Sokaren - 1966 No 08

Magazine Overview

This issue of "SÖKAREN" (The Seeker), dated Nr 8, 1966, Volume 3, is a Swedish publication focusing on spiritual, parapsychological, and esoteric topics. The cover prominently features "MARTINUS" by Nils Kalén, highlighting the Danish thinker and spiritual leader.

Martinus: A Visionary Ahead of His Time

Nils Kalén introduces Martinus Thomsen, a Danish philosopher born in 1890, whose profound spiritual insights are presented as being far ahead of his contemporaries. Kalén draws a parallel to H.G. Wells' story 'The Land of the Blind' to illustrate how difficult it is for spiritually advanced individuals to be understood by the general public. Martinus, despite his extensive writings over decades, remains relatively unknown even in his native Denmark.

Martinus' life story is detailed, from his humble beginnings in Vendsyssel to his spiritual awakening in his thirties. This event, described as a 'golden fire baptism,' granted him 'cosmic consciousness' and a permanent connection to the spiritual realm. He states that after this experience, he never fully returned to the physical world, having been transformed and integrated with the spiritual dimension.

Kalén explains that Martinus' work is not a religion or a sect but an open message for all. His writings aim to provide a cosmic understanding of the universe, often using symbolic illustrations to convey complex ideas. The article mentions the establishment of the Martinus Institute in Copenhagen and a summer center in Sweden, emphasizing that there is no formal organization or membership.

Martinus' cosmology is described as an evolutionary doctrine, viewing life as eternal and cyclical. He outlines six 'kingdoms' of existence: mineral, plant, animal, human, wisdom, and the divine. Humans are seen as transitioning from the animal kingdom towards the 'true human kingdom.' This cycle involves reincarnation and the development through different 'spirals.' The concept of 'karma' is presented as the law of cause and effect, where individuals create their own destiny.

The Power of Faith and Spiritual Science

Norman Vincent Peale contributes an article titled 'The Power of Faith,' emphasizing the transformative potential of belief and trust in a higher power. He shares his personal experience and encourages readers to embrace faith as a source of strength and guidance, citing biblical principles and the concept of divine partnership.

Wolf Messing, a renowned 'thought reader' from the Soviet Union, shares his experiences and insights into telepathy. He distinguishes genuine telepathic abilities from charlatanism and spiritualism, explaining his own ability as a form of controlled catalepsy. Messing discusses the scientific challenges in studying telepathy and the potential for electromagnetic fields to be the basis for thought transmission.

Encounters and Phenomena

The magazine features a detailed account of a UFO sighting by a Canadian boy, Charles Cozens, in 1966. The boy described two disk-shaped objects, experienced an electric shock, and sustained a burn mark. The report highlights the skepticism of the journalist who initially doubted the story but was convinced by the boy's sincerity.

Another significant piece is Donald Harrington's story, 'It Was Christmas Eve.' This narrative describes an encounter with a Martian being who observes human behavior during Christmas. The Martian is astonished by the sudden emergence of goodwill and generosity, only to be dismayed by the rapid return to selfishness and violence after the holiday. The Martian's report to his home planet is influenced by this perplexing observation.

Parapsychology and Other Topics

The issue includes a section on parapsychology, noting the historical resistance and skepticism towards ESP (extrasensory perception) research. It highlights the ongoing efforts to establish parapsychology as a legitimate scientific field.

Brief reports cover various phenomena: a doctor's testimony about materialization séances, scientific studies on table-tipping, and discussions on astral projection. There's also a mention of a controversial healer, Lourival de Freitas, and his mixed results.

Book Reviews and Publications

The magazine includes a 'New Books' section, reviewing 'Jeane Dixon: Sanningen om Jeane Dixon' by Ruth Montgomery, and 'Otterland, Anders, THX-rörelsen i teori och praktik' by Anders Otterland. It also lists books by Martinus available in Swedish and Danish.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of spiritual truths, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for human evolution beyond material limitations. The magazine presents Martinus' cosmology as a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe and life's purpose. There's a strong emphasis on the power of faith, the reality of psychic phenomena, and the ongoing scientific and spiritual quest for knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, seeking to present diverse perspectives on spirituality, parapsychology, and the unexplained, while also critically examining claims and distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes. The publication encourages readers to engage with these topics through study and personal reflection.