4.27.2008
The Weird History of the Ouija Board
The Baltimore Sun profiles Robert Murch, a man obsessed with the history of the Ouija board, and the two brothers who helped manufacture and popularize the parlor game/spiritual tool around the turn of the 20th century.
The Ouija Board
"On the phone, through e-mail and in repeated visits to Baltimore, he pestered newspaper librarians for access to yellowing clip files and century-old articles on microfilm, pushed caretakers for access to their cemeteries and directions to gravesites, and prodded curators of historical societies and museums for any pieces they might have to the puzzle. Much of Murch's time, though, has been spent researching family trees, seeking descendants of the men who first manufactured the Ouija Board - chief among them, William and Isaac Fuld, the two brothers whose falling out would lead to a 100-year silence between the two sides of the family."
In addition to Murch's in-depth research into William Fuld and his estranged brother Isaac (who, for a time, manufactured competing "Oriole Boards"), he has also raised money for a Ouija-themed gravestone for Elijah Bond, the Baltimore attorney who first patented the board, and is planning a "coffee-table-type book" compiling his research. In short, his own life and history have become intertwined with the history of this "oracle".
"...he's still immersed in his quest to document the history of "The Mystifying Oracle" - that diviner of the future, that gateway to the spirit world, that simple lettered board, born in Baltimore, that went on to become an icon of both pop culture and occult subculture."
Today, while not as popular as it once was, the Ouija board retains its place in pop-culture. The original Ouija board rights were bought by Parker Bros./Hasbro and they (quietly) manufacture a glow-in-the-dark version. Meanwhile, smaller "spirit board" manufacturers have emerged to cater to those with more "occult" tastes. Even Murch got into the business for a short time with "Cryptique", a Salem-themed board that promised to be an update on the Ouija concept (Cryptique stopped being manufactured in 2005).
As for the future? Spirit boards and similar tools have been around since ancient times, and will likely be around for some time to come. Whether Ouija itself persists is a different matter, and no doubt only the spirits have the answer.
Labels: occult, Ouija Boards, Robert Murch, Spiritualism
4.18.2008
Updates on Recent Stories
I've got quick updates on two recent stories. We'll start off in Salem...
Mainstream Acceptance in Salem: The panel discussion in Salem featuring Margot Adler and Jerrie Hildebrand is continuing to get coverage from the local papers. This time, Lisa Guerriero from the Salem Gazette reports back from the "No Place for Hate" panel, and pairs it with a recent satellite television appearance by two Salem Witches.
"What is life like for a person who considers himself or herself a witch? How do Hollywood images of witches stack up to their real-life counterparts? These are some of the questions addressed by a No Place for Hate panel in Salem last Saturday [see story, Page 1]. Similar questions were posed recently on a Dish Network TV program, "Magnificent Obsessions." While the panel explored the beliefs and lifestyle of Wiccans and Pagans, the TV show addressed a different kind of witch. Wiccans and Pagans draw mainly from a resurrected tradition of communion with nature, whereas the Salem witches featured in "Magnificent Obsessions" focus more on psychic work and spells than Pagan traditions. They're typically the kind of witches you see walking Salem's streets in all black, sometimes with pointy hats."
The two Witches featured in the television show? Christian Day and Leanne Marrama, two Witches who recently opened their own shop in Salem. Guerriero's observation concerning a split between "Salem Witches" and "Wiccans and Pagans" is an interesting one. While Salem Witches like Day and Marrama may not be Wiccan, aren't they Pagan? Should a shift of emphasis in style and practice remove them from the larger Pagan family? Perhaps the problem with press coverage of Witches and Pagans is that it is so polarized between sensationalism and statements of normalacy that people like Christian Day and Margot Adler start to seem from entirely different movements, instead of part of a larger religious continuum.
First Shot Fired in British Psychic Wars: Since I first reported on it earlier this month, the controversy over Britain adopting EU reforms on psychic services and mediumship has grown. Today the Independent, the BBC, and the Telegraph all report on a protest organized by the Spiritual Workers Association in opposition to the new legislation.
