IUSI - No 29 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Sverigeinformation
Issue: 29
Date: March 1981 (Cover date: -2 MRS. 1981)
Publisher: Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige
Language: Swedish

This issue of 'UFO-Sverigeinformation' is an internal publication for members of the UFO-Sverige organization, intended to be confidential. It covers various topics related to UFO research, organization news, and other phenomena.

Editorial and Organizational News

The editorial team, consisting of Bo Roslind and Gunwor Wikström, announces a change of address to Västmannavägen 2 E, Hallstahammar. They have merged their operations, with Bosse (Roslind) and Gunwor (Wikström) now sharing editorial duties. The magazine's subscriber base has unfortunately decreased to around 100, putting its existence at risk, and a call is made for more subscribers.

Two new local groups are welcomed into the organization: UFO-Häggvik and Västerbergslagen UFO-Förening. The editors also encourage members to submit more articles and letters.

A report from the UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp meeting on February 1, 1981, is included. Key decisions involved approving membership applications from UFO-Häggvik and Västerbergslagen UFO-Förening. It was also decided to hold the autumn 1981 planning conference in Sundsvall, with the organization's board supporting this northern location.

UFO-Sveriges Rikstämma (National Assembly)

The program for the UFO-Sveriges Rikstämma, held on March 14, 1981, at Folkets Hus in Stockholm, is detailed. The agenda includes internal meetings, presentations on scientific perspectives on UFO phenomena, a screening of UFO-Sverige's edited film, discussions on whether UFOs are physical craft or spiritual manifestations, and a future perspective on humanity in space. A question and debate panel is scheduled for the evening. The entrance fee is 25 kronor, with pre-sale tickets available through Stockholms UFO-förening.

Motions to the Rikstämma

Two motions are presented for the Rikstämma:

1. Motion 11: Proposes dividing Sweden into at least three zones, each holding planning conferences twice a year. The organization would provide agendas, and discussions would involve more members due to reduced travel.
2. Motion 12: Suggests establishing a travel allocation committee to help local groups send delegates to the national assembly more affordably. This committee would calculate travel costs per delegate and distribute them equally among all attendees.

UFO-Sverige Information System Critique

A motion from UFO-gruppen Cosmos Markaryd criticizes the current information dissemination system of UFO-Sverige. It argues that the internal magazine, 'Intern UFO information', is too slow and not sufficiently internal. The use of a 'Planella calendar' for future events is also deemed impractical due to the three-month advance notice requirement. The motion proposes replacing the internal magazine with faster circulars and ensuring that each group receives at least two copies of 'UFO-Sverige Aktuellt' for PR and internal circulation. The goal is to improve information flow and increase member interest.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The 'Virvel' Incident (Hallstahammar, 1948):

This article recounts an event from the summer of 1948 where a group of teenagers playing football in Hallstahammar witnessed a fast-moving, elliptical object they called a 'virvel'. The object, estimated to be about 2 meters high and moving at 50-60 km/h, approached them from about 300 meters away. It stopped abruptly near them, emitting a loud, monotonous sound. The object then began chasing the youths, changing direction unpredictably. It momentarily stopped near a goalpost, where a tug-of-war ensued with one of the boys over his shirt. The object eventually sped off towards a park. Upon inspection, no flattened grass was found, but small, gray-black fragments resembling pencil lead or charcoal were discovered. The total observation time was estimated at 10-15 minutes.

Giant Squid ('Jättebläckfisken') and Sea Monsters:

This article explores the legend of sea monsters, attributing many such accounts to the giant squid (Architeuthis dux). It states that giant squids can reach lengths of over 20 meters and weigh up to 2 tons. They possess ten arms, two of which are longer tentacles used for capturing prey, equipped with suckers up to 1 dm in diameter. The article mentions a dramatic encounter off the coast of Newfoundland in the 1870s where two fishermen and a boy fought off a giant squid that attacked their boat. Evidence of the encounter, in the form of severed tentacles, was found in their boat. The article also notes that giant squids have been known to kill and eat humans, citing an incident during World War II where a squid attacked shipwrecked British sailors. Marine biologists are still actively researching these creatures in the deep oceans.

The Mann Family's UFO Encounter (Under Hypnosis):

This extensive report details the alleged experience of the Mann family (John, Gloria, Frances, Natasha, and Tanya) who, under hypnosis, recounted an event from June 1978. They claim to have been passed by a UFO while driving. Later, under hypnosis, they described being taken aboard a spacecraft. John Mann was separated from his family and underwent examinations by beings in metallic suits. He was shown a film depicting the destruction of their home planet, Janos, due to a nuclear power plant accident caused by a meteor. The aliens were seeking a new planet to inhabit. Frances Farrow also recounted her experience, including being shown a film and interacting with aliens named Uxiaulia and Serkilias. The family was given a drink that was said to help them forget, but also to aid eventual recall. The article includes commentary from UFO experts and a psychiatrist who express skepticism, suggesting the accounts might be influenced by suggestion or be products of the era's science fiction narratives. However, the hypnotherapist maintains that the family's detailed and consistent accounts suggest a genuine experience.

