The Ouija Board: From Parlour Game to Spiritual Conduit?

By Jon Donnis

The Ouija board has an interesting history that many people misunderstand. While it's often seen as a tool for contacting spirits, its roots are much more ordinary. What began as a simple board game gradually turned into something associated with the paranormal, with some claiming it connects to the spirit world. This article looks at the story behind the Ouija board, from its creation to its current place in pop culture, and explores the science behind why it seems to work.

From a Game to Something Mysterious

The Ouija board first appeared in the late 1800s, during a time when many people were fascinated with Spiritualism. This belief, which suggested the dead could communicate with the living, was especially popular in the United States and Europe. The aftermath of the Civil War and high mortality rates made many eager to find ways to connect with lost loved ones.

Before the Ouija board became what we know today, mediums were using talking boards during seances. These boards had letters, numbers, and yes or no options. People would use a small pointer, known as a planchette, to spell out messages they believed were from spirits. In 1890, a businessman named Elijah Bond saw an opportunity to turn this concept into a product. He patented what we now call the Ouija board, but at the time, it was marketed as a fun game with no real supernatural claims.

The First Ouija Board Patent

Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard, another businessman, created the Kennard Novelty Company to manufacture the first Ouija boards. The board was simple. It featured the alphabet, numbers, and yes or no options. A planchette was used to move over the surface of the board to answer questions. According to stories, the board itself gave the name "Ouija" during a session. Some believe the name came from combining the French and German words for "yes" (oui and ja). Either way, the name added some mystery.

When the first patent for the Ouija board was granted in 1891, it wasn't described as anything magical. The patent called it a toy or game. The instructions were straightforward: gather a group of people, lightly rest your fingers on the planchette, ask a question, and see where the planchette moves. It was promoted as a fun game anyone could play.

1891 Ouija Board Patent

William Fuld Changes the Game

In 1901, William Fuld, who worked for the Kennard Novelty Company, took control of the Ouija board's production. He is the person responsible for the board's shift toward mysticism. Fuld suggested that the board itself had instructed him to keep producing it. This claim, true or not, gave the Ouija board a greater sense of mystery and helped boost its popularity.

Fuld continued producing the Ouija board until his death in 1927, after which his family took over. In 1966, the Parker Brothers game company, known for games like Monopoly, purchased the rights to the Ouija board. This brought the board into the mainstream. Despite its growing reputation as something paranormal, Parker Brothers marketed it as a family game.

The Media's Role in Making the Ouija Board Scary

For decades, the Ouija board was seen as a mostly harmless game. But that changed dramatically in 1973, when the horror film The Exorcist linked the board to demonic possession. In the movie, a young girl becomes possessed after using a Ouija board. This portrayal transformed public perception of the board. Suddenly, what had been a fun toy was viewed by many as something dark and dangerous.

Since then, the Ouija board has become a fixture in horror films, books, and urban legends. People started to believe that using the board could invite spirits, or worse, demons. While the board's original purpose was purely recreational, it gained a reputation as a tool that could open doors to the unknown.

The Science Behind the Ouija Board

Although the Ouija board can feel like it's moving on its own, scientific explanations suggest otherwise. The board's movement can be explained by a psychological phenomenon called the ideomotor effect. This occurs when people move unconsciously, without realizing they are doing it. When people use the Ouija board, their subconscious minds guide the planchette, even though they think it's moving on its own.

Subtle, involuntary muscle movements drive the planchette across the board, creating the illusion that the board is spelling out answers to questions. This process can be influenced by the participants' expectations or group dynamics. The ideomotor effect explains why the board seems to produce answers even though it's actually controlled by the users.

Who Owns the Ouija Board Today?

Despite its spooky reputation, the Ouija board is still owned by a major toy company. In 1991, Hasbro acquired Parker Brothers, and with it, the rights to the Ouija board. Hasbro continues to sell the board today, especially around Halloween. While they market it as a "mystifying oracle," the company doesn't make any strong claims about its supernatural abilities.

The Modern Ouija Board

Today, the Ouija board holds a unique place in pop culture. For some, it's just a fun way to spend time with friends. For others, it's a tool that might connect them with the unknown. Despite scientific explanations, belief in the board's paranormal power persists, especially among those interested in ghosts or the occult.

