PSI Bladet - 1974 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: PSI-BLADET
Issue: No. 4
Date: December 1974
Publisher: NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON (PSI)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Editorial Content

From the Editor

The editorial section apologizes for the delay in publishing this issue (4.74), which was intended to reach members before Christmas. The delay is attributed to significant workload pressures. A proposal will be put forward at the annual meeting to expand the council to include a dedicated editor for PSI-Bladet, aiming to ensure more regular publication and an improved magazine. The editor also notes that the magazine aims to inform members about PSI's activities and present other interesting material, with 4-6 issues planned per year, sent automatically to all members. Members are encouraged to submit material and provide financial support.

PSI President's Speech (December 4, 1974)

The PSI president declared the meeting a small anniversary celebration, noting that the society would officially turn three years old on January 25, 1975. The society originated from a meeting in the autumn of 1971 to gauge interest in forming such a group. Starting in January 1972 with 25-30 members, PSI had grown to over 150 members by the time of the speech. The president expressed gratitude to the council, other contributors, and the general membership for their support. Over the years, PSI had organized 24 lectures on diverse topics, established study groups, and published a member newsletter. The president emphasized that while a foundation had been laid, there was much work ahead. Key tasks include encouraging more member proposals and constructive criticism, as the goal is for PSI to be more than a 'regular' organization but a large working group where everyone contributes.

Albert Schweitzer's Reflection on the Times

Albert Schweitzer is quoted reflecting on the serious times, urging those with understanding to take responsibility for sharing universal truths. He draws a parallel to President Kennedy's call to action, suggesting individuals should ask what they can do for others, their organization, or their country. Schweitzer also references a prophecy of a great spiritual light emerging from the Nordic region, symbolized by the flame in the PSI emblem, urging members to help spread this light. He describes PSI as a new endeavor in Norway, part of a global wave of interest in spiritual values. He posits that the fate of civilization will be decided within the current century, marked by the painful birth of a new age, with a simultaneous rise in spiritual interest and materialism/violence. He concludes by stressing that humans are primarily spiritual beings and are never alone, urging them to seek help and remember this.

Quotes from Notable Figures

The magazine presents a collection of quotes from prominent individuals on the state of the world and human existence:

• Erich Fromm criticizes the prevalence of inauthentic love and the dissolution of romantic love in Western society.
• Albert Schweitzer expresses a dual perspective on his life: the enigmatic and suffering nature of the world, and his birth into a period of spiritual decline. He also advocates for a path to mystical understanding through rational thought and experiencing the world.
• Fritjof Nansen suggests that true salvation comes from solitary places, not bustling centers of civilization. He also reflects on how seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved with a clear goal and how a difficult life can be lived with purpose.
• Fridtjof Nansen (1908) laments the complexity of modern life, the inability of the human mind to keep pace with material development, and the resulting lack of time for reflection, leading to a deficit in personality, seriousness, and originality.
• C.G. Jung critiques the shift in focus from individual moral and spiritual development to public welfare and material standards, arguing that the state imposes abstract concepts that diminish individual autonomy. He also offers a pithy observation: 'Adding a million zeros gives no more than a single one.'
• Aldous Huxley is quoted stating, 'Everyone is happy in our days.'

A rhetorical question is posed: 'When progress is called for, ask: Progress towards what?'

A final thought asserts that truth needs no proof and that it is easier to split an atom than a prejudice.

Book Review: "DE KLARSYNTE" by Jørgen Bergo

This section reviews the book "DE KLARSYNTE" (The Clairvoyant), which compiles accounts of 16 Norwegian clairvoyant women and men, both historical and contemporary. The author, Jørgen Bergo, previously lectured at PSI on the topic of psychics. The book is described as a valuable historical and educational resource for parapsychological studies. Bergo is reportedly working on a new book about folk medicine.

A Plea for a PSI Center?

This section proposes the establishment of a physical location or center for PSI in Oslo. It suggests a collective mental effort, or 'prayer,' from members to manifest this goal. Members are asked to concentrate their thoughts on this intention on Saturday, January 25th, between 10:00 PM and midnight, coinciding with the society's third anniversary.

