PSI Bladet - 1974 No 1

Magazine Overview

PSI-BLADET, Volume 2, Issue 1, dated February 1974, is the official publication of the NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON (Norwegian Society for Psychic Study and Information). Its purpose is to inform members about PSI's activities and to present other relevant material. The magazine is distributed automatically to all members, who are encouraged to submit content and provide financial support for printing and postage costs. The responsible editor is Knut AAsheim.

Redaksjonelt (Editorial)

The editorial notes that PSI has entered its third year of operation, with positive development in the past year. The organization now has approximately 120 members and three study groups, with a surplus in its treasury. PSI has established a solid foundation but faces future challenges, primarily the need to secure a permanent location in Oslo for a "PSI-CENTER." This center would serve as a meeting place for group sessions, council meetings, and as a reading room/library. Members are urged to look for suitable premises. Recognizing the financial implications, the council has decided to establish a "Support Fund" specifically for the "PSI-CENTER" and for acquiring equipment. The editorial also mentions a donation of 500 Norwegian Kroner from Dr. philos. James Holiman for a tape recorder, with a condition that it serves as a challenge to all PSI members to contribute to the fund. At the annual meeting, 412 Kroner were collected, bringing the total in the PSI Support Fund to 912 Kroner. Members are encouraged to contribute to this fund, however small the amount, by sending donations to their Giro account number 21 08 86, marked "PSI's STØTTEFOND."

Om å Rette Ryggen, Løfte Blikket og Øyne Perspektivet (On Straightening the Back, Lifting the Gaze, and Gaining Perspective)

This article reflects on the reasons for interest in parapsychological subjects, attributing it to the spiritual qualities of humanity. It argues that modern civilization has overly focused on the material and physical, creating an imbalance between the spiritual and material. This imbalance is seen as leading to a crisis, but the pendulum is now swinging back towards the spiritual. The author suggests that the spiritual undercurrents observed in recent decades are developing into a wave that will sweep over the world, and the PSI organization is part of this movement. The article emphasizes that even a small part can be significant. It acknowledges that challenging times lie ahead, with a need to share knowledge and understanding with others. The PSI organization is described not just as a society but as a school for understanding greater realities. The author encourages members to occasionally look beyond their specific studies (astrology, spiritualism, UFOs) to gain a broader perspective, viewing their specific interests as guides on the path to human spiritual development. The piece concludes with a call for understanding, tolerance, and universal love.

Årsmøtet den 29 Januar '74 (Annual Meeting January 29, 1974)

The annual meeting had good attendance with 38 people present. The agenda included the annual report and financial statement for 1973. The report highlights that PSI's membership increased from about 70 to nearly 120 in 1973. Nine regular member meetings were held, most of which were public, along with three extra meetings. Three study groups were established in spiritualism, parapsychology, and UFO philosophy. PSI gained public attention through a TV program featuring Daniken and an interview with the PSI president and vice-president in Aftenposten's A-magasin, which generated numerous inquiries from around the country and even Japan. Key events of 1973 included the passing of council member Edvard Munkvik. The annual meeting itself had low attendance (18 people). The council composition for 1973 is listed, with Knut AAsheim as President and Trond Westby as Vice-President. The council's composition changed during the year due to two members resigning. Eight council meetings were held. Notable events included a lecture evening with Eric von Daniken, a member meeting with Dan Lindholm on Rudolf Steiner's Anthroposophy, and lectures by Ulf Gleditsch. The April meeting focused on ESP. In May, there were three meetings, including visits from Gunnar Fahlen from the Nordic Spiritualist Union, who spoke on spiritualist group work and reincarnation. A Danish publisher, Povl Strube, also lectured on "Do they believe in ghosts?" An extra meeting in June featured Anthony Brooke and Grete Ahlberg discussing "UFOs and humanity's awakening." The autumn program included lectures by Ulf Gleditsch on animal's sixth sense and Rigmor Wig on practical astrology. The November meeting featured Arne Jørgensen discussing "Parapsychology - a science in the spotlight." The passing of Kristian Løken, an early supporter of PSI, was also noted. The year concluded with a contact meeting on December 5th, attended by over 50 people. Lecture meetings generally had 40-50 attendees and were held in rented premises.

The financial report for 1973 shows income from lot sales, tickets, donations, and membership fees, totaling 8084.55 Kroner. Expenses included rent, postage, telephone, advertising, and other costs, totaling 7731.18 Kroner, resulting in a surplus of 353.37 Kroner. The financial statement was audited and found in order on February 8, 1974. The membership fee for 1974 was increased to 35 Kroner. The election for the new council saw several members stepping down, but some agreed to continue with more support. The study leader position was eliminated for 1974, and the secretary role was split into an information secretary and a council secretary. The new council composition is listed, with Knut AAsheim as President and Trond Westby as Vice-President.

Vi Takker de Avtredende Rådsmedlemmer... (We Thank the Retiring Council Members...)

This section thanks the outgoing council members and welcomes the new ones for 1974. Members are reminded to pay their 1974 membership fee of 35 Kroner via Giro. The council is planning a "Weekend Get-Together" in June and is soliciting input from members regarding themes, interests, and suggestions for the event.

