PSI Bladet - 1981 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: PSI-BLADET
Issue: 1
Volume: 8
Date: May 1981
Publisher: NORSK FORENING FOR PSYKISK STUDIUM OG INFORMASJON (Norwegian Society for Psychic Study and Information)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Editor's Column (Redaktørens spalte)

The editor, Atle Staurem, welcomes readers back and explains that he has been elected as the new editor for the remainder of the previous editor's term. Lars Dannevig has been appointed as the assistant editor. Staurem expresses gratitude to president Kurt Bai for his experience. The goal is to publish four issues this year and encourages members to submit contributions, including written pieces, clippings, articles, photos, and book reviews. The editorial team is also seeking contact with other organizations and movements with spiritual or psychic orientations. They are interested in information about courses in healing, astrology, etc., and plan to report on such events. Deadlines for submissions are set for May 31, August 31, November 30, and January 31 (1982). Contributions can be sent to Atle Staurem at Bidenskaps gate 4, Oslo 1, or delivered in person at PSI meetings.

Firewalking (De går på ild)

This article explores the phenomenon of firewalking, a practice deeply rooted in human history and religious rituals. It notes that until the 1200s, ordeals involving red-hot iron were common in Europe to prove innocence or truth. The article recounts the legend from the Fijian island of Beqa, where the ability to walk on fire was granted to a chief by a god. It describes the initiation ceremony on Beqa, led by a priest, where participants walk over a pit of heated stones without harm. Similar ceremonies are described in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and South India, involving pits of glowing coals. On the Balkan Peninsula, the Anastenaria sect practices firewalking on May 21st. The article highlights that science has yet to provide a definitive explanation for why firewalkers are not severely burned, with medical examinations of participants showing no significant injuries. The text suggests that religious training, deep trance states, and strong belief may play a role in overcoming fear and pain.

A Cosmic Adventure (Et kosmisk eventyr) by Lars Dannevig

This article delves into the second law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of entropy, as formulated by R.J.E. Clausius. It states that heat cannot spontaneously transfer from a colder to a warmer body without external work, leading to an inevitable loss of usable energy (entropy). The article posits that the universe is slowly moving towards a state of 'heat death' at absolute zero temperature. However, it introduces Erwin Schrödinger's paradox, which suggests that living organisms thrive on 'negative entropy' – the ability to build complex systems from simpler elements. This leads to the concept of a 'perpetuum mobile' (perpetual motion machine) in an open system that can sustain itself. The author then presents a theological interpretation, describing God creating an infinite number of divine sparks, each containing a part of the divine essence. These sparks then form solar systems and planets, with some evolving into conscious beings that eventually form complex societies, culminating in the human form as a vessel for a conscious spirit.

The Hidden Power: Hypnosis (Den skjulte kraften: Hypnose)

This section focuses on hypnosis and its applications. It begins with a description of a hypnotic induction, where a woman is guided into a deep sleep to overcome a ten-year-old fear of dentists. The article asserts that hypnosis can remove pain, alleviate death anxiety, and cure mental disorders stemming from subconscious experiences. It then explores the definition and practice of hypnosis, noting that while theories abound, its exact workings remain somewhat mysterious. Hypnosis is recognized as a legitimate treatment among medical professionals, including psychiatrists and dentists. In Norway, however, its use is limited, with only a few practitioners like Dr. Victor Borg and Dr. Erling Svalland actively using it. Borg employs hypnosis to combat alcoholism, while Svalland uses it to treat dental phobias. A law from 1896 restricts the practice of hypnosis to licensed physicians.

Who Can Be Hypnotized?

Individuals who are easily influenced, emotional, spontaneous, and open tend to be more receptive to hypnosis. Actors are cited as an example. Conversely, authoritarian personalities who are unaccustomed to taking orders are less likely to be hypnotized. The article notes that about 20% of people are highly receptive, 20% are unreceptive, and the rest fall somewhere in between.

