Argus - 1984 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of ARGUS, NR 1, ÅRGÅNG 8, from 1984, is a publication of UFO-Gavleborg, an organization affiliated with UFO-SVERIGE. The cover features a striking image of Saturn with its rings and the Pioneer 11 spacecraft, accompanied by the headline "Med 114 000 km/tim förbi Saturnus" (At 114,000 km/h past Saturn). The accompanying text describes how the American probe Pioneer 11 passed through one of Saturn's rings at high speed and narrowly avoided a collision with an unknown object.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine provides contact information for UFO-Gavleborg, including their postal address in Gävle, Sweden, and telephone numbers. The editorial team is listed, with Roland Östlund as Chairman, Thomas Dahl as Vice Chairman, Nakan Ekdahl as Secretary, and Ylwa Jendeby as Treasurer. The publication's responsible publisher is Jan Englund. Subscription and membership fees are detailed: 50 SEK per year for families and individual members, and 25 SEK per year for military personnel, pensioners, and students under 18. The magazine also includes a call for reader contributions in the form of articles and discussion pieces, requesting that manuscripts be typed with generous spacing.

Lead Article: "Ledare" (Editorial)

The editorial, signed by "REDAKTIONEN" and represented by Chairman Roland Östlund, announces significant developments in the international UFO research community. It mentions that at a planning conference in Stockholm on February 4th, the international UFO research committee was established. This committee will focus on two main goals: A) creating a common database for statistical studies of UFO phenomena, and B) developing techniques and instructions for field investigations. Bertil Kuleman was elected as the chairman for ICUR (International Committee for UFO Research). The editorial also informs members about an upcoming visit to F 15 airbase in Söderhamn on May 20th, coinciding with an airshow, and encourages interested members to contact the association by the end of April.

Article: "UNIVERSUMS UPPKOMST" (The Origin of the Universe)

This extensive article, translated from The Economist (April 12, 1980) by Bengt-Olof Bratter, delves into cosmological theories about the origin and nature of the universe. It begins by describing the initial moments after the Big Bang, a period of extreme heat and density where atomic nuclei were broken down. Physicists have developed models to understand these early processes. The article explains that the universe is not an explosion of matter into pre-existing empty space, but rather space itself is expanding, carrying galaxies along with it like raisins in a rising dough. It dismisses the idea of a unique center or edge to the universe, suggesting that any observer would see a similar distribution of galaxies. The concept of a 'curved space', analogous to the surface of the Earth, is introduced as a way to understand a finite yet unbounded universe. The article references the work of European space missions like Ariane, aimed at measuring the curvature of space. It uses the analogy of a flattened orange peel to illustrate how the surface area within a circle on a curved surface can be larger than expected. The expansion of the universe is further compared to a balloon being inflated, with galaxies as dots on the surface. The article emphasizes that modern physics views space and time as interconnected, a concept stemming from Einstein's theories, and that the universe has a finite age, implying a beginning but not necessarily a first moment in time.

Article: "Healing och tankens kraft" (Healing and the Power of Thought)

This section, authored by Yvonna Lindberg, explores the concepts of healing and the power of thought. It begins by acknowledging the common feeling of not doing enough to help others. The author suggests that healing, meaning to cure or heal, is a way to help, and that simply listening to someone in need is a valuable act. The article touches upon the loneliness experienced by those in grief and how gestures of care can alleviate it. It then discusses healing performed by individuals with developed mediumistic abilities, who can reportedly cure ailments in minutes. The author recounts an anecdote where a husband, initially skeptical of healing, was persuaded by his wife to undergo treatment for a severe back problem. While the wife, who had strong faith, continued to suffer from her own ailments, the husband was completely cured.

The article further explores why some individuals seem immune to healing energy, suggesting that certain illnesses may be chosen for spiritual development or as part of one's karma, as communicated by entities from the spirit world. The power of thought is presented as a significant force, akin to telepathy, which is constantly in use. The author warns against negative thinking, which can be harmful, and advises positive thinking. An anecdote from a village in Hälsingland illustrates the impact of negative thoughts and envy. A family that moved to the area faced mysterious illnesses with their horses and general misfortune until a medium identified individuals in the village who harbored ill will towards them. Once these negative influences were addressed and the family integrated better into the community, the horses recovered, and their troubles ceased. The author concludes that community and positive thought are powerful forces.