Kropps-Styring (Body Control) - A Member's Suggestion

Stein Y. Aas from Otta submitted a proposal for a study group focused on "Body Control." He suggests that the group could explore methods for conscious control of bodily functions such as concentration, sleep, stress, and digestion, mentioning Yoga and electronic aids as examples. He also proposes exploring the development of "super-sensory abilities" as discussed in the book "Psychic Discoveries behind the Iron Curtain." Furthermore, he suggests investigating the influence of surroundings, houses, cars, and even the planet on our health and well-being. Interested members are invited to contact Stein Aas directly to discuss forming a study group.

The issue includes a quote comparing the probability of life arising by chance to a conversational encyclopedia appearing from an explosion in a print shop.

Nordisk Spiritualist Union og Sveriges Spiritualisters Riksforbund

This section announces the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Nordic Spiritualist Union and the Swedish Spiritualist Federation. They are organizing a study week in Umeå from June 29 to July 5, 1974, on the theme "The Significance of Spiritualism for Personal Development." The program includes lectures, group meetings, séances, and an excursion. The cost is 288 Swedish Kroner plus a 70 Kroner participation fee. The section also mentions that PSI members can join the Nordic Spiritualist Union (NSU) for a fee of 1.50 Danish Kroner and receive an application form from PSI.

Omkring Uri Geller (About Uri Geller)

This article discusses Uri Geller, noting that much has already been written about him. It posits that the deeper significance of his demonstrations, particularly in Norway and other countries, has not been fully grasped. For PSI members, Geller's work is seen as a positive and significant event that increases interest and understanding of parapsychology. The article recounts PSI's involvement in a Kveldsforum TV program where three PSI representatives participated in a panel discussion with Uri Geller. Geller is described as sympathetic and trustworthy. He emphasized his belief in God and the meaningfulness of his abilities, stating he would not use them for negative purposes or personal gain. The author addresses the common criticism that Geller should use his powers for more "useful" things, arguing that his demonstrations are useful by making people aware of these forces. The article touches on the human tendency to resist new ideas and the varying levels of understanding among people. It mentions Geller's birth in Tel Aviv in 1946 and an early childhood experience that he later connected to his abilities. His name, "Uri Geller," is noted to mean "light circle" in Hebrew. Geller believes his paranormal abilities originate from outside the universe and that most people possess them but have not developed them. The article promises further discussion on Uri Geller in future PSI-BLADET issues and mentions plans for a Nordic TV program with him.

Foredrag av Cand. mag. Arne Jørgensen i PSI november 1973 (Lecture by Cand. mag. Arne Jørgensen at PSI November 1973)

This is the first part of a lecture on "Parapsychology - A Science in the Spotlight." The lecturer begins by referencing Jules Verne's futuristic visions, which were once dismissed as fantasy but are now becoming reality. He draws a parallel to contemporary thinkers and writers exploring human potential and the frontiers of space, noting that modern science fiction authors face competition from serious scientists who are researching less-known abilities and forces. These scientists, the parapsychologists, present a future vision that may seem as incredible today as Verne's did to his contemporaries. The article states that parapsychologists, though present in smaller numbers during Verne's time, are now gaining more respect from their scientific colleagues, who are reading their work, sometimes in secret, and seeking their insights. The author notes the growing acceptance of telepathic communication networks, the use of psychic energy fields for healing, and concepts like mental universes and out-of-body projections.

The article then explores why parapsychology has gained attention despite its unconventional ideas. It uses an analogy of a light illuminating a dark plain to represent scientific progress. As scientific knowledge expands, the illuminated area grows, revealing a larger partially lit area, which is termed the "frontier scientific area." This is where the search for new knowledge occurs. The author states that the frontier scientific area is now larger than ever. Despite the exponential growth of knowledge, the area of the unknown also expands. Parapsychological phenomena, once relegated to the deepest darkness, are now in a "twilight zone" and are increasingly being explored. This shift is attributed to advancements in parapsychology itself and in other scientific fields, leading to a broader understanding of humanity and the universe. Researchers and theoreticians who try to integrate knowledge can no longer ignore parapsychology.

The Prague Conference and the Rise of Psychotronics

The article highlights the significance of the international conference held in Prague from June 18-22, 1973, which is considered a major event in parapsychology. Over 350 leading parapsychologists and scientists from various countries attended. The conference was the third international congress of its kind, following two held in Moscow. The Prague conference was a high point because it included not only parapsychologists but also physicists, biologists, doctors, psychiatrists, technicians, sociologists, and educators, many of whom were professors with extensive research experience. The goal was to examine parapsychological phenomena not in isolation but in relation to other scientific fields. This broad spectrum of participants and international representation was unprecedented.

The conference was highly active, with participants divided into sections focusing on general phenomenology (led by Prof. Hans Bender), physics and parapsychology (led by Prof. Kahuda), and radiesthesia (led by Prof. Bakirow), among others. Over 90 speakers presented new research and theories, and demonstration experiments, including telepathy and psychotronic generators, were conducted. Films of research were also shown. The atmosphere was one of peace and understanding.

