From My Viewpoint

In his excellent book, The Divining Hand - The 500-Year-Old Mystery of Dowsing, Christopher Bird quotes British psychiatrist Alan McGlashan’s definition of psyche as “spontaneous, unpredictable, free, its very existence is a challenge to logical thought, the glitter of an executioner’s axe to every strutting orthodoxy. The psyche is beautiful and dangerous.”

Just how dangerous it can be is brought home to me now and then. I frequently am asked to counsel people, most of whom I have never seen. They are just a voice over the telephone. A few, such as Joe, a paranoid schizophrenic, are certifiable. Joe, raised in a church orphanage, was constantly told by his guardians that if he was bad the devil would get him. In his twenties, Joe could not resist finding out if this would, in fact, happen. He went to a meeting of those who practiced black magic, and the devil got him and for twenty years has not let him go. Joe has been in and out of mental hospitals and once in California, was put in jail for trying to stab the devil (fortunately the air) with a knife on a street corner. His life is in torment and he calls me every so often for advice. Joe’s psyche was tampered with as a child and the prognosis for his recovery is bleak.

More typical is a phone call I received from Anne a week before Christmas. She has a full scholarship and is a Junior a near-by state college. Her first words to me were, “I’m a victim of psychic attack.” I questioned her carefully. My conclusion was that she was highly intelligent, impressionable, had a smattering of knowledge about the paranormal which, sadly in her case, was just enough to hurt her. Anne said there was a campus-wide movement of voodoo started last fall by several professors. She was chosen by the professors to he a student leader of the practice. At first she was thrilled with what was happening but then became frightened. She has tried unsuccessfully to get out several times and because of this, she believes her mind has been “taken over” and she is under psychic attack. She is afraid she will have to drop out of school, lose her scholarship and not graduate.

Yes, the psyche is beautiful and dangerous. In talks I often mention that the mind is capable of all sorts of marvelous and not so marvelous things. I have known several EVP researchers whose mental outlook caused me concern. They were convinced one or more entities were trying to control them and this belief, right or wrong, was the importer thing to consider.

Dr. X, a parapsychologist, who has written for professional journals, wrote to me that he thought the person who is taping voices may be splitting into a number of personalities. This explains why, according to him, the researcher, regardless of gender, will get voices of both sexes on his tapes. He doesn’t care to address himself to the question as to how all of us Jekylls and Hydes are able to place messages on the reverse or wrong side of our tapes.

Some members responded to my Up to a Challenge? as mentioned in the Fall Newsletter, and we will take a look at what they have to say about skeptics such as Dr. X.

A New Slogan

AA-EVP member, Barry Detwiler, of New Jersey, wrote that he felt a more accurate statement for our Association, found at the bottom of our stationary, would be to substitute the word, “Provide Evidence” to “Investigate Evidence…” Barry is correct and I owe him many thanks for his excellent suggestion!

Long Messages Recorded

One of the drawbacks of EVP communication is the short nature of most messages. Several theories for this exist, such as our inability to provide those in other dimensions with the necessary energies to aid in their communication. The majority of messages taped are three to four words. With a few rare exceptions, messages longer than twenty words are infrequent. Now Dan McKee seems to have made a breakthrough. Quoting from his letter he writes, “I asked for my voice communicator friends to work with me in improving this method of communication. An immediate reply came back saying, ‘Give us hours of work it.’ That intercept continued with a total of 52 continuous words. Most of the replies are this long, or longer, which rather dispels the common notion that only a few words at a time can be said. Some of the other things they said were, ‘You are to work it, we help you.’ ‘Help it help ‘ye.’ ‘You, you are one.’ ‘Hear us, we on daily.’”

In his letter Dan described his recording equipment set-up so anyone with similar equipment may want to try to replicate his results. He wrote, “I’m still working with multiple tone injection as the entry level for the voices. Besides using the multiple tone signal of a government station on 7329 KHz upper side band, I use the reel to reel recorder and turn the gain control open to the point of oscillation which produces several bird like sounds at one time. Also, I have operated the transmitter and receiver at the same time and on the same frequency which produces an effect similar to the howl of a public address system when the microphone hears the speaker. Moving a few cycles off zero beat generates the birdies and produces a multiple tone effect as needed. Voice injection is still required and playing this combination backwards has produced some pretty good results. ... It takes a lot of juggling to get this method operating but it has been worth it many times. It appears our friends will try to accommodate us in almost anything we want to try.” Dan’s communications are received on the reverse side of his tapes.

