Sokaren - 1967 No 04-5

Magazine Overview

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated Nr 4-5, 1967, Årgång 4, is a Swedish publication priced at 5:— (including cover). The cover prominently features the headline "DEN STORA FRÅGAN" (The Big Question), indicating a central theme of profound inquiry. The issue delves into a variety of topics, including UFOs, reincarnation, spirituality, parapsychology, and philosophical discussions on the nature of life and consciousness.

The Big Question: Evolution and Divine Intervention

The lead article, "DEN STORA FRÅGAN," tackles the fundamental question of evolution. It contrasts Darwin's theory of development with the idea of divine intervention, questioning whether life's complexity arises from random chance or a guiding force. The article uses examples from nature, such as the development of bird wings and the bat's echolocation, to illustrate the intricate design and purpose that seem to defy purely random processes. It cites Professor Haldane, who suggests that purely mechanistic explanations of life are becoming less prevalent in serious biological research, hinting at a more ordered or purposeful universe.

UFO Phenomena: Increasing Interest and Sightings

The "VARIA" section reports on the growing interest in UFOs in the USA, noting the increased membership of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). It mentions the work of a research group at a university studying UFOs, emphasizing their desire for independence from the Air Force. The article also touches upon instances where individuals claiming to be from government agencies have attempted to silence UFO witnesses or confiscate photographic evidence. Specific sightings are mentioned, including a disk-shaped UFO observed by two boys in Norwalk, Connecticut, and a case in Wanaque, New Jersey, involving alleged military helicopter activity during a UFO observation. The article also references photographs of flying saucers, including one purportedly taken over New York in 1952.

UFOs: Reality or Illusion?

Alf Ahlberg's article, "UFO- vad är det? Verklighet eller synvilla" (UFO - What is it? Reality or Illusion?), discusses the human tendency to dismiss phenomena that challenge established worldviews, drawing parallels with historical scientific resistance to figures like Galileo. Ahlberg argues that UFOs, or "Unidentified Flying Objects," are a subject that, like parapsychological phenomena, often faces skepticism and attempts at dismissal. He references Jacques Vallee's book "Anatomy of a Phenomenon," which, while not offering definitive explanations, treats UFOs as a reality worthy of serious study. Ahlberg suggests that the increasing frequency of UFO sightings since World War II might be linked to humanity's advancements in atomic energy and the potential for interplanetary travel, implying that extraterrestrial civilizations are observing Earth's development.

Berndt Hollsten: Dreams and Precognition

Berndt Hollsten contributes a series of personal accounts of "sanndrömmar" (true dreams or precognitive dreams). These include a dream predicting the breaking of a watch, a dream foretelling a job offer, and dreams that seemingly foresaw a train disaster in Bollnäs and a plane crash. Hollsten also recounts a dream about a thousand-kronor bill and a dream involving a pipe-smoking girl, both of which had uncanny parallels in waking life. These anecdotes are presented as evidence for the existence of precognitive abilities.

Spirituality and the Nature of God

Under the heading "GUD ÄR ALLT-GENOMTRÄNGANDE" (God is All-Pervading), T. K. Chidambaranatha Mudaliar expresses a spiritual insight that God is immanent within all beings. This is contrasted with traditional religious views placing God in a distant heaven. The article "EN BLIND KVINNAS TRO" (A Blind Woman's Faith) by J. P. Vaswani shares an anecdote about a poor, blind old woman who finds profound happiness and contentment through her deep connection with God, whom she perceives as always present. Another piece by Vaswani, "EN DIAMANTRING" (A Diamond Ring), illustrates the power of selfless love and divine will through the story of a man who gives a valuable ring to a thief, highlighting a spiritual principle of generosity.

Reincarnation and Past Lives

"FÖDS ALLA PÅ NYTT?" (Are All Born Anew?) explores the concept of reincarnation. The article notes that memories of past lives often pertain to individuals who died prematurely or under tragic circumstances. It references research by Ian Stevenson, who has documented cases suggestive of reincarnation, particularly in India and Ceylon, where individuals recall previous existences, often with birthmarks corresponding to fatal injuries in their past lives. The article suggests that these cases might indicate a pattern of souls seeking to return to life under specific conditions.