Two crucial developments emerged from the conference that will significantly impact the future of parapsychology. Firstly, the terminology used in parapsychology was critically examined, with the question raised about whether it needed to be renewed. Consequently, the conference was termed the "First Psychotronic Conference." Secondly, an international organization was established: the International Association for Psychotronic Research (IAPR), with Dr. Zdenek Rejdak as president. The association decided to publish a new international journal, "Psychotronics," in English, Russian, and Czech, and planned the next conference for Paris in 1975.

The shift from "parapsychology" to "psychotronics" signifies a move to establish parapsychology as a primary, independent scientific discipline, rather than a secondary or "para" field. This integration is being facilitated by electronics, and the field is recognized as encompassing multiple sub-disciplines and branches connecting to other scientific areas.

The Evolution of Telepathy Research

The article traces the development of understanding telepathy through three phases. The first phase, exemplified by the work of J.B. Rhine, saw most scientists remain reserved or outright dismissive of telepathy, demanding more rigorous proof. Even when evidence suggested the existence of telepathy and other paranormal abilities, scientists who supported these ideas were often viewed as deviants who flirted with superstition, potentially hindering their careers. The second phase involved J.B. Rhine's experiments, which challenged anti-parapsychologists. The third and current phase is heavily influenced by Eastern European countries, where parapsychological research has a long history and has produced many notable mediums, such as the legendary Wolf Messing. The article mentions Messing's alleged ability to influence Stalin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PSI-BLADET revolve around the exploration and acceptance of parapsychological phenomena, spiritual development, and the potential of human consciousness. There is a strong emphasis on the need for understanding, tolerance, and love among people. The magazine actively promotes the PSI organization's activities, including lectures, study groups, and fundraising efforts for a dedicated center. The editorial stance is one of encouraging members to broaden their perspectives beyond their specific interests, to engage with the growing field of parapsychology (or psychotronics), and to contribute to the organization's growth and mission. The issue also highlights international connections within the spiritualist and parapsychological communities.

Title: Psykisk Forskning
Issue: 11
Date: Not specified
Content Focus: Parapsychology, telepathy, and related phenomena, particularly in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

Historical Context: Parapsychology in the Soviet Union

The article begins by referencing stories of telepathic abilities, noting that even if similar accounts originated from reliable sources, they were often dismissed. It specifically mentions Wolf Messing, who toured the Soviet Union demonstrating telepathic abilities that were difficult to explain as mere magic tricks. The author questions whether this was part of a deliberate policy during the Stalin era, where telepathy was officially denied, yet experiments with mediums like Messing were permitted, potentially fostering an opinion in favor of parapsychology.

It is suggested that well-informed individuals in high positions might have considered telepathy scientifically proven and were preparing the public for this knowledge. This led to a gradual easing of restrictions.

Shift in Official Stance (Post-1960)

Since 1960, there has been an "official" change in perspective regarding parapsychological phenomena in the Soviet Union. They are now referred to as real occurrences, and research in this field has been significantly intensified. Investigations are being conducted across a wide spectrum in numerous laboratories, from Leningrad to Novosibirsk. A special state department for bio-information, which often encompasses telepathy and similar phenomena, has also been established.

In April 1966, a meeting was held at the Soviet Academy of Sciences, attended by over 700 scientists. The primary goal was to discuss how to effectively disseminate knowledge about parapsychology to the broader scientific community and to encourage scientists to recognize potential connections with their own research.

Phase 3 of Telepathy Research

The current phase (Phase 3) of telepathy exploration is characterized by several key aspects:

1. Increased Activity: There is a notable rise in research activity in the field.
2. Holistic Approach: Abilities are no longer studied in isolation or solely in relation to clairvoyance. Instead, research attempts to explore them in conjunction with a range of other parapsychological phenomena.
3. Broader Exploration: The focus is not just on confirming the reality of these phenomena but on developing a common explanatory framework for parapsychological and para-physical events.
4. Practical Application and Control: Efforts are being made to understand the extent to which these abilities and forces can be controlled and applied practically.
5. Instrumental Development: There is a growing emphasis on using instruments and developing new apparatus to study these phenomena. A key example is the "psychotronic generator."

The Psychotronic Generator

The psychotronic generator, invented by the Czechoslovakian engineer Pavlita, garnered significant attention at the Psychotronic Conference. This device is said to accumulate psychic energy (referred to as bio-energy in Eastern Europe) through intense concentration by a subject. The collected energy can then be used for various purposes. Pavlita demonstrated its ability to set a wheel in motion. Films were also shown illustrating the generator's capacity to purify murky water and promote plant growth through its radiation. The article notes that these applications, which might have seemed like science fiction years ago, are now observable realities.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The article concludes by stating that this represents a significant turning point. Instead of being relegated to a hidden, marginal existence, parapsychology is poised to assume a new position among recognized and central scientific disciplines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around the scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena, particularly telepathy and psychotronics. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism and advocacy for the legitimacy and scientific potential of parapsychology, highlighting its increasing acceptance and the development of new research tools and methodologies in Eastern Bloc countries.