The Ouija board continues to appear in movies, TV shows, and even video games. It's often depicted as a dangerous tool, which keeps its reputation alive as something to approach with caution. Whether people see it as a game or something more serious, the Ouija board's history shows that its evolution from a toy to a cultural icon is far from simple.

Conclusion

The Ouija board is a mix of history, psychology, and cultural intrigue. What began as a game has turned into something with a much deeper meaning for some people. While science can explain its workings, belief in the board's powers remains strong. Whether it's just a fun pastime or a gateway to the unknown, the Ouija board continues to fascinate and mystify people around the world.

UPDATE:

The Uninvited (1944)

The earliest known usage of a Ouija board in a movie is in "The Uninvited" (1944). This classic ghost story, directed by Lewis Allen, features a scene where the characters use a Ouija board to communicate with a restless spirit haunting their new house. In this scene, the board reveals the name "Carmel," which plays a significant role in uncovering the ghost's identity and the dark history of the house.

"The Uninvited" marked one of the first instances of the Ouija board being used as a supernatural communication device in cinema, setting the stage for how it would be portrayed in later horror films.

Protecting Our Elders: Understanding and Preventing the Blessing Scam

By Jon Donnis

The Blessing Scam is a cruel form of fraud that preys on the fears and cultural beliefs of elderly individuals, particularly those in the Chinese community. By exploiting deep-rooted superstitions around curses, bad luck, and spiritual wellbeing, scammers target vulnerable people, often leaving them emotionally and financially devastated. Elderly Chinese women, who may be more likely to hold traditional beliefs about curses and the influence of fortune-tellers, are among the most frequent victims, although anyone can ultimately be a victim of this scam.

The scam usually begins with a seemingly innocent encounter in a public space. Fraudsters approach the victim and strike up a conversation, pretending to be friendly members of the community or helpful passers-by. As the conversation unfolds, they introduce a more sinister element. They may mention a fortune-teller or claim to have spiritual knowledge themselves. They warn the victim that a terrible curse or misfortune is about to befall their family. Often, this involves predicting sickness or death of a loved one unless immediate action is taken.

These con artists are highly skilled at manipulating their targets' emotions, using fear to coerce them into taking drastic steps. They may suggest that a ritual or blessing is needed to remove the curse and protect the family from impending disaster. This ritual, of course, comes at a cost. Victims are often asked to bring valuable items like cash, jewellery, or other precious belongings to be "blessed" or cleansed of evil. The fraudsters typically perform a fake ceremony in which the valuables are placed into a bag or envelope. In many cases, the victim is told not to open the package for a period of time, allowing the criminals to make a quick escape with the items before the scam is discovered.

It is heart-breaking that these scams often work because they play on the victim's desire to protect their family. The psychological pressure is immense, and the perpetrators are experts at making the scam seem urgent and real. This makes it difficult for the elderly to recognise that they are being manipulated, particularly if they are isolated from family members who might otherwise help them assess the situation rationally.

To protect elderly relatives from falling victim to this type of fraud, education is key. Start by having open discussions with them about the existence of scams like this. It is important to stress that there are no legitimate fortune-tellers or healers and only a scammer would approach someone on the street with dire warnings. Explain how scammers use fear to push people into making impulsive decisions and that they should always be cautious of anyone who tries to frighten them into handing over money or valuables. Encourage them to trust their instincts and to walk away from anyone who tries to pressure them into taking immediate action.

Another crucial step is fostering strong communication within the family. Encourage elderly relatives to talk to you or another trusted family member before making any decisions involving their money or valuables, especially if a stranger has approached them with warnings or advice. Let them know that there is no shame in being cautious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. By normalising these conversations, you can make it easier for them to reach out if they find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

As well as talking to elderly relatives, ensure they are aware of the authorities they can contact if they feel unsure or unsafe. Local police or community centres may offer support for elderly people who have been targeted or feel at risk. Remind them that it's okay to be suspicious and that genuine individuals with their best interests at heart will never rush them into making decisions about their belongings.

If an elderly relative has already fallen victim to a scam, it's important to report the incident as soon as possible. Fraudsters often target the same people more than once if they believe they can continue exploiting them. In some cases, the scammers may follow up with further claims, stating that the initial blessing didn't work and that more rituals or money is needed. Immediate action can prevent further losses and may help the authorities in their investigations.