Religion and Modernity

The section "RELIGIONEN" (Religion) discusses the declining influence of Christianity in modern society, suggesting that a critical examination of its core tenets is necessary. It proposes that religious education should encompass a comparative study of various religions and philosophies, rather than solely focusing on Christianity. The article critiques certain Christian doctrines, such as the Atonement and the Trinity, as theological constructs lacking firm grounding. It argues that the essence of religions lies in their shared core values, and that a synthesis of global religions is possible if dogmatic claims are set aside. The piece also touches upon the concept of "Vis Vitae," a South African mineral claimed to have healing properties.

The Paradoxes of Mediumship

C. D. Broad's article, "NÅGRA PARADOXALA MEDIUMISTISKA FALL" (Some Paradoxical Mediumistic Cases), examines instances where alleged communications from deceased individuals through mediums turn out to be problematic. One case involves the medium Mrs. Piper, where a "control" claiming to be the deceased Richard Hodgson appears to have been complicit in a deception involving a non-existent person named "Bessie Beals." Broad highlights the cunning employed by the "Hodgson control" in attempting to cover up the fabrication, suggesting it was uncharacteristic of the real Richard Hodgson. Another case, "Fallet 'John Ferguson'," details séances where a voice claiming to be John Ferguson provided specific, verifiable details about his life and family, only for investigations to reveal that no such person existed in the described context, raising questions about the source of the information.

Human Ideals and Societal Well-being

An article titled "MÄNNISKAN OCH IDEALEN" (Man and Ideals) reflects on modern Swedish society, acknowledging material progress but questioning the underlying ideals. It criticizes the societal acceptance of harmful products like tobacco and alcohol, and the lack of emphasis on health-conscious living. The author argues for a stronger focus on character development and the cultivation of positive values such as kindness, helpfulness, and tolerance, suggesting that these should be integrated into education and public discourse to foster a more harmonious society.

Vivisection and Animal Rights

The "VIVISEKTION I TV" (Vivisection on TV) section critiques a television program that presented vivisection in a positive light, emphasizing its supposed necessity for research and the humane treatment of animals. The article argues from an ethical standpoint that animals, like humans, have a right to life and should not be subjected to suffering. It highlights the vast number of animals used in research annually and the often-cruel conditions they endure, citing reports of neglect and mistreatment in laboratories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SÖKAREN revolve around the exploration of the unknown, the questioning of established scientific and religious paradigms, and the search for deeper truths about existence, consciousness, and the universe. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, encouraging readers to consider phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from UFOs and precognitive dreams to spiritual insights and the nature of life after death. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking, but also a willingness to explore unconventional ideas and evidence that might point towards a more complex and perhaps spiritual reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking knowledge beyond the materialist framework, advocating for a holistic understanding of life and the cosmos.

This issue of UFO Norge, dated 1/1983, is a single volume publication from the publisher UFO Norge. It features a cover headline about 'DEN HELIGA SVEPNINGEN' (The Holy Shroud) and includes articles on spiritualism, mediumship, and the Shroud of Turin. The magazine's price was 20 kr.

The Case of John Ferguson

The issue details a series of seances conducted by a medium named Soal, involving alleged communications from the spirit of John Ferguson. Initially, Ferguson's spirit provided information about living in Brentwood and identifying a house on Highland Avenue. However, investigations revealed discrepancies in these claims. For instance, Soal's brother Frank and his friend James Ferguson were mentioned, and the spirit's claims about his father's education and his own death in Glasgow in 1912 were later found to be inaccurate.

Soal's investigation involved checking records and corresponding with individuals like Captain Shoesmith. Shoesmith's replies contradicted many of Ferguson's spirit's statements, indicating that Shoesmith had not lived in the house during the time claimed by the spirit and had never heard of the Fergusons. The spirit's later communications became increasingly confused, with Nada, a spirit guide, suggesting that Ferguson was 'confused' and that Soal's own thoughts might have influenced the messages.

• Key points of potential telepathic influence highlighted include:
• References to Ferguson's father's profession and the use of a prismatic compass.
• Mentions of Ferguson speaking about Soal at home and Soal excelling in school.
• Detailed knowledge of Brentwood's topography, including specific street names.
• A story about a girl who lived on Warescot Road and worked at the Highland Avenue house.
• The mispronunciation of 'Shoesmith' as 'Shoeshine'.
• The mention of burial in South Necropolis, Glasgow, after Soal had consulted a map of the area.

