E.V.P.'S

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) is an audio phenomena in which the supposed voices of spirits are heard on recording devices. It was originally thought that these voices were just part of the background sounds or hissing of tapes, but in recent years they have appeared on digital recording devices as well. Their appearence on digital recording devices, along with recent updates to digital analysis of sounds, have made them far more credible as legitimate paranormal activity.

Evolution of the EVP

In the 1920's in the United States, there was a large spiritual movement taking place. People were looking to all the new sources of technology and psychics to try and understand the afterlife. One of the biggest people main stream society was looking towards was the most prolific inventor of the time, Thomas Edison. In fact in two separate interviews to American Magazine and Scientific America in October of 1920, Edison told interviewers he was working on a devise capable of communicating with the personalities of people who have passed away. Although a device for this purpose created by Edison has never been found, many people believe he did create one and it has been lost to time.

The first true EVP on record was recorded by Friedrich Jurgenson, a filmmaker and artist from sweden, in 1959 while he was making a recording of bird songs. He was so intrigued by the voices he heard, he began taking numerous recording of silent locations trying to catch EVP's. He eventually even published a book on the subject called Voices from Space, in 1964. In 1967 he also published another book called, Radio-Link with the Dead, after having an EVP call him a private nickname that only his dead mother knew.

In 1964 a man by the name of Konstantian Raudive read Jurgenson's book, Voices from Space, and was so intrigued by it, he arranged to meet in person with the author. When they met, Raudive helped Jurgenson conduct his research, and although nothing useful was found for quite a while, Raudive wrote that one night he was listening to a tape and he clearly heard a number of voices speaking in multiple languages. After this Raudive began conducting his own experiments, which lead to over 100,000 audio recordings and took up much of the last 10 years of his life. Over this time period he conducted these experiments with the help of over 400 people and each one of them swears to have heard the voices. This lead to him publish a book in Germany in 1968 named "What is inaudible becomes audible", which was later translated to English in 1971 and the title changed to "Breakthrough". The majority of EVP collecting techniques were invented by Raudive, and in fact EVP's were originally called Raudive Voices. These men's research and study into EVP's and they're sources has helped propel the paranormal field of today.

Tips and tricks on how to record EVP:

1. If your using an analog tape recorder, be sure to purchase name brand tapes. The difference in price between the name brand and the generic store brands is well worth it. The named brand tapes offer higher quality play back.

2. Using an external microphone can help while recording EVP's. Sounds that attached microphones, such as motor noises, can be eliminated by using an external mic being held away from the recorder.

3. When starting an EVP session place your recording device on a level surface away from window and doors. Make sure its also not near any device that may emit sound that could be thought to be paranormal.

4.When beginning a session, stat your name, location, time, date, and weather conditions. Always use a clear, understandable voice tone. All dialogue during an EVP session should be directed towards the entity. Also, try to avoid any voice tone fluctuations, because any low or high pitched sounds could be mistaken for paranormal activity.

5. When recording outdoors, weather permitting (no wind), is a bit more difficult than recording indoors. This is where tagging becomes instrumental because there will be a lot more natural occurrences taking place that will need to be noted. This is good advice when investigating a location such as a cemetery.

6. Remember, ghosts don't come on queue. It can take many hours of EVP sessions to document credible activity. Getting frustrated won't help the situation, always remain calm and be patient.

7. Always be sure to "tag" any natural sounds made by the environment or yourself during an EVP session. So during the analysis these are not mistaken for paranormal.

8. Knowing your recording device's settings is a must. Anything that can amplify its recording ability, you should use.

9. Always remain as quite as possible after asking a question. The frequency spirits speak on is hard enough to hear without having to try to filter background sounds.

10. Many programs have the ability to help you listen and edit your EVP's. We have provided once such program for you to download in our downloads section.

11. The questions below are designed to get results when doing EVP sessions. It is never appropriate to challenge, threaten, or shout during the session to try to get activity going. Always remain calm and patient when asking questions. Don't forget to give the spirit time to answer your questions as well. We suggest waiting about 30 seconds between asking questions.

Is anyone here with us?
If you are here could you make your presence know?
Can you tell us your name?
Can you tell us how old you are?
Are you from this area?
How did you die?
Can you show yourself to us?

12. How to use your digital video recorder while doing EVP's

Make sure your video camera is on either a tripod or a sturdy surface, with the entire area in view. You and your partner should be standing away from the taped area while taping in order to give the spirit room to manifest itself. Ask your questions and be sure to request the spirit manifest itself, and you should be using your cameras to take snapshots of the area in the same direction your video camera is filming. Make sure shadow casting doesn't occur on your tape as well, by standing off to the side while filming.


