Ouija Board

[GammaRay]

Some non-Christian friends came up to me and said they tried it. They said it worked perfect and all the replies they got did make sense. Of course, there was another one with 10 years of "experience" along.
Once they ("amateurs") tried it alone, they'd only get gibberish replies. Not even their theological views on the matter made sense, let alone the fact they couldn't tell that they had self-submitted themselves.

On the other hand, we have Christians who believe that these Ouija boards can haunt your house with demons and even possess your soul. The criticism this mere FRAUD (or magic trick) has received from Christians is an insult to Christ's people; to our intelligence. Just because people can be driven crazy it doesn't mean it's actually the devil's work directly. It was John of Damascus who said that there are actions guided by God, those by Satan and those by other forces (i.e.: psychological phenomena!).

Long story short, it's nothing at all. It's not a demonic board. It's just a game inside your mind. A game played by yourself.

Watch this video, please:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cma5Zn7xrWU
Another good test I've heard is blindfolding the participants. Surely, the spirit will still be able to move around the board without you having to watch, right? (Come to think of it, this whole Ouija practice is kinda offending to blind people! )

Also see:
http://www.skepdic.com/ouija.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideomotor_response

Trying it out isn't dangerous. Believing it actually works IS dangerous. Because, then, even if people are not communicating with any evil force actually (or with any force at all!), there are great chances of them going crazy over it and becoming occultists.


God bless us all!...with reason this time!

[Severian]

--Subscribed--

This might be an interesting thread.

[JamesRottnek]

I would say that just because demonic forces aren't always involved in something, doesn't mean they often aren't.

[Jetavan]

I prefer the Nonnein Board, myself.

[Melodist]

I've heard differently from some of my friends.

My advice would be to have nothing to do with it.

[Deacon Lance]

If you invite spirits they may come.

[Andrew21091]

I don't think it invites evil spirits. Its just silly. I think it can be dangerous because it can be a distraction. We should keep our minds on Christ instead of thinking a little board can tell us things. I don't believe the board itself has power, except for the power to distract us from Christ.

[JamesRottnek]

If you are genuinely attempting to use a Ouija board for the purpose of contacting the dead, you are engaging in something quite close to necromancy, and I would argue this does - in fact - invite unclean spirits.

[ialmisry]

Is it necessary? No. May it be harmful? Yes. Ergo, have nothing to do with it.

There are two Ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death, and the difference between the two Ways is great...

....Do not be always looking for omens, my son, for this leads to idolatry. Likewise have nothing to do with witchcraft, astrology, or magic; do not even consent to be a witness to such practices, for they too can all breed idolatry.

-The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

Btw, there is something to the ouija board: I have a personal experience that IIRC I've posted but do not have time now.

[Deacon Lance]

The board itself is a piece of cardboard.  The purpose of using the board is to try to contact spirits, the same is true of seance, wicca, satanism, etc.  Do any of these rituals have power in themselves?  No.  It is the interior disposition of the user that can give the demonic spirits entrance to and power over a person.  For most these are silly games but still sinful in that they are superstitous.  For some they are an invitation to demonic obsession, oppression and  possession.

[Maria]

The board itself is a piece of cardboard.  The purpose of using the board is to try to contact spirits, the same is true of seance, wicca, satanism, etc.  Do any of these rituals have power in themselves?  No.  It is the interior disposition of the user that can give the demonic spirits entrance to and power over a person.  For most these are silly games but still sinful in that they are superstitous.  For some they are an invitation to demonic obsession, oppression and  possession.

Thank you, Deacon Lance, a voice of reason.

Two people I knew who had played with that board had very negative demonic experiences.
They avoided the Ouija board from then on.

Why play with fire?

[Andrew21091]

If you are genuinely attempting to use a Ouija board for the purpose of contacting the dead, you are engaging in something quite close to necromancy, and I would argue this does - in fact - invite unclean spirits.

I honestly don't believe that it has any power. Same with Wicca spells, seances, etc. I don't think there is any power in them. The danger is believing that they do have power and that can lead one into delusion. I believe such things are also blasphemous. That is where the real danger is.