Hypnosis Cures Stuttering

The article provides a case study of a boy who developed a stutter after witnessing a car accident involving his older brother. Through regression therapy, the boy was taken back to the moment of the accident, allowing him to recount the details and overcome his stutter. Hypnosis has also been used to treat physical paralysis resulting from psychological trauma.

Hypnosis and Past Lives

It is possible to use hypnosis to regress individuals to their birth or even earlier experiences. One patient was regressed to the moment of birth, recalling details about the room and her mother leaving briefly.

Effective Persuasion

An example illustrates how hypnosis can be used for 'effective persuasion' by having a patient write their name at different stages of their life, from childhood to the present, demonstrating the progression of their identity and handwriting.

Dangers of Hypnosis

The article warns against removing pain that is a symptom of an underlying illness, such as sciatica, as pain serves as a signal that a limit has been reached. It also mentions that hypnosis can be used to remove physical symptoms of psychologically-based illnesses, citing allergies and asthma as examples where the cause may lie in the patient's life situation rather than an external allergen.

Hypnosis in Surgery

There are accounts of deep surgical procedures, including major abdominal surgeries, being performed with hypnosis as the sole anesthetic, particularly in situations where patients are allergic to conventional anesthesia or too weak to tolerate it. This was notably done by Australian surgeons in Japanese POW camps during wartime.

Pain and Death Anxiety

Hypnosis has shown success in managing pain and death anxiety. It has been used to alleviate pain in patients with conditions like blood clots, where blood flow improved under hypnosis, saving a limb from amputation. The article suggests that hypnosis can influence psychosomatic illnesses by directing blood flow, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In end-of-life care, hypnosis has provided comfort and reduced pain and anxiety for terminally ill patients, as illustrated by the case of a 13-year-old boy with leukemia.

Theories on Hypnosis

When asked about theories of hypnosis, Svalland compares it to thought – its existence is known, but its precise nature is hard to explain. Brainwave measurements indicate hypnotic states are registered in the brain, but not in conscious awareness.

Russian Researchers: We Have Found Atlantis

This section reports on claims made by Soviet researchers, specifically Dr. Andrej Aksionov from the Institute of Oceanology of the Soviet Academy of Sciences. In March, Aksionov presented photographs of structures located underwater in the Atlantic Ocean, which he identified as remnants of Atlantis. These findings were revealed during an interview aboard the research vessel 'Vitiaz' in Lisbon. The article includes a map and illustrations depicting what Plato described as the capital of Atlantis, including Poseidon's temple, canals, and fortifications. It references Plato's dialogues 'Timaios' and 'Kritias' as the source of the Atlantis narrative, noting that Plato lived from 427-347 BC. The article also briefly mentions a theory by Swedish researcher Olof Rudbeck, who in 1679, located Plato's legendary land in the vicinity of Uppsala, Sweden.

Seers about 1981 (Spåmenn om 1981)

This brief section presents predictions for the year 1981 from Italian psychics. The predictions include the assassination of Ayatollah Khomeini, the death of a member of the British royal family in a plane crash, and Pope John Paul II breaking his leg while skiing. These prophecies were reportedly made at a national meeting of Italian psychics in Bari.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie at the intersection of science, spirituality, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears open to investigating and reporting on topics such as ancient rituals (firewalking), altered states of consciousness (hypnosis), and historical mysteries (Atlantis), even when scientific explanations are lacking or controversial. There is a clear interest in psychic phenomena, healing, and the potential of the human mind, as evidenced by the focus on hypnosis and the society's name. The inclusion of predictions for the year suggests an interest in precognition and the paranormal. The magazine aims to inform its members about these subjects, encouraging discussion and contribution from the readership.

This issue of LIVSKRAFTEN, published in June 1979, is the first volume and number 5, serving as an organ for Mensa International's special interest group for Eastern religions. The magazine focuses on themes of genius, spiritual development, and paranormal phenomena.

