Ad Astra - 1986 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: adastra
Issue: 2-1986
Volume: 1. ÅRGANG
Publisher: Vidya-Drammen
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of *adastra* is the second publication from Vidya-Drammen, a Norwegian organization focused on research and information regarding paranormal phenomena, ancient mysteries, alternative medicine, and healthy lifestyles. The magazine aims to stimulate discussion and stay current with relevant topics.

Editorial (Leder)

The editorial expresses satisfaction with the reader response to the first issue and a commitment to continuous improvement. It highlights that the current issue contains material likely to spark debate, which is a primary goal for the organization's club meetings. Readers are encouraged to follow mass media for discussion topics, mentioning specific examples like the social minister's stance in the Ellen case and a TV segment dismissing astrology. The editorial praises the magazines 'Vi Menn' and 'NA' for their serious and factual coverage of topics within Vidya's interest areas, including UFOs and alternative medicine. An invitation is extended for a trip to Hessdalen, known for alleged UFO sightings, and readers are urged to submit material for future issues.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• LEDER (Editorial) - page 2
• PÅSKEØYA - EN GÅTE (Easter Island - A Riddle) - page 4
• UFO-LITTERATUR (UFO Literature) - page 6
• VÅRT EMBLEMS BETYDNING (The Meaning of Our Emblem) - page 7
• PLEIADENE (The Pleiades) - page 8
• ETTER OLOF PALME (In the Spirit of Olof Palme) - page 9
• KIROPRAKTOR/LEGE-STRID (Chiropractor/Doctor Dispute) - page 10
• VISMANNEN (The Wise Man) - page 12
• GROTESKT, HELDE I FOKUS (Grotesque, Held in Focus) - page 12
• LESERNES SIDE (Readers' Page) - page 13
• HIGEN ETTER VITEN (In Search of Knowledge) - page 14
• REINKARNASJON (Reincarnation) - page 15
• GODE? GAMLE DAGER (Good? Old Days) - page 18
• TERMINLISTE (Schedule) - page 20

PÅSKEØYA - EN GÅTE (Easter Island - A Riddle)

This article by Bjørgulf Brevik discusses the enigmatic giant stone sculptures (Moai) of Easter Island. It notes their immense size (up to 20 meters high, 50 tons) and the mystery surrounding who built them, when, and how they were transported. Local legends suggest the statues 'walked by themselves,' a notion dismissed by science seeking rational explanations. The article mentions Thor Heyerdahl's experiments on the island to test theories of stone axe use in their creation. It contrasts this with Erich von Däniken's theory of extraterrestrial assistance with specialized tools. The location of Easter Island is linked to the mythical continent of Mu, described as the Pacific's answer to Atlantis, which sank 25,000 years ago. The article questions the age of the statues, citing carbon-dated material from 1680, and notes historical accounts of Dutch explorers in 1722 finding the statues with red hairpieces, possibly removed during internal conflict. The discovery of eyes made of coral and lava is also mentioned. Theories on the origin of the island's inhabitants vary, with Heyerdahl suggesting settlement from Peru around 300 BC, and others proposing Polynesian origins around 1200 AD. The author concludes that definitive answers are still distant.

TUR TIL HESSDALEN (Trip to Hessdalen)

An announcement for a trip to Hessdalen, Norway, described as a popular destination for 'tourists from the universe' with frequent UFO sightings. The trip is scheduled for May 30 - June 1 and costs 450 Norwegian Kroner, including transportation by private car and two nights' accommodation with breakfast at 'Vertshuset Kjempeplassen'. Registration is required by May 12 to Rolf Arnesen.

UFO-LITTERATUR (UFO Literature)

This section reviews several books on UFOs:

• 'Og himlen åpnet seg' (And the Sky Opened Up) by Josef F. Blumrich: The book examines the biblical prophet Ezekiel's vision, interpreting it as a description of a spacecraft. Blumrich, a professional in aircraft and rocket construction, initially aimed to debunk Erich von Däniken's theories but found himself convinced by Ezekiel's account, deeming the described 'spaceship' to be technically feasible, with only the reactor being a challenge for current technology. The book's illustrations detail the spaceship's appearance.

• 'UFO en dokumentasjon' (UFO a Documentation) by J. Allen Hynek: Hynek, an astronomer who worked for NASA on UFO reports for projects 'Grudge' and 'Blue Book,' aimed to provide a neutral basis for understanding UFOs. The review notes his disillusionment with NASA's attempts to create 'natural' explanations and suppress reports. The book covers near-contact cases of the first, second, and third kind. It is described as well-written, neutral, and without direct conclusions.