[IsmiLiora]

I don't read horoscopes, not because I think that a demonic spirit will take over my body immediately, but there is nothing spiritually beneficial about it. Same with the Ouija board. Why bother?

[sprtslvr1973]

My two cents on occultic games like ouija boards, tarot cards, "the bell witch" is this:
1) at best it is a silly game, and thus a waste of time
2) at worst it is much, much more sinister and dangerous than option 1.
At any rate, why would you even want to try it? Remember Russian Roulette with a six shooter gives you a 83.33% chance of not blowing your head off, but would you still take the risk?

[Anastasia1]

Long story short, it's nothing at all. It's not a demonic board. It's just a game inside your mind. A game played by yourself.
...
Trying it out isn't dangerous. Believing it actually works IS dangerous. Because, then, even if people are not communicating with any evil force actually (or with any force at all!), there are great chances of them going crazy over it and becoming occultists.

God bless us all!...with reason this time!

When my mom was young, she did ouiji board with some friends, maybe this was high school. She asked the name of the man she would marry. The board got to all but the last letter of a name when my mom took her hand off. She thought maybe the name had a wrong letter in it and thought it was different name. In college, she met a man, later married him, and later realized that his name was the name from the board plus one letter. I'm just saying...

[Gamliel]

When I was a kid I had one for a while.  Got to the point when I never used it, and I started wondering if it was bad news, so I got rid of it.  I would never have one again.

[Achronos]

I experienced some weird things with that board.

Nothing Paranormal Activity crazy though.

[Andrew21091]

Long story short, it's nothing at all. It's not a demonic board. It's just a game inside your mind. A game played by yourself.
...
Trying it out isn't dangerous. Believing it actually works IS dangerous. Because, then, even if people are not communicating with any evil force actually (or with any force at all!), there are great chances of them going crazy over it and becoming occultists.

God bless us all!...with reason this time!

When my mom was young, she did ouiji board with some friends, maybe this was high school. She asked the name of the man she would marry. The board got to all but the last letter of a name when my mom took her hand off. She thought maybe the name had a wrong letter in it and thought it was different name. In college, she met a man, later married him, and later realized that his name was the name from the board plus one letter. I'm just saying...

Do demons know the future? Or perhaps quiescence that the name was the same?

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

[IsmiLiora]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

Almost everyone who posted is fundamentally agreeing with what you're saying. Why did you have to post that last line again?

[Asteriktos]

The idea that demons can infect people through the use of weegee boards provides the demons themselves with much lulz. Seriously, why would they bother trying to influence people who use those things? Either people're just having a bit of fun, in which case the demons can't do anything; or the people are already so far off the path that no demonic influence is really needed. For realz.

[JamesRottnek]

From The Sayings of the Desert Fathers:

"Some brothers came to find Abba Anthony to tell him about the visions they were having, and to find out from him if they were true or if they came from the demons.  They had a donkey which died on the way.  When they reached the place where the old man was, he said to them before they could ask him anything, 'How was it that the little donkey died on the way here?' They said, 'How do you know about that, Father?' And he told them, 'The demons shewed me what happened.'  So they said, 'That was what we came to question you about, for fear were were being deceived, for we have visions which often turn out to be true.'  Thus the old man convinced them, by the example of the donkey, that their visions came from the demons."

[JamesRottnek]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

Do you ever feel persecuted?  Do you ever feel passive, while also feeling something close to the opposite of that?  Do you ever feel like righteousness may describe self?

[Anastasia1]

The idea that demons can infect people through the use of weegee boards provides the demons themselves with much lulz. Seriously, why would they bother trying to influence people who use those things? Either people're just having a bit of fun, in which case the demons can't do anything; or the people are already so far off the path that no demonic influence is really needed. For realz.

Or the people think that they are believers who are just having fun and then they do it again and again and start to rely on the ouiji board or believe in it enough for it to affect their lives and they are not longer the powerful tools for the Kingdom of God that they once were. That could also happen. (I know it doesn't always happen like that, but I feel the possibility needs to be mentioned.)

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

Do you ever feel persecuted?  Do you ever feel passive, while also feeling something close to the opposite of that?  Do you ever feel like righteousness may describe self?

Do you ever feel like Dr. Sigmund Freud, or do you just do lots of cocaine?  