Matthew Manning: A Young Psychic Prodigy

This article details the remarkable psychic abilities of 19-year-old Matthew Manning from England. His powers, which began manifesting at age 11 with poltergeist activity, later evolved into automatskrift (automatic writing) and automatic drawings, often in the style of famous deceased artists. He has also demonstrated psychokinetic abilities, such as bending metal. Researchers at a psycho-kinesis conference in Toronto were reportedly astounded by his abilities. The article mentions his communication with a doctor named 'Thomas Penn' via automatskrift, who provides accurate medical diagnoses. It also describes mysterious objects materializing in his home, linked to a historical figure named Robert Webbe.

New Knowledge About Planet Jupiter

Reports on the US space probe Pioneer 11's mission to Jupiter are presented. The probe reached Jupiter on December 3, 1974, after a journey that began in April. Pioneer 11 passed closer to Jupiter than its predecessor, Pioneer 10, at a distance of 41,000 km above the cloud layers. The findings suggest Jupiter is nearly a star, with its core being six times hotter than the Sun's surface and radiating two to three times more heat than it receives from the Sun. Additionally, a new moon of Jupiter, the 13th discovered, was identified in September 1974. Its orbit was determined by Norwegian Kåre Aksnes.

Commentary on Life on Jupiter and Universal Life

The editor comments on the news about potential life on Jupiter, contrasting it with past scientific certainty about Earth being the only life-bearing planet. The editor emphasizes the need for openness and a willingness to revise theories. The article connects the Jupiter findings to UFO literature that speaks of inhabitants from Jupiter and other planets. It argues that life can exist in forms and conditions beyond human comprehension and that life is the rule, not the exception, throughout the universe. The editor urges readers to consider that life exists in myriad forms across countless planets and spheres.

Small News Items

• Meditation in Swedish Schools: Meditation is being introduced in upper grades in Swedish schools, with courses offered in Gothenburg for students aged 13-16.
• 4 Million-Year-Old Human Remains Found: Archaeologists claim to have found fossilized human remains dating back three to four million years, potentially revolutionizing understanding of human origins.
• Nuclear Arsenal: The US possesses a stockpile of atomic weapons equivalent to 615,385 Hiroshima bombs, as stated during a UN disarmament debate.
• Himalayan Footprints: A Polish climbing team in the Himalayas reported finding footprints resembling those of the 'abominable snowman' at an altitude of over 6,000 meters.
• Elisabeth Westerlund's Predictions for 1975: Predictions include 1975 being a 'UFO year' with reports from Norway, increased interest in mysticism and magic, and a backlash against nuclear research due to environmental concerns.

Member Meeting: PSI, November 20, 1974

The meeting was well-attended, with many new faces. The guest speaker was Dan Lindholm, an anthroposophist and Steiner school teacher, who lectured on "Spiritual Inspiration in Life." Lindholm discussed various forms of inspiration, from everyday experiences to profound spiritual encounters, suggesting that ancient humans might have been more sensitive to psychic and spiritual phenomena. He emphasized the need to move beyond materialistic, measurable concepts and to develop a more open way of thinking. Lindholm shared examples of phenomena, including angelic dreams that influenced literature, citing Henrik Ibsen. He also recounted a story about priest Johannes Bye, who was seemingly guided by a disembodied voice to safety. The lecture was recorded and is available for purchase.

Joint Meeting: PSI/NPS, November 29, 1974

PSI and NPS (Norwegian Parapsychological Society) collaborated to host Professor Montague Ullman from the USA. The meeting, held in the Universitetets Gamle Festsal, was well-attended. Professor Ullman, director of the "Dream Laboratory" at Maimonides Hospital in New York and president of the American Society for Psychical Research, lectured on "Dream Interpretation." He discussed his work with EEG monitoring of dreams and telepathy experiments, concluding that communication transfer occurs during dreams. The lecture included slides and film, despite initial technical difficulties, which were met with humor by the audience and speaker.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of parapsychology, spiritualism, psychic phenomena, and the intersection of science and the unexplained. There is a clear editorial stance favoring openness to unconventional ideas, a critical view of rigid materialism, and an encouragement for members to actively participate in the organization and explore spiritual and psychic dimensions of life. The publication also keeps its readers informed about relevant scientific discoveries and cultural trends that touch upon these interests.

This issue of "INTIMKVELD" FOR MEDLEMMENE, dated 4-12-174 (December 4, 1974), is volume 11 and appears to be a publication from PSI, likely a Norwegian organization focused on parapsychology and related topics. The magazine is primarily in Norwegian.

