PSI Bladet - 1973 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: PSI-BLADET
Issue: Nr. 73.4
Date: November (1973 implied)
Publisher: NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON (Norwegian Association for Psychic Study and Information)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of PSI-BLADET, the official organ of the Norwegian Association for Psychic Study and Information, aims to inform its members about the association's activities and present other relevant content. The magazine is intended to be published 4-6 times per year, and members are encouraged to submit material and provide financial support for printing and postage costs. The responsible editor is Knut AAsheim.

Editorial

The editorial acknowledges a delay in the publication of this issue, attributing it partly to a new offset-printed cover and the inclusion of a long-awaited list of periodicals and publishers. The editorial emphasizes that while the magazine's publication schedule is irregular, it is better late than never.

The New PSI Symbol

A significant feature of this issue is the introduction of a new symbol for the PSI organization, unanimously chosen by the council. The symbol prominently features the Greek letter psi, which is internationally recognized as a designation for psychic power. It also represents the three key words in the association's name: Psykisk (Psychic), Studium (Study), and Informasjon (Information). The surrounding circle symbolizes the organization and its activities, both internal and external. The flame at the top signifies enlightenment (spiritual) and represents the dissemination of knowledge within and outside the association. The symbol can be interpreted as the inner circle representing the physical world (earth) and the outer circle representing the unknown. The flame, in turn, represents the association and like-minded groups striving to spread light and spiritual enlightenment about the borderland between the known and the unknown. This 'unknown' can be seen as the spiritual world or the universe, and parapsychological research is presented as the light that will enable us to understand this realm.

Autumn Lectures

The magazine details the association's autumn lecture program:

• September 27: ULF GLEDITSCH, a journalist and author, lectured on "The Sixth Sense of Animals," presenting examples of animals possessing abilities beyond typical human understanding. The lecture highlighted the limited research in this area and recommended three books: "THE DOG," "DEN SÅKALTE ONDSKAP" (The So-Called Evil), and "DYRENE HAR SJEL" (Animals Have Souls).
• October 24: RIGMOR WIG, a leading Norwegian astrologer, presented her book "MELLOM OSS OG STJERNENE" (Between Us and the Stars) and lectured on "Astrology in Practical Application." She argued for the practical use of astrology in fields such as psychology, career guidance, medicine, and politics, stressing the need for careful and responsible application. She also mentioned the possibility of creating horoscopes for companies and that nations have planetary rulers. The lecture touched upon Uranus as the ruler of electricity and magnetism and the use of natural remedies. It was noted that planetary constellations with a 120° angle are considered most favorable. Experiments in the US on cancer research involving radiation at a 120° angle with Uranium reportedly yielded positive results. A Czech researcher's method for determining a woman's fertile days with over 95% accuracy was also mentioned, along with the question of whether there are twelve human types corresponding to the twelve zodiac signs.
• October 31: A meeting was held to discuss the formation of two new study groups focused on UFOs and parapsychology. Several members expressed interest, and both groups are expected to hold introductory meetings before Christmas to prepare for regular activities in the new year.
• Ongoing: The spiritualism study group, which began before the summer, is meeting every two weeks.
• November 14: CAND. MAG. ARNE JØRGENSEN, a council member, lectured on "Parapsychology - A Science in the Spotlight." The lecture discussed breakthroughs and intensified research in parapsychology, and it is slated for full publication in PSI-BLADET.

Book Review: "LIV EFTER DØDEN?" (Life After Death?)

This section reviews "LIV EFTER DØDEN?" by NILS-OLOF JACOBSON, a doctor and psychiatrist. Although the editor has not read the book, it is highly recommended by others, including Professor Hygen, who discussed it on NRK radio. The book provides an overview of the development and results of parapsychology, illustrated with spontaneous experiences and laboratory findings. It explores the question of consciousness after death and discusses various possibilities. The review highlights the book's fascinating subject matter and its appeal to both believers and skeptics. It is noted that the book has garnered international attention and is being published in many countries. The book is divided into 20 chapters across five parts: The Problem of Death, Paranormal Phenomena and Parapsychology, Unlikely Experiences, Attempts at Explanation, and What it Looks Like on the Other Side. NILS-OLOF JACOBSON, born in 1937, has previously published articles on parapsychology and the afterlife and participated in parapsychological research. The book, translated by Truls Hoff, is 300 pages long and includes detailed bibliographies, notes, a glossary, and an index. PSI is launching a study group on parapsychology that will use this book as a basis for study. A curious fact is mentioned: it is scientifically proven that a person's body, regardless of weight, decreases by exactly 21 grams at the moment of death.

