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Introduction: A “Harmless Game”… or a Doorway to Spiritual Danger?
In an era where the occult is marketed as entertainment—from horoscope apps to spiritism sessions on YouTube—many Catholics ask: “What’s the harm in playing with a Ouija board if it’s just for fun?” The answer, far from being a simple “no,” reveals a spiritual reality that the modern world has trivialized but that the Church has understood for centuries.
This isn’t about fearmongering; it’s about shedding the light of faith and reason, drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture, and the testimony of exorcists. Brace yourself: what you’re about to discover will change how you view what’s “harmless.”
1. The Ouija Board: Just a Game or a Hidden Portal?
Origin and History: Beyond Parker Brothers’ Marketing
Though many associate the Ouija board with a 20th-century board game, its roots are deeply spiritist and occultist. It emerged in the 19th century during the rise of the spiritualist movement, which promoted communication with the dead through séances and mediums. The board, with its letters and numbers, was—and still is—a tool for summoning entities.
The Church has always taught that behind these practices are not the dead (who cannot communicate at will with the living, as explained in Luke 16:19-31), but deceiving spirits: demons that disguise themselves as loved ones to gain influence (2 Corinthians 11:14).
The Myth of “Innocent Fun”
The problem isn’t the plastic or cardboard of the board but the intention: when used, even “out of curiosity,” one seeks a connection with the occult. Spiritually speaking, this is like opening your window and shouting, “Come on in!”
2. What the Catechism (and Exorcists) Warn About
Catechism §2116: A Clear Condemnation
The text is unequivocal:
“All forms of divination—Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards—reject the honor owed to God. They imply a desire for power over time and people, which belongs to God alone.”
Playing with a Ouija board, even “as a joke,” falls under the sin of superstition and divination, forbidden in Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “Do not practice divination or sorcery… for the Lord detests these things.”
Chilling Testimonies
Exorcists like Gabriele Amorth (Rome’s famous exorcist) warned: “90% of demonic possession cases began with games like the Ouija board.” Demons don’t distinguish between a “serious ritual” and a “game”—they respond to the invitation.
3. “But I Don’t Believe in That”: The Deception of Self-Suggestion
Some argue: “If I don’t believe in demons, they can’t affect me.” This is a grave mistake. Spiritual reality doesn’t depend on our belief in it. Would you let a stranger into your home just because you “don’t believe” in burglars?
Fr. José Antonio Fortea, theologian and expert in demonology, explains: “The Ouija board is like a switch: when you use it, you activate a spiritual connection, even if you can’t see it.”
4. Catholic Alternatives: How to Satisfy Spiritual Curiosity Safely
The longing for transcendence is legitimate, but it must be directed toward God:
- Praying for the dead: Instead of summoning them, offer Masses and Rosaries for their souls.
- Reading about the saints: They intercede for us according to God’s will.
- Eucharistic adoration: Here lies the true presence that fills the soul.
Conclusion: Freedom vs. Slavery
Christ freed us so that we “would not return to the yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). The Ouija board, though marketed as fun, is a spiritual chain. The Church doesn’t forbid it arbitrarily but out of motherly love: like a mother pulling her child away from fire.
Is 10 minutes of thrill worth risking your spiritual peace? The answer, you now know, is clear.
“Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37).
Did you find this article helpful? Share it and help others avoid danger. The light of truth always overcomes the darkness!