Selam

That attack was very unfair. 40 days of warning for an ad hominem - MK.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

The idea that demons can infect people through the use of weegee boards provides the demons themselves with much lulz. Seriously, why would they bother trying to influence people who use those things? Either people're just having a bit of fun, in which case the demons can't do anything; or the people are already so far off the path that no demonic influence is really needed. For realz.

Or the people think that they are believers who are just having fun and then they do it again and again and start to rely on the ouiji board or believe in it enough for it to affect their lives and they are not longer the powerful tools for the Kingdom of God that they once were. That could also happen. (I know it doesn't always happen like that, but I feel the possibility needs to be mentioned.)

That's a very good point Anastasia.


Selam

[Ortho_cat]

I'm skeptical about this stuff, but we are told not to mess with it.

[Timon]

I don't think it invites evil spirits. Its just silly. I think it can be dangerous because it can be a distraction.

never used one, but i agree.  I dont see how a piece of cardboard can be dangerous.  it seems like it would a be a funny/quirky thing to pull out at a party or something.  i didnt know people out there really took these things serious...

[Asteriktos]

The idea that demons can infect people through the use of weegee boards provides the demons themselves with much lulz. Seriously, why would they bother trying to influence people who use those things? Either people're just having a bit of fun, in which case the demons can't do anything; or the people are already so far off the path that no demonic influence is really needed. For realz.

Or the people think that they are believers who are just having fun and then they do it again and again and start to rely on the ouiji board or believe in it enough for it to affect their lives and they are not longer the powerful tools for the Kingdom of God that they once were. That could also happen. (I know it doesn't always happen like that, but I feel the possibility needs to be mentioned.)

I covered that scenario when I talked about some being so far off the path that the demons don't even bother

[JamesRottnek]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

Do you ever feel persecuted?  Do you ever feel passive, while also feeling something close to the opposite of that?  Do you ever feel like righteousness may describe self?

Do you ever feel like Dr. Sigmund Freud, or do you just do lots of cocaine? 


Selam

Did you just accuse me of being a drug addict?

[Melodist]

My two cents on occultic games like ouija boards, tarot cards, "the bell witch" is this:
1) at best it is a silly game, and thus a waste of time
2) at worst it is much, much more sinister and dangerous than option 1.

2

At any rate, why would you even want to try it? Remember Russian Roulette with a six shooter gives you a 83.33% chance of not blowing your head off, but would you still take the risk?

Correction. 83.33% the first person to go will lose. The rate gets more risky as it gets passed around. There is a 100% chance that, if not you, someone playing will die, that is if everyone fully follows through with the game.

[Jetavan]

Correction. 83.33% the first person to go will lose. The rate gets more risky as it gets passed around. There is a 100% chance that, if not you, someone playing will die, that is if everyone fully follows through with the game.

...unless one of the players is a robot.

[Father Peter]

I would absolutely insist that any person I had spiritual and pastoral responsibility for had nothing ever to do with this, or with other such activity including horoscopes.

[FatherGiryus]

I attended a number of occult activities throughout my childhood and into early adulthood.  Spirit boards were part of that.  Most of the time, it was rubbish, which in part led to the collapse of the Spiritualist Movement in the early 20th century.

However, when people begin inviting spirits to enter their space and communicate, they are opening doors that can be difficult to close.

While 99% of people experience no aftereffects from Ouija Board use, there are 1% who do end up with some kind of negative after-effects.  These can range from small to large problems.

Yes, in most cases the devil is not too worried about us: we are so weighed down with sins and distractions that God is the farthest thing from our minds.  However, sometimes we do get some attention, and so we probably should not unnecessarily increase our chances.

[IsmiLiora]

I am just remembering that we were playing with the Ouija board when I was a child and I asked who I would marry. It said that my husband's name would start with a D (it does) and I would marry at 37. Okay, so it was wrong on that one. (My sister and cousins all got to marry in their early 20s -- I am having the last laugh .)

Hm, scary now that I think about it. I'm surprised that my mother didn't stop us from playing with it. Probably because she thought it was hogwash or, as a very superstitious Catholic, thought that we might find out something true.