• 'Det usynlige kollegium' (The Invisible College) by Jaques Vallée: Vallée argues that UFOs are real but represent a different kind of reality, a 'psychic reality' akin to ancient religious revelations. He posits that powerful forces have influenced humanity and continue to do so, questioning whether these forces are extraterrestrial or originate from human consciousness. The book is highly recommended but advised to be read after other UFO books to provide a foundation, as its theories might be psychologically impactful or frightening.

VÅRT EMBLEMS BETYDNING (The Meaning of Our Emblem)

This article explains the meaning of the Vidya-Drammen emblem, which features a circle and other symbols within a triangle. The outer ring, a circle or circle, is presented as a symbol of eternity, without beginning or end. It has been used across cultures and time to represent continuity, friendship, and the infinite. The emblem's central circle symbolizes the sun, the collective symbol of divinity (Ra), God, the heavens, space, the universe, and the creator. It also represents all cycles, infinities, and the recurring nature of life, death, and reincarnation.

PLEIADENE (The Pleiades)

Authored by Thorbjørn Brastad, this article discusses the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. It is an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. The Pleiades are prominent in myths and folklore worldwide, with some legends suggesting humanity originated from these distant systems. In recent years, the Pleiades have been linked to UFO phenomena, with claims that beings from planets in this system have contacted humans. The article mentions that at least fifteen inhabited planets are said to exist within the Pleiades system, and that humans may have emigrated from Earth to populate other planets. It notes that conflict and 'wickedness' have been prevalent among the planets in the Pleiades, drawing a parallel to conditions on Earth.

ETTER OLOF PALME (In the Spirit of Olof Palme)

This article offers an esoteric interpretation of the life and death of Olof Palme, the former Prime Minister of Sweden. Palme is described as an old soul with a mission, characterized by intense devotion and self-sacrifice, sometimes bordering on fanaticism. His assassination is presented as a sacrifice that helped people in the Nordic region open their 'heart chakras' and embrace love, light, and hope. His death is seen as an immense contribution, enabling millions to open up to their feelings, leading to his being considered a martyr and near-saint. The article also mentions the funeral arrangements, emphasizing themes of light, hope, and a better world, with the UN symbol and the word 'peace' in various languages.

KIROPRAKTOR/LEGE-STRID (Chiropractor/Doctor Dispute)

This section presents a debate between chiropractors and medical doctors in Norway. The article criticizes the Norwegian Medical Association's president, Bengt Lasse Lund, for attacking chiropractic treatment. It argues that Lund's statements aim to maintain the medical profession's monopoly and ignore the possibility that other professions possess relevant expertise. The article defends the six-year education of Norwegian chiropractors, which includes university-level prerequisites, and contrasts it with the minimal hours of physical medicine training for doctors. It highlights that many patients seek chiropractic care after failed medical treatments. The article points out that while chiropractors are legally allowed to practice under the 1936 'quackery law,' this law does not protect the title 'chiropractor.' It draws a parallel to acupuncture, which was once dismissed by doctors but is now accepted. The piece advocates for patients' right to choose their treatment and suggests that chiropractic care is a supplement, not an alternative, to medical services, aiming for specialization in the musculoskeletal system. It references Switzerland as a model where chiropractors are authorized and the system functions well for all parties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, ancient mysteries, alternative explanations for phenomena, and esoteric interpretations of historical and contemporary events. There is a clear stance in favor of open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science and a critical view of established medical and scientific authorities when they appear to monopolize knowledge or resist alternative perspectives. The publication aims to inform and provoke thought among its readers, encouraging them to question conventional narratives and explore a broader range of possibilities.

This issue of VISMANNEN, published by Vidya, features a cover headline of "VISMANNEN" and is dated 1986. The cover art depicts a lion-like creature. The magazine explores themes of spirituality, the paranormal, and health.

Articles and Content

"Den unge mannen spurte..." by Einar Michelsen

This philosophical piece presents a dialogue between a young man seeking to understand offerings and penance, and a master who emphasizes that true worship of God is integrated into daily life. The master explains that God is not confined to temples but is present everywhere, and that caring for one's mother and sister is itself an offering. He advises purifying one's mind of negative thoughts like hate and envy, comparing it to weeding before sowing.

"GROTESKT."

This section criticizes the Norwegian Social Minister, Heløe, for allegedly refusing to accept the results of an unconventional American treatment method. The minister's reason, that the treatment is not 'professionally sound,' is questioned, as is the perceived resistance of the medical establishment ('hvitfrakk-adelen') to alternative therapies. The author expresses hope that the rejection will not financially or spiritually harm the Busengdal family, who are seeking treatment for their daughter Ellen.