Geni og Kundalini av Yogeswar Muni

The main article, "Geni og Kundalini" by Yogeswar Muni, explores the concept of Kundalini energy, described as an inherited power that yogis have utilized since ancient times to achieve genius. The article traces the presence of Kundalini across various traditions, including Krishna worship, Agni offerings, Vajrayana Buddhism, Sufism, Taoism, ancient Egyptian magic, Jewish illumination, and the resurrection of Jesus. Kundalini is referred to by various names such as the Holy Spirit, Chi, Orgone, life force, vitality, or libido. It is believed that when Kundalini is awakened and not suppressed, it leads to the development of the higher nervous system and brain structure, resulting in genius.

The article notes that Kundalini's power often diminishes with age due to social and psychological influences. While it attempts to reawaken during puberty, it is frequently suppressed again by societal demands. Only a few individuals manage to maintain Kundalini's fire until their physical and nervous systems are fully formed, and even fewer can sustain it until around age 30, the age at which geniuses like Einstein are thought to emerge. The pressures of worldly life can then cause Kundalini to fall dormant.

Two methods for channeling Kundalini are presented: "Energi-Mestring" (Energy Mastery) and "Sahaja Yoga" (Natural Yoga).

• Energi-Mestring: This method involves controlled channeling of Kundalini energy, leading to self-control, prosperity, fame, well-being, and enhanced intelligence. It utilizes ten techniques to direct the energy through various bodily orifices and senses, aiming to master one's mind, body, and surroundings.
• Sahaja Yoga: This approach involves complete surrender of one's mind, emotions, and body to Kundalini's absolute power, allowing it to awaken fully. It requires renouncing worldly interests and dedicating oneself to a life of surrender. This path is described as being for those who wish to become great masters, with examples like Jesus, Babaji, and the first Pharaoh Menes cited as having achieved this state.

The article warns that attempting to awaken Kundalini without proper guidance can lead to negative consequences, including psychological distress and neuroses. It emphasizes that while willful techniques can increase abilities, they are insufficient on their own and must be combined with ethical conduct.

Atlantis Theories

The magazine delves into the historical accounts of Atlantis, starting with Solon's visit to Egypt where he heard from priests about a great flood that destroyed a civilization, leaving only two survivors. The Egyptian priests contrasted their long-standing civilization, preserved in their temples for 8000 years, with the Greeks' supposedly shorter and more volatile history.

Several theories and proposed locations for Atlantis are discussed:

• Ovid (Roman poet): Stated that Atlantis sank beneath the waves in a single day and night due to the gods' wrath.
• Oluf Rudbeck d.e. (Swedish scientist, 1630-1702): Believed Sweden to be the oldest empire and the cradle of world culture, placing Atlantis there.
• Alfred Wegener (Austrian geophysicist, 1915): Proposed that continents drift apart, suggesting a rift that formed the Atlantic Ocean occurred during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (100-195 million years ago).
• Spyridon Marinatos (Greek archaeologist, 1930s-1970s): Theorized that Atlantis was the island of Santorin (modern Thera) in Greece, which disappeared in 1450 BC due to the eruption of the Elias volcano.

Numerous other potential locations are listed, including Morocco, Tunisia, Israel, Lebanon, Southern Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, Sahara, Iran, Sri Lanka, Greenland, South Africa, Crimea, the Netherlands, the Caucasus, Nigeria, the Arabian Peninsula, Belgium, Great Britain, Catalonia, the Basque Alps, East Prussia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Northern Germany (Mecklenburg), the Arctic region, Portugal, Siberia, a sunken island in the Indian Ocean, and the lost island of Tarsis near the mouth of the Guadalquivir River in Spain.

"Min trosbekjennelse" by Lars Dannevig

Lars Dannevig shares his personal creed, expressing belief in an omnipotent God, the creator of all planes of existence. He believes God fosters the growth of all life through love and Christ-consciousness, employing both light and dark forces to promote spiritual elevation. Dannevig anticipates a significant natural upheaval in the near future, orchestrated by God, to overcome the influence of dark forces and usher in an era of light and rebuilding.

