Are EVP’s dangerous?

Recently, a question was posed to me -- Are EVP's dangerous? Well, I won't deny it -- I haven't been doing this long, so I thought I'd do some research. EVP- Electronic Voice Phenomenon- is the presentation of a disincarnate voices in recorded media that wasn't audible at the time of recording. The "voices" can be recorded on analog or digital recorders. The option of using white noise or no backgroud noise are readily practiced. There are even some "boxes" available or constructable to assist in EVP attempts. Techniques are as variable as the individuals doing the EVP work.

When wondering how EVP's are possibly recorded, the theories of reality come into question. Much like the techniques for achieving EVP recordings, the theories on migration after death exist. Perhaps the article EVP and the Vatican : Vatican Okays Transcommunication, offers an explanation for the occurrence EVP's being recorded as, "...The entire Universe, the Ether consists of vibration, Energy, and of particular importance in this case the Electric and Magnetic "fluids". These "fluids" are not actually liquids as recognised in the physical world, but rather the electric and magnetic characteristics of the Universal Fire and Water elements. It is the electro-magnetic propagation properties of the Ether that allows the vibrations of the communications of the Spirit voices, thought waves in the form of Energy, to pass through the electromagnetic continuum of the Ether and thus to be recorded on magnetic tape." ( http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html )

One of the biggest considerations, as in paranormal research, is the mindset of the individual(s) wishing to contact via EVP's. Flustration, anger, anxiety and other tumultuous energies can act as an attractant to "low level" entities as well as sufficient energy for dark entities and demons. These entities continue to flustrate and exacerbate these rawer emotions to their benefit. Just like in an investigation -- one has to realize at what point to stop, leave, and let the energy dissipate.

The Butlers in their article for AAEVP, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, recount a good example:

"Harold Sherman, in an article written for Psychic Observer &
Chimes, recounted a friend's distressing experience in
trying to reach his wife and running into what he called "low
grade discarnates." When the man lost his temper and told
them to go away, it only seemed to increase their interference.
Sherman listened to some of the recordings and called it
pure drivel.

"Sherman came to the conclusion that the mental attitude of the
experimenter played an important part in what was
recorded. He wrote, 'It is as though low grade intelligences
come in on the emotionally disturbed 'wave length' of the
operator. Unless the mind is prepared through prayer or a
spiritually motivated meditative period, one is apt to invite
the wrong kind of communicants.'"
( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )


A positive outlook and spirituality seem to aid in the "filtering" of the "low level" entities. Often prayers or meditation are recommended prior to beginning an EVP session to "still" oneself. Some even suggest reciting the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel before beginning any paranormal work or review. The employment iconography, talisman, or whatever spiritual items that would bring one comfort can be used. Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force makes the point, "Never forget, the unknown does not have to resort to physical attacks and it can get inside your mind and mentally or psychologically en stow harm as well." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )

Fear is a great weapon, a powerful emotion, fear is tool of much darker things in this and other worlds and as FDR is widely quoted, "... Only thing we have to fear is fear itself". AA-EVP.com article, A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side, reviewed the effort Jules and Maggie Harsch-Fischbach article, "...If you, at anytime, think you are in contact with low level entities, leave your tape recorder. Remain in control at all times... Negative thoughts, such as fear or hate, are powerful forms of energy, and this energy can accumulate and do harm...We advise people who are fearful of the unknown or who might have trouble keeping the voices in perspective, to pass on EVP. Our concern is that a person's fear might tend to be amplified by a close encounter with an entity." ( http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm )

No actual example of harm from EVP work seems to been reported. Occassionally, a person may be "harassed". It doesn't have to be the researcher at the time, it may be someone listening to an EVP and then experiences "activity". I stumbled upon one of the best descriptions of an EVP acting as a "beacon" from a staff moderator, Keith Deel, at an I Am Haunted.com forum, "... It gives the spirit 'recognition' and can act like a beacon. Especially playing them aloud. Imagine if your neighbor started playing your recorded voice on a 5000 watt amplifier? You would come running to tell him to stop. Then imagine a open plane of existence where physical boundaries are limitless. Can they hear you play the audio? Perhaps. When dealing with demonic, the 'collective' is so vast, the demons who's 'voice' is recorded and played back, will come to you no matter where they currently reside in the universe..." (http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/ )

The a similar point to the "beacon effect" was made by Greg Myers of Paranormal Task Force, that listening to EVP or observing footage may aggravate an existing paranormal situation. Myers states, "If you already have a home or are at a location which already has paranormal activity then playing certain audio or video of the unknown may greatly increase the activity you have been experiencing and if the audio or video of the unknown came from a negative source then you could possibly allow such into your home and life by listening or viewing it." ( http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html )

The "activity" that follows for some that have listened to EVP's they captured themselves or on websites has generated many groups to post warnings on their sites. Cautionary efforts by many groups and individuals for something that hasn't had a lot of documentation are everywhere. The lack of documentation doesn't mean it doesn't occur -- it just means efforts to collect data on the subject hasn't come to fruition yet. If activity does occur, contacting a faith practioner or an experienced paranormal group may be required. One has to realize -- you are taking actions that may have a ramification, you are responsible for this action. If you have fear of the unknown, paranormal, or demonic -- it is up to you to make a judgement call to listen or view paranormal material not the TV show, website, or host site.

Perhaps the greatest danger to EVP work is the over-absorption in the activity. An individual who's soul-purpose is to catch the most EVP's or a "trophy" EVP rather than investigate to seek a resolution for the person or people who need help fall into this category. An individual who focuses so much on attaining EVP of past loved one, devoting hours, days, years to the pursuit and letting the world past them by, falls into this category as well. As it's been said-- everything in moderation, excess is unhealthy.

As in any activity, their are risk to consider and EVP is not exception. In attaining EVP's, we sometimes open ourselves up emotionally and this is when the danger from things other than ourselves is greatest. However, I think the greatest threat from EVP is ourselves -- fear, obsessions, and misdirected motivations.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As always, I look foward to comments, criticism, input and additional information anyone would like offer.



http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_safety.htm
American Association of EVP A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side Tom and Lisa Butler
Spring 2003 AA-EVP NewsJournal

http://www.paranormaltaskforce.com/evpwarn.html
EVP Warnings- The Potential Dangers
Gregory Myers - Paranormal Task Force

http://evp-itc-australia.org/29.html
Vatican okays Transcommunication 2007

http://www.traditioninaction.org/religious/b009rpMichael.htm
The Prayer of St. Michael -- Original and Short Versions

http://www.iamhaunted.com/forum/posts/id_1477/
I Am Haunted.com Forum: Is It Dangerous to Listen to EVP's