Sokaren - 1966 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 1
Volume: 3
Date: 1966
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: "Our love widens until it encompasses not only humanity but all of creation." - From 'Meditations around the Cross.'

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish periodical focused on spiritual and experimental topics, features a diverse range of articles exploring the intersection of science, spirituality, and the unexplained.

Innehåll (Table of Contents)

The issue includes articles on:

• Mediumship and scientific investigation of Eileen Garrett.
• Kathryn Kuhlman as a 'tool of God' and her healing miracles.
• K. L. Wikman discussing the book "Själens revolution" (The Soul's Revolution).
• An investigation into an October aerial phenomenon in Sweden, questioning if it was a spaceship.
• Discussions on anti-matter and ufology.
• Dr. Alexander's views on UFOs.
• William H. Belk's exploration of the 'Hurkosmystery' and the gospel of the perfect life.
• Bert-Olof Jonson on Yoga in Gothenburg and the 'Vis Vitae' phenomenon.
• Reviews of new books.

Medium förbryllar vetenskapen (Medium Baffles Science)

This article details extensive medical and physiological experiments conducted on the medium Eileen Garrett in New York. Under the supervision of Dr. Cornelius Horace Traeger, tests were performed to analyze changes in her blood composition when she entered a trance state controlled by different 'spirit entities,' such as Abdul Latif and Uvani. The results were astonishing, showing significant alterations in blood values, white blood cell counts, and even chemical composition, which varied depending on the controlling entity. For instance, Abdul Latif's blood analysis indicated a high sugar content, suggesting a past condition of diabetes, while Uvani's blood profile hinted at high blood pressure. The experiments also involved drug administration, revealing that substances affecting Garrett's normal state had a different, sometimes less pronounced, effect on her trance personalities, and vice versa. Dr. Traeger initially suspected 'soul splitting' but was compelled by the objective data. The article highlights Garrett's own detached reaction to the intense experiments and her explanation that her abilities stemmed from spiritual guidance, not personal knowledge. The research was partly inspired by Dr. Alexis Carrel's interest in proving the existence of an 'objective, foreign psychic state.'

Guds redskap Kathryn Kuhlman (God's Instrument Kathryn Kuhlman)

This piece profiles the American Baptist evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman, who, for 17 years, has reportedly performed miracles of healing for sick individuals. Her meetings, often attended by up to 5,000 people, are described as witnessing dramatic, immediate healings. A surgeon recounts seeing a child's clubfoot straighten, tumors disappear, and paralysis from multiple sclerosis cease. A doctor who initially attended with skepticism was moved to prayer after witnessing people with crippled spines and cancerous tumors being instantly cured. Dr. E. B. Henry, a physician for fifty years, testified to being healed of sinus issues, hearing loss, and a broken collarbone during one of Kuhlman's meetings. Kuhlman enters a state of 'ecstasy' or trance during these events, during which 'powerful forces' are released, leading to healings. She is described as clairvoyant, often identifying specific ailments and individuals. The article notes that Kuhlman does not claim credit for the healings, attributing them to God. The author, Allen Spraggett, suggests that Kuhlman's intense love for all people is key to these phenomena.

K. L. Wikman: Vad avser boken "Själens revolution"? (What is the book "The Soul's Revolution" about?)

K. L. Wikman discusses the concept of the world as an illusion, often encountered in Eastern philosophies. He argues against dismissing this idea outright, urging readers to consider the psychological aspect of perception – how we see the world is more significant than what we see. This leads to the problem of how we think, rather than what we think. The book "Själens revolution" (The Soul's Revolution) by K. L. Wikman, published by Nybloms förlag, is presented as a revolutionary approach to thinking, moving beyond traditional beliefs and dogmas towards self-knowledge and understanding. It is described as a philosophy that challenges conventional thinking, particularly materialism, and emphasizes experiencing truth rather than merely believing in it. The book aims to provide a path to mentalism, a concept introduced by Paul Brunton, which leads to liberation and transformation.

Var himlafenomenet i oktober ett rymdskepp från en främmande värld? (Was the October Aerial Phenomenon a Spaceship from an Alien World?)