Anyway, I wouldn't even try that today. It just opens the door in my mind. I used to read horoscopes and play with tarot cards. What's worse, I actually thought that if I prayed beforehand, that God would use the cards to send me a message. I don't mess with that any more.

[Jetavan]

The Mothman Prophecies addresses all of these issues, and more!

[orthonorm]

Is it necessary? No. May it be harmful? Yes. Ergo, have nothing to do with it.

There are two Ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death, and the difference between the two Ways is great...

....Do not be always looking for omens, my son, for this leads to idolatry. Likewise have nothing to do with witchcraft, astrology, or magic; do not even consent to be a witness to such practices, for they too can all breed idolatry.

-The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles

Btw, there is something to the ouija board: I have a personal experience that IIRC I've posted but do not have time now.

That applies to nearly everything in life.

[orthonorm]

Here is my take YOUVE all been waiting for.

If using a ouija board is how you get your kicks during in any age group, you need rethink the definition of enjoyment.

Swirling around your alphabet soup and seeing if any words appear or looking for patterns in clouds is about as dangerous.

[Anastasia1]

The idea that demons can infect people through the use of weegee boards provides the demons themselves with much lulz. Seriously, why would they bother trying to influence people who use those things? Either people're just having a bit of fun, in which case the demons can't do anything; or the people are already so far off the path that no demonic influence is really needed. For realz.

Or the people think that they are believers who are just having fun and then they do it again and again and start to rely on the ouiji board or believe in it enough for it to affect their lives and they are not longer the powerful tools for the Kingdom of God that they once were. That could also happen. (I know it doesn't always happen like that, but I feel the possibility needs to be mentioned.)

I covered that scenario when I talked about some being so far off the path that the demons don't even bother

No, I am saying that the person could be just starting off the path and the board could the be the tool that takes them further. Just starting to leave the path is not unbelieving, unfaithful, into the occult, or whatever the way that the person could become, the way that could become too far off the path.

[Ortho_cat]

Correction. 83.33% the first person to go will lose. The rate gets more risky as it gets passed around. There is a 100% chance that, if not you, someone playing will die, that is if everyone fully follows through with the game.

...unless one of the players is a robot.

or has a kevlar helmet.

[William]

The board itself is a piece of cardboard.  The purpose of using the board is to try to contact spirits, the same is true of seance, wicca, satanism, etc.  Do any of these rituals have power in themselves?  No.  It is the interior disposition of the user that can give the demonic spirits entrance to and power over a person.  For most these are silly games but still sinful in that they are superstitous.  For some they are an invitation to demonic obsession, oppression and  possession.

Amen.

[sprtslvr1973]

Here is my take YOUVE all been waiting for.

If using a ouija board is how you get your kicks during in any age group, you need rethink the definition of enjoyment.

Swirling around your alphabet soup and seeing if any words appear or looking for patterns in clouds is about as dangerous.

So if I get messages in my Alphabet Soup telling me Elvis is alive and is the the Archbishop of North America's secret identity, maybe I should  be worried??

[orthonorm]

Here is my take YOUVE all been waiting for.

If using a ouija board is how you get your kicks during in any age group, you need rethink the definition of enjoyment.

Swirling around your alphabet soup and seeing if any words appear or looking for patterns in clouds is about as dangerous.

So if I get messages in my Alphabet Soup telling me Elvis is alive and is the the Archbishop of North America's secret identity, maybe I should  be worried??

Dude, Elvis? rly? livEs. Play Blue Hawaii backwards and you will get the answer to the second.

[FountainPen]

Funnily enough i had a conversation on the phone about this yesterday with a friend who thinks that the devil is more interested in destroying our relationships with each other and ultimately God. So he wouldn't be interested in silly games like that. I tend to think that anything that brings about fear in a person --which those board games can -- is dangerous. I'm not saying the enemy is right there at that moment or even that spirits would be present, but the idea of what you're doing makes you nervous and jumpy so you'd be more inclined to be fearful and think about it during the week.

Without faith it is impossible to please God!

[Melodist]

Correction. 83.33% the first person to go will lose. The rate gets more risky as it gets passed around. There is a 100% chance that, if not you, someone playing will die, that is if everyone fully follows through with the game.

...unless one of the players is a robot.

or has a kevlar helmet.

