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ouija board. the ouija (pronounced WEE-jee) board is used for fun and clairvoyance. two or more people gather around the board, which has been placed on a level surface. they lightly touch the planchette (a slidable 3-legged device) as it glides across the board, spelling out an answer to any given question. some people say the movement of the planchette is not due to paranormal forces but to unnoticeable movements by those controlling the pointer. this is known as the ideomotor effect. the ideomotor effect refers to the influence of suggestion on involuntary and unconscious motor behavior. the term "ideomotor action" was coined by william b. carpenter in 1852 in his explanation for the movements of rods and pendulums by dowsers, and some table turning or lifting by spirit mediums (the ones that weren't accomplished by cheating). carpenter argued that muscular movement can be initiated by the mind independently of volition or emotions. we may not be aware of it, but suggestions can be made to the mind by others or by observations. those suggestions can influence the mind and affect motor behavior. |