Empowering the elderly with knowledge and support is the best defence against the Blessing Scam. By being vigilant, discussing the tactics fraudsters use, and providing a safety net of communication and reassurance, we can help protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to this heartless scheme.

Paul Daniels - Under Laboratory Conditions - The Paul Daniels Magic Show

Magician Paul Daniels Under Laboratory Conditions on The Paul Daniels Magic Show from 2nd October 1982.

16th October 1982

15th October 1983

Paul Daniels, born Newton Edward Daniels on April 6, 1938, in Middlesbrough, England, was a celebrated British magician and television personality renowned for his dazzling performances and sharp wit. Rising to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, Daniels captivated audiences with his innovative magic tricks and charismatic stage presence.

Daniels is best remembered for his long-running TV show, "The Paul Daniels Magic Show," which aired from 1979 to 1994. The show was a significant hit and showcased his talent for blending traditional magic with modern flair. Daniels’ knack for engaging audiences made him a household name in the UK and earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Magician of the Year award from the Magic Circle.

Beyond his impressive stage career, Daniels was a passionate advocate for critical thinking and skepticism. He used his platform to expose the tricks of fake psychics and debunk supernatural claims, demonstrating how seemingly mystical phenomena could be explained through magic and psychological techniques.

Daniels was also known for his warm personality and sense of humour, which endeared him to fans and fellow entertainers alike. His impact on magic and television left a lasting legacy, and he remains an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.

Paul Daniels passed away on March 17, 2016, leaving behind a rich legacy of magic and a commitment to revealing the truth behind illusions. His contributions continue to inspire magicians and audiences around the world.

And here is a couple of extra clips fromhis "Extra Sensory Deception" segment from The Paul Daniels Magic Show on 31st January 1987

Leslie Flint: The Controversial Life of a Self Proclaimed direct voice medium

Leslie Flint pictured with ectoplasm "voice-box" on the shoulder.

Leslie Flint remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of psychic phenomena. Born into poverty, he rose to prominence as a direct voice medium, claiming to communicate with the spirits of the dead. His ability to "channel" spirits, allowing them to speak through an independent voice in his presence, captivated believers while drawing significant criticism and accusations of fraud from sceptics. This article examines Flint's life, his rise to fame, and the skepticism surrounding his mediumship claims.

Leslie Flint was born on 20 January 1911 in Hackney, East London, into a working-class family. Raised primarily by his grandmother after his father died in World War I, Flint's early years were marked by hardship. His education was limited, and he worked various odd jobs to make ends meet. Despite these humble beginnings, Flint exhibited a strong interest in spiritualism from a young age. He claimed that he began hearing voices when he was only seven years old, though he did not fully understand these experiences until later.

In his late teens, Flint's interest in spiritualism deepened, and he became involved in the spiritualist movement, which had gained popularity in the United Kingdom during the early 20th century. His involvement in this movement would eventually define the rest of his life, as he began honing his abilities as a medium.

Flint's mediumship career began modestly. By his early 20s, he had started holding séances, where he claimed to act as a conduit for spirits who wished to communicate with the living. Flint's particular method was "direct voice" mediumship, a practice in which the spirit's voice is purportedly heard independently of the medium, usually in the air around them. Unlike other mediums who might speak in a trance-like state, Flint insisted that the voices heard were not his own but belonged directly to the spirits communicating through him.

Image: Sunday Express

Flint's reputation grew rapidly, and by the 1940s, he had become well-known in spiritualist circles. His séances, often held in complete darkness or in dimly lit rooms, drew in people eager to hear from deceased loved ones or famous figures from history. Among those who purportedly communicated through Flint's séances were the likes of Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria, and even Mahatma Gandhi. However, it was his claim that he channelled the spirit of Oscar Wilde that perhaps drew the most attention.

Leslie Flint's fame reached its peak during the 1950s and 1960s. He was regularly featured in newspapers, magazines, and on radio programmes. His séances were attended by celebrities, journalists, and members of the aristocracy, all of whom were fascinated by his purported ability to allow the dead to speak. Flint conducted hundreds of séances, some of which were recorded and still circulate today.