They're better at deflecting rounds than stopping them. That's why they have that real curvy shape.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

Reason is sometimes the enemy of faith and plain Christian common sense. Whether Ouija boards have actual demonic power or whether it's merely a psychological effect makes no difference. These things should be avoided like the plague by all Christians. But then again, take my opinion with a grain of salt. It's probably just one of my raving fundamentalist views like my belief that abortion is murder.



Selam

Do you ever feel persecuted?  Do you ever feel passive, while also feeling something close to the opposite of that?  Do you ever feel like righteousness may describe self?

Do you ever feel like Dr. Sigmund Freud, or do you just do lots of cocaine? 


Selam

Did you just accuse me of being a drug addict?

No, I was not calling you a drug addict. I was responding in jest, which I thought was clear by the "wink" emoticon. But perhaps my jesting was in poor taste, and I apologize if I offended you.


Selam

[Hiwot]

selam to you all

so when i think of these things that have the possibility wetting the spiritual appetite of the young and impressionable ones into the hidden 'occult' in the form of a game that requires their active participation of their will to look into the future through that Bord or cards , horoscopes etc, or in a passive form, gaining pleasure out of certain movies and books whose message is to constantly  and directly blaspheme against the Faith, the Church, the office of the Priesthood, the monastics etc.  I think of what the atheist philosopher  Friedrich Nietzsche have said ' when you stare into the abyss , the abyss stares back at you' lol nothing of the deceiver's is free, so when we take something whatever it may be from him, we will pay one way or another, when we tell ourselves that we are only 'studying' it , we must be aware that we are also being studied. and should the situation arise that information can be used against us. the lie/truth we are told today might be in preparation for the trap set 10 years from today but ultimately the deceiver is not interested in our pet games but in using whatever interests us petty or not to get to us. his diligence is legendary as we all know, and nothing  that borders his territory is 'just a game' to him. of course he might be welcoming like the spider to the fly' welcome to my abode said the spider to the fly '  I think ultimately its up to each one of us to discern these things, when it comes to ourselves and the young ones entrusted to us. it is my opinion that discerning the spirit of the time, is in keeping with the Lords command ' be wise like the serepent, and meek like the dove'.

selam hunu.

[bogdan]

For what it's worth, I personally know some people who had a spiritual/demonic experience when playing with a ouija board.

I don't think the boards have any inherent power, but they are convenient channels for the devil to reach out to those who are open to evil.

But then, so are computers, televisions, and even our best friends at times.

[Maria]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I know that my priest would not give his blessing for anyone to use Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers or palmistry.

We are to avoid these things. In fact, one of the Orthodox Priests in our area placed a person under penance for two years for visiting a fortune teller at a carnival.

Another Orthodox Priest said that although his own mother would read tea leaves in her cup and in those of others, he did not recommend that practice either.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

selam to you all

so when i think of these things that have the possibility wetting the spiritual appetite of the young and impressionable ones into the hidden 'occult' in the form of a game that requires their active participation of their will to look into the future through that Bord or cards , horoscopes etc, or in a passive form, gaining pleasure out of certain movies and books whose message is to constantly  and directly blaspheme against the Faith, the Church, the office of the Priesthood, the monastics etc.  I think of what the atheist philosopher  Friedrich Nietzsche have said ' when you stare into the abyss , the abyss stares back at you' lol nothing of the deceiver's is free, so when we take something whatever it may be from him, we will pay one way or another, when we tell ourselves that we are only 'studying' it , we must be aware that we are also being studied. and should the situation arise that information can be used against us. the lie/truth we are told today might be in preparation for the trap set 10 years from today but ultimately the deceiver is not interested in our pet games but in using whatever interests us petty or not to get to us. his diligence is legendary as we all know, and nothing  that borders his territory is 'just a game' to him. of course he might be welcoming like the spider to the fly' welcome to my abode said the spider to the fly '  I think ultimately its up to each one of us to discern these things, when it comes to ourselves and the young ones entrusted to us. it is my opinion that discerning the spirit of the time, is in keeping with the Lords command ' be wise like the serepent, and meek like the dove'.

selam hunu.

Excellent insights as usual Hiwot.