Dreams and Reality

This article discusses the significance of recurring dreams, citing research by Dr. Rosalin Cartwright. It suggests that recurring dreams, whether nightmares or pleasant dreams, offer insights into one's subconscious desires, conflicts, and fears. Nightmares often involve themes of danger, falling, or public exposure, while pleasant dreams feature success and admiration. The article emphasizes that the emotions experienced in dreams can linger and affect waking life. Psychologist Richard Corriere suggests that to change dream content, one must first become aware they are dreaming and learn to influence the dream. He also advises focusing on changing waking life attitudes and behaviors, as dreams can reflect these changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes UFO research and awareness within Sweden. It highlights the activities of the national organization, UFO-Sverige, and its local chapters, encouraging member participation and information sharing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, including alleged sightings, encounters, and abduction experiences, while also acknowledging the scientific and psychological perspectives on these events. There is a clear emphasis on internal communication and community building within the UFO-Sverige organization. The publication also touches upon broader themes like unexplained phenomena (sea monsters) and the nature of consciousness (dreams and hypnosis), linking them to the overarching interest in the unknown.

This issue, titled "På räls mot universum" (On rails towards the universe), delves into several intriguing topics, ranging from cutting-edge astronomy to the mysteries of the human mind and the enduring enigma of the Loch Ness Monster. The magazine features articles on scientific advancements, psychological exploration of dreams, and cryptozoological investigations, alongside a brief medical case and a study on longevity.

Radio Astronomy and the VLA

The article "På räls mot universum" introduces the field of radio astronomy, highlighting its growth over the past 40-50 years and the development of massive radio telescopes. It focuses on the newly operational Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, USA, a state-of-the-art facility comprising 27 large antennas that work in conjunction. These antennas are mobile, moving along a vast network of railway tracks. The VLA, officially inaugurated on October 10th, is described as a significant step forward for radio astronomy, enabling more precise measurements and a deeper understanding of the universe's origins and evolution. The scientific leader, Ron Ekers, is mentioned as explaining the importance of this new installation.

Controlling Dreams and Nightmares

Another section explores the concept of controlling dreams, a phenomenon first brought to attention in the 1950s by psychologist Kilton Stewart, who documented the Senoi tribe's methods of dream manipulation. The article details how the Senoi teach their children to confront their fears in dreams, such as facing a tiger. This principle was tested by Patricia Garfield in San Francisco, who suffered from a recurring nightmare. By consciously confronting the figures in her dream, she managed to overcome her fear and make the nightmare disappear. Garfield's approach emphasizes using dreams to understand and acknowledge one's true feelings, transforming dream-enemies into helpful allies. The article suggests that not shying away from the fears or hopes revealed in recurring dreams is the first step to overcoming or fulfilling them.

The Loch Ness Monster Mystery

The longest section of the magazine is dedicated to the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, or "Nessie." Despite being sought by scientists with advanced equipment, the creature remains elusive. The article recounts the history of sightings, dating back to 565 AD with Saint Columba. It highlights the unique characteristics of Loch Ness, a deep, long lake in Scotland with murky waters due to peat, which contributes to the mystery. The modern surge of interest began in 1933, with numerous reports and photographs, including a famous one by Robert Kenneth Wilson in 1934. The article mentions the 1976 expedition organized by the New York Times and the American Academy of Applied Science. It also presents Professor Roy Mackal's theory that there may be 150-200 creatures in Loch Ness, feeding on the abundant salmon. The text discusses the skepticism surrounding the evidence, with some experts deeming photographs too unclear for identification. However, it also notes the continued efforts of researchers like Robert Rines, who returned in 1976 with improved equipment and captured underwater images and sonar readings that suggested a large, long-necked creature, possibly a plesiosaur. The article concludes that despite ongoing investigations, Nessie's secret remains unsolved.

Unique Eye Operation

A brief report details a unique medical operation performed in Cape Town, South Africa. Doctors successfully removed a sprouted grass seed from the eye of a 10-year-old boy. The boy had been experiencing pain and swelling for some time, and specialists discovered the foreign object, a small green plant, growing in his eye. The operation was successful, leaving no lasting damage.

Longevity and Happiness

Finally, the magazine includes a summary of a 40-year study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine." The research, which examined the mental and physical health of 188 men, suggests that individuals with a cheerful disposition and who are generally happy tend to live longer and remain healthier than those who are not.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards unexplained phenomena, scientific exploration, and psychological insights. It presents both established scientific endeavors like radio astronomy and more speculative topics such as cryptozoology and dream manipulation with a tone of curiosity and investigation. The editorial stance seems to encourage readers to explore the unknown, whether it be the vastness of space, the depths of the subconscious, or the mysteries of nature, while also grounding some discussions in scientific research and psychological principles. The inclusion of diverse topics suggests an aim to engage readers with a broad spectrum of human inquiry and discovery.