"Today, representatives of British mediums will march up Downing Street to deliver a petition containing some 10,000 signatories demanding that the Government change its decision to repeal the 1951 Fraudulent Mediums Act in favour of a new EU directive ... The SWA complains that the 1951 law, which replaced the 1735 Witchcraft Act, guarantees "genuine" mediums legal protection, penalising only those who seek to hoodwink the public. However, by treating spiritualism as merely a consumer service, mediums believe they risk being sued if customers are dissatisfied with advice brought from the other side - advice they say they always point out should always be treated with care. The solution to the present impasse, according to lawyers advising the crystal-ball fraternity, is via the prosaic expedient of a pre-consultation disclaimer, describing any dialogue with the deceased in terms of either entertainment or scientific experiment. It does not sit comfortably with purist believers."
Meanwhile, the Spiritualists' National Union, the largest UK Spiritualists organization, is supporting the law. Expressing confidence that it will only harm con-artists and not divinations or mediumship performed in a religious context. Despite the protest and the petition, all signs point to these new regulations being passed. So we'll have to wait and see if it only harms con-men, or if it will be used as a cudgel by crusading skeptics or oppositional religious groups (a possibility acknowledged by EU regulations supporter Susie Collings, of the College of Psychic Studies).
Labels: Christian Day, Jerrie Hildebrand, law, Leanne Marrama, Margot Adler, Paganism, psychics, Salem, Spiritualism, Tarot, Television, UK, Wicca, Witchcraft
4.06.2008
First Shot Fired in British Psychic Wars
America isn't the only place dealing with laws banning or unfairly regulating psychic practitioners. Britain is set to pass a new set of regulations concerning divination, spiritual healing, and psychic practices in line with EU recommendations.
"...a whole list of disclaimers must be added to the spiritualists' spiel if they are to avoid an avalanche of writs following the repeal next month of the Fraudulent Mediums Act, to be replaced by the new Consumer Protection Regulations. Promises to raise the dead, secure good fortune or heal through the laying on of hands are all at risk of legal action from disgruntled customers. Spiritualists say they will be forced to issue disclaimers, such as 'this is a scientific experiment, the results of which cannot be guaranteed'. They claim the new regulations will leave them open to malicious civil action by skeptics."
The new Consumer Protection Regulations also places the burden of proof on the psychic or practitioner in accusations of fraud. A very different scenario than under the old Fraudulent Mediums Act (which replaced the repealed Witchcraft Act).
"For the past half-century, 'genuine' mediums have been protected by the 1951 Fraudulent Mediums Act, under which prosecutors had to prove fraud and dishonest intent to secure a criminal conviction, which was difficult. There have been fewer than 10 convictions in the past 20 years. With that protection gone, there will now be nothing between the medium and the trading standards officer - and no need to prove fraud. Instead it will be up to the trader, in this case the medium, to prove they did not mislead, coerce or take advantage of any 'vulnerable' consumers."
Those most upset over these impending regulations are the Spiritualist churches in Britain (which, according to latest census, has over 30,000 members), who rankle at having to describe sacred rites as "experiments", in effect denying their own beliefs in order to avoid accusations of fraud.
"Carole McEntee-Taylor, a spiritualist healer in Essex, said having to stand up and describe the invoking of spirits as an 'experiment' was forcing spiritualists to 'lie and deny our beliefs'. She added: 'No other religion has to do that. And how can you tell if someone is vulnerable? You would have to ask them if they felt vulnerable, or had mental health issues, or were of a nervous disposition' ... 'It is taking a religion, a way of life, and making it a commercial transaction,' said David McEntee-Taylor. 'If we hold a service in a village hall, we have to charge or ask for a donation to cover the cost of hiring the hall. There are bad mediums out there, and we would like to regulate them. But this is unfair on genuine spiritualists. Some people are very nervous of entrapment.'"
These regulations would also have an immediate effect on British Pagans and occultists as well. Did you charge for a healing? A tarot reading? Did you pass the hat to cover rent at a public gathering where a Priestess invoked the Goddess and gave advice? You could be held liable for fraud if the advice or healing doesn't work out. The British government, in response to criticisms, claims that no religious services "in themselves" will be affected, only "misleading" business transactions. Some are holding out hope that the regulations will only, as the government claims, affect the scam-artists. Leaving Spiritualists and other practitioners in peace.
