Sokaren - 1968 No 04-5

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: No. 4-5, 1968
Publisher: ARKIVET ER UFO-FORSKNING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual and paranormal topics, presents a diverse range of articles exploring the intersection of psychology, occultism, UFO phenomena, and personal spiritual journeys.

Freud, Jung, and "Occultism"

The main article, "Freud, Jung och 'ockultismen'" by Aage Slomann, delves into the complex relationship between psychoanalysis and the occult. Slomann examines Ernest Jones's biography of Freud, highlighting Freud's fluctuating stance on phenomena like telepathy, which he sometimes accepted and other times dismissed. The article notes Freud's eventual acknowledgment of telepathy as a core aspect of occultism, though he was hesitant to publicize this interest. It also touches upon Jung's more open approach to paranormal phenomena, influenced by his own experiences and his concept of synchronicity. The article contrasts Freud's mechanistic view with Jung's more holistic perspective.

The Haunted Castle of Rönneholms

William Haste contributes an article titled "Det förhäxade slottet" (The Haunted Castle), detailing his investigation into alleged paranormal activity at Rönneholms slott in Skåne, Sweden. The owner, a Mrs. F., reported persistent negative phenomena, including unexplained disturbances and a sense of being targeted by unseen forces. Haste, along with two mediums, Anna Schneider and a Mrs. X., visited the castle. The mediums reported seeing spectral figures and experiencing psychic impressions. The article recounts historical accounts of the castle, its former inhabitants, and a supposed curse. It also mentions a psychic experience of the owner's as a child, where she saw a vision of the castle before it was purchased.

Aura and Human Energy

Mats Sperlings' article, "Auran," discusses the concept of the human aura as a luminous atmosphere surrounding the body, emitting radiation. Sperlings references the work of Franz Joseph, Baron von Reichenbach, who studied these emanations and proposed the existence of 'Od,' a universal energy. The article describes experiments conducted in complete darkness where sensitive individuals could perceive these emanations from the human body, magnets, and even inanimate objects. It connects this to scientific findings about electromagnetic fields and suggests that the human aura is a scientifically demonstrable phenomenon.

Reducing the Burden of Earth's Suffering

Agne Windmark's piece, "Att minska bördan av jordens lidande" (Reducing the Burden of Earth's Suffering), reflects on the importance of love and wisdom as the core of existence. Windmark emphasizes the need for individuals to maintain faith in a just and loving order, even amidst the world's current challenges. She draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting his philosophy of service, selflessness, and compassion. The article also touches upon the idea of Sweden as a source of spiritual light and the concept of being a 'white blood cell' for the planet, healing it through love and service.

Zoroaster and Bahá'u'lláh

Sverre Holmsen's article, "Zoroaster och Bahá'u'lláh," explores the historical and spiritual connections between Zoroastrianism and the Bahá'í Faith. It presents a Zoroastrian prophecy foretelling the coming of Bahá'u'lláh, who is described as a descendant of Persian kings and the promised World Teacher. The article outlines the key principles of the Bahá'í Faith, including the unity of humanity, the independent investigation of truth, the harmony of religions and science, gender equality, and universal peace. It notes the global growth of the Bahá'í community and its aim to establish peace and justice.

Flying Saucers Over Vilhelmina

Lennart Sehlin reports on a UFO sighting in "Flygande tefat över Vilhelmina" (Flying Saucers Over Vilhelmina). The article details an encounter by the Söderström family in Lövåsen, Vilhelmina, who observed two unidentified flying objects. The objects were described as large, silent, and hovering near their home before disappearing. Sehlin also recounts a separate incident where a local resident photographed a disc-shaped object. The article mentions subsequent investigations by journalists and experts, and the family's consistent testimony.

Breaking Through the Material Barrier

Allan Jochmann's article, "Bryt igenom materiavallen!" (Break Through the Material Barrier!), discusses the evolution of the scientific worldview from the geocentric model to the mechanistic view, and then to modern physics. Jochmann highlights discoveries that challenged the purely materialistic understanding of the universe, such as radioactivity, quantum mechanics, and the concept of fields. He references the work of scientists like Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, and Gustaf Strömberg, who suggested the existence of immaterial forces and structures governing the material world. The article touches upon concepts like 'mind over matter' and the idea that consciousness plays a role in shaping reality.