13. Reviewing all the evidence you've collected can be a daunting task at times, especially when reviewing EVP's. Make sure your familiar with the audio program we've provided. It has many special features for enhancing sound, so be sure to read through the instructions thoroughly. It will be a major asset to your review. Always make sure before proclaiming anything valid evidence of the paranormal, to get multiple opinions and to rule out ALL possibilities of it being a natural occurrence.

Tagging is very important during review of the evidence. Sessions should always be tagged at the beginning and end. When you start a session you need to say your name, location, time, date, and weather conditions. During the session you need to tag any sounds you make or hear that have a natural explanation so the reviewer of the recording doesn't mistake something for the paranormal. You should also tag the end of a sessions, with your name again, location, and that the session is over.

Note: If your in doubt of your findings, you may always contact us here at Cold Spots, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.

Basics of GHOST PHOTOGRAPHY

Ghost photography 101

This is a basic review of ghost photography, and tips and tricks you need to know. All ghost hunters should know at least the basics to ghost photography, and this information will allow you the best chance to catch photographic paranormal evidence. Its also points out common things to do and not to do when trying to take photographs.

Getting started

Paranormal investigating in general is a gamble and trying to catch photographic evidence is no different. Just because it appears you have going to catch something doesn't mean you will. However, photos are still the most common way of capturing evidence of a ghost. Your camera should always be in good condition and with you at all times during an investigation. Its equally hard to catch photographic evidence whether its day or night, depending on the activity of the location and the natural conditions.

Type of camera's to use

You can use almost any camera to try to capture paranormal activity. Although we don't suggest it, even disposable cameras can be used in a pinch. The average consumer uses the "point and shoot" digital cameras that have some unique features. They range from 8 megapixel to 14 megapixel and they tend to be affordable. We believe its well worth the investment. You could also purchase a reasonable 35MM camera, it won't have all of the features the digital camera does, but it has the added benefit of using actual film which produces a negative.

Digital Camera's are a great tool for ghost hunters, but...

Digital cameras have many features 35MM cameras do not. They allow you to take far more photos in a given timeframe. They allow you to view your photos immediately. Plus they do not require film. However, since they don't have film its far harder to prove an image to be real that was taken with a digital camera. The negative produced by a 35MM camera can prove the most valuable photographic evidence you can have when trying to convince others your photos are real. For this reason its usually best to use the two types of cameras together. Using the digital camera to find any anomalies and then trying to use the 35MM camera to actually document them. No matter which camera you use, you should also be aware of certain weather conditions, such as strong wind, dust, pollen, and water vapor, which can give your cameras false anomalies. Trying to take photos in these conditions will make your evidence less credible.


Here are nineteen helpful tips:

1. You can find ghosts anywhere. They're not just limited to graveyards or that old house on the edge of town. They can be at your local library or recreational parks. Bring your camera with you everywhere you go at night and take a few shots. You maybe surprised with the results.

2.If your ghost hunting at night, make sure you have any night vision abilities on your camera active. If you don't, the images may come out distorted.

3. Make sure all your photos have a focus. Try not to take images of just open spaces. Having an object to focus on adds quality to your photo and allows light to have something to reflect off of.

4. When on an investigation take as many pictures as possible to up the chances of you catching an anomaly. Make sure to take photos if you have any strange EMF spikes, temperature drops, or hear strange noises.

5.Always remember never to take photos of shiny surfaces, such as mirrors, glass windows, and gravestones. These can create false images to appear in your photographs. Taking an image through a window can have the same effect, so try your best not to.

6.Keeping a clean lens is mandatory. If you have dirt or a smudge on your camera lens it can easily show up as an anomaly while reviewing the photos. Also remember this when reviewing the photos as a possible explanation for mist-like images.

7. Always keep track of your camera lens cap and camera strap. You don't want to see a apparition and take its photo, only to later realize you've left the lens cap on your camera, or the strap has obstructed the lens. Watch how your holding the camera as well, because a finger on or near the lens can also create a psudeo-paranormal anomaly.

8. Other ghostly anomalies can be caused by long hair falling in front of the lens. If you have long hair make sure to tie it back before starting to take photos.

9. Hazardous weather conditions can cause anomalies on photos that can appear to be orbs or other ghostly phenomena. Beware and look for things such as fog, rain droplets and dust in the air.

10. When taking images in the winter, take pictures away from you. Your breathing can cause anomaly such as mists or orbs to appear in your photos. Cigarette smoke can also cause these anomalies.

