Buzz
Important superstitions and traditional rules to follow when discarding a spirit board
Although using a Ouija board might start as a spooky thrill with friends, a disturbing encounter could leave you desperate to be rid of it. Folklore warns that improperly discarding the board could bring it back. In this guide, you'll learn the correct and incorrect ways to dispose of a Ouija board, when it's appropriate to do so, whether gifting it is an option, and how to clear away any lingering entities or negative energy.
Quick Guide to Disposing of a Ouija Board
- Conclude the session by guiding the planchette to “Goodbye.”
- Purify the board using sage smoke, a salt circle, or healing crystals.
- Break the board into seven separate pieces.
- Bury the broken board in sacred or blessed ground, if possible.
Detailed Instructions
Proper Ways to Get Rid of a Ouija Board
End the session the right way. When you’re finished using the Ouija board, move the planchette to “Goodbye” and respectfully ask any spirits to return to their realm. This helps close the portal and prevents unwanted energies from staying behind.
- Many believe that if the session is ended properly, there’s no real need to get rid of the board.
Cleanse the board spiritually. To avoid lingering negativity or spirits, it's wise to purify the board before discarding it. You can choose a ritual that suits you—popular options include sage, salt, or healing crystals. Waft sage smoke over the board, encircle it with salt, or place a crystal like black obsidian or clear quartz on top.
- Consider also cleansing the space where the board was used.
- Keep in mind that white sage is tied to closed Native American practices. If you aren’t of Native heritage, consider using another type of sage.
Break it into 7 pieces (optional). The number 7 holds spiritual significance in many cultures and religions, including Christianity. That’s why some choose to split the Ouija board into 7 parts before disposing of it. After breaking it, sprinkle each piece with Holy Water.
- Some believe that breaking the board is essential, while others warn it could unleash negative energy. Choose what aligns with your beliefs.
Bury the board. Whether whole or in pieces, bury the Ouija board to dispose of it. Ideally, this should be on consecrated ground such as a churchyard or cemetery, but any secluded area will do. Dig a hole deep enough to prevent easy retrieval. If unbroken, tradition suggests burying it face down. Cover the spot with dirt and leave.
- Some traditions recommend adding salt over the burial site to help cleanse and protect the area, especially when it rains.
Wrong Ways to Get Rid of a Ouija Board
Avoid burning the Ouija board. Most belief systems warn against setting a Ouija board on fire. It’s said that burning one might unleash trapped energy. Some even claim the board will let out a scream—and anyone who hears it won’t survive more than 36 hours.
Don’t toss it in the trash. Throwing the board out with your everyday garbage is discouraged. This could leave residual energy behind or allow the board to end up in the wrong hands. There are even stories of boards reappearing in the home after being discarded.
Is it okay to give away a Ouija board?
Many believe it's acceptable to pass your Ouija board to someone else. Be sure to cleanse the board first and confirm the new owner knows how to use it properly. Some traditions say that gifting the board breaks the former owner’s tie to it.
Signs It's Time to Let Go of a Ouija Board
Consider disposing of the board if the planchette moves by itself. Many believe that if the planchette starts gliding on its own, especially in a figure 8 or spelling words like “death” or “evil,” it’s a warning of dark spiritual interference.
- If the board identifies itself as Satanic, mentions demons by name, or points to ominous numbers like 666, it’s also a strong signal to get rid of it.
- It’s completely valid to discard the board if its presence makes you uneasy or you no longer want to keep it around.
How to Remove Lingering Spirits or Demonic Energy
Always say goodbye when ending a session. Concluding your time with the Ouija board by thanking the spirits and asking them to depart helps close the spiritual connection. Make sure to move the planchette to “goodbye” to finalize the session properly.
Keep the board and planchette separate when not in use. Some believe that storing the two together forms an open link to the spirit realm. To avoid this, store them apart or wrap the planchette in a cloth to ensure it doesn’t come into contact with the board.
Try a spiritual cleansing. If you've closed the session properly but still feel an unsettling presence, it’s wise to purify your board, yourself, and your space. Popular cleansing tools include rosewater, incense, or the smoke of cleansing herbs like sage. If you’re spiritual or religious, saying a prayer and asking the presence to leave can also be effective.
- Typically, you wave smoke or mist around the area to purify it. For more complex rituals, be sure to follow every step carefully.
- If the situation persists, it may be time to consult a spiritual healer or priest.
Is Using a Ouija Board Right for You?
Choosing to use a Ouija board is a personal choice. For some, especially those with strong religious beliefs, the board is considered dangerous or evil. Others view it as a harmless tool for communicating with spirits—or dismiss its power entirely. Reflect on your own beliefs before deciding if it’s something you should use.
- Although countless people report eerie encounters, there’s no scientific proof that Ouija boards actually connect to spirits. They're sold as toys.
Origins of the Ouija Board
The Ouija board made its debut in 1891. During the height of the Spiritualist Movement in the late 19th century, curiosity about the supernatural was booming. The board offered a way for people to communicate with spirits at home, and during that era, seances weren’t frowned upon by many religious communities, including Christianity.
In the 1970s, the Ouija board gained a sinister reputation. It wasn’t until the 1973 release of The Exorcist that the board was widely associated with demonic activity. The movie depicted the Ouija board as a gateway for possession, shifting its image from a lighthearted pastime to a feared occult object.
- Since then, horror films have repeatedly portrayed the board as a dangerous tool, solidifying its dark reputation in popular culture.
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Many believe spirits can only affect you if you believe in them—so if you’re skeptical about Ouija boards, discarding one like regular trash likely won’t do any harm. Still, if you’re unsure or uneasy, it’s wise to follow the proper disposal rituals.
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Keep in mind, Ouija boards are sold as toys, so approach their use with discernment and a healthy dose of skepticism.
