An Ouija board is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and symbols, used for communication with spirits. Participants place their fingers on a small pointer called a planchette, which is believed to move in response to questions asked during a séance. The board has gained popularity in various cultures as a tool for divination and entertainment. The origins of the Ouija board date back to the late 19th century, during the spiritualism movement. It was marketed as a parlor game, but many people take it seriously, believing it can connect them with the spirit world. Despite its popularity, the scientific community generally views the board as a product of the ideomotor effect, where subconscious movements guide the planchette.