"Intimkveld" Member Meeting

The issue begins with a report on a member meeting called "Intimkveld" (Intimate Evening) held on December 4, 1974. The purpose of this event was to foster better acquaintance among members, as regular meetings often only allow for brief interactions. The evening was intended to include food, entertainment, and a raffle. However, attendance was lower than anticipated, with only 29 members present out of 40 who had registered. The organizers were unsure of the reasons for the low turnout, questioning if the program was too weak, the entrance fee (kr. 20.-) too high, or the invitation not inviting enough. Despite the low numbers, the report suggests that those who attended enjoyed themselves, and new members were welcomed and integrated.

The meeting was opened by the President, who provided an overview of PSI's growth over its three years of existence and discussed current tasks and the importance of individual responsibility in helping others and pursuing spiritual questions.

A slideshow presentation by AAsheim followed, exploring the similarities between the structure of atoms and the solar system, illustrating the world from the micro-cosmos to planets and nebulae.

During coffee, an attempt was made at a sing-along of Christmas songs, though it was noted that the piano was present but not used, and the group had difficulty starting together, attributing it to Norwegian modesty.

The raffle was drawn, but the winners of the main prize and the table decorations were not recorded. The secretary, H. Løken, noted that it was regrettable that 11 members who had registered did not attend, as the organization had to pay for the catering for all 40 registered attendees, resulting in an extra cost of kr. 220.-.

The issue also includes a short poem from a member reflecting on the past year and expressing gratitude and commitment to the organization.

Book Reviews

The magazine highlights a perceived lack of literature in Norwegian on topics of interest compared to Sweden and Denmark. To address this, several books are reviewed, with the intention of giving publishers a free advertisement and informing PSI members.

• "MARCELLO HAUGEN" by Øystein Parmann: Describes Marcello Haugen, known for his psychic abilities and healing powers, and his reputation extending beyond Norway.
• "LEGEKUNSTEN PÅ NYE VEIERS" by Vilhelm Schjeldrup: A Norwegian doctor's accessible explanation of medical methods less known in Norway, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine, and soneterapi.
• "YOGA, MEDITASJON, REINKARNASJON" by Bert Yoga Jonson: A Swedish yoga teacher's guide to exercises, diet, fasting, meditation, and parapsychological phenomena.
• "OG HIMMELEN ÅPNET SEG" by J. F. Blumrich: This book suggests that the prophet Ezekiel's description of a spacecraft supports the idea of ancient astronauts.
• "DET ER MER MELLOM HIMMEL OG JORD" by Lyall Watson: Explores various phenomena like astrology, hypnosis, and telepathy, expanding knowledge of the world around us.
• "REISER I EVIGHETEN" by J. von Buttlar: A provocative book questioning established beliefs about reincarnation and the concept of time.
• "UFO EN DOKUMENTASJON" by J. Allen Hynek: A thorough and objective study of UFO phenomena by a former consultant to the U.S. Air Force. The reviewer, who has extensive experience with UFO cases, praises Hynek's scientific approach and his conclusion that UFO phenomena are real, while cautioning against premature conclusions. The reviewer also criticizes colleagues who dismiss UFO evidence.

Editorial Notes and Announcements

The editorial section addresses the magazine's print quality, attributing it to amateur status. It also mentions that some early issues contained drawings to liven up the text, but these had to be omitted due to time constraints. The editor expresses a desire to include more content, such as translated articles from foreign journals, but is limited by time and financial resources. The call for member contributions has resulted in only one submission, though appreciated.

Meeting Summaries: Reports for the September 25th and October 23rd meetings, on "Personligheten ock det andlige jag" and "Vi er ikke alene" respectively, were not written. However, the lectures have been printed and are available to members for kr. 4.- per lecture.

Spring Program: The full spring program is not yet finalized, but confirmed meeting dates include February 26th (Annual Meeting), March 19th, April 23rd, and May 21st. An event is also planned for June.

Journal Subscription Circle: A proposal has been made to form a journal subscription circle, where interested members would subscribe to different journals and share them. Interested members are asked to contact the board.

Kirlian Photography: The magazine introduces Kirlian photography, a method of photographing the human aura using a high-voltage electric field. An article in English on how to build the equipment is available from the editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around fostering community within the PSI organization, exploring a range of parapsychological and spiritual topics through book reviews and lectures, and providing practical information for members regarding meetings and resources. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of member engagement, objective investigation of phenomena like UFOs, and overcoming limitations in resources and publication quality to disseminate information within the Norwegian context. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and the exploration of unexplained phenomena.