PSI Bladet - 1973 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the January 1973 issue of "PSI-BLADET", a newsletter for members of the Norwegian Society for Psychical Studies and Information (NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON), referred to as PSI. The publication aims to serve as a communication medium for its members, with an anticipated frequency of 2-4 issues per year depending on finances. The current issue is number 731.

A Look Back: PSI's First Year

The magazine reflects on PSI's first year of existence, noting a positive development from a few initiators to a society of approximately 60 members by the end of 1972. The founding meeting was held on January 25th of the previous year, where the society's purpose and activities were outlined, and a council of 6 members was elected. The elected council included Knut AAsheim as Chairman, Kjell Sveem as Vice-Chairman, Nils Jacobsen as Secretary, Solveig Furuhovde as Treasurer, and Trond Westby and Edvard Monkvik as council members. Arne Jørgensen was elected as a substitute. The council faced a challenging year due to understaffing, as the treasurer resigned shortly after the election and the vice-chairman moved. Two other council members were also occupied with studies and military service.

Public lectures held during the year were considered successful, but planned study groups did not get properly underway. The council expressed regret for this and hoped for understanding regarding the problems of understaffing and difficult finances that characterized PSI's first year.

Lecture evenings averaged 40-50 attendees but were not economically self-sustaining due to costs for venue rental and advertising. The issue lists the lecture series from 1972:

• February: "Psychic Research Behind the Iron Curtain" by Kjell Sveen.
• March: "Yoga and Meditation" by stud. mag. art. Anders Lindseth.
• April: "Telepathy and Psychic Ability" by Anna Elizabeth Westerlund.
• May: "Spiritualism" by Margit Berner (Göteborg, Sweden).
• September: "Astrology" by lector Rigmor Wig.
• October: "The UFO Case" by Knut AAsheim.
• November: "The New Age" by Anthony Brooke (England).

A social gathering was planned for December 6th at Grefsenkollen to foster better contact among members in a relaxed setting. However, this event was a disappointment, with only 12 out of 60 members attending, raising questions about the accessibility of the venue.

A Look Forward: PSI's Plans for 1973

As the year turns, PSI looks ahead to several important tasks:

1. Organizational Strengthening of the Council: To improve efficiency, it is proposed to expand the council and introduce the titles of President and Vice-President to facilitate international contact.
2. Strengthening Study Group Work: One council member will be designated as Study Group Leader to focus on this area.
3. Improving Finances: The society faces a deficit in 1973. Besides membership fees, an anonymous donation of NOK 500 was spent. It is suggested that membership fees must be increased for 1973, and members are encouraged to propose solutions. Major expenses include fees for speakers, newspaper advertising, and venue rental.
4. More Affordable PSI Meeting Venue: A concerted effort is needed from all PSI members to help secure a more permanent and affordable venue. Ideally, this space would also allow for the storage of materials like books.

The editorial emphasizes that PSI is more than just a typical organization; it is a pioneering effort where members have a commitment to actively work both internally and externally. The message echoes John F. Kennedy's famous words: "Ask not what PSI can do for you, but what you can do for PSI!"

Obituary: Edvard Johan Monkvik

The issue reports the passing of PSI council member Edvard Johan Monkvik on December 31, 1972, at the age of 52. He is remembered as a wise, kind, and helpful man with extensive experience that greatly aided the council and the organization. Monkvik had many ideas and plans, both in his professional field of the plastics industry and in spiritual interests, including membership in AMOR.C. (Rosicrucian), health food, UFOs, astrology, and spiritualism. A poem dedicated to him expresses love and wishes for his soul's journey.

Channeled Message

A message received through a medium in Norway on November 2, 1972, is presented as a spiritual guide from an entity named ISAK. The message emphasizes love, understanding, and thinking with the heart. It encourages members to focus on their spiritual growth and to contribute to spreading the message of spiritualism. It advises that while some may have had a "light existence" in this life, others may face challenges. The message urges members to fulfill their plans and not be burdened by unfinished tasks, stating that time is ahead for new creations and that youth will seek guidance. It concludes by encouraging members to let their inner light shine and provide warmth, and to embrace the journey of the soul.

Notices (Notiser)

• "SPIRITISTISK MEDIUM ER DØD": Reports the death of Nora Jensen, Denmark's most famous spiritualist medium, at age 86. Thousands of followers in Scandinavia are awaiting her first message from the afterlife.
• "DET VAR JEG SOM VAR ANNE FRANK!": Features Swedish author Barbro Karlen, who at 18 claims to have been Anne Frank in a past life. She states she was reborn as Barbro Karlen in 1954 and has written nine books about her past lives.
• FILM REVIEWS:
• "PÅ EN KLAR DAG" (On a Clear Day): A film about reincarnation, starring Yves Montant and Barbra Streisand, which was shown at Rosenborg cinema in Oslo on January 8, 1973.
• "ERINDRINGER OM FORTIDEN" (Memories of the Past): A film based on Erich von Däniken's first book, currently showing in Bergen. Readers are encouraged to write to Oslo Kinematografer to request its screening in Oslo.

"RIGMOR WIG ER LANDETS FREMSTE ASTROLOG"

An interview with Rigmor Wig, a PSI member and described as Norway's foremost astrologer, is featured. She discusses the Age of Aquarius, which began in the early 1960s and will last until approximately 2100 AD, predicting a spiritual expansion and a "soul revolution" in this century. Wig also provides an astrological outlook for 1973, predicting idealistic reform movements, smaller wars, critical border operations, coups, currency devaluations, riots, and atmospheric disturbances.

NEW NORWEGIAN UFO MAGAZINE

The NORSK UFO CENTER in Trondheim has launched a new magazine for UFO enthusiasts in Norway called "Norsk UFO Forum". The editor, Kolbjørn Stenødegård, aims to provide current information, especially from Norway, and encourages reader contributions. Subscriptions cost NOK 15 and can be paid via postgiro account number 34 69 57.

SOGNEFJORD-UBÅTEN EN USO?

A note from VG (November 27, 1972) titled "FLYGENDE UNDERVANNSTALLERKEN" (Flying Underwater Saucer) is discussed. French science fiction author Kimmy Guieu believes that individuals from another solar system have visited Norway, referring to these mysterious craft as a blend of spaceship and submarine with operational bases in the Atlantic, Canary Islands, and Nordic countries. The editor claims to have two other sources confirming this, linking it to a UFO observed near Greenland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are parapsychology, spiritualism, astrology, UFO phenomena, and personal spiritual development. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information, news, and personal reflections within the PSI community. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest and active engagement in these subjects, encouraging members to contribute to the growth and mission of the organization. There is a strong emphasis on the spiritual and the unknown, with a forward-looking perspective on societal and individual transformation.