Personal Reflections and Encounters

Several shorter pieces and letters to the editor are included:

• Professor James E. McDonald is quoted on the need for international UFO research, criticizing the US Air Force's "Project Bluebook" for dismissing credible sightings.
• A letter from Paul Schwuchow describes an experiment involving hypnosis and a severed tongue, suggesting a paranormal element.
• Another letter discusses the mathematical abilities of the Korean child prodigy Kim Ung-Yong.
• A section titled "Varia" includes brief reports on alleged UFO encounters in Venezuela and a doctor's heart attack after encountering a "Martian."
• The "Sökarens Bokhandel" section lists various books on spiritual and paranormal topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions materialistic and purely scientific explanations for phenomena, advocating for an open-minded approach to spiritual and paranormal experiences. There is a strong emphasis on the power of consciousness, the existence of immaterial forces, and the potential for human spiritual development. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to explore these topics with an open but discerning mind, while also providing a platform for diverse viewpoints and personal testimonies. The magazine seems to align with a spiritualist or esoteric worldview, seeking to bridge the gap between science and spirituality.

This issue of "Sökaren" magazine, dated 1967, features a prominent article titled "HUMANOIDER" I USA, detailing six alleged humanoid encounters in the United States. The magazine also includes a report on a significant UFO sighting in Antarctica, testimonials for a product called 'Vis Vitae,' and a critical examination of the traditional understanding of Jesus' crucifixion. The publication appears to be a Swedish periodical focused on ufology and related phenomena.

"HUMANOIDER" I USA

The main article presents six cases of alleged humanoid encounters in the USA, drawing from Flying Saucer Review's special issue "The Humanoids." The author, likely referencing Coral Lorenzen's work, highlights the difficulty in assessing the credibility of witnesses but presents the accounts for the reader's consideration. The cases include:

The Flatwoods Incident

Occurring on the night of September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, this incident involved several boys and a woman, Kathleen May, along with her sons and a national guardsman, Gene Lemon, investigating a perceived meteor landing. They encountered a large, round object and a tall, three-to-four-meter-high figure with a 'blood-red face' and glowing eyes. The figure floated towards them, causing panic. Following the encounter, witnesses reported feeling ill, and later, marks on the ground, including parallel skid marks and a flattened grassy area, along with a strange odor, were discovered.

Small Men in Brush Creek

In 1953, two miners reported seeing two dwarf-like pilots from a flying saucer in Brush Creek. The incidents occurred on May 20 and June 20. The miners were described as credible individuals. John Q. Black described the beings as 'about the size of a dwarf' and broad-shouldered. One witness saw a craft described as silver-colored, about seven feet in diameter and six feet high, with a three-legged landing gear and a small dome. The craft departed rapidly with a whistling sound.

The Hopkinsville Mystery

On August 22, 1955, near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, the Sutton family reported strange events. A 'spaceship' had landed nearby, and a small, 'ghostly' figure, about one meter high, with a round head, large 'elephant ears,' and a wide mouth, was seen approaching the house. It was described as having large eyes and no visible neck. Multiple figures were reported around the house, on trees, and on the roof. Sutton fired a shotgun at one, which fell but quickly recovered and fled. The event continued throughout the night, leading the family to report to the sheriff. Investigators, including Isabel Davis from CSI, New York, found no physical evidence but were inclined to believe the witnesses.

On the Road from Memphis

On November 7, 1957, a truck driver named Malvin Stevens reported encountering three small beings, about 1.5 meters tall, with pale faces and gray clothing, near Meridian, Mississippi. They emerged from a craft with propeller blades. Stevens, described as a reliable family man, believed he saw what he reported. The beings seemed friendly but spoke in an unintelligible language. The craft then departed rapidly.

Old Saybrook

On December 16, 1957, a woman named Mary M. Starr in Old Saybrook witnessed a dark gray or black, lens-shaped object, approximately six meters long, hovering near her house. She saw two figures moving inside, described as wearing suits and hoods, with peculiar arm movements. The object then illuminated, and a vibrating antenna became visible before the craft silently ascended at high speed.

Down on the Farm

On April 24, 1964, farmer Gary T. Wilcox in Tioga City, New York, encountered two beings, about 1.20 meters tall, emerging from a shiny metal, egg-shaped craft. The beings, wearing seamless gray suits and hoods, identified themselves as being from Mars and requested fertilizer. Wilcox reported that they spoke English and were interested in organic material.