This article investigates a mysterious aerial phenomenon observed across Sweden on the evening of Friday, October 29, 1965. Witnesses described it variously as a large glowing object with a tail, a colorful cascade of sparks, a cigar-shaped body, or a formation of lights. The phenomenon was seen moving from southwest to northeast at an estimated low altitude of around 200 meters and appeared to move slowly. Some observers compared it to a zeppelin or a lit-up train. The article notes that the term 'flying saucer' was not used in the press for this event, but the descriptions align with 'mothership' sightings. UFO expert Major Wayne S. Aho was in Stockholm at the time and stated that flying saucers often followed his tours. He suggested that these craft are here to help humanity during a critical period of planetary development. The article also touches upon the scientific explanations offered, such as a falling satellite or meteor, but emphasizes the unusual nature of the observations.

Anti-materia (Anti-Matter)

This section reports on experiments conducted at Columbia University in the USA, where researchers successfully produced an anti-deuteron nucleus, the anti-matter counterpart to the deuterium nucleus. This discovery provides support for the hypothesis of an 'anti-world' composed of anti-stars, planets, and possibly anti-humans. The article explains that anti-matter particles, like anti-protons and anti-neutrons, have been detected previously, but this is the first complex anti-matter nucleus. The experiments involved bombarding beryllium with high-energy protons. The implications of anti-matter are discussed, including the potential for an 'anti-world' that mirrors our own, and the destructive consequences of matter and anti-matter annihilation. There is speculation about potential military applications, such as a superweapon, and the possibility of detecting anti-matter in space through the energy released during matter-anti-matter collisions.

Ufologi och intellektuell moral (Ufology and Intellectual Morality)

This article delves into the psychological motivations behind ufology. It suggests that the interest in UFOs stems from individual needs and worldviews, rather than solely from the phenomenon itself. The author argues that understanding 'why' people are drawn to UFOs is crucial for analyzing their methods and conclusions. Different interpretations of UFOs are presented, ranging from scientific views of alien intervention to religious interpretations involving spiritual or demonic forces. The article stresses the importance of critical thinking, demanding evidence and logical reasoning rather than accepting hypotheses as facts. It criticizes the tendency for ufologists to become entrenched in their own beliefs and fail to objectively evaluate new evidence. The author advocates for freeing the UFO phenomenon from preconceived worldviews and for researchers to remain open to revising their theories based on new data.

Dr Alexanders syn på UFO (Dr. Alexander's View on UFOs)

Dr. Rolf Alexander suggests that UFOs are not surprising when considering the vast time scales and evolutionary differences in the universe. He posits that highly developed civilizations on other planets, millions of years ahead of humanity, may have evolved 'spirit bodies' or energy fields capable of manifesting physical forms and traveling at thought speed. He proposes that legends of angels and spirit beings might originate from observations of these entities. Alexander emphasizes the importance of increasing knowledge gradually rather than relying on blind faith or superstition. He believes that understanding complex concepts requires a foundation of knowledge, comparing the difficulty of grasping advanced physics to that of understanding extraterrestrial intelligences.

Hurkosmysteriet (The Hurkos Mystery)

William H. Belk recounts his experiences with psychic Peter Hurkos, who claimed to be the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian priest named Ra Ho Tep. Hurkos possessed psychometric abilities, including telepathy, recalling forgotten events in people's lives, and describing people and objects regardless of distance. Belk discusses the concept of the 'threefold nature of man' (psyche, consciousness, subconsciousness) and suggests that hypnosis, mediumship, and even chemical substances can be used to access the subconscious. He proposes that the 'hurkosmystery' might involve a mechanism in the brain, possibly due to brain injury, that allows for transcending time and space. Belk also touches upon the idea of an 'anti-world' and its connection to spiritualism, suggesting that spirit bodies might be composed of anti-matter.

