PSI Bladet - 1974 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: PSI-BLADET
Issue Date: October 5, 1974
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, focuses on various aspects of parapsychology, spiritualism, and related phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its members about the association's activities and to present diverse content of interest.

Editorial and Association Activities

The editorial in the issue highlights the ongoing progress of PSI, noting that the membership has surpassed 150. It mentions increased interest, partly due to an article in 'A-Magasinet' the previous year. The editorial emphasizes the importance of contact between members and the council for positive development. It acknowledges members who contribute with material from across the country and expresses a desire to improve the magazine's frequency and content for these members. The formation of new PSI groups around the country is encouraged.

Several immediate tasks are outlined for the association: establishing more study groups, creating a PSI-Center in Oslo for meetings and library services, and forming PSI groups in larger cities like Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Tromsø. The association also plans to influence mass media to give more attention to parapsychology and related subjects, urging members to write to NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) to encourage programming on these topics.

Future plans include organizing a congress or study week in Norway in 1975 or 1976 and contributing to the publication of a Norwegian parapsychological journal. The association also hopes to publish a folder or brochure with general information about parapsychology and PSI.

Contact has been established between the board of the Norwegian Parapsychological Society and the PSI council to explore future collaboration on organizing events, particularly when foreign speakers are involved, to share costs.

Professor Harald Schjeldrup's Passing

The issue notes the passing of Professor Harald Schjeldrup, described as a leading figure in psychological research and education in Norway. His work, including the book 'DET SKJULTE MENNESKE' (The Hidden Human), explored parapsychological phenomena like mediumism and telepathy. Schjeldrup's approach was critically scientific, yet he believed these phenomena presented a challenge to psychology, suggesting the existence of unknown human forces that could revolutionize human nature.

Articles and Features

**Dowsing (Ønskekvisten):
**
A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the practice of dowsing, featuring a lecture by Anton Aspen. Aspen, with extensive experience in using dowsing rods and pendulums, discussed its history, which dates back to ancient China and was prominent in medieval Europe for locating minerals. He noted its modern use in search and rescue operations by the Red Cross. The article touches upon the debate between folklore, scientific recognition, and radiesthesia concerning dowsing. Aspen explained that while dowsing was used for locating metals and water, its use for finding people and animals is also common. He mentioned historical figures like a French baron who found 150 metal deposits using a dowsing rod. The article also discusses the ongoing debate about the forces that cause dowsing rods to react, with theories ranging from the dowser's nervous system to psychic forces and concentration. Russian scientists in 1966 found dowsing rods reacted more strongly to metal than water. The article concludes that while dowsing is a useful tool, only about 5% of people have a pronounced ability for it.

**Dermatoglyphics:
**
Dr. James Holiman presented a lecture on dermatoglyphics, the study of skin patterns on fingers, hands, and feet. He explained that 'derma' means skin, 'to' means to dig, and 'glyfikk' refers to figures or characters. Dermatoglyphics involves interpreting the patterns of ridges on the skin, which are formed in the early stages of pregnancy and carry hereditary traits. Dr. Holiman, who has studied the subject for 26 years and recently received a doctorate for his work on its prophylactic aspects, believes dermatoglyphics will become an accepted tool in diagnostic medicine. He shared his conviction that hand analysis can reveal a person's character, past, future, and potential, and that it is based on psychology. He noted that historical figures, including monks in the Middle Ages, practiced forms of graphology. In modern Europe, graphology is used in schools for career guidance and in businesses for evaluating job applicants. Private graphologists also offer services for personal matters, including marital advice and conflict resolution. Dr. Holiman emphasized that while a graphological analysis is a diagnosis, it cannot explain everything. He also touched upon the historical connection between hand study and astrology, mentioning that the Bible verse Job 37:7 originally stated that God placed signs in hands for people to know their tasks, rather than the mistranslated version about knowing God's deeds.

**UFO Sighting:
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The issue reports on a UFO sighting near Piatan, Salvador, Brazil, by Helio Aguiar. After photographing the UFO, he lost consciousness and awoke with a handwritten message stating that 'ATOMIC EXPERIMENTS WITH WARLIKE INTENTIONS WILL DEFINITELY BE STOPPED' and that 'EQUILIBRIUM IN THE UNIVERSE IS THREATENED. WE REMAIN VIGILANT AND READY TO INTERVENE!!!'.

**Nordic Spiritualist Union Congress in Umeå:
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An account of the Nordic Spiritualist Union (NSU) congress held in Umeå, Sweden, from June 29 to July 5, 1974, is provided. Sixteen members from PSI attended. The congress, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Swedish Spiritualist Federation, was held in Umeå to stimulate interest in the Norrland region. The event was well-organized, with activities taking place at the new university. Attendees experienced a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The program included lectures on 'The Significance of Spiritualism for Personal Development.' Reports from the lectures are expected to be published in Nordic journals, and PSI plans to invite some speakers to Oslo. The congress also included a union meeting where reports were presented, accounts reviewed, and a board elected. Due to PSI's limited membership in NSU, Norway did not have voting representation, but it was decided to elect an observer to the union board. Knut Aasheim's proposal to re-establish contact with Icelandic spiritualists was adopted. The seances held during the congress were particularly memorable for the attendees.

