Behind the Folklore - In My Time of Dying

by Sammie

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We've all heard of Ouija boards, Out of body experience (OBE), Reapers, the sign of Azazel and Hoodoo, here’s some facts and what they are all about:-

OUIJA BOARDS

Ouija is a belief that one can receive messages during a seance through the usage of a ouija board and planchette. These boards have different names e.g Talking board and Spirit board. The first ouija board was invented in 1890 by Elijah Bond and Charles Kennard, an ouija board is used to make contact with spirits but if not careful and attract evil spirits.

FACTS
* Never let the spirits count down through the numbers or go through the alphabet as they can get out of the board this way.
* If the planchette falls from the ouija board, a spirit will get loose.
* If the planchette goes to the four corners of the board it means that you have contacted an evil spirit.
* If you should get an evil spirit, quickly turn the planchette upside down and use it that way.
The board must be closed properly or the evil spirits will remain behind and haunt the operator. * Never use the ouija board when you are ill or in a weakened condition since this may make you vulnerable to possession.
* 3 things never to ask a ouija board
Never ask about god
Never ask when you’re going to die
Never ask where the gold is buried
* If you place a pure silver coin on the board no evil spirits will be able come through
* Never leave the planchette on the board when not using.


OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE (OBE)

OBE means when someone has an experience of floating outside of, and in some cases seeing ones physical body from a place outside ones body. It usually occurs when linked to dangerous circumstances, a dream-like-state or a near death experience. People often have experiences like this after suffering traumatic experiences such as car accidents. Often people don't remember what happened. Many out of body experiences end with a feeling of suddenly 'popping' or 'snapping' back to their bodies. There are also different names for OBE as well e.g Bilocation, Crises apparition and Fetches they do have their own meanings as well.


REAPERS

Reapers usually are perceived as a guy in a long black cloak with a scythe, they take lives.
Basically reapers are death and can not be killed and if it appears naturally there is no way to stop it.
A reaper also has different names e.g Lord of death and Angel of death.
In breton mythology the reaper is called Ankou.
In Japanese mythology it's called Enma also known as Enma ou and Enma Dalou.
In Hindu mythology it's called Yama and is one of the rulers of the eight sides.


THE SIGN OF AZAZEL

The name Azazel is most commonly used as a reference to Satan or a fallen angel. According to the book of Enoch, Azazel was the leader of the Grigori (also known as the Watchers), fallen angels mated with mortal women, giving rise to a race of hybrids known as the Nephilim.
Often said to be the first evils, he is commonly placed in hell's hierarchy.
The sign of Azazel is a symbol that is used for magical purposes, of the devil. For conjuring the equipment needed is incense, candles and potions are commonly used coupled with a specific spell.


HOODOO

Hoodoo is a 200 year old practice of magic based on elements of voodoo, Appalachian folk magic, and related traditions.