Infrasound
Resonance
Introduction
Infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies below the lower limit of human hearing, typically less than 20 Hz. While we can't consciously detect these frequencies, infrasound can have physical and psychological effects on the human body and mind. Some studies suggest that infrasound can induce sensations or experiences that people may interpret as supernatural or religious.
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Infrasound can influence both the body and the mind in ways that may lead people to experience profound emotional or even hallucinatory effects. In religious contexts, these effects could be interpreted as divine or mystical experiences, reinforcing beliefs and fostering a deeper sense of spiritual connection.
While infrasound alone doesn't explain all religious experiences, it offers an intriguing scientific perspective on how environmental factors can shape human perceptions of the supernatural.
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Resonance uses infrasound as a tool to enhance the experience and effectiveness of its rituals. The infrasound generator used for the 21st December, 2024, ritual is based on a design by Sarah Angliss.
Physiological, Psychological and Emotional Effects of Infrasound
Infrasound can resonate with the human body and mind in various ways:
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Vibrations:
Infrasound waves can cause subtle vibrations in the body, including the chest and abdomen. This can lead to discomfort, pressure, or even sensations of awe, fear, or anxiety. These effects may be subtle but can contribute to a feeling of unease or otherworldliness.
Vestibular Disruption:
Infrasound has the potential to affect the vestibular system (the inner ear), which helps control balance and spatial orientation. Disturbances in this system can create feelings of disorientation, dizziness, or even an altered sense of space, which may be interpreted as a mystical experience.
Cardiovascular Effects:
Some research indicates that exposure to infrasound can alter heart rhythms or blood pressure. These physiological changes can cause sensations such as palpitations or emotional arousal, which people might attribute to a divine presence or spiritual awakening.
Emotional Amplification:
Infrasound is known to induce strong emotional responses such as fear, anxiety, sorrow, or euphoria. These emotions, triggered by infrasound exposure, could be misinterpreted as spiritual experiences, especially in religious contexts where people are already primed to expect divine interaction.
Sensations of Presence:
Some studies have linked infrasound exposure to the sensation of a "presence" in the room. In religious or sacred spaces, this sensation could be interpreted as the presence of a deity, a spirit, or other supernatural entities.
Resonance with Physical Structures & Link to Religious Experiences
In certain environments such as large cathedrals, caves, or temples, natural or man-made structures can amplify infrasound. This can occur through wind, seismic activity, or even specific architectural designs.
If these structures resonate with low-frequency sound waves, the inhabitants may experience physical or emotional sensations without understanding their source. In religious settings, these sensations might be attributed to divine intervention, miracles, or spiritual energy.
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The idea that infrasound could explain certain religious experiences is based on the fact that many places of worship or natural holy sites may have environmental factors that generate infrasound.
For example, deep caves, high mountains, or large echoic spaces in cathedrals might create low-frequency sound waves that can evoke powerful sensations in worshippers.
These experiences can reinforce beliefs in the divine, as the sensations are interpreted through the lens of religious or spiritual expectation.
Case Studies, Research and Design
One of the most well-known examples of infrasound’s influence on perception comes from research by British scientist Vic Tandy in the 1990s. While working in a laboratory, Tandy and his colleagues experienced strange sensations, including anxiety and cold shivers, which were later traced back to infrasound generated by a malfunctioning fan. Once the fan was fixed, the sensations disappeared.
In subsequent experiments, Tandy found that infrasound around 19 Hz could cause discomfort, anxiety, and even visual hallucinations such as blurred vision or seeing shapes at the edge of one's peripheral vision. This could easily be interpreted as a supernatural encounter or divine vision.
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Our infrasonic generator is based on a project by Sarah Angliss known as 'the pipe' designed by Richard Lord of the UK National Physical Laboratory on the acoustic canon principle. Her kind help in this project is duly noted and very much appreciated. You can read more about her project here.
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Sarah and her team used the pipe for an experiment called 'Soundless Music' where they played infrasound during some pieces during two back to back concerts of classical music in The Purcell Room in London, UK. A summary of the results stated 'when the infrasound is present, people did report more feelings of unease, a sense of presence.'
This experiment has gone on to inspire many further works of art, including Resonance. You can read more about the experiment here.
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