Kosmisk Bulletin - 1969 No 2 nov

Magazine Overview

Title: KOSMISK BULLETIN
Issue: Nr. 2
Volume: Årgång 1
Date: November 1969
Publisher: Kosmisk Bulletin
Country: Sweden
Price: 1:50

This issue of Kosmisk Bulletin, a Swedish publication, delves into a variety of topics including UFO sightings, spiritual philosophy, and self-knowledge. The cover features a graphic of a torch, symbolizing enlightenment or knowledge.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial, titled 'Bäste Läsare' (Dear Reader), sets a contemplative tone, contrasting humanity's outward exploration of space with the more crucial inward journey of self-discovery. It highlights the paradox of seeking answers in the cosmos while neglecting the 'inner space' and the importance of human connection. The editorial also touches upon the destructive nature of technology and war, contrasting it with the wisdom of ancient teachings.

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• EVIGT LIV (Eternal Life) by Thor-Leif Dahnielson
• RÄTTIGHET KONTRA PLIKT (Right vs. Duty) by J. S. Boye Petersen
• FRÅGOR OCH SVAR (Questions and Answers)
• UFO-NYHETER (UFO News)
• KÄNN DIG SJÄLV (Know Thyself) by Steven Whiting
• VETENSKAP (Science)
• DEN KOSMISKE INDIVIDEN (The Cosmic Individual) by Fred Steckling
• MÅNRESOR – VÄRLDSSVÄLT (Moon Journeys – World Hunger) by Thor-Leif Dahnielson

Article Summaries

EVIGT LIV (Eternal Life)

This article by Thor-Leif Dahnielson explores the concept of eternal life through the lens of nature's cycles. It draws parallels between the falling leaves of autumn, which decompose to nourish new growth, and the continuous cycle of cells in the human body. The author posits that 'life energy' or the 'true self' is eternal and merely transfers to new forms, suggesting that death is not an end but a transition. This perspective is presented as a way to overcome the fear of death and embrace life's continuous renewal.

RÄTTIGHET KONTRA PLIKT (Right vs. Duty)

J. S. Boye Petersen argues that humanity's focus on 'rights' reflects egoism and a misunderstanding of life's purpose. He contrasts this with the concept of 'duty,' which is often seen as a burden. The author suggests that true equality means respecting all life and work, not just those that are economically valued. He criticizes societal structures, legal systems, and even religious dogma for creating divisions and conflicts. The article emphasizes that true upbringing of children should be through positive example and guidance, not coercion. It calls for a shift in focus from 'rights' to 'duties' for societal progress and spiritual development.

UFO-NYHETER (UFO News)

This section compiles several recent UFO sightings and reports:

• Radar Detection: A Polaris rocket launch from Cape Canaveral in January 1961 was followed by a radar-tracked object. During Gemini I's orbit, radar detected four UFOs. In October 1966, three unknown objects were reported orbiting Earth, with additional sightings by a British radar station.
• Astronomical Sightings: Astronomers in Venezuela and Argentina reported UFOs near unmanned satellites.
• Astronaut Encounter: Astronaut McDivitt on Gemini 4 reported seeing a cylindrical object with antennae.
• Landing in England: Children in Irthlingsborough, England, reported seeing a flashing red object land in a field, which turned into bright yellow lights.
• Hovering Object in England: A couple in Brinsley, England, observed a hovering object with four lights forming a square.
• UFOs Chased by Planes: In Tel Aviv, Israel, UFOs were reportedly chased by military aircraft. Bertilsson described a bright, almost blinding glob and another star-like object.
• Mysterious Object in Sweden: Three people in Kväggeshyttan, Sweden, observed a large, blinking, elliptical object.
• Spindle-Shaped Object: Anselm Vikström in Vilhelmina, Sweden, saw a spindle-shaped object moving at low altitude with a ribbon-like tail.
• Northern Coast Sightings: Observations on the northern Swedish coast (Luleå, Umeå, Sundsvall) described a luminous point and smoke cloud, coinciding with earlier reports of a cigar-shaped object.

KÄNN DIG SJÄLV (Know Thyself)

Steven Whiting's article emphasizes the profound wisdom contained in the phrase 'Know Thyself.' He argues that this ancient maxim holds more truth than any other statement, and that by understanding oneself, one can understand everything. The author suggests that each person has unique abilities and a purpose to fulfill. He encourages introspection and self-awareness, not just to develop one's talents but also to understand others and their faults with compassion. The article uses the metaphor of the ocean to illustrate the diversity of life and the interconnectedness of all beings, advocating for understanding and empathy over judgment. It concludes by stating that all knowledge resides within, and by putting oneself in another's shoes, one can live by the Golden Rule.

VETENSKAP (Science)

This brief section mentions that astronomers have found signs of a physical bridge between the Milky Way and another galaxy.

DEN KOSMISKE INDIVIDEN (The Cosmic Individual)

This article by Fred Steckling is not fully transcribed in the provided pages, but the title suggests a focus on the individual's place within the larger cosmic order.

MÅNRESOR – VÄRLDSSVÄLT (Moon Journeys – World Hunger)

This article by Thor-Leif Dahnielson, also not fully transcribed, appears to contrast humanity's achievements in space exploration (moon journeys) with the persistent problem of world hunger, likely questioning priorities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Kosmisk Bulletin are the exploration of the unknown, both in outer space (UFOs) and inner space (spirituality, self-knowledge), and a critical examination of societal values. The magazine appears to advocate for a more introspective and spiritually-oriented approach to life, questioning materialism, egoism, and the focus on external achievements over inner development. There is a consistent thread of seeking deeper truths beyond conventional understanding, often referencing ancient wisdom or universal laws. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging readers to question their perceptions, look inward, and consider a more harmonious and compassionate way of living.

