The newest movie with a basis on the Ouija board phenomenon was released last Friday (October 21), and it is actually not doing too badly on Rotten Tomatos. The movie certainly does provide the scares and spooks.

However, it isn't common knowledge that Ouija boards were not originally created for spiritual and religious purposes. It was released as a game in 1890, and did not begin to be recognized as a key practice of the occult until an American spiritualist actually began to use it during the war.

I grew up Baptist and was always taught that Ouija boards promote evil and to never use them. I no longer consider myself a Baptist (sorry, Papa!), and to be honest, I have always had a fascination with the "game," otherwise known as the "talking board." Recently, a dear friend and I have been planning a Ouija board night for Halloween, and of course we are basically pre-gaming our fear to pump us up for the event.

I must admit I'm skeptical, but I'm so intrigued by the concept of trying to reach the supernatural/paranormal realm. What fascinates me even more about the talking board is that it is deeply studied and researched in the scientific community. It has been mutually agreed on that the main reason for the "communications" is due to an ideomotor phenomenon (click the link to learn more). Even though science supports a theory that there is some truth to people's experience with the Ouija board, many communities still dismiss it as fake. The board is even banned in some places due to some of the outlandish statements from people who have used the game. The literature and movies (including the newest Ouija installment) do not help the perception of the Ouija board as a game.

If you're at a loss of what to do this Halloween, or if another party gets busted, maybe you should find--or at least research--the Ouija board. You could even see the new movie! Or watch the old one. It's not like you're going to lose your soul.