I always thought that ouija boards were child’s play just only a game but is it?

A Ouija board is commonly used in divination and spiritualism, often by friends out to have some fun. Sometimes, users become convinced they've been contacted by the spirit world. The board usually has the letters of the alphabet inscribed on it, along with words such as 'yes,' 'no,' 'good-bye,' and 'maybe.' A planchette, a small 3-legged device with a hole in the middle or a pointer of some sort, is manipulated by those using the board. However, users often feel the planchette is moving of its own accord rather than responding to their own unconscious muscle movements (ideomotor action). The users ask a "spirit" a question and the pointer slides until it stops over "yes" or "no" or a letter on the board. Sometimes, the selections "spell out" an answer to a question asked.

Some users believe that paranormal or supernatural forces are at work in spelling out Ouija board answers. Skeptics believe that those using the board either consciously or unconsciously move the pointer to what is selected. To prove this, simply try it blindfolded some time Have an unbiased bystander take notes on what words or letters are selected. Usually, the results will be unintelligible.

The movement of the planchette is not due to spirits but to unconscious movements by those controlling the pointer. The same kind of unconscious movement is at work in such things as dowsing and facilitated communication.

Before there were Ouija boards in America there were talking boards. These could be used to contact the spirit world by anybody in the privacy of one's own home; no séance was required and no medium need be present (or paid!). [i]No experience necessary! No waiting! Quick results, guaranteed![/i]

Graylight · 51-55, F

It's said to be a display of "ideomotor effect." This is when the body makes automatic movements so tiny that they aren't normally picked up by the eye. But try to hold a long range lens steady or go in for a tiny splinter; our bodies are full of little movements.

Ostensibly, this is what controls the movement of the planchette on a ouija board. Unconscious thought combine with the ideomotor effect and voila! That said, there are those who believe it's also a channel through which spirits can communicate. Christians are so terrified of this because they think only "evil" spirits come through.

I played with it as a interested observer for years, and nothing of any merit ever came from it one way or the other. But I've never played "Bloody Mary" in the bathroom and I never, ever will.