Reverse Tape Experiment Continued

In the Fall Newsletter, I wrote about a reverse tape experiment that had been devised by Hu Custer, PA AA-EVP member. Mercedes Shepanek, VA State Coordinator, is collaborating with Hu on the experiment.

They have reported that some members responded. We have discussed the experiment, the interest shown, and the possible significant evidence for the phenomena if many people (you) take part. It is our hope that with the holidays over, more people will want to participate. It has also occurred to me that, with so many people joining the Association in the last six months, they may not know what the reverse voice is. Let me briefly explain.

Some EVP tapers have discovered that they have paranormal messages on the reverse or wrong side of their tapes. They are just as loud and clear, in fact, at times clearer, than messages found on the forward side of tapes. They continue to call the experimenter by name, answer his direct questions, and make pertinent comments about existing situations. The whole thing sounds impossible but they are there! We won’t go into the mechanics involved as to discovering whether there are reverse voices on tapes. That is clearly spelled-out in the “how-to” paper I send to those interested. For now, it is enough to say that the unseen speak to us, at times, on both sides of recording tapes. It is also some of the best evidence we have for open-minded skeptics (and others) that we are communicating with entities from other dimensions. Only such an entity would be capable of this type of feat. Such voices cannot be illusionary; they cannot be placed there by our subconscious mind.

Back to the experiment. Hu, as President of STAR Tapes, is the official recorder of many regional and national conferences. He taped our own national conference in 1983 and is expected to do the same at our conference next August. He has in his possession over 600 master tapes. Hu has taken several of these tapes and reverse duplicated them onto cassette tapes. Anyone whether they have ever tried to record voices or not, can take part in the experiment. All that you need is a cassette tape recorder with a counter. Complete instructions and a data sheet that you will fill out will be sent with your tape. Upon completing the experiment you will return the tape, which becomes the property of AA-EVP, and data sheet to the person designated. To take part in the experiment, send your name and address and $1.00 to help cover costs, to Mercedes Shepanek, )Address removed) by February 15. Your results are due back by March 8^th.

You will not know who is taking part in the experiment or what tapes are being used. The objective of the experiment is to learn if people listening to the same tape will hear the same messages. Results will be analyzed and shared in a future newsletter. Here is your opportunity to become involved in a project of the Association.

Challenge Accepted

In the Fall Newsletter, I asked readers if they were up to the challenge of trying to show open-minded skeptics that those who speak to us on tape are independent, conscious entities. The responses, which ranged from a philosophical approach to evidential information received, were all interesting. To each of you who accepted the challenge, “Thank you!”

Bernadette Arras, of West Germany wrote, “It should be proof when an EVP researcher is recording voices on tape and unseen friends are calling him by name Sometimes the entities talk about things only known by themselves and the researcher. We have many proofs like these. During the centuries many scientists had a lot of difficulties to get acknowledged such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.”

Carol Barron, MA State Coordinator, said that she has tried to be cautiously slow in analyzing the phenomena. Eventually she had to accept that the Voices were separate, conscious entities with their own personalities and expressions. She doesn’t know if her experiences would convince others but, in the end, they convinced her. She mentioned that her sleep experiments were, to her, the most evidential. One time a Voice whispered to someone else, “Too bad she fell asleep.” This came through as soon as Carol lay down but before she was asleep. Another time, after laying down, she opened her eyes for a moment. A Voice asked, “You woke up?” Here again, Carol had not been asleep but an unseen entity thought she had been.

Gilbert Bonner, of England feels it is difficult to convince skeptics that the voices are genuine. He wrote that one author referred to EVP as “illusion.” Gilbert feels this does happen at times and our task is, “hindered by any errors that may happen or any suggestion of fraud.” Gilbert would like researchers to try and collect good voice samples that talk about life after death, the beyond and so forth.

Robert Camburn, of PA said that, “The individual scientist, or layman, who is skeptical that the tape messages come from “the dead” hasn’t read the literature on the subject, or, if he has, has not done so with an open or perceptive mind. Even should this first use of modern technology to contact the departed be perfected, there may be those who will still resist the implication. They would have to admit a basic error in their view of existence. More than a century has gone by since the first modern evidence of survival and contact with “survivors” appeared. From the beginning scientists have rejected the evidence, even when offered by outstanding members of their own fraternity. … It must be remembered that what is really at stake in the scientific world is its sacrosanct materialistic philosophy. That philosophy will not be yielded readily, but recent developments in science have begun to erode it.”

