of control, consuming everything in their path before you even realize the extent of the danger you’re in.

My Professional Experience With Victims

In my professional journey, I have assisted various clients who mistakenly treated the Ouija board as a harmless game or an amusing experiment to delve into the paranormal. Regrettably, they swiftly discovered that it was far from harmless. These clients approached me in distress, confusion, depression, anxiety, and fear, seeking ways to liberate themselves from the intrusive negative energies or entity attachments acquired by “playing” Ouija.

None of the entities encountered through the Ouija board were friendly spirits. Rather, they were all energies that thrived on fear, confusion, destruction, and chaos. Some clients reported nightmares, disturbances within their homes, mental health struggles, and even physical symptoms of distress.

Considerable spiritual healing and energy work were necessary to cleanse their energy fields and help restore a sense of tranquility. Many felt vulnerable and shaken, realizing that what they had perceived as merely a “game” had serious and real consequences. When you open yourself to the spirit world without protection or intent, you may become a magnet for energies you wish to avoid.

While the board is a constant presence in American pop culture, very little information is available about its origins…the history of the Ouija is as enigmatic as the operation of the board itself ~ Baynard Woods

The Significance Of Spiritual Protection

So, how can you safeguard yourself if you’re curious about exploring spirit communication in a secure and sacred manner? The essence lies in intention, preparation, and calling upon your guides.

Prior to engaging in any type of spirit communication, whether it’s divination, channeling, mediumship, or invocation, it’s vital to ground and shield your energy while setting a clear intention. Are you hoping to connect with a loved one who has passed on? Are you seeking guidance? Are you merely inquisitive about the spirit realm? Your intention serves as a filter, directing your energy toward a distinct goal or outcome. Without it, you may inadvertently expose yourself to various unwanted energies and spirit attachments.

In the most severe cases, it could even result in spirit possession. In such instances, a negative or hostile entity takes partial or full control over a person’s physical body, mind, or energy, influencing their thoughts, actions, and emotions in harmful manners. This can present as drastic shifts in personality, unpredictable physical symptoms, or a feeling of disconnection from one’s self.

Unlike healthy spirit communication, in which guides and loved ones connect respectfully, possession involves an intrusive force that seeks to influence or drain the individual’s energy, frequently causing distress, fear, and disruption to everyday life. Exorcising such an entity usually necessitates the assistance of a trained spiritual practitioner or healer to purge the energy and restore equilibrium.

Your guides provide a crucial layer of protection. These spiritual beings are aligned with your highest good and serves as gatekeepers, permitting entry only to energies that resonate with your path. Before attempting to make contact with any spirits, take a moment to invoke your guides. This can be done through prayer, meditation, or simply stating aloud that you seek their protection and guidance.

It’s also essential to construct a sacred environment for your spiritual practices. Whether it’s a dedicated room, a small altar, or even just a cozy candlelit nook, creating a space where you feel secure and centered establishes the right ambiance for the work ahead. Protective crystals, like black tourmaline or amethyst, along with visualization techniques, can also help shield you from negative energies.

While the Ouija board may present itself as an alluring avenue for exploring the spirit world, it carries significant hazards. Communicating with spirits is a sacred endeavor that requires respect, intention, and protection. If approached as a game or casual experiment, the repercussions could be harmful and enduring.

Safeguard yourself by honoring the sanctity of the process. Reflect on positive experiences, call upon your guides for defense, and ensure you are grounded and prepared before engaging in any spiritual work. This will enable you to explore spiritual realms safely while keeping your energy and home protected from unwanted influences.

The Ouija board is a device that has captivated and intrigued individuals for generations. Frequently viewed as a mere game, it has a profound history and greater significance that extends beyond simple amusement. In this article, we will delve into the captivating intricacies of the Ouija board, revealing its origins, uses, and the controversies that accompany it.

The Ouija board, also known as a spirit board or talking board, is a flat surface marked with letters, numbers, and other symbols. It typically features a movable indicator, referred to as a planchette, which is utilized to spell messages from spirits or other supernatural forces. The board is commonly employed in a séance or as a divination method.

The beginnings of the Ouija board can be traced back to the late 19th century during a time when spiritualism was on the rise. Spiritualism is a belief structure that posits that the spirits of the deceased can communicate with those still living. Initially, the Ouija board was marketed as a parlor game, however, it rapidly gained the reputation for its supposed capacity to connect with the spirit realm.