Evangeliet om det fullkomliga livet (The Gospel of the Perfect Life)

This article critically examines the purported 'Aramaic original gospel' translated into Swedish in 1947. While scholars consider it a forgery, possibly from the 11th century or later, the article presents quotes from biblical scholars like Eberhard Nestle and Detlef Nielsen who discuss the historical context of the New Testament's formation and potential alterations to original texts. The article highlights early Christian practices, citing figures like Clement of Alexandria, St. Paul, and St. James, who advocated for vegetarianism and abstinence from alcohol. It suggests that the prohibition of meat and strong drink was a fundamental principle of early Christianity, and that later texts, like the disputed First Epistle to Timothy, may have been altered to permit such consumption. The author implies that a simpler, more natural lifestyle, free from meat and alcohol, leads to greater physical and spiritual well-being.

Yoga i Göteborg (Yoga in Gothenburg)

This piece reports on the growing popularity of yoga in Gothenburg, Sweden. Hatha Yoga, focusing on physical postures, breathing, and relaxation, is particularly in demand. The article explains that yoga aims to strengthen the body, stabilize the nervous system, and promote inner peace, contrasting this with the modern emphasis on constant activity. It addresses the misconception that yoga requires extreme flexibility, emphasizing that it is adaptable to individual capabilities. The benefits described include improved organ function, detoxification, and increased energy (prana). The article notes that most students are women and includes testimonials from participants who have experienced improved well-being, reduced stress, and better perspective on life.

Vis Vitae – En bluff? Nej! (Vis Vitae – A Bluff? No!)

This section presents user testimonials regarding 'Vis Vitae,' a mineral substance from South Africa claimed to have healing properties. While some users report significant relief from ailments like eczema, heart conditions, insomnia, and general fatigue, others found it ineffective. One user, Y.S., noted immediate relief from heart discomfort in his wife, who was initially skeptical. Another, I.J., reported improved sleep and reduced sweating, leading to increased energy. However, some users, like John F. H., dismissed it as a 'humbug' and expressed disappointment. E.E. reported experiencing coldness and influenza after using it. The article also includes a letter from Denmark discussing the work of George de la Warr and his radionic diagnostic and treatment apparatuses, suggesting that 'Vis Vitae' might have homeopathic properties related to etheric energy. Viktor Vallberg offers his perspective, suggesting that 'Vis Vitae' is composed of various elements, with iron being dominant, and speculates it may have undergone a natural 'treatment' involving pressure and movement, possibly related to 'etheric radiation' or the 'eighth natural force.'

Ett brev från Danmark (A Letter from Denmark)

This letter from Kastrup, Denmark, describes the work being done at a newly established laboratory using diagnostic and treatment apparatuses from Delawarr Laboratories in Oxford. The team claims to be able to make accurate diagnoses and perform remote treatments for various conditions, including cancer, diabetes, migraines, and stomach ulcers, with significant success. They highlight the ability to diagnose illnesses before they manifest physically. The letter mentions the British government's recognition of de la Warr's research due to similar work being conducted by the Soviet Union in Leningrad.

Nya böcker (New Books)

This section reviews several books:

• Erich Fromm's "Människohjärtat" (The Human Heart): The book explores the concept of the 'syndrome of destruction' (necrophilia, narcissism, incestuous symbiosis) and its opposite, 'biophilia' (love of life). Fromm presents a model for understanding destructive personalities and their development. The reviewer notes that while Fromm's ideas on cutting the psychological umbilical cord to the mother are valid, they might overlook the need for a cosmic mother principle for security, as described in Jungian psychology.
• "Upanishaderna" (The Upanishads): This Swedish translation of ancient Indian Vedic scriptures focuses on the identity of the individual soul (Atman) with the universal spirit (Brahman). The reviewer finds the philosophical and religious significance of the Upanishads to be less relevant to modern research but acknowledges the concept of Atman-Brahman identity as plausible.
• "Från vänner i kosmos" (From Friends in Cosmos): A letter from B. Kuhlemann discusses the chemical properties of silicon and its potential role in UFO construction, drawing parallels between silicon-based and carbon-based organic life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spiritualism, the paranormal, alternative healing, and philosophical inquiry. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and religious paradigms, such as UFOs, mediumship, and psychic abilities. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to explore these topics critically while remaining receptive to unconventional ideas. The publication seems to cater to a readership interested in self-discovery, spiritual growth, and understanding the mysteries of existence.