SÖKAREN

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated 1965, Volume 2, Issue 6, features a cover story titled "GRÅTANDE MARIA I CIUDAD MIER" (Crying Maria in Ciudad Mier) by Bill Starr. The magazine, priced at 1:80 (including tax), is published in Sweden and written in Swedish.

Gråtande Maria i Ciudad Mier

Bill Starr recounts his investigation into a reported miracle in Ciudad Mier, Mexico, where a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, over 200 years old, began to weep in October 1963. Starr details his journey to the small town near the Texas border to witness and document the phenomenon. He interviews Padre José Anacleta Robles, who served at the Immaculate Concepcion church when the weeping began. Francisco René Lopez was the first to notice the tears. The statue's cheeks were wet, and the liquid, when tasted, was salty. Padre Robles initially suspected a prank but was convinced by the nature of the tears. The phenomenon attracted many visitors, and Padre Robles investigated possible natural explanations, finding none. He speculates that the tears might have been a divine reaction to human cruelty, possibly related to the assassination of President Kennedy. The weeping continued intermittently for weeks. Padre Robles also mentions two or three alleged healings associated with the event. The local bishop's response was to 'wait and see,' a sentiment shared by the townspeople.

Världens Undergång (The World's End)

Carol Honey discusses a letter sent in August 1954 to various editors and publishers, detailing information of 'colossal nature' concerning the end of the world and the return of Christ. The source of this information was reportedly Mrs. Dorothy Martin, who claimed contact with 'Sananda from planet Clarion,' identified as Jesus Christ. These prophecies predicted major disasters for December 21, 1954, including earthquakes, flooding, and the rise of Atlantis and Mu. The article references the book 'When Prophecy Fails,' which documented the experiences of a group, including Dr. C. A. Laughead, who believed these prophecies. Researchers from the University of Minnesota anonymously observed and recorded the group's reactions as their predictions failed to materialize. Honey emphasizes the importance of this book for understanding how groups can become deeply invested in prophecies, even when disproven, and how this phenomenon is relevant to some UFO groups.

Vad är Psykografi? (What is Psychography?)

Poul Goos explores the phenomenon of psychography, where objects like planchette or glasses move to spell out messages. He explains the process, involving participants placing fingers on the object, and notes that it's not always successful, often requiring specific individuals or group dynamics. Goos discusses the spiritualist hypothesis that spirits communicate through this method. He also considers alternative explanations, such as subconscious physical movements, but suggests that the phenomenon is real and has been scientifically observed, even at the University of Copenhagen's psychological laboratory. He posits that certain individuals may act as 'psychic accumulators' or 'transformers,' converting psychic energy into physical motion. The article notes that participants might experience a slight weight loss and temperature drop during successful experiments.

Materialisationer (Materializations)

This section reports on a materialization seance in South Africa with medium Alec Harris, attended by spiritualist Douglas Johnson. Johnson describes seeing materialized figures, including a North American Indian and a small Cockney boy, emerge from a cabinet. These figures appeared draped in ectoplasm and interacted with the audience. Johnson also recognized his spirit guide, Chang. The article concludes that while some psychic researchers question the authenticity of materializations, the phenomenon, if real, raises questions about the identity of the materialized entities.

Om Helvetets Non-Existens (On the Non-Existence of Hell)

This article questions the traditional Christian concept of hell. It discusses books that attempt to prove hell's existence based on near-death experiences, citing 'Från andra sidan' by Fred Pfeifer. The author analyzes biblical passages used to support the idea of hell, such as the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, and Jesus's words about eternal fire. However, the article argues that the Bible is contradictory on this matter and that these passages can be interpreted metaphorically. It suggests that the concept of an eternal, fiery hell is illogical and potentially contradicts the nature of a benevolent God. The author also touches upon the idea that near-death experiences might be influenced by the individual's pre-existing beliefs.

Finns Gud eller är det bara slumpen? (Does God Exist or is it Just Chance?)

This section features a debate initiated by Erwin Gripenberg's critique of an article on evolution. Gripenberg questions the probability of complex biological structures, like DNA, arising through random mutations, citing calculations that suggest such an event is astronomically unlikely within the estimated age of the Earth. He argues that natural selection and chance cannot fully explain the complexity of life. Marianne Rasmuson, in response, suggests that quantitative aspects of evolutionary speed are difficult to assess and that factors like physical agents and chemical substances could have increased mutation rates in earlier evolutionary stages. The discussion touches upon the role of quantum mechanics and the possibility of genetic changes having significant effects.

