Medlemsblad 6

Magazine Overview

Title: BREVCIRKELN
Issue: 6
Volume: 11
Date: November 1963 (indicated by "11,63")
Publisher: Medlemsblad
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Brevcirkeln, a member's bulletin, focuses on the topic of reincarnation, presenting two discussion entries that have generated significant interest. The publication also includes information about the Rosicrucian Order and a program of events for the Copenhagen UFO Club.

Discussions on Reincarnation

The first section, "Diskussionsinlägg rörande reinkarnationen," addresses the topic of reincarnation. The author expresses surprise that no one has referred to seance protocols when discussing the subject. Having studied numerous trance statements, the author notes that spirits who have recently passed over may not know much more than living individuals, with some believing they will reincarnate and others not. However, older spirits, who have a broader perspective, state that "Everything is individual," quoting Henry T. Laurence, as cited by Gert Carlsson.

A quote from William T. Stead, channeled through a Danish medium on March 11, 1950, is presented. Stead discusses his potential reincarnation, expressing uncertainty about whether he would be allowed to incarnate again or if it would benefit himself or humanity. He explains that individuals cannot fully comprehend the scope of things to determine if reincarnation would be beneficial. While there is a degree of self-determination, higher authorities may prevent reincarnation if it hinders progress. Conversely, they may permit it if an individual believes they cannot advance without it and is deemed strong enough. Ultimately, the decision rests with the individual, with no coercion involved, as it concerns their eternal well-being.

Astrid Hagelin-Andersson is credited for this contribution.

The second part of the discussion, attributed to Axel Sundien, references his book "Hvad afdøde mennesker fortaeller" (What Deceased People Tell), published in 1958. Sundien responds to a protest regarding his assertion that prominent researchers agree on a 144-year rhythmic periodicity for rebirth. He acknowledges that the statement might be exaggerated but not incorrect. Sundien dismisses the authorities cited by the protestor as no more credible than Gert Carlsson or himself, lamenting the proliferation of confusing theories. He argues that the 144-year rule (12x12) is more logical than theories suggesting rebirths within minutes, 500 years, or millions of years. He posits that if all other universal phenomena follow exact mathematical periodicities and laws, it would be illogical for a divine being to make an exception. He suggests that the average person is subject to the same laws as geniuses.

Sundien criticizes the notion of expanding human consciousness, questioning how Gert Carlsson knows who possesses this expanded consciousness and how it expands. He humorously suggests he might be a knowing individual, having been a famous philosopher in Amsterdam two cycles ago according to the 144-year rule, though he admits this might have been a dream. He describes his current symbolic imagery as "world-unique" but struggles to find a publisher, noting that the "expanding" materialistic consciousness is not interested in symbolic keys or spiritual truths.

He then introduces Cora L. V. Richmond, an American trance medium (1840-1923), as a respected spiritualist leader who represented spiritualists at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Richmond's books have been translated into Swedish and illustrated by Arthur Andersson. Andersson, in a 1962 letter, stated that Rosicrucian philosophy originates from the ancient Egyptian Hermes Merkurius Hermion Merkuria. Richmond's teachings are then cited: souls enter planets in specific numbers, with 12 being a typical family unit and planetary system size. Of the 12 ages of Earth, five have passed, and the sixth is beginning. She explains that a soul is dual, with a male and female half, and when individuals find their other half, the "heavenly marriage" occurs. While Richmond did not claim a 144-year cycle for reincarnation, she believed in strict mathematical precision, stating that the time between earthly lives can range from one to two hundred years, except in special cases.

The first age was the Age of Knowledge, where all nature's secrets were known. Subsequent ages aim to rediscover these truths, culminating in the final age of revelation. This original knowledge is preserved by select mystery orders, possibly only by the Rosicrucian Order today. They understand how sound-vibrations affect glands and possess secret knowledge, including "Royal Art," which worldly Freemasonry lacks. Individuals seeking this knowledge can join Rosicrucian orders. The Rosicrucian Order Amorc in Sweden is organized for the English-speaking world, headquartered in the USA, and adapted for modern times, but authorized by the "invisible" European Order. Ancient manuscripts are preserved by this Order.

Sundien questions why Columbus and Swedenborg are not mentioned. He claims Columbus knew of the New World before his voyage, with his true mission being to find a suitable location for the new Rosicrucian cycle in the New World. This place in California is still called Karmel, named after Karmel in Palestine, which was the seat of the Holy Heritage before Columbus and during Jesus' time. Jesus was raised there.

Per-Hilding Perjons concludes his lengthy contribution, hoping for understanding regarding his extensive remarks and shortcomings.

UFO Club Program in Copenhagen

The magazine announces a friendly letter from Copenhagen, introducing the UFO Club at Aggersborggade Nr. 3 KL, København Ø. Ole Hansen extends greetings to interested Swedes and provides the club's program from December 1963 to May 1964. The program includes lectures on various topics, such as "Yoga's position in the West," "UFO news from around the world," "Man or automaton," "Is God in the atom?", "Star photography," and "Examples of remarkable parapsychological phenomena over the last centuries."

Opportunities for personal contacts and lasting pen pals are highlighted for visitors to Copenhagen. Those visiting outside of scheduled programs can contact Ole Hansen at Helsingborggade 2, 1 tr., København Ø. Directions are provided for reaching Aggersborggade via tram lines 9 from Østerport station or Kgs Nytort.

The program details are as follows:

• November 1963: Meeting (free topic).
• December 1963: Yoga teacher John Charlsen on "Yoga's position in the West"; Meeting (free topic); Hr Hans Lauritzen on "UFO news from around the world"; Closed for "Ande Juledag" (Spirit Christmas).
• January 1964: Meeting (free topic); Sales manager Leif Petersen on "UFO"; Hr Hans Lauritzen on "UFO news from around the world"; Goldsmith Egon Møller on "Man or automaton"; Meeting (free topic).
• February 1964: Teacher Henry Yting on "Is God in the atom?"; Hr Ensio Slej on "Star photography"; Hr Hans Lauritzen on "UFO news from around the world"; Psychoanalyst Valdemar Johansen (topic not specified).
• March 1964: Locksmith Hammerbak on "New ideas and thoughts on magnetism"; Mental hygienist Karl Larsen on "Think as if we knew our own strengths"; Closed for "Skaertorsdag" (Maundy Thursday).
• April 1964: Engineer Peter Møller on "Examples of remarkable parapsychological phenomena over the last centuries"; Social advisor Åge Netteberg on "Social principles"; Hr Hans Lauritzen on "UFO news from around the world"; Police commissioner Sved Gredsted on "Youth criminality"; Yoga teacher John Charlsen on "Yoga in Tibetan culture."
• May 1964: Closed for "Kristi Himmelfartsdag" (Ascension Day); New ideas for topics are welcome, with hopes for participation from Sweden; Hr Hans Lauritzen on "UFO news from around the world."

All lectures start at 8 PM. The program is subject to change. A coffee and discussion session follows each lecture, costing 2 kr.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are reincarnation, spiritualism, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging discussion among readers. There is a clear interest in exploring esoteric and paranormal subjects, with a particular focus on the historical and philosophical aspects of reincarnation and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The inclusion of the UFO club's program suggests an effort to connect readers with active groups in the field.