Grace Thompson
Ouija boards are often seen as a fun and spooky game to play with friends, but some believe they can invite unwanted spiritual entities and can be a portal for demonic powers. For those who believe in its powers, disposing of a Ouija board is a serious matter. According to legend, Ouija boards can return if they are not disposed of properly, so it is important to know the correct way to get rid of one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal Methods | Burning, Burying, Breaking into 7 pieces, Throwing away, Giving away |
| Cleansing Methods | Using sage, salt, crystals, holy water |
| Opinions of Catholic Experts | Dangerous tools of evil, an act of superstition, a portal to the demonic |
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What You'll Learn
Burning it
If you have a Ouija board and wish to dispose of it in a way that is respectful and safe, burning it is one method that is often recommended by Catholic sources. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to responsibly burn a Ouija board:
Firstly, prepare a safe and controlled environment for the burning. Choose an outdoor space, away from any flammable materials or structures. Ensure you have a water source nearby, such as a hose or a bucket of water, in case you need to quickly extinguish any flames. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher on hand as an extra precaution.
For the actual burning process, you will need a fire-safe container, such as a metal bin or a fire pit. Place the Ouija board and any associated pieces, such as the planchette, into the container. If you wish, you can also add other combustible materials, such wood kindling, to help the fire burn more effectively. Ensure that the fire is contained and controlled, and never leave it unattended.
Once the fire is burning strongly, you can use a wooden or metal pole to carefully stir the contents and ensure that the Ouija board is completely destroyed. It is important that the fire fully consumes the board and that no recognizable pieces remain, as some believe that a partially destroyed board can still retain its supposed supernatural power.
After the Ouija board has been reduced to ashes, you should carefully extinguish the fire, ensuring that it is completely out. You can do this by pouring water onto the ashes and stirring them to ensure nothing is smoldering. Once cooled, collect the ashes and scatter them in a place where they won't be disturbed, preferably a natural setting such as a forest or a field.
Finally, it is recommended to perform a spiritual cleansing of the area where the burning took place, as well as any individuals who were involved in the process. This can be done through prayer, smudging with sacred herbs, or other rituals that align with your Catholic faith. This step is intended to bring peace and protection, ensuring that any negative energies or entities are banished.
By following these steps, you can responsibly and safely dispose of a Ouija board through burning, in a manner that aligns with Catholic beliefs and practices.
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Burying it
Burying a Ouija board is one of the methods of disposing of it, but it is a process that requires several steps to be performed correctly. Firstly, it is important to end the session with the Ouija board properly. This involves moving the planchette to "Goodbye" and asking the spirits to return to the spirit world. Then, the board should be spiritually cleansed to prevent any negative energy or spirits from lingering. This can be done using various cleansing rituals, such as waving sage smoke over and around the board, pouring a circle of salt around it, or placing a purifying crystal like clear quartz or black obsidian on top of it.
After the cleansing ritual, the board can be broken into seven pieces, although this step is optional. Seven is considered a spiritual number with positive associations in many cultures and religions, including Christianity. Breaking the board is believed to prevent evil spirits or energy from being released. However, others believe that breaking the board can release these negative energies, so it is a matter of personal preference.
Once the board is broken, each piece should be sprinkled with holy water. Finally, the Ouija board can be buried, preferably on consecrated ground, such as a cemetery or a church. The hole should be deep enough to prevent the board from being easily dug back up. Respectfully burying the board is considered a safe disposal method, ensuring that the Ouija board cannot fall into anyone else's hands.
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Breaking it into pieces
Breaking a Ouija board into pieces is one of the recommended ways to dispose of it. This method is suggested due to the belief that Ouija boards can act as gateways or portals, inviting unwanted spiritual entities. Breaking the board into pieces and then burying it can help prevent any negative energy or spirits from lingering.
It is recommended to break the board into seven pieces, as the number seven is considered spiritually significant across various cultures and religions, including Christianity. Breaking the board into this specific number of pieces is believed to help sever any spiritual connections or powers associated with the object.