"Så UFO" (So UFO)

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports from Norway:

• Modum: A skier reported seeing a large, bright, yellowish object in the sky on a Tuesday evening. The object hovered, changed direction, moved slowly, and then disappeared without sound.
• Fiskumsletta: Two men driving separately encountered a woman with a mop in the road at night. They later learned from locals that she was considered a "specter" who had lived in the area previously.
• Steinberg: A reader identified a previously reported UFO sighting as a high-flying DC-9 airplane, noting that its apparent stillness was due to its distance and altitude.
• General UFO sighting: Two callers reported seeing a silent, slow-moving object in the sky that was not an airplane, describing it as having pink and blue lights.

"Gjenferd" på Fiskumsletta! ("Specter" on Fiskumsletta!)

This article recounts the experience of two men who encountered a woman with a mop in the road on Fiskumsletta. Locals identified her as a "specter" who had previously lived in the area. The article concludes by quoting a common sentiment about the existence of unexplained phenomena.

"UFOén var fly" (The UFO was a plane)

This section presents a reader's explanation of a UFO sighting, identifying it as a DC-9 airplane. The reader observed the object at a high altitude and concluded it was a plane based on its movement and characteristics.

"Det var en UFO" (It was a UFO)

This section reports on two separate accounts of unusual aerial phenomena. One involves a pink and blue light seen over two consecutive days, dismissed by a witness as not being an airplane. Another account describes a silent, slow-moving object.

"Vår higen etter ny viten" (Our longing for new knowledge)

This article discusses the astrological concept of the "Age of Aquarius" and its potential impact on human consciousness. It notes a planetary alignment in February 1962 that some astrologers interpret as marking Earth's entry into this new era. The author suggests that this transition will lead people to seek higher meaning and explore universal connections, including karma and reincarnation, and the teachings of the 7 rays.

"REINKARNASJON - BARE EN TRO?" (Reincarnation - Just a Belief?)

Authored by J. E. Johansen, this article explores the concept of reincarnation. It questions whether reincarnation offers meaning to life and notes that it is neither provable nor disprovable by "natural science." The article touches upon parapsychology, including telepathy, clairvoyance, psychometry, and precognition, suggesting these phenomena can serve as indirect evidence for reincarnation. It then presents several case studies:

• Shanti Devi: A well-documented case where a girl born in 1926 identified as Lugdi Devi, who died in 1925. Shanti Devi accurately recounted details of Lugdi Devi's past life, including personal belongings and locations.
• The Pollock Twins: After the accidental death of twins Joanna and Jaquline Pollock in 1957, their parents had new twins, Jennifer and Gillian, who exhibited striking resemblances and memories of the deceased sisters, including details about their toys and a secret park.
• A 6-year-old girl: This child recounted details of her life during the time of the pharaohs and identified her "daughter" from that era.
• Danube River Castle: A woman on her honeymoon experienced a strong urge to visit a specific room in a castle. Upon entering, she found two skeletons and stated she had been murdered there in a past life.

The article also lists several historical figures who believed in reincarnation, such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Pythagoras, and Jack London, and cites a 1984 US survey indicating that 41% of Americans believed in reincarnation.

"Litteratur om emnet" (Literature on the subject)

This section provides a bibliography of books related to reincarnation and past lives, listing authors like Bryan Jamieson, Asger Lorentsen, and Martinius.

"GODE? GAMLE DAGER" (GOOD? OLD DAYS)

This section offers "tips" for health from an 1885 book titled "Sundhedshaandbog for Hjemmet" (Health Handbook for the Home).

• Tapeworm Treatment: The article describes the life cycle of tapeworms and suggests a treatment involving pumpkin seeds, sugar, milk, and American oil. It also notes that eating well-cooked meat prevents infection.
• Swimming: Swimming is recommended as a healthy form of exercise, provided it is not done for too long. The ideal water temperature is between 13 and 19° R.
• Indoor Bathing: A "half-bath" is described as an indoor bathing method using a smaller tub, where the body is massaged and water is poured over the upper body. This method is said to stimulate the intestines and abdominal organs.

"MØTER & AKTIVITETER VÅREN '86" (MEETINGS & ACTIVITIES SPRING '86)

This section lists upcoming events for the Vidya organization during Spring 1986, including member meetings, lectures on topics like self-sufficiency, parapsychology, and UFOs, and a member trip to Hessdalen. A "Jubilee Celebration" for Vidya's first anniversary is also announced for June 20th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in the esoteric, spiritual, and unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and reincarnation. There is a critical stance towards established medical and scientific orthodoxy when it appears to dismiss or suppress alternative theories and treatments. The editorial stance encourages open-mindedness and the exploration of "new knowledge" and "universal connections." The publication also values practical advice, particularly concerning health and well-being, drawing from both contemporary and historical sources.