Monty Hearon, OR State Coordinator, wrote, “I don’t think there is any way one can prove that a voice purportedly from outer space can be proved to be an entity. They may tell you about where they live but how do you prove what it is really like on plant X, Y light years away? But voices purportedly from people who used to live as we do, but are now on another plane of existence, is another story. Basically, these entities must identify themselves and give responses to questions that make sense and fit with their personalities and character.” Monty gave several evidential messages received over the years. One time when they were visiting Friedrich Jurgenson, Jurgenson played a tape for them on which his friend Boris Sakarov gave him a personal message. Jurgenson was surprised because he thought Boris was alive. He checked and discovered that Boris had been killed two weeks earlier. Monty wrote, “Some people suggest that the responses come from the taper’s mind, however, I am convinced that is not the case, at least in my experience. I never have gotten words I casually think might be the answer which would come. One time I asked, “Is it easier for me to communicate with you, than you with me?” The answer I received was one that I would never have anticipated. It was, ‘We both have our problems.’

Gary Hickethier, a new member from WI, also accepted the challenge. He wrote, “When presenting EVP tapes to the public, concentrate on presenting only those which could not possibly be interpreted as freak radio reception, static from the atmosphere or equipment. In other words, any voices which respond directly to questions, objects or conditions present at the time of the recording would be difficult to explain in purely mundane ways. You mentioned a recording in which two female names were present. After some detective work, the two women’s families were located and it was verified that the two named persons had died some time ago. ...Evidence like this is difficult to ignore. Finally, I think that the best way to get scientists, skeptics, and almost anyone else to take the EVPers seriously would be to increase the number of people who make these recordings, or who are aware that this phenomena exists and who become curious and eager to learn about it.”

Best of ‘84

Bernadette Arras wrote that she and her mother were very grateful for the messages they received during the year. Their German shepherd dog called, “Schatzel” (darling), died last February. The following day while they were recording, someone said that “Schatzel” now belonged to them. They said: “Schatzel is waiting for you!” Bernadette added that they would bring these messages and others they have recorded to our conference next August.

Carol Barron wrote that she gave a friend an unusual birthday present in ‘84. While taping alone one day she said it was her boyfriend’s birthday and after stating his name and age asked if they had a birthday greeting. Immediately, several voices whispered repetitiously, “Happy Birthday.” This was followed by a man’s tonal voice who called her friend by name and said, “You’re not old!”

Clara Laughlin, of VA, wrote that it has been a wonderful year for recording. In the last newsletter I mentioned that she had taped a message saying that her “beam” was being tracked with “radar.” Clara said that instead of “radar” the word “laser” should have been used. One of the most interesting recent developments Clara reports is when she buys something new, although she doesn’t mention it in her recordings, the unseen will give the correct brand name such as, “You bought a London Fog raincoat.”

Dan McKee tapes every day and receives many communications from the unseen. Some recent ones are: “You raise yourself up in this.” “That’s right, you with Margie.” (his wife) “This is love I give you.” “Love you forever.” “I love you Margie.” “For he is a dreamer, daily.” “For I live! For I live!”

It was reported in the Fall Newsletter that Nancy White, of TX, was leaving for two weeks in Egypt. Although she had never tried EVP recordings before, she hoped she would be able to do this at some of the locations. I sent her “Tips for Trips” which she found helpful. After her return, I talked to her and she was thrilled with her Egyptian experience as well as one special message she taped with her portable tape recorder. Nancy has long “searched” for a name to call the home she plans to build. At one tomb she recorded a clear female voice which said, “The legend of Tel-Amon.” When Nancy spoke to their Egyptian guide about the message he said it really translated into “The hill (or mountain, or home) of peace,” so Nancy plans to call her home Tel-Amon

Reports from and about Members

In her interesting letter Bernadette Arras wrote that Friedrich Jürgenson told them that the voices recorded on tape get weaker with age. He suggests that voice tapes should be re-recorded after approximately two years.

Carol Barron and I were invited to appear on a CBS TV morning talk show in Boston before Christmas. We discussed our work recording Voices, and the message, “Sarah! Please guide me. I love,” that I recorded at the Temple of Denderah in Egypt last May, was played for the listeners. Great interest was shown, many phone calls were received and several people joined the Association.

Morry Cuttler, FL AA-EVP member, wrote that he is starting a local group in Florida in February. He is on the cross-country list and anyone who lives in the Miami area may want to contact him for further information.

Monty Hearon wrote that as a scientist he has long been interested in the question as to how the Voices get on the tapes. Monty uses both channels on his tape recorder and two mics, but at times has experimented with just one mic. He has learned that consistently the Voices would be only on the channel with the mic attached. Recently, taping in his usual way with two mics and two channels, he received a short musical segment. The musical tones, however, were on just the left channel. Monty assures us that all of his equipment was in good working order. His voice was still on both channels. Only the music was missing from the one track.