Despite the evidence of telepathy, the article notes certain details that are harder to explain solely through Soal's influence, such as the initial description of 'Wescot Road, Brentwood' and 'H' Avenue before Soal had visited the area.

The Case of Gordon Davis

Another significant case presented is that of Gordon Davis, whose alleged spirit communicated through Soal and Nada. The first communication occurred on January 4, 1922, introduced by the spirit of Soal's deceased brother, Frank. The spirit of Gordon Davis claimed to be speaking to Soal, whom he knew from school in Southend-on-Sea. Davis's spirit mentioned his wife and child as his primary concerns.

Soal had known Gordon Davis from school (1898-1901) and briefly met him again in 1916 as cadets. Soal believed Davis had died in the war, but he had actually survived and become a real estate agent in Southend. The spirit provided details that Soal later verified with the living Gordon Davis in 1925.

• Specific verifiable claims included:
• A reference to a geography teacher named Histed, with whom Davis used to argue, particularly about lessons involving harpoons and boomerangs.
• The location of his childhood home in Rochford, near 'The Malting' house.
• A conversation on a train about guard duty, which mirrored a real conversation Soal had with Davis in 1916.
• Mentions of 'Playle' and 'Overell', acquaintances from Rochford.

Nada, the spirit guide, also conveyed messages about Davis's home, describing a large mirror, numerous paintings of mountains or the sea, large vases with peculiar lids, and teacups. She also mentioned two brass candlesticks in the downstairs living room.

Remarkably, when Soal visited Gordon Davis in Southend on April 8, 1925, he found that Davis had recently moved into a house at Eastern Esplanade 54. This address matched Nada's cryptic 'two E's' clue. The house's features, including its location bordering other houses, the 'dark tunnel' between them, and a kiosk opposite, aligned with Nada's descriptions. The interior also contained a large mirror, seven landscape paintings (five seascapes/mountains, two desert scenes), Japanese vases, and brass candlesticks.

Crucially, Davis had not yet moved into this house or finalized its furnishings at the time of the seance on January 9, 1922. His diary confirmed he inspected the house on January 6, 1922, and was negotiating with a client named Mr. Short around the time of the seance on January 4, 1922, when the spirit of Gordon Davis first appeared. This suggests a remarkable precognition or influence from the living Davis on the seance content.

The article concludes that the Gordon Davis case is one of the most remarkable and well-witnessed cases of mediumship, blending positive and negative elements, and advises caution in accepting paranormal messages as definitive proof of contact with the deceased.

The Holy Shroud of Turin

The magazine also features an article on the Shroud of Turin, presenting scientific evidence and arguments for its authenticity as the burial cloth of Jesus. The Shroud, measuring 4.36x1.10 meters, displays marks consistent with a human body, estimated to be around 1.80 meters tall.

• Scientific observations include:
• The image on the Shroud is a 'negative' image, which was difficult to replicate even for artists.
• The facial features are distinct, with differences between the left and right sides, unlike typical artistic renditions.
• Marks on the Shroud correspond to crucifixion wounds, including nail marks at the wrists (not palms, as commonly depicted in art, but scientifically more plausible for crucifixion) and a wound from a spear on the side.
• Marks from a crown of thorns are visible on the forehead, suggesting Jesus as the individual.
• The bloodstains are consistent with natural coagulation laws, making forgery unlikely.
• The body appears to have been in the Shroud for no more than about forty hours, consistent with the biblical timeline of Jesus's burial.

Historical and scientific analyses suggest the Shroud is likely from the time of Jesus. The article mentions that while some historians consider it a medieval forgery, the scientific evidence leans towards its authenticity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Norge appears to focus on the intersection of spiritualism, paranormal phenomena, and historical/religious mysteries. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical investigation, presenting detailed case studies of alleged spirit communications while also acknowledging potential explanations like telepathy and subconscious influence. The examination of the Shroud of Turin further reflects an interest in unexplained phenomena with historical and religious significance. The magazine encourages readers to consider the evidence presented and draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the need for caution and scientific scrutiny in evaluating such claims.