Selam

[FormerReformer]

Here is my take YOUVE all been waiting for.

If using a ouija board is how you get your kicks during in any age group, you need rethink the definition of enjoyment.

Swirling around your alphabet soup and seeing if any words appear or looking for patterns in clouds is about as dangerous.

So if I get messages in my Alphabet Soup telling me Elvis is alive and is the the Archbishop of North America's secret identity, maybe I should  be worried??

Dude, Elvis? rly? livEs. Play Blue Hawaii backwards and you will get the answer to the second.

Sorry, man, but here you're wrong. Elvis is dead.

He died two years ago.

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I don't think it's quite an "ask your priest" question, if one has any sort of critical thinking ability:

A) Ouija boards are just a bunch of kids playing around- and everything kids do is guaranteed to be wrong anyway. "Doctor", "House" (the game, not the TV show), Top 40 music, the Disney Channel, all are evil.

B) An adult using an ouija board is searching out advice from spirits, something forbidden in the Judeo Christian experience, whether it "works" or not. If the person is just fooling themselves (as Orthonorm thinks) or is interacting with demons (as some other posters think) is neither here nor there. We aren't told not to fool around with mediums and talking to spirits "Only if it's for really reals" we're just plain told not to do it. Don't do it.

[Salpy]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I know that my priest would not give his blessing for anyone to use Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers or palmistry.

We are to avoid these things. In fact, one of the Orthodox Priests in our area placed a person under penance for two years for visiting a fortune teller at a carnival.

Another Orthodox Priest said that although his own mother would read tea leaves in her cup and in those of others, he did not recommend that practice either.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I know that my priest would not give his blessing for anyone to use Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers or palmistry.

We are to avoid these things. In fact, one of the Orthodox Priests in our area placed a person under penance for two years for visiting a fortune teller at a carnival.

Another Orthodox Priest said that although his own mother would read tea leaves in her cup and in those of others, he did not recommend that practice either.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

I LOVE IT!!! 


Selam

[Asteriktos]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

[Maria]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Oh, those Orthodox who pick and choose a confessor based on who will go along with his/her opinions are called CAFETERIA Orthodox. 

[IsmiLiora]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Oh, those Orthodox who pick and choose a confessor based on who will go along with his/her opinions are called CAFETERIA Orthodox.

What about those of us who choose based on proximity? 

[Maria]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I know that my priest would not give his blessing for anyone to use Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers or palmistry.

We are to avoid these things. In fact, one of the Orthodox Priests in our area placed a person under penance for two years for visiting a fortune teller at a carnival.

Another Orthodox Priest said that although his own mother would read tea leaves in her cup and in those of others, he did not recommend that practice either.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

Mine said the same thing.

In this sign, conquer.

[FormerReformer]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Oh, those Orthodox who pick and choose a confessor based on who will go along with his/her opinions are called CAFETERIA Orthodox.

Mmmmm cafeteria

[Cognomen]

...but we are told not to mess with it.

True, and really all we need to know.  Like others pointed out, it's not the game itself that's dangerous.

[Maria]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

[Hiwot]

Maria and Salpy that was beautiful what you said your priests said about signs. I will remember to use it and pass it on to others as well. Thank you

[Ortho_cat]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

I know that my priest would not give his blessing for anyone to use Ouija boards, tarot cards, crystal balls, horoscopes, fortune tellers or palmistry.

We are to avoid these things. In fact, one of the Orthodox Priests in our area placed a person under penance for two years for visiting a fortune teller at a carnival.

Another Orthodox Priest said that although his own mother would read tea leaves in her cup and in those of others, he did not recommend that practice either.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

And if they ask u what that means, you show them! Voila, evangelism.

[GammaRay]

I tried doing the "pendulum answers". After experimenting a little bit, I realized it was myself who was causing everything. Not only I could clearly feel after a while that I was moving it myself, but I also tried messing around the questions.

The board itself is a piece of cardboard.  The purpose of using the board is to try to contact spirits, the same is true of seance, wicca, satanism, etc.  Do any of these rituals have power in themselves?  No.  It is the interior disposition of the user that can give the demonic spirits entrance to and power over a person.  For most these are silly games but still sinful in that they are superstitous.  For some they are an invitation to demonic obsession, oppression and  possession.