**Member Meeting Reports:
**
Reports from two PSI member meetings are included:

• September 25, 1974: A lecture on 'Personality and the Spiritual Self' by Britt Sevelius (NSU) was well-attended and covered a central, difficult topic. A detailed report is promised for a future issue.
• September 4, 1974: O.M. Knispel gave a lecture on 'Graphology - Handwriting Reveals Human Character.' The meeting was well-attended, with many non-members present. Knispel explained that handwriting can reveal a person's inner life and character, drawing on psychological principles. He discussed the use of graphology in career guidance, personal development, and professional evaluations. The lecture included examples of handwriting from well-known individuals.

**Book Review:
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A review of Lyall Watson's book 'DET ER MER MELLOM HIMMEL OG JORD' (It's More Between Heaven and Earth) is featured. The book, translated from English, is described as presenting research and evaluations of an unusual nature, covering topics like astrology, thought photography, and ghosts. The reviewer notes that the book moves in the borderland between the explainable and the unexplainable and recommends it as both popular science and a thought-provoking read.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PSI-BLADET revolve around the exploration of the human mind, consciousness, and the potential for psychic and spiritual phenomena. The magazine actively promotes the study of parapsychology, encouraging members to engage in research, form study groups, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge. There is a clear stance in favor of open-minded yet critical inquiry, urging readers to approach unusual claims with a healthy skepticism but without outright rejection. The association emphasizes the importance of personal development through understanding oneself and the broader spiritual dimensions of existence. The editorial tone is encouraging and aims to foster a sense of community among members, both locally and internationally, through shared interests and activities.

This issue of U.F.O. Magazine, identified as issue number 11, published in Stockholm in 1973, features articles on dermatoglyphics and meditation. The content appears to be in Norwegian, with a focus on psychological and physiological aspects.

Dermatoglyphics: A Window to Health?

The first section discusses the potential of dermatoglyphics, the study of skin patterns, particularly on the hands. It suggests that these patterns, which are not formed solely by work, can offer significant warnings about health and inherited or developing illnesses. The article posits that dermatoglyphics could even predict the timing of these health issues, sometimes years in advance. The author laments that if this knowledge were utilized, many life tragedies could be averted, comparing it to repairing a broken bridge. The text touches upon the idea that changes in the brain, influenced by generations of nerve development, manifest in the hand and nervous system. It also broadly states that science has not yet discovered the true nature of life.

Exploring Meditation and Altered Consciousness

The second major section focuses on meditation, acknowledging the multitude of approaches available. It highlights the work of Swedish psychiatrist Nils-Olof Jacobsen, who has compiled articles from various authors detailing different meditation methods and their experiences. The article notes that while the philosophies and language surrounding these practices may differ, their core aim is the same: to achieve an altered state of consciousness. The editor provides an overview of what meditation is and is not, drawing comparisons and distinctions with hypnosis. Both are described as methods that move away from ordinary impressions, leading to relaxation and rest. For many Western practitioners, this initial stage is the primary experience. However, as one progresses deeper into meditation, a unique form of emotional release and personality liberation may occur. The text also mentions the possibility of experiencing parapsychological phenomena and feelings of bliss.

Physiological Correlates of Meditation

The article then delves into the physiological markers associated with altered states of consciousness achieved through meditation. Researchers measure heart activity, breathing, oxygen consumption, and metabolism, as well as brain waves. Studies on humans and animals suggest that meditation can enable a person to gain voluntary control over autonomic physiological processes, including blood pressure, kidney function, and electrical activity in the brain. Highly gifted and trained individuals can even induce a death-like state in their bodies. More commonly, meditation is seen to promote a healthy balance in physiological processes, leading to improved overall health, even if this is not the explicit intention. The text questions how much of the feeling of 'bliss' is actually derived from this sense of balanced bodily function.

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

The issue concludes by stating that the book discussed (presumably related to meditation) is thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the subject. The editorial notes are attributed to Nils-Olof Jacobsen, with the publication being "Natur och kultur" from Stockholm, 1973. The overall stance of the magazine, as suggested by its title and the content, appears to be interested in exploring phenomena beyond conventional science, including parapsychology, altered states of consciousness, and potentially unconventional methods of understanding human health and potential.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of U.F.O. Magazine explores topics that bridge the gap between conventional science and more esoteric or less understood aspects of human experience. Dermatoglyphics is presented as a potential diagnostic tool, while meditation is examined for its profound effects on consciousness and physiology. The magazine seems to advocate for an open-minded approach to knowledge, suggesting that valuable insights may lie in areas not yet fully embraced or understood by mainstream science. The editorial focus appears to be on presenting research and theories that challenge existing paradigms and encourage deeper self-exploration and understanding of human potential.