The contemporary version of the Ouija board was patented in 1891 by Elijah Bond, Charles Kennard, and William H.A. Maupin. Its popularity soared during World War I when many sought comfort and connection with their departed loved ones. Since then, the Ouija board has become a fixture in pop culture, featured in films, literature, and television programs.

While many regard the Ouija board as an innocuous pastime, others assert it can serve as a powerful medium for interfacing with the spirit realm. Some users claim to have received precise and meaningful messages from the board, while others dismiss it as nothing more than the result of subconscious movements or the ideomotor effect.

The ideomotor effect is a psychological phenomenon where a person makes unconscious movements without recognizing it. Skeptics contend that the movement of the planchette on the Ouija board is attributable to this effect, rather than any supernatural influence. They argue that the messages obtained are merely a reflection of the participants’ own thoughts and beliefs.

Regardless of skepticism, numerous reports recount eerie and unexplainable occurrences related to the Ouija board. Many users assert to have encountered spirits, secured accurate predictions, or experienced strange phenomena while utilizing the board. These narratives have ignited both interest and fear surrounding the Ouija board.

It’s vital to acknowledge that utilizing the Ouija board can be a profoundly personal and potentially intense endeavor. It is advisable to approach it with caution and respect. Some believe that the Ouija board can open channels to negative or malevolent entities and caution against using it without adequate knowledge or protection.

In conclusion, the Ouija board is much more than a simple game. Its roots in spiritualism, its claimed ability to connect with the spirit world, alongside the controversies it raises, establish it as a captivating tool for exploration and self-discovery. Whether you perceive it as a harmless pastime or a powerful gateway to the unknown, the Ouija board continues to fascinate and intrigue those willing to venture into its depths. Continue reading →

Every action we take in our lives influences not only our emotions but also our eventual outcomes and how others perceive us.

Proverbs like “you get what you give,” “what you send out returns,” and “your energy draws your people” illustrate the intricate connections between our choices and actions and the experiences we face daily.

This principle is referred to as the universal law of cause and effect, also identified as the spiritual concept of karma. Each decision we make produces repercussions, whether they are visible or not. Every movement we make – be it physical, cognitive, emotional, or spiritual – yields a corresponding outcome or result.

Nothing happens randomly in life. Our ethics, beliefs, mindset, and attitude shape our journey and fate. Our decisions, actions, and even our thoughts generate a ripple that influences our future. Ultimately, our choices shape the pathway of our life and the legacy we will eventually create.

Ultimately, the motivation or intention behind our actions has a significant impact on the outcomes we experience. Positive behaviors yield positive outcomes, while negative behaviors can result in obstacles or struggles. Over time, the accumulated impact of these actions and their effects navigates the direction of our lives, influencing our relationships, opportunities, and personal development.

This is why it is crucial to be aware of everything we express and undertake. We must develop self-awareness and take accountability for our choices, as every action we take influences our future and ultimate destiny.

Before you act, you have the freedom of choice, but after you act, the effects of that choice will accompany you regardless of your desire for it to be different. This is karma’s principle ~ Paramahansa Yogananda

In terms of our karma and quality of existence, we face a straightforward choice: you can either live as a GRAVE person, or you can opt to be a GRACE person. I refer to these acronyms daily to navigate my choices and conduct.

The Karmic Path Of GRAVE

Individuals who adopt the GRAVE philosophy typically behave in these ways:

G – Greedy
R – Revengeful
A – Angry
V – Vindictive
E – Egotistical

Greed, an unquenchable desire for more, frequently leads to adverse outcomes in both personal and spiritual dimensions. When overwhelmed by greed, people may act immorally or harm others in their pursuit of riches, authority, or material possessions, resulting in negative karma.

Traditional teachings like those found in Buddhism underscore the significance of non-attachment and generosity, warning that greed results in suffering (dukkha) and entraps one within samsara, the perpetual cycle of birth and rebirth. Likewise, in Hindu beliefs, greed is regarded as a barrier to spiritual freedom as it nurtures desires that divert one from dharma (righteous living).

