Ad Astra - 1986 No 1

Magazine Overview

'ad astra' is the member magazine for VIDYA, an organization dedicated to research and education in paranormal phenomena, historical enigmas, spiritual science, alternative medicine, and popular science. This first issue, NR. 1-1986, Volume 1, is published by VIDYA-DRAMMEN and aims to cover a broad spectrum of interests.

Editorial: "Leder"

The editorial, titled "Leder" (Leader), explains the choice of the name 'ad astra' (Latin for 'to the stars') as fitting for an organ covering VIDYA's diverse interests, ranging from health food and alternative medicine to UFOs, astrology, parapsychology, and astral bodies. The primary goal of the magazine is to present new information from the club and the wider world, using short articles and contributions to awaken readers' interest in various subjects. The editorial emphasizes that VIDYA does not dismiss unexplained phenomena but actively seeks to research them. It notes that even "serious" scientists are beginning to acknowledge events that defy known physical laws, and mentions numerous observations of UFOs by American and Russian cosmonauts, previously kept secret. The magazine intends to be a platform for reader contributions, such as personal stories, observations, and questions, to make it active and current. This inaugural issue welcomes feedback on both its form and content.

The Meaning of "Ad Astra"

The editorial also delves into the meaning of 'ad astra' through an explanation provided by Bertha. She interprets "Per aspera ad astra" as "On a stony path to the stars, or the path to the stars is long." She further elaborates that the path to spiritual wisdom involves humility and overcoming the ego to love one's neighbor. She suggests that recognizing a common origin encourages mutual support and positivity, and that viewing sorrows and worries from the right perspective can lead to understanding and empathy.

Historical Feature: The Battle of Lepanto

A historical piece titled "PAVEN «SÅ» ET SJØSLAG" (The Pope "Saw" a Sea Battle) recounts an event involving Pope Pius V. While reviewing financial accounts, the Pope suddenly looked out a window and later informed his officials that they should thank God for victory, as the Christian fleet had won a battle. This occurred two weeks before the news arrived. The article states that the Pope's treasurer noted this peculiar episode, which happened shortly before 5 PM on October 7, 1571. Fourteen days later, news arrived in Rome of the decisive victory of the Christian fleet, led by Spanish general Juan de Austria, over the Turkish fleet at Lepanto. The victory was secured shortly before 5 PM on October 7, 1571.

Cover Image

The cover image is identified as the star cluster "PLEIADENE," located in the constellation Taurus. The article notes that numerous exciting theories are associated with the Pleiades, which will be explored in a future issue of 'ad astra'.

Magazine Contents (Table of Contents)

The table of contents lists several sections:

• LEDER (Editorial) - page 4
• AD ASTRA - page 5
• BOKORMEN (Bookworm) - page 6
• VÅRT EMBLEMS BETYDNING (The Meaning of Our Emblem) - page 7
• KAMERASTREIF (Camera Streak) - page 8
• LESERNES SIDE (Readers' Page) - page 12
• TEMA: BERMUDA-TREKANTEN (Theme: Bermuda Triangle) - page 13
• FOKUS PÅ MASSEMEDIA (Focus on Mass Media) - page 14
• KOSMISK MUSIKK (Cosmic Music) - page 16
• KOST OG HELSE (Diet and Health) - page 18
• TERMINLISTE (Schedule/Calendar) - page 19

Membership and Contact Information

Membership in VIDYA costs 100 Norwegian Kroner per year, with a reduced rate of 25 Kroner for spouses/partners and members under 18. New members can join by paying to the postgiro account 4 30 74 19, Vidya Drammen, Postboks 750, 3001 Drammen. The organization's visiting address is Rådhusgata 27, Drammen. Meetings are held every Monday at 6:00 PM, with member meetings on the last Monday of the month.

Bookworm Section

This section details the process for ordering books through the organization. Det Ukendtes Boghandel has been chosen as the supplier, offering members approximately a 30% discount due to VAT deductions, currency exchange rates, and free shipping. Members ordering through the library group receive an additional 10% discount. Readers are advised to use "Okkult Arbog" as the book list unless specific titles are requested. Ordering can be done by speaking to Astrid or Sverre at Monday meetings, or by calling Astrid at 82 38 18. Payments should be sent to the organization's postgiro account. The section also mentions a "3-book-offer" with titles like "Jeg fløy med romskip" (I Flew with a Spaceship), "UFOer. - Top Secret?", and "Däniken i søkelyset" (Däniken in the Spotlight) available for a total of 25 Kroner, or 10 Kroner per book.

Book Tips

A popular book highlighted is "DET KOSMISKE MENNESKET" (The Cosmic Human), described as an easily readable introduction to occultism with detailed diagrams, useful as a handbook for a quick overview of spiritual concepts. It covers topics such as auras, reincarnation, life after death, and the "Age of Aquarius."

