Spirit Boards in Modern Magick: Breaking the Taboo
Why are Spirit Boards so Feared?
Hey friends!
I’ve decided to switch my newsletter over to Substack, and I’m really excited about it! I’ve missed blogging, and I’m hoping this change will help me get back into the swing of things. Plus, let’s be honest, Mailchimp was charging me over $80 a month for a newsletter that wasn’t even going out monthly. Switching to Substack feels like a win-win—more blogging, less cost, and a chance to give my newsletter some extra oomph.
Why are Spirit Boards so Feared?
Spirit boards have a bad rap, and it's worth exploring why they stir up so much fear. A big reason is Hollywood, particularly thanks to The Exorcist. Movies and TV shows love to depict spirit boards as portals to evil spirits, which fuels a lot of misunderstanding and fear. These dramatic portrayals leave a lasting impression that spirit boards are inherently dangerous. Then there's the historical baggage. Spirit boards have long been linked to alternative spiritual practices, adding to their spooky reputation, mainly thanks to the “Satanic Panic” of the ‘80s and ‘90s. This historical context makes people wary, thinking these boards are tied to dark and mysterious rituals.
Religious beliefs also play a huge role. Many religious groups see spirit boards as tools of “the devil” or gateways to demons. This strong opposition really cements the fear around them. Cultural superstitions add to this fear too. Urban legends and old wives' tales often describe spirit boards as dangerous or cursed. Whether these stories are true or not, they definitely add to the spooky reputation of spirit boards. Unsettling or inexplicable experiences while using spirit boards can be genuinely scary and reinforce the idea that they lead to negative outcomes. Fear of the unknown also plays a big role, as people are often scared of what they don’t understand. Parental and societal warnings about the dangers of the occult, often including spirit boards, can amplify this fear and stigma.
Fear as a Rite of Passage
Using a spirit board to scare ourselves has almost become a modern-day rite of passage. As a teen, my friends and I were all about the rush of connecting with the unknown. We'd gather around a spirit board in a dark room, ask questions, and wait for the planchette to move. It was a fun bonding experience and a shared adventure into the unknown. It tested our courage and allowed us to confront our fears in a controlled setting. Daring each other to contact the other side challenged our personal beliefs and helped us embrace life's mysteries, even if just for a night.
I think most of us have spooky stories involving a Ouija board from when we were younger. I know I do. But why? Often, like a lot of things in the occult and divination, our expectations and intentions going into the experience significantly shape the experience itself. If we approach the spirit board with fear and trepidation, they are more likely to interpret any movement or sound as ominous. Those who approach with a sense of curiosity and openness may have a more positive or neutral experience. Those who approach it with reverence and respect for the tool are more likely to have a positive experience with it. The collective energy of the group also plays a role, as heightened emotions and anticipation can influence the perception of what happens during the session. The spirit board becomes a mirror reflecting the participants' inner states, making their intentions and mindset crucial factors in the overall experience.
As mentioned, a lot of times we experiment with a ouija board when we're kids. As I discuss in my first book Psychic Witch, children, and especially teenagers, are more likely to create telekinetic phenomena that can be interpreted as poltergeists or demons (and no, this isn't saying those things don't also exist). The heightened emotional and psychic energy of youth can unconsciously influence the movement of the planchette via their Lower Self, making the experience even more intense and seemingly supernatural, especially when the planchette moves on its own when no one is touching it. This blend of youthful energy, hormones, imagination, and fear can turn a simple spirit board session into a memorable, if not spine-chilling, adventure.
But let’s get real. Think about it. If spirit boards so easily opened up portals to demonic entities, the life of the goetic magician (one who actively does summon and works with demons) would probably have a much easier life and save them a lot of work.
Spirit Boards Are Simply a Tool
Spirit boards are simply a tool, no more dangerous or safe than a pendulum, tarot cards, oracle cards, or scrying mirrors. Like any divinatory instrument, the power lies in the intent and respect of the user. When approached with caution, knowledge, and a clear purpose, spirit boards can serve as a valuable means of communication and insight. The same principles of grounding, protection, and setting boundaries apply to spirit boards as they do to any other divination method. Misuse or disrespect of any tool can lead to unsettling experiences, but when used properly, spirit boards can be a safe and enlightening part of one's spiritual practice.
The Ideomotor Effect Doesn’t Invalidate It
Spirit boards use the ideomotor effect to engage the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of our being, tapping into the Lower Self. This part of us operates on a subconscious level, and the subtle, unconscious movements of the planchette reflect this deeper connection. This doesn't mean the experience is purely in our head; it indicates we're accessing a different part of our consciousness. Using a pendulum works similarly. We channel our subconscious and direct it with intent. A spirit board can also connect with specific entities, like the Higher Self, spirit guides, spirits of the deceased, land spirits, or elementals. By setting clear intentions and approaching the practice with respect, we can use the spirit board to bridge our conscious mind with these spiritual realms, facilitating meaningful and insightful communication.
Psychic Witch Spirit Boards
The original first run of my 'Psychic Witch' spirit boards a few years back sold out quickly, with the first one now proudly displayed at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft. This second run, "The Midnight Edition," aligns even more closely with my book’s aesthetics, being painted black. These are selling just as fast as the original run, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Crafted from birch wood, known for its psychic protection, purification, inspiration, and wisdom, each of these 50 exclusive boards is meticulously designed. Birch has a rich history in European folk magick rituals for driving out evil spirits. Hand-crafted by Chas Bogan at Carnivalia Studio, these boards are available exclusively through Datura Trading Co. Each board is numbered and laser-signed on the back, beneath a layer of varnish. The spirit board measures 16.75" by 11.5" and is .4" thick. The planchette, .25" thick, features felt feet for smooth movement across the board's varnished surface.
If you’re interested in other unique spirit boards with a varied range of prices, be sure to check out all of our boards on Datura Trading Co. by clicking here.
Other News & Updates
🦉 Theresa Reed wrote an article on here that made me blush.
🦉 Check out THE CIRCLE IS podCAST hosted by Rachel True and myself! We release an episode weekly.
🦉 Pisces Witch, co-written by myself and Ivo Dominguez, Jr. is now available. You can grab it directly from Llewellyn, through Amazon, or get signed copies directly from me.
🦉 Only 33 more days until my newest book, The Psychic Art of Tarot is released into the world! You can preorder it directly from Llewellyn, through Amazon, or preorder signed copies directly from me.
🦉 I found some spare copies of some of my book’s foreign translations laying around and am signing & selling the limited stock I have. Check what I have left here.
Recent Interviews
Upcoming Events