11. You should never take a photo in the direction of the sun or any other direct light source. This can cause an image anomaly called a "lens flair". Lens flairs are often mistaken for ghostly phenomena, so to avoid having any, try to keep whatever your light source is behind you.

12. Its always a good idea to take photos during EVP sessions. Spirits tend to become more active during EVP sessions making it more likely that you will catch something.

13. When taking photos, try to get as much of the area in your view as possible. Spirits are not limited to walking across the ground and a lot tend to hover several feet from the ground.

14. Its rare but can occur while taking photos, but you may come across an evil entity. Never dare a demonic entity to manifest itself. Never taunt or encourage any type of negative being. If you think an evil spirit is nearby, leave the area immediately.

15.Trusting your instincts when investigating can pay off. If you have an uneasy feeling in a location, take photos.

16.Remember ghosts were people too. They're willingness to communicate with people isn't that uncommon. Tip: when taking photos you can use a member of your group to try to attract ghosts to a location. Take photos of the person leaving enough space around them in the photo to make sure there's enough room to detect any anomalies.

17.The winter months tend to be more conductive for paranormal activity, as the atmosphere is more charged during those months, making it theoretically more plausible for ghosts to manifest themselves. Everyday activity slows down as well, making it easier to notice paranormal activity.

18.You must remember when taking photos at night, your flash has limitations to it. Usually in the area of 15 feet. If your trying to take a picture of something further away then that, its most likely going to come out extremely dark or not at all. Most cameras have an attachment that can add distance to your flash by making it brighter if you choose to use one.

19. Photographing the paranormal can be a rich and rewarding experience. Take careful note of the information above and you'll be well on your way to collecting your own photographic evidence of the paranormal.

Paranormal TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

There are many terms used to describe the paranormal and paranormal investigations. Some of the phrases and abbreviations can be very confusing to someone unfamiliar with ghosts and the paranormal. This list is provided by Cold Spots to help you understand some of the more common terms, phrases, and acronyms commonly used to describe ghosts, spirits and paranormal activity.

APPARITIONS: The spirit of a deceased person manifesting itself. The rarest form of paranormal phenomena, an apparition can appear as a full bodied person, part of a person, or as a white to gray to black mist. These are so rare, that only a handful have ever been documented.

AUTOMATIC WRITING:Generally attributed to external or supernatural forces. This phenomena can occur in an alert waking state or in a hypnotic trans, usually during a seaonce. Psychics and mediums are know to use this method when making contact with the dead.

COLD SPOT: A small, defined area of intense cold (at least 10 degrees colder than the surrounding area) that can not readily be explained by other natural or mechanical causes (e.g. air conditioning, a drafty window, ice or snow). In paranormal research the prevailing theory is that when an entity is trying to manifest itself it draws on many sources of energy. One of those sources is the heat energy in the air. As the entity draws the heat out of the air the area in that specific immediate location becomes unusually cold.

CLAIRAUDIENCE:A version of Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) where a person has the ability to hear things beyond the range of a normal person. People with this ability have the ability to "hear" the dead and is much less common than the claimed ability to see the dead.

DEMON:Religions and paranormal investigators have very different concepts of what demons are. The catholic faith defines demons as angels who fell from heaven and now reside in hell and have no greater purpose than to drive the living insane. Some paranormal research groups however believe demons to be a being from outside our realm of existence, they never walked the earth as most other spirits but they choose to torment people.

DEMONIC HAUNTING:A demonic haunting is caused by a non human spirit. These spirits tend to be violent and want nothing more than to cause trouble. Signs of this type of haunting usually start with the same signs of an intelligent or poltergeist haunting, simple banging and knocking and simple noises, but rapidly increase to far stronger activity. They seem to target people under extreme emotional stress, or who have their cognitive abilities impaired by alcohol or drugs. These non-human entities like to take advantage of people in these states, and will torment them to no end.

DEMONOLOGIST:A type of paranormal researcher who specializes in demons and non-human entities. Demonologists are usually tied to a religious group, as faith is believe to be able to rid people of these types of haunting's.

ECHOLALIA: A professional clinical word that means to repeat back what you hear. As applied to the paranormal field it means when a ghost or spirit repeats back something you have just said in order to show they are there and are trying to communicate with you. The words repeated back could be EVP questions or just casual conversation. It is not clear why an entity might repeat back your words rather than respond on their own. Perhaps it is easier/simply for an entity to repeat what it has heard rather than form new words.