"Kvinnen med viljekraft" (The Woman with Willpower)

This section features an article about Ninel Kulagina, a young Soviet soldier who exhibited psychokinetic abilities. Initially experiencing objects moving inexplicably, she eventually realized she possessed the power herself. Experiments conducted by scientists like Edward Naumov and Dr. Gennadji Sergejev, including filming her moving matchsticks and separating an egg's yolk and white from a distance, documented her abilities. Instruments indicated she was under significant mental and emotional stress during these feats, and her electrostatic field pulsed at a frequency of four oscillations per second, which Dr. Sergejev theorized acted as magnetic waves.

Hildur Thomas – Clairvoyant

An excerpt from an Aftenposten article from 1978 profiles Hildur Thomas, a clairvoyant of Swedish birth with a Russian mother and English father. Having lived in various countries, she developed her clairvoyant abilities further by studying religious texts. Thomas emphasizes that while innate gifts exist, they can be honed through training and guidance. She recounts a profound psychic experience during a near-death incident after a car accident, which led her to embrace her abilities and study medicine men's wisdom in Africa. She is now sought after to teach both mediums and medicine men.

Thomas also shared her insights into the world horoscope for Norway, predicting good times despite current economic difficulties, with oil exports being crucial. She foresaw challenges in the health sector internationally due to financial mismanagement, leading to a major economic crisis in 1981-82 and widespread unemployment. However, she also predicted a new world peace plan between the West and the Soviet Union, with France and the Soviet Union forming a trade agreement. The Roman Catholic Church is expected to weaken, and a prominent Soviet leader might seek asylum abroad. The US dollar is predicted to strengthen, while South Africa will continue to face internal issues. India is expected to experience more earthquakes, and a new atomic bomb will be developed, making the Hiroshima bomb seem minor in comparison.

"Gjennombrudd i Psi-forskning?" (Breakthrough in Psi Research?)

This article discusses two articles by Jeffrey Mishlove in the journal FATE (1978), translated by Kari Berggreen. It addresses the long-standing problem in parapsychological research: the difficulty in replicating phenomena under controlled laboratory conditions, a key requirement for scientific acceptance. The article highlights Professor Rhine's card-guessing experiments as a significant step in demonstrating non-physical abilities. It then introduces the work of physicists Hal Puthoff and Russel Targ at Stanford Research Institute, who claim to have found a method for demonstrating ESP that surpasses Rhine's results.

The method, termed "remote viewing" or "fjernsyn," involves a person guessing what another person is observing at a distance. Participants select from six target areas, and three "senders" travel to one of these areas, concentrating on their sensory impressions. A "receiver" then attempts to perceive these impressions and create a drawing. The receiver and an assistant then choose the target area that best matches the receiver's impressions. Puthoff and Targ claim that all participants have been able to perform remote viewing satisfactorily, suggesting that imagining oneself hovering above the senders can improve the accuracy of the impressions.

Program for NSU's Conference in Evitskog, Finland (June 25-30, 1981)

This section outlines the program for a conference organized by NSU (presumably a Nordic student union) in Evitskog, Finland. The conference includes lectures on topics such as intuition, inspiration, healing, mutual self-help, and understanding and tolerance. It also features group work, meditation, and social events, with an excursion to Helsinki. The program details specific times and speakers for each day from June 25th to June 30th, 1981.

"Dantes gjenferd viste veien" (Dante's Ghost Showed the Way)

This short piece recounts how Dante Alighieri's masterpiece, "The Divine Comedy," was completed. After Dante's death in 1321, parts of the manuscript were missing. His sons, Jacopo and Piero, searched extensively but without success. Jacopo had a dream where his father revealed a hidden compartment in his study containing the remaining manuscript. A jurist was called as a witness, and together they retrieved the bundle of papers, thus completing the epic poem.

New Book Announcement

A new book, "UFORKLARLIGE OPPLEVELSER. Parapsykologiens grenseområder" (Unexplainable Experiences. The Borderlands of Parapsychology) by psychologist Paul Jan Brudal, published by Universitetsforlaget, is announced.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of consciousness, spiritual development, and the paranormal, with a particular focus on Kundalini energy and its potential for enhancing human capabilities. There is a strong interest in ancient wisdom, mystical traditions, and scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, seeking to bridge the gap between spiritual concepts and scientific exploration, while also providing practical information on courses and events within these fields. The publication aims to inform and engage readers interested in psychology, spirituality, and the frontiers of human potential.