Article: "Helbrägdagörelse" (Miraculous Healing)

This article, also by Yvonna Lindberg, distinguishes "helbrägdagörelse" (miraculous healing) from regular healing, noting its practice in Russia alongside conventional medicine. Russian practitioners examine patients by holding their hands near the body to diagnose ailments. While some practitioners can remove negative energies, operations are sometimes still necessary. Patients have reported experiencing intense heat during these treatments, and measurements have confirmed this warmth without detecting abnormal temperatures. The article links these practices to the concept of the aura or astral body, an energetic field that surrounds the body and persists after death. It suggests that healers interact with this energy field. The article also touches upon the historical use of herbs by witches and sorceresses for medicinal purposes, noting that modern medicine is beginning to recognize the value of these traditional remedies, such as antibiotics derived from certain berries. It also mentions that fortune-telling is a significant source of income for such practitioners.

Article: "Reinkarnation" (Reincarnation)

Authored by Yvonna Lindberg, this article discusses reincarnation and its perceived conflict with the Swedish state church's doctrines. It explains that reincarnation means rebirth and that some believe the Christian church once held beliefs about it, which were later suppressed to control people's complaints about poverty and injustice. The article highlights ongoing research into reincarnation, with theories suggesting phenomena like telepathy or the ability to see into past lives. However, a key challenge remains in definitively proving the identity of a person in a past life. The author suggests that a child's memory of a past life, if later verified, should be sufficient proof. The article points to young children who speak of places and names unknown to their parents as potential evidence. It also notes that children who seem unusually mature or serious for their age might have memories of past lives. The article mentions a case where a four-year-old girl appeared to communicate with her deceased father, suggesting she could still see him.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of ARGUS are the exploration of the unknown, encompassing UFO phenomena, cosmology, and paranormal abilities such as healing and reincarnation. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet investigative stance, presenting scientific theories alongside anecdotal evidence and personal accounts. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between conventional science and alternative or spiritual explanations for phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of organized research and data collection in the UFO field, while the articles on healing and reincarnation highlight the potential of human consciousness and spiritual energies. The publication encourages reader participation and discussion, fostering a sense of community among those interested in these subjects.

This issue of "GÅTFULLT NATURLIGT OCH ÖVERNATURLIGT" (Mysterious Natural and Supernatural) features a central theme of "Reinkarnation" (Reincarnation), with contributions from YVONNA LINDBERG and references to Helen Wambach's work. The magazine also includes detailed reports on the activities and finances of the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening for the year 1983.

Reincarnation and Past Lives

YVONNA LINDBERG contributes a poem and an article exploring the concept of reincarnation. The poem, "Jag en själavandrare" (I a soul wanderer), describes a soul's journey through multiple lives, shedding old bodies and seeking a state of being without physical form. The accompanying text discusses how childhood memories of past lives often fade as individuals grow older, suggesting this is a natural process to allow for development in the current life. A specific anecdote is shared about a young woman in Sweden who, from childhood, used a name different from her given one and had clear memories of a previous life. She later visited the village of her past life, where an elderly priest recognized her, and she found her grave with the same name she had used as a child. The text asserts that numerous witnesses can attest to this event.

Another section delves into what happens after death, referencing descriptions by psychic individuals of a cloud-like structure leaving the body. It discusses the concept of an astral body or aura, citing the Kirlian photography experiments with a leaf, which showed the aura remaining intact even after a part of the leaf was removed. This is suggested as an explanation for phantom limb pain, where the lost part is still perceived. Medics and mystics believe the astral body carries consciousness and the psyche after death. The psyche, according to this view, withdraws inward to rest and reflects on its past life, realizing the need to learn more on the physical plane for further spiritual experience. The text notes that Helen Wambach's book, "Liv före livet" (Life Before Life), based on hypnosis of 750 individuals in the USA, suggests that people are not eager to experience another earthly life.

Gävleborgs UFO-Förening: Annual Report and Meeting Minutes

The issue contains extensive documentation from the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening, covering their activities in 1983 and the proceedings of their annual meeting.