Article: The Meaning of Our Emblem (Part 1)

Authored by Th. Brastad, this article begins a series on the symbols within VIDYA's emblem. This installment focuses on the name VIDYA itself, which is a Sanskrit word meaning WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE. The article breaks down the four 'vidyas' or knowledge areas in Sanskrit: Trayi (the four Vedas), Anvikshi (logic and metaphysics), Danda-niti (the sciences of action/reaction), and Vartta (cultural sciences). It notes that these vidyas can sometimes be extended to eleven, but ultimately all point to the encompassing word VIDYA.

Visuals

The magazine includes several photographs: one of a founding meeting, another of a gathering in what appears to be a common room or cafeteria, and others depicting various meetings and discussions within the organization. One photo shows a self-service counter with prices for coffee, tea, waffles, cakes, and bread.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the unknown, the paranormal, and alternative perspectives on reality, science, and spirituality. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging research into unexplained phenomena rather than dismissing them. There is a clear emphasis on reader participation and community building within the VIDYA organization. The magazine seeks to bridge the gap between popular interest and deeper understanding of esoteric and scientific topics, promoting a holistic view of knowledge and personal growth.

Title: LESERNES SIDE
Issue Date: January 16, 1986

This issue of "Lesernes Side" (The Readers' Side) delves into a variety of paranormal, unexplained phenomena, and alternative topics, reflecting a growing interest in subjects beyond conventional science and media coverage.

UFO Observation Over Nedre Eiker

The issue opens with a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred on New Year's Eve morning in 1978, between Hagatjern and Asendammen in Mjøndalen, Norway. The witness reported observing four to five luminous objects in the sky that moved rapidly towards them, then disappeared, only to reappear with great speed. The witness noted that some lights moved at different speeds, suggesting independent movement. The experience was so frightening that the witness fled home on a bicycle, continuing to see the lights from their living room window. The witness described the object's appearance as oval or egg-shaped.

Tele-(verk)-pati?

This section explores unusual phone-related phenomena. It recounts the experience of a couple in Oslo whose phone repeatedly rang at precisely 2:10 AM. The ringing persisted even after the phone line was disconnected, leading the telephone company to investigate this seemingly paranormal event. The author shares a personal anecdote from a dark autumn night spent alone in a cabin where they heard a sharp ringing, similar to an automatic phone, emanating from within the cabin, despite the absence of a phone or electricity. Whispered voices were also heard. The author speculates about exceptional spherical conditions and the possibility of radio-telephonic traffic materializing.

Mareritt (Nightmare)

A short, poetic piece describing a nightmare where ten wild oxen chase the narrator until they are left 'strewn' with their tie out of their mouth, waking up to the realization that it was a nightmare.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes a brief note stating that reports are written in illegible Latin, but the bills are in clear and understandable Norwegian. It also contains a philosophical quote: "Be always kind to those you meet on the way – they are the same ones you meet when you are on your way down."

Bermuda-Trekanten (The Bermuda Triangle)

Authored by Thorbjørn Brastad, this article examines the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, an area between Bermuda, South Florida, and Puerto Rico. The author notes the frequent disappearances of planes, boats, and people in this region, which receive little media attention. Theories about the Triangle are discussed, including a connection to the lost continent of Atlantis, with mentions of underwater ruins, cities, roads, statues, and pyramids larger than Egypt's Great Pyramid. The article highlights Charles Berlitz as a serious researcher on the topic and recommends his book "Bermuda Trekanten" and his documentary film.

Temaet i Neste Nummer (Topic for Next Issue)

The next issue will focus on the "Astral World." Readers are invited to submit articles, personal experiences, opinions, or theories on this subject, with the option to remain anonymous. Submissions are requested by Vidya or the editor.

Fokus På Masse Media (Focus on Mass Media)

This section critically examines how mass media, particularly television, covers topics related to the paranormal and alternative beliefs. The author discusses a TV program titled "Overtro" (Superstition) that aired on a Sunday evening, watched by 3 million viewers. The program, which featured guests Jonna and Povl Strube, aimed to present "realities" rather than superstition. However, the author criticizes the program for not including several key segments, such as those featuring Ida Mikkelsen (a clairvoyant), the mother of author Karl Eskelund (communicating with her son), Georg Talmer (pendulum demonstration), and hauntings in Bernstoffsparken. Instead, the program focused on natural healers like Otto Ballin, Berthelsen, and Arne Wolle, along with magnetist Harry Jensen and hypnotherapist Eigil Hau. Despite the criticism, the program generated significant viewer reaction.