Title: Kosmisk Bulletin
Issue: 3
Volume: 1969
Date: January 1969

This issue of Kosmisk Bulletin delves into a variety of topics, ranging from astronomical discoveries and philosophical concepts to the burgeoning field of parapsychology and the ethics of space exploration.

Interstellar Connections

The issue begins with a report on the discovery of a hydrogen arm connecting the Milky Way to another galaxy, a significant finding from the Carnegie Institution in Washington. This suggests a previously unknown cosmic link between galaxies.

Mars Canals Confirmed

A report from Los Angeles details Dr. Brad Smith's confirmation of the existence of Mars' famous canals. Based on photographs taken by the Mariner 7 probe from a distance of 112,000 miles, Smith's findings validate long-held theories about these Martian features.

Life on the Outer Planets?

An article titled "JORDISKA FÖRHÅLLANDEN PÅ DE YTTRE PLANETERNA I SOLSYSTEMET" (Terrestrial Conditions on the Outer Planets in the Solar System) explores the possibility of life beyond Earth. Dr. Kenneth Kellermann's observations using the Parkes radio telescope have revealed surprisingly high temperatures in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturnus, Uranus, and Neptune. Using radio waves of different wavelengths, Kellermann found that longer wavelengths indicated higher temperatures deeper within the atmospheres. This suggests that these planets might trap solar heat, creating a greenhouse effect similar to Earth's, making the existence of life there a plausible, though not yet confirmed, possibility.

Cosmic Philosophy: The Cosmic Individual

Under the heading "DEN KOSMISKE INDIVIDEN" (The Cosmic Individual), Fred Steckling discusses the nature of individuality. He distinguishes between the ego-mind and the true self, emphasizing that true cosmic individuality is achieved by understanding oneself and one's connection to all of humanity. Steckling warns against blindly following external spiritual leaders, advocating instead for introspection and listening to one's inner divine voice. He posits that the conscious mind, or God's voice within, is the source of all knowledge and enlightenment.

Plant Consciousness and Telepathy

The magazine features a significant report on the work of Clive Backster, an expert in lie detection. Backster's research at the Backster School of Lie Detection suggests that all cells possess consciousness and memory, and can communicate with each other. Experiments with plants, using a lie detector, revealed that plants reacted emotionally to stimuli, including threats to their own well-being or the harm of other living organisms. This discovery, which Backster presented in the International Journal of Parapsychology, has spurred similar research at universities in the United States. The article also connects Backster's findings to the teachings of George Adamski, noting that Adamski had previously spoken of cells as 'thought-producing units' in his 1958 telepathy course. A course in telepathy by Adamski is advertised for January.

The Debate on Space Exploration

A critical article, "MÅNRESOR - VÄRLDSSVÄLT" (Moon Trips - World Hunger), questions the allocation of vast resources to space programs, particularly the moon missions, while millions on Earth suffer from hunger. The author calculates that the cost of sending humans to the moon could have significantly improved living conditions for millions, particularly in impoverished areas. The article contrasts the astronomical sums spent on space exploration with the comparatively small amounts allocated to cancer research and foreign aid. However, it also acknowledges the broader perspective, suggesting that space research is a natural progression of human curiosity and has yielded valuable technological advancements, such as communication satellites, weather forecasting systems, and medical diagnostic tools. The article argues that space exploration is essential for addressing the looming threat of overpopulation, suggesting that emigration to other planets may become a necessity in the future.

Questions and Answers

The "FRÅGOR OCH SVAR" (Questions and Answers) section addresses several reader inquiries:

• Legitimation for Space Visitors: In response to a question about how extraterrestrials might manage without identification, the answer suggests that refugees from difficult countries often receive political asylum and assistance with documentation, implying that aliens could similarly obtain necessary papers, such as a driver's license.
• Contactee Authenticity: Regarding numerous claims of contact with extraterrestrials, the answer advises caution, noting that while many contactees may genuinely believe their experiences, a large portion of contact literature is likely based on dreams. The criteria for discerning authenticity include a sense of harmony with cosmic laws and avoiding messages that promote division or antipathy.

Future Articles and Advertisements

The "I NÄSTA NUMMER" (In the Next Issue) section previews upcoming articles, including "TANKENS MAKT" (The Power of Thought) by Leif Eckhoff Pedersen, an article about viewing Earth from space by Gerda Rörbaek Nielsen, and "GÅTORNAS PYRAMID" (The Pyramids' Mystery) by Thor-Leif Dahnielson. The issue also includes advertisements for "SÖKAREN" (The Seeker) magazine, which covers topics like UFOs, parapsychology, and various religions, and an invitation for readers to submit announcements or articles to Kosmisk Bulletin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the potential for life beyond Earth, the nature of consciousness and individuality, and the critical evaluation of humanity's priorities, particularly concerning space exploration versus terrestrial needs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into paranormal and scientific frontiers, while also maintaining a critical perspective on the societal implications and resource allocation related to ambitious projects like space missions. There is a strong emphasis on self-discovery and the importance of inner spiritual awareness.