The Fascinating History of Automatic Writing and Ouija Boards

When it comes to the supernatural and the occult, Ouija boards have captured the imaginations of people for generations. Often seen as mysterious gateways to the spirit world, these boards have both intrigued and frightened individuals seeking answers beyond the realms of the physical. While many are familiar with the basic concept of Ouija boards, there is a lesser-known aspect that is equally as fascinating: automatic writing.

Automatic writing, also known as spirit writing or psychography, is the process of allowing the subconscious or spirit entities to control one’s hand and write messages. This practice has deep historical roots and is closely intertwined with the development and use of Ouija boards. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, techniques, and fascinating stories surrounding automatic writing and its connection to Ouija boards.

The Origins of Automatic Writing

The concept of automatic writing can be traced back to the early 19th century, gaining popularity during the spiritualist movement of the mid-1800s. Spiritualism, a religious and cultural movement centered around the belief in communication with spirits, provided a fertile ground for the development of automatic writing.

The Beginnings: The first documented instance of automatic writing can be attributed to the French medium and writer Victorien Sardou in the 1850s. Sardou claimed to receive messages from spirits through an unseen force, which compelled his hand to write on its own. This practice quickly gained attention and followers, setting the stage for the introduction of Ouija boards.

The Emergence of Ouija Boards

While automatic writing served as a direct means of communication with spirits, the invention of the Ouija board created a new way to facilitate these interactions. Ouija boards, also known as spirit boards or talking boards, gained significant popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Let’s explore the key milestones and developments in the journey of Ouija boards:

The Patent:

The first patented Ouija board, as we know it today, was introduced by Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard in 1890. They claimed that the name “Ouija” emerged during a séance, where the board itself outlined the word’s meaning as “good luck” in ancient Egyptian.

The Rise of William Fuld:

William Fuld played a pivotal role in popularizing Ouija boards. After Bond’s death, Fuld took over the manufacturing of Ouija boards and further developed their design. He introduced a new business model, factory production, and aggressive marketing strategies to exploit the growing interest in mysticism and spiritualism.

The Controversies:

Ouija boards faced intense scrutiny and controversy from religious groups and skeptics who believed they were a dangerous gateway to demonic possession. In response, Fuld and other manufacturers reconciled this opposition by positioning the boards as harmless entertainment.

The World Wars and Cultural Shifts:

Ouija boards enjoyed widespread popularity during the World War eras, as people sought comfort and communication with lost loved ones. However, as society shifted towards a more scientific and rational approach, interest in Ouija boards diminished. They were often dismissed as mere parlor games rather than legitimate conduits to the spirit realm.

Automatic Writing and Ouija Boards: Techniques and Practices

Both automatic writing and Ouija boards involve forms of mediumship, where individuals act as channels between the physical and spiritual worlds. Let’s explore the techniques used in automatic writing and the role of Ouija boards:

Automatic Writing:

Automatic writing requires a calm and relaxed state of mind, allowing the subconscious or spirits to take control of one’s hand. Some individuals use a pen or pencil on paper, while others use a keyboard or touchscreen device. The writing produced can range from simple messages to complex essays, poetry, or even drawings.

Techniques that enhance automatic writing include meditation, visualization, and intentionally connecting with spirit guides. The process often starts with a request or invitation for communication, followed by a period of silence and receptiveness. It is crucial to note that automatic writing should always be approached with caution and proper spiritual protection.

Ouija Boards:

Ouija boards consist of a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and words, along with a planchette, a small heart-shaped or triangular piece of wood or plastic. Participants place their hands lightly on the planchette, allowing it to move across the board to spell out messages.

The success of Ouija board sessions depends on the participants’ openness and willingness to allow the planchette to move freely. Skeptics often attribute the movement to the ideomotor effect, a phenomenon where unconscious muscle movements are influenced by subconscious thoughts or beliefs. However, there remain numerous accounts of unexplainable and profound experiences linked to Ouija board sessions.

Mysterious Stories and cautionary tales

The history of automatic writing and Ouija boards is filled with intriguing stories and cautionary tales. From famous mediums like Pearl Curran, who channeled a spirit named Patience Worth through intense automatic writing sessions, to documented cases of alleged spirit possession during Ouija board sessions, these experiences have both captivated and terrified individuals throughout time.

One notable cautionary tale involves the famous Ouija board possession case of Doris Bither. Bither claimed to be tormented by malevolent spirits after playing with a Ouija board and experiencing automatic writing sessions. This case became the basis for the book and subsequent movie, “The Entity.”

Conclusion

Automatic writing and Ouija boards continue to lure individuals seeking a deeper connection with the unknown. Whether you view them as mere products of the subconscious mind or as genuine portals to the spirit world, their allure and influence cannot be denied. Understanding the historical context, techniques, and stories associated with automatic writing and Ouija boards adds depth to our understanding of these intriguing practices.

While caution should always be exercised when engaging in any form of spiritual or supernatural practice, the exploration of automatic writing and Ouija boards opens doors for personal introspection and connection to the mysteries that lie beyond our physical senses.