Before breaking the board, it is advisable to perform a cleansing ritual to rid the board of any negative energies. This can be done using various methods, such as burning sage around the board, placing a purifying crystal like clear quartz or black obsidian on it, or sprinkling it with holy water.
Once the board is broken into pieces, it is then customary to bury these pieces on consecrated ground, such as in a cemetery or at a church. This ensures that the board is respectfully laid to rest and cannot be easily retrieved or fall into the wrong hands.
While some people choose to dispose of their Ouija boards by simply throwing them away, this casual approach is often discouraged. The act of breaking and then burying the board is seen as a more respectful and cautious way to handle an object that is considered by some to be spiritually dangerous or a tool of evil.
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Cleansing it
If you want to dispose of a Ouija board, it is recommended to first cleanse it of any negative energy or spirits. This can be done through a variety of cleansing rituals, such as using:
- Sage: Wave the smoke of burning sage over and around the board.
- Salt: Pour salt in a circle around the board.
- Crystals: Place a purifying crystal, like clear quartz or black obsidian, on top of the board.
- Holy water: Sprinkle the board with holy water.
After cleansing the board, some sources suggest breaking it into seven pieces, as seven is considered a spiritual number with positive associations in many cultures and religions, including Christianity. However, others caution against breaking the board, believing that doing so will release evil spirits or energy.
Once the board has been cleansed and possibly broken, it should be respectfully buried, preferably on consecrated ground, such as in a cemetery or at a church. Burying the board prevents it from falling into the wrong hands and ensures that it cannot be easily dug up.
Alternatively, you can give the board away, but it is essential to inform the recipient about proper handling and disposal methods. If you are uncomfortable with disposing of the board yourself, you can also reach out to a local priest or religious leader for assistance.
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Getting a priest to dispose of it
If you are unsure about how to dispose of a Ouija board, you can always ask a priest for help. According to Father Lampert, Ouija boards and other occult items should be "destroyed so that [they don't] fall in anyone else's hands". He suggests sprinkling the board with holy water and burning it. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can take it to your local parish priest for disposal.
While some people believe that Ouija boards are harmless, Father Lampert warns that they can be dangerous and can act as portals to the spiritual world, potentially inviting unwanted spiritual entities. Father Cole agrees, stating that Ouija boards are forms of divination that deny God's love. He also notes that they can prime participants to receive "dark inspirations from the evil one".
If you are having difficulty disposing of a Ouija board because of a sentimental attachment, you can ask your priest if you can bring it to them to dispose of for you. You can also perform a cleansing ritual before disposal, using sage, salt, or other purifying elements to cleanse the board of any negative energies. Breaking the board into pieces and then burying it is another method considered safe.
It is important to note that there are varying opinions on the spiritual power of Ouija boards. Some believe that they are just toys manufactured en masse and have no spiritual power. However, if you are concerned about potential risks, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dispose of the board properly.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic experts consider Ouija boards to be "dangerous tools of evil" that can act as gateways for demonic spirits. To dispose of one, you should first end the session by moving the planchette to "Goodbye" and asking the spirits to leave. Then, cleanse the board of negative energy with sage, salt, or crystals. After that, break the board into seven pieces and sprinkle each piece with holy water. Finally, bury the board on consecrated ground.
Ending the session properly is important because it helps to ensure that any spirits that have been contacted return to their world.
If the planchette moves on its own, especially in a figure-eight pattern or spelling out things like "death" or "evil", it may be a sign that a malevolent spirit has taken over the board. The board may also be possessed if it admits to being Satanic, starts spelling out the names of demons, or points to numbers like 666.
Some people suggest burning the board to ashes, while others believe you should cut it into seven pieces and then drown the pieces in holy water before throwing them away. You could also give the board away, but it is essential to inform the recipient about proper handling and cleanse the board before passing it on.
If you are having difficulty disposing of a Ouija board because of a sentimental attachment, you could ask a priest to dispose of it for you.
