It seems that there are risks associated with saying that I was researching with animals, or spirits....

Is this risky? Why does it feel that way?

In a time where there is great desire (if not demand) for epistemological difference (Hart, 2000; Denzin & Lincoln, 2005; Russell, 2006b; Russell & Hart, 2003) and diversity of voices represented, the possibility of speaking and researching through spirit remains unaccepted, or at the very least, marginalized, or seldom spoken of directly within the context of academic research and representation practices (Hurtado, 2003; Rendon, 2000; Shahjahan, 2005; for notable exceptions, see Braud, 2004; Clements, 2004; Dillard, 2006a, 2006b).