Revenge and vindictiveness, stemming from the urge to “settle the score,” perpetuate cycles of harm not only to others but also to ourselves. Acting out of revenge generates negative energy that inevitably rebounds to the individual who initiated it.

Many indigenous spiritual traditions, including Native American beliefs, stress that causing harm to others, even in retaliation, disrupts the harmony and peace of the world. An ancient Hermetic maxim asserts, “As within, so without,” indicating that nurturing revenge poisons the psyche and invites negativity into one’s existence.

Unmanaged anger and ego distort perception, often leading to damaging actions and catastrophic results. Anger clouds judgment, compelling individuals to react impulsively and harmfully. For instance, in Taoism, anger is seen as a discord in the flow of life-force energy (qi), and practitioners are encouraged to foster inner tranquility and patience. The ego, conversely, isolates us from others and nourishes selfishness and arrogance.

The Bible cautions against pride and ego, asserting the importance of humility. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” while Proverbs 29:23 cautions, “The pride of a man will bring him low, but a humble spirit will exalt him.”

Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism, posits the “ego” as a construct or illusion crafted by the mind. The aim of many Buddhist practices is to transcend this ego-based self, culminating in enlightenment or nirvana.

In esoteric beliefs like Gnosticism, the ego is viewed as a limitation of our material existence that must be transcended to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The focus is on recognizing the divine spark within and striving to reconnect with one’s inner divinity. The ego serves as an impediment to spiritual enlightenment as it obscures our perception of the interconnectedness of all entities.

Are you greedy with your finances or feelings? Do you spend your time plotting revenge on someone who has wronged you? Are you continually angry at others because you feel slighted and resentful, unable to move on? Do you speak of others in a vindictive, disrespectful manner? Are you self-absorbed, egotistical, narcissistic? Do you believe you are superior to those around you?

If you remain attached to these characteristics, the karmic ramifications will ultimately lead to your downfall. Your existence will consist of suffering, drama, and discontent.

People pay for their actions, and even more so, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply: through the lives they lead ~ James Baldwin

The Karmic Path Of GRACE

Choosing a life of GRAVE does not benefit our highest good or the greater good of our environment. Instead, we should aspire to lead a life of GRACE.

G – Generous
R – Relaxed
A – Awe-inspiring
C – Compassionate
E – Empowered

Generosity and charity are fundamental tenets in many religious and spiritual contexts. Giving freely without expecting anything in return cultivates positive karmic energy and draws in abundance and prosperity. In Buddhism, the notion of dāna (generosity) is recognized as one of the highest virtues, teaching that altruism helps diminish attachment and ego, creating beneficial karma that results in favorable outcomes in this life and future reincarnations.

Similarly, Christianity regards the act of giving as sacred: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The Bible underscores generosity as crucial to a righteous life and teaches that helping those in need generates immense blessings, cultivating gratitude, goodwill, and fulfillment in one’s journey.

Maintaining calm, relaxation, and inner peace fosters positive karma by nurturing a harmonious internal state that then radiates outward. Esoteric practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork across various traditions highlight the importance of achieving calmness, centering, and grounding to access deeper awareness and alignment with the universal flow, leading to a more gratifying and tranquil life.

People who inspire awe, those who live with a sense of wonder and motivate others, naturally produce positive energy that draws in good karma. As New Thought teacher Abraham-Hicks expresses, “You cannot get poor enough to help poor people prosper, or sick enough to help sick people heal. You can only lift from your position of strength, clarity, and alignment.”

Compassion and kindness are fundamental for creating good karma, as both Hinduism and Buddhism impart, because selfless love and kindness (karuṇā) purify the soul.

Finally, personal empowerment, grounded in self-awareness and a profound connection to spirit and the divine, leads to a fulfilling life. In Hermetic teachings, for instance, personal empowerment arises from understanding the universe’s laws and using them to uplift oneself and others, thereby establishing enduring positive impacts in one’s existence.

A significant revolution in just one individual can help achieve a transformation in a nation’s destiny and, further, can even lead to a change in the destiny of all humanity ~ Daisaku Ikeda

How To Live With More GRACE

So, what does it mean to lead a life filled with karmic GRACE?

It starts with being more generous with your attention and compassion, realizing that you can brighten someone’s day with a simple hello or a smile. Additionally, share what you can, whether it’s your time, skills, or resources.

