ARCANUM

Magazine Overview

This issue of ARCANUM, specifically Serie A - nr 252, published in 1977, features book reviews under the heading 'BOKRECENSIONER' (Book Reviews). The primary focus is on two significant works exploring phenomena related to life, death, and consciousness: Raymond A. Moody's "I dödens gränsland" (Life After Life) and Dr. Arthur Guirdham's books "De återfödda" (The Reborn) and "Röster ur det förflutna" (Voices from the Past).

Book Review: 'LJUSET BORTOM RIDÅN' (The Light Beyond the Curtain) by Dr. Raymond A. Moody

Reviewed by Dénis Lindbohm, this section delves into Moody's book, which compiles testimonies from approximately 150 individuals who were clinically dead but revived. These individuals reported experiences while their bodies were lifeless, characterized by a descent into darkness, an unpleasant sound, an out-of-body experience, and an encounter with a being of light. This light being posed a question about their readiness to leave their lives and presented a rapid review of their entire existence. The common thread was that they had learned and experienced, and then reached a boundary before being sent back. Lindbohm acknowledges the counter-argument that these were merely hallucinations due to the fact that the individuals were not truly dead. However, he finds the consistency of the testimonies compelling, especially in cases where the revived individuals recounted details they could not have otherwise known if they had not left their bodies. Lindbohm personally finds the book convincing, relating it to his own and his mother's experiences. He notes that religious beliefs or lack thereof did not alter the core experiences, with even skeptics reporting similar phenomena. A significant outcome for all revived individuals was the loss of fear of death and a newfound sense of peace and trust. Lindbohm suggests that such a book should be widely distributed, even in schools, as it presents factual testimonies from an honest researcher on a topic that often evokes great mystery and fear.

Book Review: 'DOKUMENT OM ODÖDLIGHETEN' (Documents on Immortality) by Dr. Arthur Guirdham

This section reviews two books by Dr. Arthur Guirdham, published by Lindqvists förlag in 1975 and 1976, which are presented as crucial documents for psychological research into reincarnation. Lindbohm states that denying the possibility of reincarnation after reading these books would be akin to stupidity. Dr. Guirdham, a psychiatrist, treated a patient named Mrs. Smith who experienced recurring nightmares about being on the floor with someone approaching her. Coincidentally, Dr. Guirdham had experienced a similar dream for years. After their meeting, the nightmares ceased for both. Guirdham's detailed questioning of Mrs. Smith revealed memories from her childhood that reminded him of Catharism from the 13th century, a subject Mrs. Smith had no prior knowledge of. The review highlights enigmatic details that emerged, such as Mrs. Smith's ability to recall French and the specific 'langue d'oc' dialect, despite only knowing English. Guirdham's extensive research into ancient protocols in France uncovered information that Mrs. Smith had accurately described. For instance, she knew that Cathar priests' robes were dark blue, a fact that was only confirmed by researcher Duvernoy in 1965 from an Inquisition protocol, contradicting the then-held belief that the robes were black. The review further details how Guirdham encountered other individuals with fragmented memories of past lives as Cathars 700 years prior. He even identified himself as a former Cathar. A particularly moving account describes a woman handing over notebooks from her deceased daughter, which Guirdham discovered contained texts in 'langue d'oc' and sketches. He realized this was his own wife from 700 years ago, leading to an emotional 'near-meeting' across time. Guirdham's research, according to Lindbohm, strongly documents 'group reincarnation.' He questions the coincidence of a group of Cathars, burned alive 700 years ago, meeting again in England within the same lifespan, attributing it to the powerful workings of karmic laws. Guirdham also met psychics who reported non-incarnated Cathars watching over the group. Lindbohm expresses initial difficulty accepting this but ultimately finds it no more strange than a group of souls incarnating and meeting within the same time frame. The review notes that while some individuals had fragments of memories from intermediate past lives, none were as clear or detailed as those related to the Cathar period. Guirdham suggests this is intentional, serving as a testament of immense strength. Lindbohm expresses surprise that these books have not revolutionized humanity's view on reincarnation, calling them irrefutable evidence. He attributes the public's resistance to the overwhelming nature of the facts, which challenge deeply held ideals and beliefs, leading to a form of 'mass stupidity' or inertia. He describes the books as dense and heavily documented, which makes them difficult but essential reading for anyone seeking proof of reincarnation. He urges readers to borrow or buy the books and read them patiently, promising they will be convinced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of consciousness beyond physical death and the concept of reincarnation. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the reviewer Dénis Lindbohm, is one of open-mindedness and a strong belief in the validity of the presented evidence. Lindbohm advocates for the dissemination of such information, suggesting its inclusion in educational settings. The reviews present a case for reincarnation and near-death experiences as scientifically observable phenomena, challenging conventional materialistic views and religious dogma. The reviewer emphasizes the power of personal testimony and documented historical research in supporting these extraordinary claims.