EMF - Electro Magnetic Field: In it's natural form it is the natural electric field (sometimes thought of an an aurora) that is generated by all living things and many inanimate objects such as metals and certain minerals. EMF is also generated by man-made electric sources such as lights, radios and wires. In paranormal investigations the theory is that entities are largely composed of energy which may be electrically based. By trying to detect EMF it may be possible to locate an otherwise unseen entity. The stronger the EMF detected the potential greater the paranormal phenomena.

ENTITY: A generic term used to describe any ghostly being. Because its uncertain exactly what type of being causes each of the different types of haunting's, entity is used to describe all of them.

EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomena: The hearing of unexplainable voices during the playback of a recording made on a electronic recoding device. The voices can not be readily identified as persons speaking or events (mechanical sounds, background noise etc) that took place while the record was being performed. Can be encountered on both tape and digital recorders. Sometimes also found on video recorders (not film however). See our articles on EVP theory and classification.

FEAR CAGE: A term used to describe a confined area such as a walk in closet, hallway or basement with very high EMF readings. The combination of being close and confined with in an area of strong EMF often brings out extremely great feelings of uneasiness, anxiety, paranoia and/or uncontrollable fear. When this occurs the best thing is to quickly and calmly leave the area and go to a more open area with lower EMF.

INTELLIGENT HAUNTING (GHOST): This type of a haunting is usually thought to be the spirit of a once living person and has chosen to let its presence be known. The interaction can range from simple to extreme. Starting with simple knocking or lights flickering that you may not even think is paranormal, to objects disappearing and reappearing in unusual places, to unexplained odors, and in the most extreme cases the appearance of full bodied apparitions.

IMPRINT (IMPRINTING): It is theorized that events and strong feelings/emotions can leave a copy or record of themselves on places (tunnels, rooms, fields etc) and objects (furniture, buildings, personal affects etc). Most notably this occurs when a sudden and violent death occurs such as a powerful accident, a murder or other crime, a war or battle area etc. The energy that is left can result in a non-intelligent haunting, usually a residual haunting. In these cases people often report seeing and hearing the same thing over and over like a tape playing, rewinding and playing again. Sometimes the event seems to be recorded on the specific location rather than a building, room or object. There have been cases reported where an imprint haunting has occurred in a building, the building is later totally demolished and a new one built (or the area just left vacant) but the haunting still continues. In the situation of imprinting on an object the haunting can follow the object through several owners. This is often reported with items purchased at a yard sale or flea market.

IR (INFRARED): Infrared light is light from the lower end (long wave length/low frequency) of the electromagnetic spectrum (between the visible light spectrum and microwaves). IR light is not visible to the naked human eye without the use of special equipment. IR is not to be confused with thermal imaging. While IR and thermal energy are both on the short end of the electromagnetic spectrum they are not the same thing. There is evidence that ghosts/spirits and other paranormal entities may be more susceptible to being viewed (including video and image photography) using the IR light spectrum. IR sensors are also often used for measuring temperature and detecting movement.

KINETIC ENERGY: Energy needed to force an object at rest into motion. Objects in motion have kinetic energy. Energy is neither created nor destroyed. As the kinetic energy diminishes it changes into potential energy.

"LIGHTS OUT" INVESTIGATION: A term for a paranormal investigation that takes place indoors at night with all the power to the area turned off. The reason for this is with all the power turned off, its far less likely you'll get false positives with the equipment and also allows for a subdued environment for the ghost to begin its activity.

MANIFESTATION: A spirit is believed to be made of pure energy. When that energy try's to bring itself into our realm, its said to be manifesting itself. This manifestation has been know to cause power drains from equipment, EMF spikes, and cold spots.

MIST: Some people believe a mist is a form of energy created by an entity. There are many theories about what a mist actually is, and some mists have been documented showing some signs of intelligence to them by the way they move. Unfortunately, its still unclear as to what mists actually are.

NECROMANCY (NECROMANCE): The attempt to conjure, summon or raise the dead in order to learn secrets and insights from the spirits. Usually intended to gain personal advantage or fortune over others. The person who is trying to perform the necromancy process is called a Necromancer. This deals heavily into the unsavory realm of magic, spells, and dark/forbidden witchcraft rituals. Can also be attempted with Tarot cards and Ouija boards. Regardless of the process used, necromancy is highly dangerous from the point of view that you are opening a doorway and have no idea what thing may come through and into your life!

NIGHT SHOT: A setting common on hand held video cameras. Originally it was a term used to describe the night vision (total darkness) recording capability of the Sony Handicam series of camcorders. This term has since become synonymous with meaning any night vision/total darkness video camera or recording device regardless of the manufacturer. The night shot feature uses a built-in IR (infra red) illumination source. An external IR illuminator can often be attached for additional viewing range.