Learn to adopt a more relaxed approach to your life. This doesn’t imply being lazy or inactive; it involves being calmer and more composed in all your endeavors. Engage in activities that uplift you rather than create tension, anxiety, or stress. This grounded mindset will positively influence those around you and transform your life.

Next, have more faith in yourself as the excellent person you are meant to be. You are a divine being, possessing that divine spark. Live and act in that awareness. As Howard Thurman put it, “Do not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and pursue that, for what the world needs is people who are alive.”

Practice compassion and kindness. This is essential. Compassion is crucial because you may not fully understand what others are experiencing. Someone might have offended you, but can you truly know that their actions were solely aimed at you, or was it a reflection of their own struggles? Did they suffer a loss, betrayal, or abuse? Everyone has their story and reasons for their actions.

Every day, I choose grace over grave. When anger or the urge for revenge begins to rise in me, I pause, look at the true motives behind my feelings, and return to my intention to be compassionate, inspiring, relaxed, and generous. This centers me back to my path.

Lastly, empower yourself each day in every possible way. Self-care, intentional living, and establishing a spiritual routine are vital components to this. When you are mindful, at peace, and aligned with your higher self, you become more capable of accomplishing the purpose for which you were placed on this planet. You begin to live with enhanced purpose and can manifest, draw, and achieve so much more.

Uncover If You Are On The Karmic Path of Grace

Karma, a belief deeply embedded in Eastern philosophy, centers on the idea that our actions yield consequences that shape our future experiences. It is commonly tied to the notion of cause and effect, where each action sets off a ripple that eventually circles back to us. While karma can be perceived as a means of punishment or reward, another facet exists known as the karmic path of grace.

The karmic path of grace embodies a higher level of consciousness where one’s actions are informed by love, compassion, and selflessness. It reflects a state of alignment with the divine and harmony with the universe. Journeying along the karmic path of grace empowers individuals to rise above their ego and connect with their authentic essence.

How can you determine if you are treading the karmic path of grace? Here are several indicators to observe:

1. Selfless Actions: A primary hallmark of walking the karmic path of grace is engaging in selfless acts. When you habitually prioritize others’ needs over your own, without anticipating anything in return, you embody grace. Acts of kindness, compassion, and altruism become instinctual, and you derive joy from aiding others.

2. Non-Attachment: Practicing non-attachment is another facet of the karmic path of grace. This involves relinquishing the urge to dictate outcomes and yielding to the natural flow of life. When you can detach from the results of your actions and embrace whatever unfolds with peace, you resonate with grace. You trust that the universe has a greater plan for you and possess faith that events unfold for meaningful reasons.

3. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a transformative tool on the karmic path of grace. When you can release others, and yourself, from past mistakes and wrongdoings, you liberate the negative energy linked to those memories. By letting go of resentment and grudges, you create an open space for love and compassion to envelop you. Forgiveness is less about condoning or forgetting and more about freeing yourself from the weight of emotional burdens.

4. Intuition and Inner Guidance: Walking the karmic path of grace means being attuned to your intuition and internal guidance. When you’re in connection with your higher self, you are equipped to recognize what aligns with your true purpose and what does not. Trusting your instincts leads you to make decisions rooted in what feels right, instead of adhering to societal or external pressures. Your intuition serves as a guiding light towards actions that promote the common good.

5. Gratitude and Appreciation: Fostering an attitude of gratitude is a key aspect of the karmic path of grace. Gratitude for your life’s blessings, whether significant or minor, attracts further positive occurrences. You become aware of the interdependence of all aspects of life and acknowledge the divine presence in everything that surrounds you. Gratitude opens your heart, allowing you to perceive the beauty and abundance life offers.

Identifying whether you are pursuing the karmic path of grace necessitates self-reflection and introspection. Take time to analyze your thoughts, actions, and intents. Are they motivated by love and compassion? Do you aim to make a positive difference in others’ lives? Are you capable of forgiving and moving past past grievances? These reflections can serve as a foundation for self-discovery, guiding you toward the karmic path of grace.

Keep in mind that the karmic path of grace is not about achieving perfection, but rather about progressing. It represents an ongoing journey of growth and self-betterment. By deliberately choosing love, compassion, and selflessness, you can reshape your karma, fostering a life filled with grace and harmony. Continue reading →