Yes! Exactly! Couldn't have put it in a better way. Also, my point is that we should discard those practices are superstitious and not literally as demonic magic; it makes us look stupid for no reason and we're attributing much power to the devil as well.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

Haha, I remember reading this one in the forums years ago. I loved it. Bad thing I can't use this pun in Greek, so, when asked, I tell people to say that in English.
(I'm such a pozer.)

[Maria]

Why are you messing around with a "piece of cardboard" as you describe the Ouija Board?

Let's say that a person is "strong enough in the faith" that the Ouija board poses no dangers, and the demons seem to have no claim over him/her. Nevertheless, the pride exhibited in thinking that one is invincible from demonic attack could lead to serious spiritual and physical dangers. We must remember that the devil "goes about like a lion seeking those whom he may devour."

Although the Ouija board might not appear to be an opening to demonic attack, it could lead to pride, ungodly curiosity, and further experimentation with things that should be left alone: tarot cards, crystal balls, palmistry, fortune telling, snake charming, horoscopes, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc.

I tried doing the "pendulum answers". After experimenting a little bit, I realized it was myself who was causing everything. Not only I could clearly feel after a while that I was moving it myself, but I also tried messing around the questions.

The board itself is a piece of cardboard.  The purpose of using the board is to try to contact spirits, the same is true of seance, wicca, satanism, etc.  Do any of these rituals have power in themselves?  No.  It is the interior disposition of the user that can give the demonic spirits entrance to and power over a person.  For most these are silly games but still sinful in that they are superstitous.  For some they are an invitation to demonic obsession, oppression and  possession.

Yes! Exactly! Couldn't have put it in a better way. Also, my point is that we should discard those practices are superstitious and not literally as demonic magic; it makes us look stupid for no reason and we're attributing much power to the devil as well.

Regarding horoscopes, my priest says if someone asks for your sign, you should say "the sign of the Cross."

Haha, I remember reading this one in the forums years ago. I loved it. Bad thing I can't use this pun in Greek, so, when asked, I tell people to say that in English.
(I'm such a pozer.)

[Opus118]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

[sprtslvr1973]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

I hope you're joking.

[orthonorm]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

I hope you're joking.

When Opus jokes, you will not know it, but it is hilarious.

This is not a joke.

[sprtslvr1973]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

I hope you're joking.

When Opus jokes, you will not know it, but it is hilarious.

This is not a joke.

I never saw this at our local Greek Fest; the priest(s) I believe would not be happy

[pasadi97]

How smart would be to invite lions to your house, lets say 2 or 3?  Well not so smart since they can kill you however the sick angels invited through board are more powerfull and can attack both the body and the soul.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

How smart would be to invite lions to your house, lets say 2 or 3?  Well not so smart since they can kill you however the sick angels invited through board are more powerfull and can attack both the body and the soul.

Very good point.


Selam

[Schultz]

How smart would be to invite lions to your house, lets say 2 or 3?  Well not so smart since they can kill you however the sick angels invited through board are more powerfull and can attack both the body and the soul.

Very good point.


Selam

Indeed.  The board itself is just a board, but the process of using the board, even for play, explicitly refers to calling on spirits to guide the pointer.  Even if none "show up" and the users end up moving the pointer by themselves via suggestion or subconsciously, it's never a good idea to play with the spirit world. 

My wife has always wanted to get a coffee table with a ouija bord on it simply as an aesthetic piece of furniture.  I indulge most of rather odd tastes in art (she is an amateur taxidermist, after all!) but I am adamant about not having such a thing in my house on display.  I turn a blind eye to the set of tarot cards she has that she owns as it is understood that I am not to be in the house if she ever feels the need to pull them out (which she has not, to my knowledge*, in some time, at least not in our new home), but I just find ouija boards utterly creepy because I associate them with a certain group of people I knew in high school.  It's one of the strongest memories I have of that time and it's not a particular set I wish to recall.

* How do I know she hasn't pulled them out?  I know where they are, stored away in the long bench/trunk in the basement that always has quite a bit of other stuff on top of it.  I'm not even she knows where they are, but if she did, I would know if she went hunting for them because she would never put all that stuff back on top

[FatherGiryus]

I had a priest from the 'Old Country' offer to teach me how.