Obituary: Kristian Løken

Kristian Løken, an honorary member of the Norwegian Parapsychological Society and PSI, passed away at the age of 91. Løken was a civil engineer and had a long career with NSB (Norwegian State Railways). He was a strong advocate for spiritualism as a path to understanding life and was well-respected among like-minded friends throughout Scandinavia. He was also an active writer. His passing is seen by his friends within spiritualism as a transition to another existence. The association expresses gratitude for his advice and help in the early stages of PSI. The tribute includes a poem dedicated to him.

Media Coverage: Aftenposten A-Magasinet

PSI received unexpected and welcome publicity in the autumn through an interview article in A-magasinet. Journalist Terje Wiig from Aftenposten interviewed council members Trond Westby and Knut AAsheim. The article was well-received, and PSI is grateful for the increased awareness and the numerous inquiries about membership and further information it generated. The A-magasinet has an estimated circulation of nearly 300,000.

Looking Ahead

PSI has been in existence for nearly two years, a short period for an organization. The foundation has been laid for developing activities in areas that have been neglected in Norway compared to neighboring countries like Sweden and Denmark. The founders recognized a need for such a meeting place, and the current membership of over 100 indicates this need. The lecture activities have been satisfactory, and three study groups are active. However, many tasks remain. The most pressing need is for a dedicated, affordable space that can be used throughout the week for member meetings, study group activities, a reading room, and a library. The possibility of hosting "open house" events is also considered, creating a community-building hub. Members are urged to actively look for suitable locations, emphasizing that collective effort is crucial for success.

Further plans include the possibility of recording lectures and distributing them at a reasonable price. The association also aims to subscribe to various journals of interest but notes the importance of having a physical space for reading and lending. The need for financial resources for further development is highlighted, and suggestions are welcome.

Another goal is to organize an annual course or seminar for members in Norway and to establish PSI groups in cities other than Oslo, such as Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Tromsø. The call to action is for all members to unite and work together on these tasks.

"HANS DOBBEL TGJENGER?" (Hans Double Gimmick?)

A member shares an interesting account:

In the spring of 1971, Øivind Larsen, a well-known Oslo resident, suffered a heart attack and was taken to a city hospital. At the same time, a woman in Sørlandet, about 200 km from Oslo, was attending a funeral. She felt an impulse to look behind her in the church and was astonished to see Øivind Larsen walking up the aisle. She called out his name, but he did not react. Larsen continued past the coffin and disappeared into the choir. The woman was perplexed by this behavior, especially since Larsen did not know the deceased or his family. Later that afternoon, Øivind Larsen died at the hospital. His relatives reported that he was fully conscious until his death. This account is presented as a true story told by the deceased's daughter.

"Did You Know?"

This section presents various interesting facts:

• Plants grow significantly faster in "moon soil" than in regular soil, as observed by Dr. Walkenshaw of NASA.
• Wheat seeds sown in a north-south direction mature 4-6 days faster than those sown in east-west rows. This is attributed to the influence of the Earth's magnetic field.
• Geologists and radiation researchers are interested in a rock formation called "Silberberg" in Southern Germany, which exhibits strong internal radiation. It is known that food remains preserved longer within the mountain, and lightning frequently strikes the area, causing compasses and dowsing rods to fail.
• French statistician Michel Gauquelin, despite being anti-astrology, has published statistics suggesting a correlation between planetary influences and various professions.
• Honey has been used as a medicinal remedy for wounds since ancient times. American and English bacteriologists have confirmed its antibacterial properties.
• The magazine "ALLERS" (issues 41-44) features an interesting series on parapsychology.
• Material collected for the TV program about MARCELLO HAUGEN (October 16, 1973) is likely to result in a book.
• A radio program, "Mot Midnatt. Magasin for skrekkblandet fryd" (Towards Midnight. Magazine for Mixed Dread), hosted by Ingrid Sahlin–Svcberg and Tor Åge Bringsværd, will discuss a "ghost phenomenon" from a house in Eidsvoll on November 29th. The editor has personal experience with phenomena in this house.
• An American UFO researcher theorizes that the submarine chased in Sognefjorden was an unidentified craft from an extraterrestrial source, suggesting Norway and Nordic countries have been operational areas for such beings with underwater bases. The editor notes that at least two other sources claim the "submarine" was a UFO or USO (Unidentified Submersible Object).
• A woman in Hønefoss reported a UFO hovering outside her house for nearly six hours on the night of October 2nd. The object was at times only 30 meters away and 7-8 meters above the ground. She felt it was a contact from another world and has seen UFOs since.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PSI-BLADET revolve around parapsychology, the paranormal, and the exploration of the unknown. The association's stance is one of open inquiry and a desire to disseminate knowledge in these fields. There is a strong emphasis on scientific research, even within unconventional areas, and a belief in the potential for spiritual enlightenment and understanding beyond the material world. The magazine actively promotes member participation and the formation of study groups to foster a community of like-minded individuals. The editorial tone is informative and encouraging, aiming to educate and engage its readership in the ongoing exploration of psychic phenomena, UFOs, and spiritualism.