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Alright. You'll have to forgive me if this is a dead topic, not in the right forum, or somewhere between pages 6 and 20. I'm just a tad bit lazy, and I didn't see it anywhere else.

This will be a place to discuss focusing tools and some of the "phenomena" that surround them. I'll start out with a few basic things that you're all welcome to add to, dispute, or anything else. All I have to say on the matter is that anything I have learned has been from personal experience and actually doing them. I should hope I have at least an inkling of an idea of what I am talking about, even if you don't exactly agree with it.



Ouija Boards

...I said it once, I'll say it again. I'm sure it will be mentioned countless times. An Ouija board is a medium, a tool, just like a crystal, a stone, or a deck of cards.

Ouija boards as well as Tarot decks are relatively harmless. It is the way in which they are used and invoked, much like a séance. The difference between them is the use of different mediums.

And Ouija board may or may not attract anything. It depends on ones intents, purposes, "openness", their senses.. Many things. All of which can also mean nothing. Just because there are spirits out there, does not mean that they will want to talk to you, or anyone. Ouija boards are very broad channels unless the user narrow it down specifically and have the means to back up their desires. Circles, protective spells, white candles... They are good for this. So is incense and black candles. Black to repel any negativity. Barriers work just fine, as well.

As for how an overproduced cardboard and plastic toy can be so dangerous, is that like all things, it can acquire energy. It is made of energy, just like everything else - including your intents and emotions. Just being in a place over a period of time it will acquire energy, be it "good" or "bad". And as such, just like stones and incense and candles, you can "program" it with energy; it is just another tool, after all. This is where one must be careful, and be sure to use the proper precautions.

And just like anything else negative - if it persistent, bad, or harassing you in any way, you can always banish it. Not only do you have no more trouble, but you have rid everyone of it; no more future problems from that specific source.


Tarot Cards

As I said, Tarot is much like Ouija boards, the style of output is different. If you take a class at your local magik shop, the teacher will probably tell you about spirit guides, and that you should find one. Personally, I think this is the only reason that the vast majority of people think they are safer.

A good way to describe how they work, is that the user opens up a doorway. Unlike a portal or anything of the sort, a doorway can be easily guarded and closed by ones spirit guide. It is also good to make sure that your spirit guide in and of itself is trustworthy.

The cards take the place of the board, each having different meaning, much like the different letters of the alphabet and sayings to be found on a "typical" Ouija board. People can argue that it isn't a direct liaison with a spirit, but I beg to differ. Contact is contact, no matter how big or small. It is just typically "easier" to break that link to ones cards because not many people form that connection to them in the first place.


Séances

A séance is almost identical to the use of Ouija boards, minus the use of the tool of the board itself. The board being a means of expression words, ideas, speech, and so on. Personally, I think séances are much more dangerous because it is more direct.It completely skips the idea of a medium between "spirit" and "user". The effects should be blatantly obvious. In case they are not, I'll continue.

Imagine any negative experiences you've had with a Ouija board, or any other kind of medium, and take away that middle step. It leaves one alone with the sinister energy harassing you. I suppose there is little difference, but personally, when done right, one has more control over situations when using a board or a deck of cards as you can influence it more easily and directly.

It is much more difficult to directly influence another separate entity directly.




Other types of focusing tools are not something I know much about. I know a little about stones, but it is generally enough for me as I focus more on incense. Different kinds of energy work and manipulation are my strong points. But as it was, I thought this needed to be said.


Gold for your thoughts, anyone?

I think anything capable of producing seemingly random results that can be interpreted would be a good focus.

I, personally, don't really deal in this stuff. I own a Ouija board but it's only ever been used two or three times. My tarot cards have been used less than twenty really. I'm not a big divination kind of guy.

I have an old deck or two I'd be willing to part with for someone who would have better use of it. .......Even if it might need an extra thorough cleansing before hand.


Just about anything can be a focusing tool. The three "main" things I mentioned are just some pretty basic things that just about anyone has heard of, and probably access to. Using one's own tools are generally not only "safer" but far more effective.

I've used leaves as a focus to channel natural energy with some pretty good results.

I tend to use Cartomancy (similar to Tarot, but with Playing Cards). So far, I've gotten all of my predictions right.

I'd advise against the use of 4 sided dice then, because unless you drop them from a real height, they depend more on how they are rolled than on chance.

True. I was thinking of something more like a 20-sided anyway. That way it seems like the odds are stacked even more against you.