Another piece in this section, attributed to J.E.J., comments on a Norwegian TV documentary about UFOs that only explained sightings through "natural" phenomena, questioning why other explanations were omitted. It also references a comment from the magazine "UFO Norge" regarding media attention given to a new association called Vidya, suggesting potential jealousy or fear of competition.

Katastrofal Selvhypnose (Catastrophic Self-Hypnosis)

Authored by Preben Danglev, this article reports on a Danish doctor who fell into a coma-like state for two weeks after practicing self-hypnosis. The doctor had attended a course on using hypnosis to help dentists overcome patients' fear of the drill. After attempting self-hypnosis at home, she became unresponsive and required intensive psychiatric care. Although she eventually recovered, she continues to experience fatigue and can only work half-days.

Hurra For Professor Fyrand!

This section praises Professor Ole Fyrand for his critique of "school medicine" (conventional medicine) regarding its attitudes towards patients, relatives, and colleagues. The article notes the increasing acceptance of "natural medicine" in the media. Fyrand's positive statements about natural medicine led to his being reported to the medical ethics council. The author argues that Fyrand's statements were justified, evidenced by the support he received from patients, relatives, and nurses. The article refers to a facsimile from Aftenposten.

Fyrand anmeldt til det etiske råd: - Det er mye galt og slapt i helsevesenet

This sub-section, attributed to Ann Christiansen, details the complaint against Professor Ole Fyrand of Rikshospitalet. Fyrand had spoken positively about natural medicine practitioners. The complaint was filed by a doctor from Trondheim. Fyrand, who has faced previous threats, stated he is not overly concerned. He believes the medical establishment is "thin-skinned" and defensive against forces that challenge their status. He observes a growing number of patients shifting from conventional to natural medicine and advocates for greater cooperation between the two fields, acknowledging that conventional medicine does not hold all the answers.

«Kosmisk Musikk» (Cosmic Music)

Authored by Jan E. Johansen, this article explores the emergence of "New Age music" or "Cosmic Music." The author explains that this music is associated with the "Aquarian Age" or "Age of Aquarius," a new era characterized by increased galactic vibrations. Cosmic music is presented as a form of therapy to help individuals harmonize with these vibrations and navigate the transition into this new era. The author compares it to tuning a car engine for optimal performance. The music is described as a composition of sounds and tones that create a melody, often with undertones that help the listener detach from physical reality and connect with the "stars" or their "inner self." It is not suitable for background music in social settings but is best experienced by lying down and feeling the vibrations. Instruments commonly used include synthesizers, bells, flutes, string instruments, and harpe, often augmented with sounds of wind, sea, waterfalls, and birds. The music can serve as a supplement to healing, meditation, and stress reduction, and can even aid in childbirth. The author recommends Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre as musicians in this genre and suggests consulting the library committee for recordings.

Lett Blanding (Light Mix)

This section contains a crossword puzzle with Norwegian clues and a solution to be revealed in the next issue. It also includes two short reader contributions:

1. Reader Contribution 1: A reflection on tolerance, stating that tolerance is the ability to smile when other people's children behave as badly as one's own.
2. Reader Contribution 2: A question about telepathy: "If telepathy doesn't exist, how can people know that I am in the bathtub when the phone rings?"

Kost Og Helse (Cost and Health)

This section focuses on "Soneterapi" (Sonotherapy) as a treatment falling under natural medicine. It notes that "school medicine" (conventional medicine) is beginning to acknowledge its effectiveness. The article references a newspaper report about Martin Hole, a Norwegian cross-country ski champion who had suffered from persistent abdominal pain that doctors could not diagnose. Hole sought help from Ivar Flatmo, a hand-healer and clairvoyant in Vang, who accurately described his problems over the phone without prior information. Hole also received treatment from sonotherapist Bjørn Breen in Hønefoss, who attributed his issues to waste accumulation. Hole reported feeling better after these treatments, though he still experienced some discomfort when pushing himself to his maximum capacity during races.

Oversiktsplan: Møtevirksomhet I Vidya 1. Halvår 1986 (Schedule: Vidya Meeting Activities 1st Half Year 1986)

This page provides a detailed schedule of meetings and events for the organization "Vidya" for the first half of 1986. It lists dates, types of events (foreningskveld - club evening, foredragsarr. - lecture arrangement, medlemsmøte - members' meeting), and times. Club evenings are held at Rådhusgt. 27 (Høytorget), while lecture arrangements take place at Ballklubbhuset på Øren.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions alternative viewpoints, particularly in the realms of paranormal phenomena, natural medicine, and critiques of conventional institutions like mass media and the medical establishment. There's a clear editorial stance favoring the exploration and validation of subjects often dismissed by mainstream sources. The inclusion of reader contributions and detailed personal accounts suggests an editorial approach that values direct experience and anecdotal evidence. The magazine also actively promotes its own activities and future topics, fostering a sense of community among its readership.