One of Flint's most high-profile séances was with the spirit of actress Ellen Terry, a star of the Victorian stage, who allegedly communicated through him in 1956. Recordings from this session were released and widely publicised. Flint’s séances also became the subject of books, further boosting his popularity. Among his staunchest supporters was the medium and writer Maurice Barbanell, who promoted Flint as an extraordinary talent in the field of spiritualism.

As with many mediums, Leslie Flint's claims were met with skepticism and, at times, outright accusations of fraud. The biggest issue with Flint’s séances was the conditions under which they were held. Direct voice mediumship often took place in darkness or near-darkness, a fact which gave skeptics ample reason to question the legitimacy of the voices being heard. Without visual confirmation of the phenomena, many felt it was too easy for Flint to produce the voices himself or use ventriloquism.

One of the most significant exposés of Flint came from the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), a respected organisation dedicated to investigating paranormal phenomena. The SPR was instrumental in investigating mediums and holding them to rigorous scientific standards. Flint underwent several tests by SPR investigators, which revealed no conclusive evidence of paranormal activity. Critics pointed out that during more controlled experiments, such as those where Flint was asked to perform without the cover of darkness or without the ability to move freely, the quality of the voices and the success of the séances diminished significantly.

Skeptics also noted inconsistencies in the "spirit voices" Flint allegedly channelled. For example, Flint claimed to have channelled the spirit of Oscar Wilde, who spoke with a distinctly modern, educated accent. However, many scholars noted that Wilde, an Irishman educated in the late 19th century, should have sounded quite different. Critics also pointed to factual inaccuracies in some of the messages from historical figures, further fuelling the suspicion that Flint was fabricating the voices.

Despite the accusations, Flint always denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the voices heard during his séances were genuine and that he was simply a medium through which the spirits communicated.

As spiritualism's popularity began to decline in the late 20th century, so too did Leslie Flint's public prominence. Nevertheless, he continued to conduct séances well into his later years. By this time, Flint had become somewhat of a relic of an earlier era, as interest in spiritualism waned in favour of newer paranormal trends like UFOs and psychic phenomena not tied to traditional mediumship.

Flint passed away on 16 April 1994 in Brighton at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy that continues to divide opinion. To his believers, he remains one of the most authentic and impressive psychic mediums to have ever lived, his recordings and sessions still celebrated by a devoted following. To his critics and sceptics, Flint was nothing more than a skilled performer who manipulated his audiences into believing in the supernatural.

Leslie Flint's career as a medium was one that captivated and perplexed many. His claims of communicating with the dead, while never conclusively proven to be fraudulent, were shrouded in suspicion and controversy. The reliance on darkness, the use of outdated historical figures, and the inaccuracies of the voices he purportedly channelled all raised red flags for investigators and sceptics. Nevertheless, Flint remains a significant figure in the history of spiritualism, emblematic of the public’s fascination with life after death and the enduring allure of psychic phenomena, even in the face of doubt.

Mina Crandon: A Legacy of Deception in the Age of Spiritualism

Index to psychic science, Swarthmore, 1950.

Article by Jon Donnis

Mina Crandon, born Mina Stinson in Ontario, Canada, in 1888, became one of the most infamous figures in the history of spiritualism under the stage name "Margery." Despite her rise to prominence in the early 20th century as a psychic medium, her career was marred by accusations of fraud and deception. This article explores her life, the controversies surrounding her alleged supernatural abilities, and her enduring legacy as a figure of scepticism within the paranormal community.

Early Life and the Path to Spiritualism

Mina Crandon's early life remains relatively obscure, with little documented about her formative years. She married Dr. Le Roi Goddard Crandon, a wealthy and influential Boston surgeon, in 1918. It was through her husband's influence and connections that Mina first entered the world of spiritualism. Dr. Crandon's interest in the afterlife and psychic phenomena spurred Mina's involvement, eventually leading her to become a prominent medium.

By Stanley De Brath - The Physical Phenomena of Spiritualism. London Spiritualist Alliance Publications, 1930.

Rise to Fame as "Margery"

Mina Crandon, known in spiritualist circles as "Margery," gained notoriety during the 1920s, a time when spiritualism was enjoying significant popularity. She conducted seances in her Boston home, where she purported to communicate with the dead, most notably with her deceased brother, Walter Stinson. Her seances attracted numerous notable figures, including scientists, journalists, and spiritualists, eager to witness her alleged powers.

