PSI Bladet - 1973 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: BLADET FOR PSI-MEDLEMMER
Issue: 732
Date: March 1973
Publisher: NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON (PSI)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of PSI-BLADET, the official publication for members of the Norwegian Society for Psychic Studies and Information, focuses heavily on the recent visit of author Erich von Däniken to Oslo and the growing interest in his theories.

HENDT SIDEN SIST (Events Since Last Issue)

The issue begins by detailing recent activities of the PSI organization. The annual meeting, held on January 24th, saw a low turnout of only 18 members. Despite this, the proposed changes to the council were approved, and new guidelines were sent to members. The membership fee for 1973 was set at 30 Norwegian Kroner. The elected council for 1973 is listed, including Knut Aasheim as President and Trond Westby as Vice-President.

A committee was formed to investigate the possibility of renting a more permanent and affordable meeting space in Oslo.

Erich von Däniken's Visit to Oslo

A significant event covered is the visit of Erich von Däniken, author of the book series questioning whether the gods were astronauts. Through contact with Ernst G. Mortensen's publishing house, PSI organized a lecture evening with the famous researcher. Despite the short notice, a venue with a capacity of 150 was secured. However, the turnout was overwhelming, with approximately 600 people attending, and many had to be turned away disappointed. The magazine notes that due to the publisher's generosity, PSI did not have to pay Däniken's fee, which was fortunate given the organization's deficit from 1973.

The editor acknowledges that some PSI members might consider Däniken's theories to be on the fringe of the organization's interests but invites discussion from those who disagree.

Channel X Program and Daniken

Following Däniken's visit, the editor received an inquiry from Kjell Arnljot Wig of NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) about PSI's potential participation in a Channel X program discussing Däniken. Due to time constraints, written invitations could not be sent to members. At a member meeting the day before the program, tickets were distributed to attendees and their acquaintances.

The magazine includes an article titled "KANAL X OG DANIKEN" which reflects on the program. The author, who participated, notes the generally negative reactions to the program, often characterized by disbelief. The article criticizes the rudeness shown towards Danish researcher Frede Melhedegaard, who was reportedly given little opportunity to present his findings or defend his colleague Däniken. The panel members, while acknowledged for their expertise in their respective fields, are criticized for being asked to comment on subjects outside their specialization. The program, which was intended for the Information Department, is deemed "entertaining" by VG but the author hopes NRK will address the topic in a more suitable forum.

Film Screenings and Public Interest

On March 7th, the film "Memories of the Future," based on Däniken's first book, was screened at Gimle cinema in Oslo as part of a German film week. All three showings were reportedly full, with a significant portion of the audience being young people. Däniken's visit to Oslo (February 18-21) also included a lecture evening that was heavily attended, with people traveling from as far as Tønsberg. Nearly 300 people were admitted before the doors had to be closed, with a similar number remaining outside.

The article questions the immense interest in these topics, referencing K. A. Wig's statement before the TV program about people's need for myths. It also touches upon a statement by Priest Isachsen in VG, calling "superstition" a current trend. The author suggests that such dismissals reveal more about the attitudes of Isachsen and the church than about the phenomena themselves.

A New Perspective on Humanity and the Universe

An editorial piece by Knut Aasheim argues that modern humans have a strong need for truth, contrasting it with the prevailing materialism and political manipulation of facts. He suggests that the constant influx of information from mass media leads many to feel overwhelmed. The editor posits that the current generation, being more enlightened, is reacting against this, leading to a shift towards spiritual understanding. He believes that Däniken's books contain elements of truth that resonate with people's intuitive understanding, explaining the widespread interest.

Aasheim refutes the idea that these interests lead people away from religion, suggesting instead that they lead to a deeper understanding of God not as a personified being, but as a creative force inherent in the universe. He highlights Däniken's role as a pioneer in pointing out phenomena that scientists should investigate, emphasizing the conclusion that Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial civilizations at various times, including intermittently up to the present day.

The article mentions numerous UFO observations reported globally by credible witnesses, including pilots and police officers. It speculates whether human nuclear testing might have produced detectable radiation in space, prompting extraterrestrial attention.

Kristian Løken Turns 90

The magazine features a profile of Kristian Løken, who celebrated his 90th birthday on February 26th. Løken, a former civil engineer and NSB (Norwegian State Railways) official, is described as a prominent figure in the pursuit of spiritual understanding. He is an honorary member of the Norwegian Parapsychological Society and a strong advocate for spiritualism. The article expresses gratitude for his advice and help in the early days of the PSI organization and sends him warm wishes.

Astronauts' Spiritual Journeys

Two articles discuss the spiritual transformations of astronauts:

• James Irwin (Apollo 15): After leaving NASA, Irwin founded a new organization called "Highflight." He stated that his moon mission made him a warmer and more humane person, shifting his perspective from being a "screw and nut man" to having a more humanistic view. He has consulted with Baptist ministers, including Billy Graham, in forming his "congregation."
• Edgar D. Mitchell (Apollo 14): Mitchell also experienced profound insights, describing a sense of identification with humanity and the universe. Having divorced shortly after returning from the moon, he has also left his astronaut career to form an organization focused on studying psychic phenomena like telepathy and prayer healing. He reportedly attempted a telepathy experiment during the moon mission.

"FADER VÅR" (The Lord's Prayer)

This section discusses proposed changes to the text of the Lord's Prayer, expressing some uncertainty about whether these changes will lead to a deeper understanding of its meaning. It emphasizes the importance of attentive and sincere prayer, rather than mere recitation. A possible reinterpretation of the prayer is offered, focusing on concepts like "Source of Light," "In the Mind," "Our Soul," "Will," "Knowledge Spheres," and "Divine School."

SMÅNYTT (Brief News)

• "Memories of the Future" Film: The semi-documentary film based on Erich von Däniken's first book is being shown at Pallassteateret in Oslo. It is described as a color film, well-made, and providing an impressive and thought-provoking experience.
• Pen Pal Request: Linn Hedman from Eskilstuna, Sweden, is seeking a pen pal from PSI in Norway to exchange thoughts and literature. She is interested in psychology, parapsychology, philosophy, and theosophy, and enjoys nature, art, and music. She prefers correspondence with men or women aged 40-60 and requests the use of the informal "du" form.
• PSI-KONTAKT: This is the name of a publication from the "PSI-CIRKELN" in Malmö, Sweden. The magazine contains interesting articles, many contributed by circle members. The subscription cost for 1973 is 15 Swedish Kroner.
• Future PSI-BLADET Issue: The next issue of PSI-BLADET plans to publish a list of Scandinavian periodicals and publishers of particular interest to PSI members.

Quotes from Fridtjof Nansen

Two quotes from Fridtjof Nansen are included:

• "Life has become such a chase that most of our energy is spent keeping up out of fear of falling behind. Very little time is left for reflection and contemplation, and I believe the consequence is a general lack of personality, honest seriousness, and originality!"
• "The human race is surely still changing, and changing rapidly; but what is the use of galloping if it is in the wrong direction?"

For Reflection

Two short reflective pieces are included: one about not expecting too much from others and the other about broadening one's horizons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the growing public interest in Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient astronauts and UFOs, the spiritual experiences of astronauts, and the exploration of spiritual and parapsychological topics. The editorial stance, particularly from Knut Aasheim, is open to exploring these subjects, viewing them as potentially leading to a deeper understanding of humanity and the universe, and encouraging critical yet open-minded discussion among members. There is a clear emphasis on seeking truth and spiritual understanding in a world perceived as overly materialistic and intellectually constrained.