NONHUMAN or INHUMAN SPIRIT: An entity (ghost or spirit) that is not the result of a human person that once lived on Earth. This category also includes angels, demons, devils etc. It is not known exactly where these kinds of entities come from but it is reasonably well accepted by the paranormal community these spirits are not from people who had lived on Earth and have since died. Encounters with non-human spirits is rare and usually dramatic. Extra care should always be used if dealing with a potential inhuman spirit!

ORB: Orbs appear to be a form of energy of an unknown origin. An orb can take different shapes. They can also be seen by the naked eye, but most of the time you only get orb sightings in photographs, and on video tape (VHS). They seem to defy gravity and change directions quickly. They seem to also twinkle. The presence of people make them react. They appear both indoors and outdoors. False orbs tend to be transparent and pale white, or blue. Real genuine orbs tend to appear dense or brighter on film. To increase the probability of you getting a photograph of a genuine orb, it is good to take the photograph at the same time as other unusual phenomenon are experienced, such as sharp changes in temperature, and increases in electromagnetic energy. In a genuine orb there is a nucleus. It has concentric circles or bands within. It can be active in visible realm, but more active in infrared. They appear abundantly in supposed haunted locations. Drops of rain, specks of dust, insects, reflections, as well as many other things can be mistaken for orbs.

PARANORMAL: Events above the normal or everyday experiences. Events that can not be readily explained by known conventional reasons and/or commonly accepted science. Not to be confused with Supernatural that implies a deity explanation.

POLTERGEIST: The basic definition for a poltergeist was founded in 1838 in Germany, and it means a disembodied spirit or supernatural force credited with certain malicious or disturbing phenomena. Reports of this phenomena include, unexplainable noises, breaking of household items, windows and doors slamming shut, and also loud rapping.

RESIDUAL HAUNTING:A residual haunting is a paranormal phenomenon that appears to have no intelligence. The energy will appear at the same time, place, and\or weather conditions as if it is a video being played back by some force of nature. You cannot interact with a residual haunting. A residual haunting's energy will appear completely oblivious to its surroundings and will even walk through objects and walls that weren't there at the time of the "recording".

SHADOWS: (Shadow Beings, Shadow Entities) Shadows refer to the possible paranormal apparition which appears as a dark human-form manifestation. We say "possible" paranormal apparition since the true nature of this type of paranormal event is still unknown and the subject of much research.

SUPERNATURAL: Events or happenings generally attributed to the will of a deity. Usually includes the concept of angels, demons/devils, and other G-d-like creatures.

TELEKINESIS (Telekinetic power): The ability to manipulate physical objects using the body’s static electrical charges. Chi is the Asian term for telekinesis. Psychic extension of the person transported through the electrical field surrounding the individual. More commonly known as a persons' ability to move object with just their mind and thoughts.

TOUCHED: The act of experiencing physical contact from a ghost, spirit or other paranormal entity. Can be as simple as a tug in your shirt or pressure on a part of your body to scratches, burns or being pushed/shoved. However, serious physical injury is very rare.

ULTRAVIOLET (UV): Ultraviolet light is light from the upper end (long wave length/low frequency) of the electromagnetic spectrum. As with Infrared light, UV light is normally not visible to the naked human eye without the use of special viewing or photography equipment. Some paranormal investigators have experimented with using UV light to take video of ghosts and other paranormal entities. The results have been indeterminate. Other paranormal investigators have claimed UV light is an effective barrier to block demonic entities.

VORTEX: Vortices, Vortexes: A concentrated yet brief area of high electromagnetic energy often found in photographs taken at paranormally active locations. The often appear as sold (opaque) white or silver tubes, rods, or elongated ovals. They can also appear to be braided like a rope or chain (care has to be take to ensure it is not a rope, chain, camera strap etc). A vortex is not an entity. However, some paranormal researchers believe a vortex is a momentary doorway or portal to another realm that allows entities and other paranormal phenomena to come into our world. Some researchers also believe vortexes are linked to the Earth's own electromagnetic field which at least in part help determine when these portals open/close. It is also believed that some locations are more prone to having active vortices due to the alignment of the Earth's magnetic field and local geological structure.

WHITE NOISE: White noise is the random nondescript static sound produced by various electronic devices. The sound covers and combines all wavelengths and frequencies. In this way it is like the color white which is really a combination of all colors. Hence the name white noise – the combination of all sounds. Examples of common white noise sources are the radio or television static when set to an empty channel, the hum of an electric fan motor and the babbling sound of a fast moving stream or brook.