Margery claimed to possess the ability to channel spirits, produce physical manifestations such as levitating objects, and even engage in automatic writing. Her fame reached such heights that she became a candidate for the Scientific American's $2,500 prize, offered to anyone who could demonstrate genuine supernatural abilities under scientific scrutiny.

The Teleplasmic Hand

Among the various phenomena Margery claimed to manifest, the appearance of a "teleplasmic hand" was one of the most sensational. During her seances, Margery purported that this ectoplasmic hand, believed to be an extension of spiritual energy, could materialise and interact with the physical environment. The hand was said to perform various actions, such as moving objects, ringing bells, and leaving imprints in soft substances like wax.

The "teleplasmic hand" was later exposed when biologists examined the hand and found it to be made of a piece of carved animal liver.

These manifestations were allegedly facilitated by Margery's spirit guide, her deceased brother Walter. The teleplasmic hand often appeared in dimly lit conditions, making detailed observation challenging and thereby adding to the aura of mystique. The phenomenon became a focal point of Margery's demonstrations and a key piece of evidence she offered to support her claims of genuine mediumship.

Despite various precautions in tests, Margery still attempted to produce the teleplasmic hand. During one session, an observer discovered that a supposed "teleplasmic hand" was, in fact, Margery's foot, which she had cleverly concealed and used to touch objects and produce noises.

Further investigations revealed that the hand prints supposedly made by the teleplasmic hand were highly suspect. They appeared to have been made by pressing a real hand into a soft substance, like paraffin wax, rather than a supernatural entity manifesting ectoplasm.

By Stanley De Brath - The Physical Phenomena of Spiritualism. London Spiritualist Alliance Publications, 1930.

Exposure and Accusations of Fraud

Despite her widespread acclaim, Margery's career was dogged by accusations of fraud. Notably, the investigations into her abilities were led by Harry Houdini, the renowned magician and escape artist who was also a noted sceptic of spiritualism. Houdini was a member of the Scientific American committee and approached the task with a meticulous and skeptical mindset.

One of the key instances where Margery was caught cheating occurred during a seance in which she claimed to produce physical manifestations. Houdini devised a series of tests and controls to prevent any potential trickery. He notably constructed a special cabinet with holes for Margery's arms, designed to limit her movements and prevent her from using them to manipulate objects.

By Malcolm Bird - "Margery" the Medium, Small, Maynard & Company, 1925.

During these controlled conditions, Margery's supposed abilities failed to manifest convincingly. Houdini further uncovered evidence of fraud, such as discovering that Margery had hidden a collapsible ruler in her chair, which she used to manipulate objects outside the cabinet. Additionally, Walter Stinson's voice, supposedly coming from beyond the grave, was found to be mimicked by Margery herself. Houdini described the voice as a poorly disguised falsetto, lacking any true supernatural quality.

Other incidents further eroded her credibility. For instance, during a seance where Margery claimed to produce ectoplasm, a gelatinous substance said to emanate from mediums during contact with spirits, skeptics discovered that the substance was made from chewed paper or cloth. These revelations, coupled with her inability to perform under controlled conditions, significantly damaged her reputation.

Legacy and Impact

Mina Crandon's life as Margery ended in controversy and disgrace. She passed away in 1941, leaving behind a complex legacy. While her supporters maintained belief in her abilities, her exposure as a fraud has largely defined her place in history. Margery's case remains one of the most infamous examples of fraudulent mediumship, serving as a cautionary tale within the field of parapsychology and the study of psychic phenomena.

The sceptical investigations into Margery's seances, especially those led by Harry Houdini, have had a lasting impact. They highlighted the importance of rigorous scientific investigation and scepticism in assessing claims of the paranormal. Margery's exposure contributed to a broader sceptical movement that sought to debunk spiritualist frauds and protect the public from deception.

Mina Crandon's career as Margery serves as a stark reminder of the susceptibility of individuals to deception, especially when faced with the allure of the supernatural. Her story underscores the need for critical thinking and scepticism in the exploration of the unknown, ensuring that claims of extraordinary abilities are met with the scrutiny they deserve.