Edelgard John, of West Germany, in commenting about the tape I have made, Voices From Egypt, wrote that with the exception of one message, all others were in English. She said, “It is known that they—those who usually speak to us—use exactly the languages we know.” She then asked, “Do you not think of the building of the “Tower of Babel” when we were punished with no longer being able to understand each other! Is the time near when we understand again?”

In the Fall newsletter, I wrote that Dan McKee, a ham radio operator, was eager to start a net on a common frequency other AA-EVP ham radio operators could use to discuss the electronic voice. Dan is pleased to report that two members responded. John Anthony, of NY, and Ben Kobb, of VA, contacted him. They try to chat on 3840 kHz Friday evenings. Dan has discovered that many other individuals have picked up their conversations and have a number of questions about EVP. Dan has sent membership applications and how-to papers to some of them. Dan wrote, “I feel there is potential for membership growth here and it should stimulate idea exchange among those participating.” So, all of you ham operators who would like to drop in and visit Fridays, a warm welcome awaits you. Dan is on the cross-country list if you want to contact him ahead of time to confirm plans.

Mercedes Shepanek is going to Africa the end of March on a three week camera safari. She will take along her portable tape recorder and see if Voices will speak to her in the grass lands and the jungle!

Tape Alert!

All of us who are recording Voices have messages that are especially important to us. We need to be aware of their possible fading after a period of time as suggested by Frederich Jurgenson to Bernadette Arras. Deterioration of this recorded information can be expected when you consider that the magnetic oxide particles can be influenced by any magnetic field present after the recording is made. The tightly wound tapes could be influenced by adjacent layers of tape which lie only one one-thousandth of an inch away. The earth’s magnetic field might slowly change the recorded information, or changes in the physical properties of the plastic tape might degrade the fidelity. Valuable tapes should be re-recorded periodically using the best quality tape available. We could use your ideas on this important subject. Your thoughts will be shared in a future newsletter.

A Look at some Books

Three books I have read in the last several months, which made special impressions on me and which you might like to read are.

The Divining Hand, by Christopher Bird, is about dowsing and if you think dowsing is simply going out with a forked stick and trying to locate water, you have much to learn about the art. As I read this excellent book it occurred to me that we dowse with our tape recorders. This is especially true when we try to record voices in the field, whether it is in a purportedly haunted house, the Sphinx or pyramids. Both seem to require the use of unique energies. The dowser searches for numerous things besides water. The approach a number of them take, philosophically, is similar to the approach many of us take with our tape recorders. The book can be ordered for $14.50 from The American Society of Dowsers, Danville, Vermont 05828—0024. http://dowsers.new-hampshire.net/

The Hundredth Monkey, by Ken Keyes, is an uncomfortable book to read. It may disturb your sleep and thoughts of it will linger with you during the day. The book should be read by everyone who thinks might is right and best. It shows clearly that if we don’t learn to live together, we will perish together. Send $2.00 to: Vision Books, (Address removed).

On A Slide Of Light, by Greta Woodrew, is a fascinating, provocative book. Dr. Woodrew describes how she was suddenly contacted by entities from another solar system. Many of the things they told her would happen in the future are starting to take place. One result from her contacts with the Ogatta group is her ability to manifest unusual energies which strongly affects matter. You may order the book for $10.00 directly from STAR Foundation, (Address removed). If you would like the book autographed, mention this in your note as well as to whom it should be autographed.

Roll Call

We have taken in twenty-six new members in the last three months. New Mexico is now represented. A warm welcome to everyone!

Cross-country List

Enclosed is the updated list of all AA-EVP members on the cross-country list. There are over 120 names on it.

Conference Up-date

Plans are continuing for our August 8 to 11 conference. A clear picture is emerging as to the direction we will go. It holds great promise and should appeal to everyone whether they are taping Voices or not. Unfortunately, Otto Konig has decided he cannot attend. We have not changed our plans to hold a one-day special seminar on Thursday, August 8. This will be an exciting, outstanding day as we examine the manifestation and ways unique energies are used. Dr. Ernst Senkowski, German physicist and EVP researcher, plans to be with us and his contribution to the conference as a scientist and active Voice researcher will be invaluable. I expect to complete program planning and contacting lecturers and workshop leaders within the next month. More about this in the coming Newsletter. For now, anticipate! You won’t he disappointed!

Odds and Ends

Share your ideas and thoughts with us. Each is cherished. Please have this to me by the time of the next deadline—March 23!

Always my best wishes, Sarah Estep.

Established to Investigate Evidence as a Result of the Electronic Voice That We Survive Death