SÖKAREN

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, number 6 from 1966, delves into a variety of esoteric and paranormal topics, with a prominent cover headline "DE DÖDA BERÄTTAR" (The Dead Tell Tales). The magazine explores themes of life after death, UFO phenomena, historical mysteries, and alternative healing and spiritual practices.

The Dead Tell Tales

The lead article by Henry L. Pierce recounts several cases of individuals who, after being declared dead, reported profound experiences. One account details a Pittsburgh electrician who, after being revived, described leaving his body and visiting his home in a disembodied state, even recounting a conversation he overheard. A ceramist from Montana, recovering from severe pneumonia, also reported witnessing events and conversations while in a coma, which her husband later confirmed. The article suggests that these experiences, while sometimes dismissed as dreams, may represent a glimpse into a realm beyond physical consciousness, potentially involving telepathy or clairvoyance. It notes that such cases are often kept private due to fear of ridicule, with medical professionals sometimes reluctant to publicize them.

Near-Death Experiences and Medical Skepticism

Further accounts explore the phenomenon of 'returning from the dead.' A woman in Pennsylvania, revived after a heart attack, was reportedly prevented from speaking to the press about her experience. A 68-year-old doctor in Buffalo experienced an out-of-body state, describing being in another place. Sir Auckland Geddes, a physician, shared the case of a patient who, after being poisoned, described perceiving his surroundings beyond his physical body. The article contrasts the public fascination with medical miracles with the avoidance of discussing the subjective experiences of those revived from near-death states. It highlights the skepticism of medical professionals, who often attribute such phenomena to delirium, hallucinations, or spontaneous remission, rather than acknowledging potential spiritual or paranormal causes.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist and UFO consultant for the U.S. Air Force, is featured in an article investigating UFO sightings near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Multiple witnesses, including police officers, reported seeing unidentified flying objects, some of which landed in marshlands. Dr. Hynek initially proposed a "sumpgas" theory to explain these sightings, suggesting that gases released from marshlands could create luminous phenomena. However, this theory was met with skepticism by some witnesses and authorities, particularly after further reports emerged from Michigan, including a detailed description of a landed object and a round imprint on the ground in Hillsdale. The article also touches upon UFO-related power outages in the northeastern United States and incidents in Italy and Antarctica, where electrical equipment was affected.

The Enigma of Count St. Germain

Raymond Drake contributes an article on the mysterious figure of Count St. Germain, an 18th-century adventurer renowned for his purported agelessness and vast knowledge. Contemporary accounts describe him as a man of extraordinary intellect, fluent in multiple languages, and possessing uncanny historical insights. He was welcomed in the most exclusive European courts, with figures like Voltaire and Frederick the Great expressing astonishment at his abilities. Drake explores theories about St. Germain's origins, his alleged alchemical skills, his ability to 'wash' diamonds, and his influence in European politics. The article also touches upon his potential involvement with esoteric orders and his prophecies, including foretelling the French Revolution and the exact date of Marie Antoinette's execution.

Color Psychology and Meditation

V. Vallberg's article, "Färgernas inverkan på människan" (The Influence of Colors on Man), discusses the psychological effects of colors. Drawing on research by Reichenbach, it suggests that colors can evoke strong emotional and physical responses, with yellow being potentially irritating and brown being calming. The article emphasizes the importance of considering color psychology in the design of living spaces, hospitals, and schools. It advocates for learning from nature's use of color.

Karl Christiansen's article, "Meditation i öst o. väst" (Meditation in East and West), explores the practice of meditation, particularly mantra meditation, as a means of harmonizing and liberating the inner self. It highlights the growing interest in meditation among Western psychologists and theologians, noting its integration into interdisciplinary discussions. The article explains that meditation aims to transcend normal consciousness and can lead to profound inner experiences, including visions and heightened awareness. It also addresses potential criticisms of meditation as an escape from reality, arguing instead that it can be a tool for confronting and resolving life's challenges. The article cautions that meditation may not be suitable for individuals with severe psychological imbalances and stresses the importance of proper guidance.

Spiritual Healing and Personal Transformation

An article titled "Att göra det omöjliga möjligt" (Making the Impossible Possible) presents cases of spiritual healing. It recounts instances where individuals with severe medical conditions, deemed incurable by conventional medicine, experienced miraculous recoveries through spiritual means. One case involves a woman with a severely curved spine and paralysis who was healed after visiting an English healing church. Another describes a woman with advanced cancer who recovered through distant healing. The article contrasts these outcomes with the skepticism of the medical establishment, which often attributes such recoveries to spontaneous remission or unexplained phenomena rather than acknowledging the power of spiritual healing.

Norman Vincent Peale's article, "Trons magi" (The Magic of Faith), emphasizes the transformative power of faith and belief. Drawing on biblical passages and personal anecdotes, Peale argues that strong faith can enable individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary results in their lives. He highlights the concept of 'magic' as a manifestation of the greatest forces in the universe, particularly the power of thought and belief.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a "Tidskriftsförteckning" (List of Periodicals), providing details about various Swedish spiritual and esoteric publications. A "Varia" section features short articles and commentary, including a discussion on the public's often polarized attitudes towards psychic research and a critique of scientific skepticism towards phenomena like UFOs and healing. The "Vis Vitae" section presents testimonials for a mineral product, and a "Boklista" (Book List) recommends literature on UFOs and related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

SÖKAREN consistently explores themes of the paranormal, spiritualism, and alternative approaches to health and consciousness. The magazine appears to champion the investigation of phenomena that lie outside the mainstream scientific consensus, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and explore possibilities beyond the material world. There is a clear editorial stance favoring the exploration of spiritual, psychic, and unexplained phenomena, often presenting anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies as compelling support for these subjects.