Sokaren - 1965 No 05

Magazine Overview

SÖKAREN, Volume 2, Issue 5, published in 1965, is a Swedish magazine focusing on paranormal phenomena, spiritualism, and esoteric subjects. The cover prominently features the headline "HAR DETTA BARN LEVT FÖRUT?" (Has This Child Lived Before?), indicating a central theme of reincarnation or past life memories.

Articles and Features

Har detta barn levt förut? (Has This Child Lived Before?)

This article by H. N. Banerjee presents the case of Ismail Altinklish, a young boy from Adana, Turkey, who, from the age of one and a half, claimed to be Abeit Suzulmus, a gardener who died shortly before Ismail's birth. Ismail identified himself with Abeit, possessing detailed knowledge of his life, family, and even the circumstances of his murder on January 31, 1956. The article details Abeit's life, his two marriages, and his murder by hired workers. It then recounts how Ismail, as a young child, began speaking about his past life, identifying Abeit's family members, and describing events with remarkable accuracy. The author notes Ismail's strong identification with Abeit, including physical mannerisms and emotional responses, suggesting the survival of personality after death.

Psykisk forskning (Psychic Research)

An excerpt from an article by Indian professor B. L. Atreya discusses the importance and findings of modern psychic research. Atreya argues that no philosopher can afford to ignore this field, which bridges science, philosophy, and religion. He highlights the work of the Society for Psychial Research, founded in 1882, which investigated phenomena like clairvoyance, telekinesis, and hauntings. The article quotes prominent researchers like Professor Richet and Professor William McDougall, who attest to the reality of psychic phenomena and the possibility of consciousness surviving death. Atreya laments the lack of awareness and study of psychic research in India compared to the West.

Sfärernas harmoni (Harmony of the Spheres)

Authored by Hans Mändl, this article explores the ancient concept of cosmic harmony, linking the distances of planets from the sun to musical intervals, as proposed by the Pythagoreans and Johannes Kepler. It also discusses the Titius-Bode law, which attempts to find a mathematical pattern in planetary distances, and the golden ratio's prevalence in nature and art. Mändl suggests that the Earth's unique position in the solar system might explain its distinct characteristics.

Edgar Cayce

This section profiles Edgar Cayce, the "sleeping prophet," known for his clairvoyant diagnoses and predictions. It recounts his early life, a mystical vision at age twelve, and his loss of voice, which he later regained through self-hypnosis and psychic healing. The article details how Cayce began providing medical readings, often with astonishing accuracy, even for distant patients. It mentions his ability to diagnose illnesses and suggest treatments, sometimes involving obscure remedies. The text also touches upon Cayce's philosophical insights, including concepts of reincarnation and karma, and his dream of founding a hospital for those in need.

För ett längre liv (For a Longer Life)

By Harry Edwards, this article discusses the increasing lifespan and improved public health, while noting the rise of psychosomatic illnesses linked to stress and mental disturbances. Edwards advocates for spiritual healing as a method to restore inner peace and overcome fear, disappointment, and stress. He emphasizes that spiritual distance healing can prevent illness and help individuals navigate middle age more smoothly. The article encourages readers to seek spiritual help if they experience symptoms of mental or physical fatigue.

Även djuren kan helas (Animals Can Also Be Healed)

Written by Elsie and Laurie Worger, this piece shares anecdotal evidence of successful spiritual healing for animals. It recounts instances of dogs, cats, and even a rabbit being healed from various ailments, including infections, paralysis, and injuries, through the Worger's healing practices. The article highlights the gratitude shown by the animals and the deep bond they share with their human companions.

Medi Megalis och direktör Bergs försvinnande (Medi Megalis and Director Berg's Disappearance)

This article, transcribed by Syster Ann, details an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Director Berg in the early 1920s. Medi Megalis, an Austrian psychic medium who had worked with Viennese police, was employed to help locate him. Through hypnotic seances led by Dr. Sidney Alrutz, Megalis provided detailed descriptions of Berg's movements, leading to the discovery of his body in a forest, with evidence of suicide. The article emphasizes the accuracy of Megalis' psychic impressions, which corroborated witness accounts and police findings.

Kan droppen förneka havet? (Can the Drop Deny the Ocean?)

Authored by Sadhu Vaswani, this reflective piece addresses the questioning of religion by the youth. Vaswani suggests that true spirituality is found not in organized religions, which have often been sources of conflict, but within oneself. He advocates for silence and introspection to discover the divine presence within. The article uses metaphors like a drop and the ocean to illustrate the interconnectedness of the individual soul with the universal consciousness.

Sökande efter det högre jaget (Seeking the Higher Self)

Bo Johnson's article explores the concept of the "higher self" and altered states of consciousness, referencing experiences induced by drugs like LSD-25, as well as meditation and yoga. He discusses the growing interest in the "superconscious" and the potential for these states to reveal a deeper, more true reality. Johnson cites researchers like C. G. Jung and William James, who believed these experiences tap into a latent aspect of human consciousness. The article suggests that these altered states can lead to profound personal transformation and a reorientation of one's worldview.

Det är föremål därute (There are Objects Out There)

This piece discusses UFO sightings and related phenomena. It mentions the Soviet Voskhod I mission, where cosmonauts reportedly saw "interesting things" that they wished to investigate further. It also references reports of UFOs being observed by pilots, including astronaut Cooper, and the potential for these objects to interfere with spacecraft through magnetic fields. The article touches upon the secrecy surrounding such observations and the official stance on reporting UFOs.

Nya böcker (New Books)

This section provides brief reviews of new books, including "Hunzafolkets hemlighet" by Renee Taylor, which discusses the healthy lifestyle of the Hunza people; "Hatha-yoga" by Shyam Sundar Goswami; and "Aftonrodnad och morgonbrand" by V. Vallberg.

Templetons fotografi (Templeton's Photograph)

By V. Vallberg, this article analyzes a photograph, possibly a "thought photograph," featuring a figure above a girl's head. Using dowsing methods, Vallberg suggests the figure and the girl share similar energy types and that the figure might be a projection of the girl's own psyche or a nature spirit, rather than an extraterrestrial being.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of reincarnation, psychic abilities, spiritual healing, and the existence of phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between science and the spiritual or paranormal, often citing anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies alongside scientific research. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for life's mysteries and the nature of consciousness. The publication aims to inform and engage readers interested in the esoteric and the unexplained.