This issue of the magazine, identified by side number 21 and 22, published in 1980, focuses on the teachings of Pastor Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho. The main cover story, "Pastor, Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho: Active faith will bring miracles. Prayer is answered in the fourth dimension," is a summary by the editor based on two articles from Aftenposten in 1980. The magazine also includes an article about the Battle of Borodino and an advertisement for psychic training.

Pastor Paul Yonggi Cho and the Fourth Dimension

Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho is the pastor and leader of the world's largest single church, the Full Gospel Central Church in Seoul, Korea. Originally a Buddhist, he converted to Christianity and attended seminary. The article recounts an early experience where Cho prayed for basic necessities like a table, chair, and bicycle for a year without results. God revealed that the prayers were too vague, lacking specific details. After this, Cho learned to pray with precise descriptions, and his prayers were answered.

Cho developed his theory of the "fourth dimension," detailed in his book of the same name. He explains that while length, area, and volume define our physical lives, the fourth dimension operates above these, influencing the physical world through spirits, visions, and dreams. He posits that when individuals use their psychic energy to heal themselves, they enter this fourth dimension.

Cho's theory suggests that by visualizing a healthy body, a sick person can prompt their body to initiate healing processes. He also uses biblical examples to illustrate his points. One such example is Jacob's success in breeding distinctively colored livestock. Cho interprets this not as superstition, but as Jacob using the visual cues of the peeled sticks to internalize the vision of speckled offspring, which he then presented to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit then influenced the necessary genetic factors for the animals to produce the desired outcome.

Another personal example shared by Cho involves a mother whose daughter was living a promiscuous life. The mother was advised to change her perspective, visualizing her daughter as saved and transformed, and to present this vision to God daily. Weeks later, the daughter experienced a profound change, sought out her mother, and was eventually saved, becoming a leader in Cho's church.

Cho outlines a two-phase approach to answered prayer: first, clearly presenting the desired outcome as a detailed image to the Holy Spirit, and second, activating faith to claim the promise once God affirms it. He emphasizes that God desires active human cooperation and that many people fail to receive promises because they do not act on them in faith.

In the summer of 1980, Pastor Yonggi Cho visited Sarons Dal, Kvinesdal, Norway, to give lectures on his views on the Fourth Dimension and performed miraculous healings. Logos forlag published his book "Den Fjerde Dimensjon" (The Fourth Dimension) in Norwegian in connection with his visit.

The Battle of Borodino

The article "Et mareritt om Borodino" (A Nightmare about Borodino) recounts a premonition experienced by a countess, the wife of Russian General grev Toutsjkov. She dreamt that her husband would die at Borodino. Despite studying maps, she and her husband could not find a place by that name. The Battle of Borodino took place on September 7, 1812, when Russian forces halted the French retreat near a village of that name, 110 km west of Moscow. Napoleon won the battle, which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides (over 30,000 French and 45,000 Russian lives lost). The countess and her children were staying at an inn near the battlefield. The next morning, her father entered her room and informed her that her husband had fallen at Borodino.

The article is accompanied by an illustration depicting officers of Napoleon's cavalry preparing for the Battle of Borodino.

Advertisement for Psychic Training

The final page features an advertisement for a course in "Psychic Training" offered by ESP Seminar Programmer. The ad encourages learning to better use conscious and subconscious abilities and provides a phone number and address in Oslo for further information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are faith, prayer, spiritual dimensions, and miracles, primarily through the lens of Pastor Paul Yonggi Cho's teachings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these concepts as valid and impactful, evidenced by the detailed summary of Cho's theories and his reported successes. The inclusion of the historical account of Borodino, while seemingly unrelated, might serve to highlight themes of fate, premonition, and significant historical events, potentially contrasting with the spiritual focus of the main article. The advertisement for psychic training further reinforces the magazine's interest in exploring human potential beyond the ordinary. The overall tone is informative and aims to educate readers on spiritual and potentially paranormal phenomena.