Undermedvetandets Makt (The Power of the Subconscious)

Dr. Joseph Murphy is cited, asserting that the subconscious mind holds immense power for healing. He explains that by aligning one's mental attitude and believing in the desired outcome, the subconscious can be activated to overcome illnesses. Murphy suggests that this power can explain phenomena like fire-walking, where individuals' belief protects them. He emphasizes that one's thoughts and beliefs shape their reality, and that the subconscious mind is a source of unlimited intelligence and power, capable of fulfilling desires when properly accessed.

José Arigo

This article introduces José Arigo, a healer from Congonhas do Campo, Brazil, who performs 'psychic surgery' without conventional instruments or anesthesia. Arigo, who speaks Portuguese with a German accent when in trance, is believed to be channeling Dr. Adolfo Fritz, a doctor who died in World War I. Arigo's diagnoses are said to be instantaneous and accurate, and he often prescribes medicines by name. His 'operations' are performed in his kitchen, and patients report rapid healing with no infections. The article notes that Arigo has treated millions of patients, including prominent figures. Dr. Andrija Puharich, a neurologist, underwent a successful tumor removal by Arigo, confirming the speed and effectiveness of his methods.

Tony Agpaoa

William H. Belk, founder of Belk Psychic Research Foundation, reports on the healing abilities of Tony Agpaoa, a 26-year-old Filipino who performs 'psychic operations.' Agpaoa removes tumors, polyps, and treats various ailments without anesthesia or surgical instruments. Belk describes witnessing Agpaoa's methods, which involve kneading the affected area, causing blood to flow, and then closing the wound instantaneously. Agpaoa claims to be assisted by a 'protector' or helper from the spirit world. He charges a fee for his services, unlike many other healers. The article mentions that Agpaoa's abilities are attributed to his 'protector' and that he is believed to be channeling a spiritual entity.

Tefatens Framdrivningsmetod (The Propulsion Method of Flying Saucers)

James Kemple discusses theories on how disc-shaped UFOs are propelled. He suggests that 99% of UFO researchers agree that these craft use some form of electromagnetic field to control gravity. Kemple outlines three potential methods: 1) control of magnetism ('magnetic sink'), where a field collapses, inducing a current in the craft's metallic body, creating a force that counteracts gravity; 2) cosmic energy, as theorized by French Lieutenant Plantier, involving the release of energy from space to propel the craft; and 3) antimatter, which could act as an anti-gravity agent but would require a separate system for a protective force field. The disc shape is considered ideal for these propulsion methods.

Flygande Tefat Över Världshaven (Flying Saucers Over the World's Oceans)

This section presents observations of UFOs over oceans. It mentions reports of underwater UFO bases and sightings in the Persian Gulf and near Africa. One incident describes a luminous wheel-like object observed by the British ship Patna. Another report details the mysterious deaths of seven fishermen from the Spanish shrimp boat Maena, found floating with no apparent injuries, raising questions about unexplained maritime phenomena.

Några Prominenta Personer Om UFO (Some Prominent People on UFOs)

This section quotes several prominent figures who believe in the existence of UFOs. Professor Herman Oberth states that UFOs are real spacecraft from other solar systems. Professor Charles A. Maney is convinced of their reality based on their extraordinary speed and maneuvers. Lord Dowding, former head of the British Air Force, believes there is overwhelming evidence of extraterrestrial craft operating in Earth's atmosphere. General Chassin of NATO emphasizes the need to confirm UFO observations and notes that they utilize a force beyond current human understanding. Colonel Adil de Oliviera of the Brazilian Air Force expresses no doubt about the existence of flying saucers.

En Skandinavisk "Kontakt" (A Scandinavian "Contact")

This article recounts the experience of sisters Edith Jacobsen and Astrid Solvang from Mosjøen, Norway, who claimed to have met a spaceman and seen his craft in 1954. Despite initial ridicule and alternative explanations from the press (like a helicopter sighting), the sisters maintained their story. The article describes the spaceman's appearance, his unusual language, and the craft, which resembled 'two pot lids put together.' The sisters claim the spaceman drew diagrams on a mirror-like surface and then took them aboard his craft before flying away rapidly.

Nyheter (News)

This section includes brief mentions of new books and a correction regarding the distribution of a product called 'Vis Vitae.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms. Themes include miracles, psychic abilities, extraterrestrial encounters (UFOs), and theological questions about the afterlife and divine intervention. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and reporting on these subjects, often presenting eyewitness accounts and theories without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further research. There's a clear interest in the unexplained and the potential for realities beyond our current understanding.