Annual Meeting Minutes (February 26, 1984)

The minutes detail the annual meeting held on February 26, 1984. Key decisions included approving the board's notice of the meeting, adopting the agenda, electing Roland Östlund as chairman and Håkan Ekdahl as secretary. Bengt Clov Bratter and SCS Giljam were elected as auditors. The meeting approved the activity report and the financial statements for the past year. The board was granted discharge of responsibility. The following were elected to the board: Thomas Dahl, Håkan Ekdahl, Jan Englund, Bengt Olov Bratter, Sture Mattsson, Berit Mattsson, and Sven Olof Svensson Giljam. Helena Öhman was elected as a deputy board member. Birgitta Ekdahl and K G Östlund were elected as auditors for the upcoming year. Ola Jedenby was appointed to the election committee for 1984.

Activity Plan and Other Matters

The meeting proposed several activities for the year, including study visits to the Air Force Day in Söderhamn, the Technical Museum in Stockholm, visiting another association, and a trip to Hessdalen. Family days were also suggested for Sollerön and Norrlandsporten. The treasurer presented a budget that was approved. In other matters, SOS Giljam proposed that the association offer lectures in schools in Hälsingland, and the board was tasked with preparing a written inquiry. The next member meeting was scheduled for March 8, 1984. The meeting concluded with thanks from the chairman.

Activity Report (1983)

The Gävleborgs UFO-Förening's activity report for 1983 lists the board members and their roles, including Chairman Roland Üstiund, Vice Chairman Thomas Dahl, Secretary Håkan Ekdahl, and Treasurer Ylwa Jedenby. The report highlights that the association held approximately ten member meetings in their local "Gröna rummet" (Green Room), along with three official member meetings. A combined Christmas and Lucia party was held on December 11. Observation evenings took place in Främlingshem and Råhällan, and family days were organized in Furuvik and Kungsberget. The association had 60 paying members during the year. The financial situation was detailed in a separate report for 1983. The association investigated several UFO-related cases within the Gävleborgs län. Representatives from Radio Gävleborg visited a family day, and the association gave lectures, for example, in Hofors, and was featured in the local press.

Publications and Outlook

The member magazine ARGUS was published in four issues during the year, with Jan Englund as the responsible publisher. The "SLUTORD" (Final Word) section reflects on 1983 as an interesting year, noting the increasing membership and positive contacts with local radio and newspapers. The initiation of international cooperation was highlighted as a significant development. The outlook for 1984 was expressed as hopeful for continued positive progress.

Audit Report (1983)

The auditors (Sture Mattsson, Berit Mattsson, and S.O.S. Giljam) reviewed the Gävleborgs UFO-Förening's accounts for 1983. They confirmed that satisfactory documentation existed for income and expenses, that the cash and postgiro balances were correct, and that the bookkeeping was otherwise without remark. They proposed that the balance sheet be adopted and that the board be granted discharge of responsibility for the period under review. The report was dated February 7, 1984.

Financial Statement (1983)

The financial statement for 1983 shows an outgoing balance of 393:70 SEK, comprising 153:50 SEK in cash and 240:20 SEK in postgiro. The profit and loss statement details expenses such as printing costs (568.-), office supplies (522:60), telephone (781:30), postage (927:60), rents (70:-), activities (240:70), and other expenses (211.-), totaling 3,706:15 SEK. Income sources included membership fees (2860.-) and lotteries (597:35), also totaling 3,706:15 SEK, with a loss of 248:80 SEK noted. The total income and expenses matched at 3,706:15 SEK.

UFO Sighting Report

A report from Främlingshem describes an incident that occurred the morning before New Year's Eve. A person contacted the association about an observation. The witness stated that while walking his dog early in the morning, a blindingly strong, round white light suddenly appeared about a hundred meters away, illuminating everything. The witness estimated the distance and the intensity of the light. An investigation of the area for tracks and potential sources like power lines yielded no results. Measuring instruments were used to check for radioactivity, but none was detected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of the natural and supernatural, with a strong focus on reincarnation and past-life experiences. The Gävleborgs UFO-Förening's activities demonstrate a commitment to investigating UFO phenomena, documenting cases, and engaging with the community through meetings, lectures, and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also maintaining a structured approach to organizational management and reporting, as evidenced by the detailed minutes and financial statements.