UFO Over Antarctica

This section details a significant UFO observation that occurred on July 3, 1965, in Antarctica. The sighting was made by 31 individuals, including scientists and naval personnel from Argentinian, Chilean, and British research stations on Deception Island. The object was described as large, lens-shaped, and predominantly red and green with shifting colors, also displaying yellow, blue, white, and orange hues. It moved in a zig-zag pattern at high speeds, changing course without sound. The phenomenon was observed for about 20 minutes, hovering at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters. Geomagnetic instruments registered the UFO's presence for an hour and two minutes, indicating disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field. The report includes statements from Argentinian and Chilean commanders, who ruled out hallucinations or collective psychosis and expressed that the object was unlike any known terrestrial aircraft.

"Uppstånden från de döda..." (Risen from the Dead...)

This article critically examines the traditional Christian belief in Jesus' resurrection by questioning whether Jesus actually died on the cross. It references Hugo Toll's 1928 medical study, "Dog Jesus på korset?" (Did Jesus Die on the Cross?). The author suggests that Jesus may have been in a state of 'swoon' or 'near-death' rather than truly deceased. Arguments presented include:

• The bleeding when Jesus' side was pierced, which Toll argues would not happen if he were dead.
• Jesus crying out with a loud voice before 'giving up the ghost,' suggesting retained strength.
• The fact that crucified individuals often died from exhaustion or starvation over days, not hours.
• The absence of broken legs, which was customary for crucified individuals.

The article posits that Jesus likely survived the crucifixion and emerged from the tomb, explaining why Mary Magdalene did not immediately recognize him. It concludes that the belief in Jesus' resurrection might not be based on scientific fact but on faith and a tendentious interpretation of documents. The author suggests that if Jesus survived, it was perhaps due to divine protection.

Några utlåtanden om Vis Vitae (Some Statements about Vis Vitae)

This section contains testimonials from individuals who have used a product called 'Vis Vitae.' The testimonials claim various benefits, including relief from knee pain, improved sleep, reduced hot flashes and sweating, and better circulation. One user, H., a 65-year-old, found relief for 'worn-out' knee joints. Z. reported better sleep and reduced hot flashes. L. described a remarkable recovery from hip pain after applying Vis Vitae directly to the affected area. Another user mentioned it helped with bladder infections and menstrual pain. However, one user noted that Vis Vitae did not seem to help with Meniere's disease.

FORBANNELSEN (The Curse)

This is a list of 'curses' or condemnations against various aspects of modern society, presented in a poetic or manifesto-like format. It criticizes:

• The unequal distribution of welfare.
• Peace that is merely a period between wars.
• Brotherhood with limitations.
• Love reduced to mere sex.
• Laws and justice used to crush dissent.
• Truth that is selectively applied.
• Freedom that infringes on others' freedom.
• Happiness that is selfish.
• Giving up.

It also includes a list of geological time periods (Trias, Jura, Krita, Tertiär, Kvartär) followed by 'Engångsglas' (disposable glasses), symbolizing a critique of disposability and short-sightedness. The overarching theme is a condemnation of money as a corrupting force and 'humanity's number one narcotic.'

TROSBekännelsen (Confession of Faith)

This section presents a 'confession of faith' that is highly critical of modern society and its perceived destructive tendencies. It expresses belief in:

• Humanity as the destroyer of heaven and earth.
• The use of 'biocides' to eliminate natural enemies of pests.
• The 'molded mass human' (conformity).
• Lead in gasoline that causes cars and people to 'knock' (malfunction/suffer).
• Misunderstanding and prejudice.
• Advertising for tobacco and alcohol, which is seen as hypocritical and harmful.
• Violence in film that desensitizes the public.
• The destruction of cycling in favor of cars.
• Nationalism leading to armed, limited abundance.
• Television as a tool of 'Holy Uniform Deadening,' used to mask suffering and promote narrow viewpoints.
• Disposable items as symbols of laziness.

It is followed by a call to action against tobacco and alcohol advertising, framing it as a fight against 'AB MORD' (likely a metaphorical or literal reference to companies causing harm).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical stance towards societal norms, particularly concerning consumerism, advertising (specifically for tobacco and alcohol), and the perceived superficiality of modern life. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards established scientific and religious doctrines, as seen in the article questioning Jesus' crucifixion and the critical 'confession of faith.' The magazine appears to promote alternative perspectives, including ufology and potentially esoteric or spiritual viewpoints, as suggested by the 'Vis Vitae' testimonials and the mention of 'esotericism' in the context of scientific inquiry. The editorial stance is one of questioning, critical analysis, and a call for greater awareness and action against perceived societal ills.