This kind of behavior isn't just limited to Greeks and Arabs.  The Slavs have traditions of priests uttering 'Black Prayers,' or the occasional priest acting as a koldun.

Anyway, that's for another thread.

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

I hope you're joking.

When Opus jokes, you will not know it, but it is hilarious.

This is not a joke.

[orthonorm]

(she is an amateur taxidermist, after all!)

*orthonorm furiously googles to make sure he ain't completely brain dead and forgot what a taxidermist is*

[FantaLimon]

To me the Ouija board is just as dangerous as calling Bloody Mary.

Using a Ouija board on one's coffee table is innocuous compared to say, sacrificing a pigeon in a pentagram on the floor.  Especially since you're not praying but asking for a physical manifestation of the supernatural, which I must believe is a rare occurrence...  

One might speak of superstition but it is superstitious to believe the devil devours souls through a Hasbro game board.

[Asteriktos]

(she is an amateur taxidermist, after all!)

*orthonorm furiously googles to make sure he ain't completely brain dead and forgot what a taxidermist is*

Boy, you done been in the city too long. Come back to the sticks, where your heart is.

[Schultz]

(she is an amateur taxidermist, after all!)

*orthonorm furiously googles to make sure he ain't completely brain dead and forgot what a taxidermist is*

Yes, you read it correctly.  I have stuffed mice, a bunch of animal skulls in an old lantern, a stuffed fox, a stuffed raccoon, and a jar full of my wife's dead grandparents dentures in my house among other things.

There is also a deer skull in the process of maceration in a bucket in my backyard and about ten duck carcasses in my deep freeze.

But that's another thread for another time...

[ilyazhito]

This is very irrelevant! By the way, better be safe than sorry.

[Opus118]

I think this is an ASK YOUR PRIEST question.

So if my priest says it's not a big deal and to have fun, and perhaps to go to a fortune teller when I get bored with the board... then that's the advice I should follow. Got ya. Thanks. It's good to know that priests always give the right advice.

EDIT--Oh wait, you didn't mean to follow my priest's advice, unless he disagreed with YOU, did ya? Nah, can't be...

Do you really know such a priest who would tell you to enjoy your games and would allow you to go to a fortune teller?

I have not come across one yet.

I am surprised that no one else here has had their (Greek/Turkish) coffee grounds read at a Greek Orthodox Church festival.

I hope you're joking.

When Opus jokes, you will not know it, but it is hilarious.

This is not a joke.

You are correct on this. In regard to the bad jobs thread, belly dancing is much more common and accepted, thankfully.

[Maria]

How smart would be to invite lions to your house, lets say 2 or 3?  Well not so smart since they can kill you however the sick angels invited through board are more powerfull and can attack both the body and the soul.

Very good point.


Selam

Indeed.  The board itself is just a board, but the process of using the board, even for play, explicitly refers to calling on spirits to guide the pointer.  Even if none "show up" and the users end up moving the pointer by themselves via suggestion or subconsciously, it's never a good idea to play with the spirit world. 

My wife has always wanted to get a coffee table with a ouija bord on it simply as an aesthetic piece of furniture.  I indulge most of rather odd tastes in art (she is an amateur taxidermist, after all!) but I am adamant about not having such a thing in my house on display.  I turn a blind eye to the set of tarot cards she has that she owns as it is understood that I am not to be in the house if she ever feels the need to pull them out (which she has not, to my knowledge*, in some time, at least not in our new home), but I just find ouija boards utterly creepy because I associate them with a certain group of people I knew in high school.  It's one of the strongest memories I have of that time and it's not a particular set I wish to recall.

* How do I know she hasn't pulled them out?  I know where they are, stored away in the long bench/trunk in the basement that always has quite a bit of other stuff on top of it.  I'm not even she knows where they are, but if she did, I would know if she went hunting for them because she would never put all that stuff back on top

Oh dear.

If she can read your post here, then the secret is out.

[Tags:]

OrthodoxChristianity.net > Moderated Forums > Faith Issues (Moderator: Michał Kalina) > Topic: Ouija Board