"All that Spiritualism needs to do is to ensure that it's mediums operate within the new law regarding any services which involve transactions that could be interpreted as a "consumer contract". This may require some precautions such as verbal disclaimers and possibly in the case of private sittings, signed indemnity statements, but surely this is perfectly possible for any responsible Spiritualist medium to arrange ... In my opinion, the sky is definitely not falling, and the new legislation will serve to eliminate the undesirables, the fortune tellers and the con artists."
In truth, no one is quite sure how these new regulations will be enforced. Will it only target "undesirables", or will it create a litigation nightmare for anyone engaged in psychic practice, mediumship, or spiritual healing work. Is it fair to make a Pagan or Spiritualist call practices tied to their religion "experiments" that the "gullible" or emotionally "vulnerable" should avoid? Since it seems likely that these regulations will be put in place without much opposition in Parliament, we'll all just have to wait and see.
Labels: law, litigation, Paganism, psychics, Religious Freedom, Spiritualism, Tarot, The Witchcraft Act, UK
6.08.2007
(Pagan) News of Note
My semi-regular round-up of articles, essays, and opinions of note for discerning Pagans and Heathens.
A correctional officer accused of sexually abusing a girl for six years is in custody, and the police claims the man may have used the Wiccan religion to lure young girls.
"Loren Williamson, 33, was booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail on four counts of sexual conduct with a minor and three counts of child molestation. Police said the abuse started when the victim was 6-years-old and continued until authorities recently got a tip ... Officers said Williamson was involved with the Wiccan religion and may have used its mystical traditions as a way to spark the interest of young girls."
The police are currently trying to figure out if Williamson had any other victims, and are are looking to the public in the Phoenix, Arizona area for any information. You can find contact numbers at the link.
Is it still religious discrimination if you admit to illegal drug use as well? An Ohio custody case brought in as evidence the mother's public MySpace postings that described a lifestyle of Paganism, S&M, and recreational drug-use.
"It had to happen sooner or later. Heedless of the consequences, a parent engaged in a hot custody dispute chatted away on MySpace, revealing her private life as a pagan, bisexual S&M enthusiast and drug-user. She even admitted that she had gone on a drug "hiatus" during her lawsuit, but planned to resume her old ways when the case was over ... Based on the mother's testimony and her MySpace revelations, the Common Pleas judge found her "lifestyle" unsettling for somebody raising a five-year-old, and the guardian ad litem appointed by the court to look after the child's interests concurred, finding she had a better relationship with her father..."
The judge seems to have handled the information with care, saying the mother had every right to her lifestyle, but that the child was better off with the father. I agree that her religion and sexual practices should have no bearing on her perceived fitness as a parent, but admitting to illegal activities is no way to win a custody battle. Also worth noting is that the court ruled that anything you post on MySpace isn't "private", so if you're in litigation be careful what you say to the world.
The Kalamazoo Gazette profiles the Paganstock festival in Bangor, Michigan. Unlike other Pagan summer festivals, Paganstock's entertainment veers away from the traditional folk-and-drumming you'd find elsewhere.
"...a previous performer at Paganstock said: 'This is the only place a pagan can be a pagan.' The speaker was Roy Addams of Portland, Maine's metal band 13 Winters, one of this year's headliners ... Most of the music will be hard rock or metal. 'It seems a lot of pagan festivals in the past have had folk music, very mellow, a softer tone to it. ... There are a lot of artists out there that have a heavier or different sound I'd like to showcase,' Pulka said."
Among the artists you can find at this years Paganstock include the rock/blues artist Dooley Noted, the metal bands 13 Winters, Urn, and With No Remorse, and the all-female rock band Burning Sage. You can find the Paganstock MySpace page, here. Could this be the beginning of Pagan festivals that attempt to appeal to an ever-growing younger Pagan audience?
A small-town newspaper looks at donations to library book sales, and what impressions the volunteers get from the different donations.
"A large number of books about cancer, books about healing, books about spirituality might imply that that book donor had gone through a troubling period in his or her life. "We got in a couple of boxes with tons of books on witchcraft and the Wicca movement," said Ms Marshall. "We wondered if the person had become disillusioned with the whole Wicca thing, or had they just been doing research? The books were tossed in with a bunch of Dr Seuss books, and I thought, 'I'd like to meet that person!'" she said."
Personally, I have done a couple Pagan book-dumps to used book stores, usually stuff I feel I have outgrown, or to make room for even more books.
Disappointed that you didn't get a chance to buy Witch School when it was up for sale? Well, Don Lewis, CEO of the online school, is now offering members the chance to buy stock in the company at only 25 cents per share.
"Shares represent a voice, and we are asking to be allowed to issue a total of ten million shares, though we do not necessarily plan to use all of them. But this allows us a high cap, so individuals who want to open their own licensed campuses, can easily become registered by Witch School International, Inc. ... WSI is an entirely NEW COMPANY. WSI acquired the assets of the former company called Witch School. Now those assets are comprehensive. We are currently in our first round of requesting financing, and are looking for investors. You are receiving this letter because, having already purchased a Lifetime Membership we feel it is likely that you might be interested in investing in the school. During this first round the price will be 25 cents a share, plus a five dollar service charge. There will be no minimum, but there is a maximum of 1 million shares total sold in this first round."
Alongside their Pagan penny stock scheme (for which they say they need to be extremely legit since they face discrimination "from within as well as without"), the school is also forming a relationship with The Grey School of Wizardry (co-founded by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart) and offering "Master Teacher Certifications". Lest I be seen as "discriminating" against the school I'll refrain from comment, though I think Caveat Emptor should apply.
In a final note, the BBC profiles the Spiritualist haven of Cassadaga, central Florida. The reporter finds that what you believe affects what you get out of a visit to the many performing psychics and mediums.
"The experience of Cassadaga seems very much to depend on the beliefs with which you arrive. The people I met who wanted and expected to contact their deceased family members did so and left with those beliefs reinforced. For the skeptical and curious little changed, but just about everybody enjoyed the peace and quiet of a place that feels a million miles away from the attractions of Florida's theme parks."
There seems to be a growing interest in the town, aside from the BBC's report, the indie band Bright Eyes recently released an album that thematically centers around the Spiritualist camp. For more on Cassadaga, check out their web site.
That is all I have for now, have a great day!
Labels: Cassadaga, custody case, Festival, music, MySpace, Paganism, Spiritualism, Wicca, Witch School, Witchcraft
1.02.2007
The Last Witch Convicted
Portsmouth Today reports on the efforts of local Spiritualists lead by local psychic and astrologer Pamela Ashenda to clear the name of Helen Duncan, the last woman to be convicted of witchcraft in Britain.
"During the Second World War she moved to Portsmouth to give comfort to anxious wives of Royal Naval sailors who feared their loved ones were lost at sea. On the evening of January 19, 1944, she was conducting a seance in a private house in the city when police stormed in. The following morning Helen, known as Hellish Nell, was charged under section four of the 1735 Witchcraft Act by Portsmouth magistrates. Officials had ordered her arrest amid fears she would reveal top-secret plans for the D-Day landings. They had been monitoring her since she had revealed the British battleship HMS Barham had sunk earlier in the war, with the loss of 861 lives. The government had suppressed the news to maintain morale. It took a jury 30 minutes to find her guilty and she became the last person to be convicted of witchcraft in Britain. She was sentenced to nine months in London's Holloway Prison."
Her conviction is notable for it helped boost the already growing sympathy for Spiritualists, mediums, astrologers, and other "cunning folk". This changing attitude finally lead to the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951, a moment long awaited by author and civil servant Gerald Gardner. Gardner had already published a fictional account of religious Witchcraft before Duncan's conviction, and one five years after. Once the repeal went through he felt it safe to expose his adherence to the religion of Witchcraft or "Wica" (later "Wicca") to the general public. The rest, as they say, is history.
Sadly, Duncan's fate after her arrest in 1944 isn't a happy one. She stopped working as a medium for many years, but was coaxed out of retirement for a seance in 1956. She was arrested (most likely under the notorious Vagrancy Act of 1824), strip-searched, and went into shock. She was hospitalized and died five weeks later. I wish her advocates luck in clearing her name.
Labels: Helen Duncan, Paganism, Spiritualism, The Witchcraft Act, Wicca
