Sokaren - 1970 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 7
Volume: 7
Date: 1970
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1970, focuses heavily on the concept of 'Cosmic Consciousness' and related parapsychological phenomena, UFOs, and spiritualism. The cover prominently features a portrait of Richard Maurice Bucke, author of 'Cosmic Consciousness', alongside the headline 'KOSMISKT MEDVETANDE' (Cosmic Consciousness).

Key Articles and Themes

Cosmic Consciousness

The issue opens with a quote from Max Planck emphasizing the generational shift in accepting new truths. A significant portion is dedicated to Richard Maurice Bucke (1837-1902), a Canadian physician and author. His book 'Cosmic Consciousness' is highlighted for its exploration of different planes of consciousness, including 'simple consciousness' in animals and 'self-consciousness' in humans. The text notes that Bucke's work, though initially overlooked, has become a classic, positing distinct levels of awareness and the development of self-awareness in humans.

Parapsychology and Skepticism

Birger Qvarnström contributes an article titled 'Dikt och sanning i parapsykologin' (Poetry and Truth in Parapsychology), which defends parapsychological experiences against outright denial. The author critiques Professor C. E. M. Hansel's skeptical evaluation of ESP, presenting cases documented by Professor Tenhaeff in Utrecht. These cases include the accurate psychic predictions of Gerard Croiset regarding missing children and a theft, which Hansel allegedly dismissed or overlooked. The article details two cases of drowned children, Wim Slee and Keesje Wallaard, where Croiset provided precise details about their recovery, and a theft case where psychic information led to the recovery of stolen platinum. The author argues for the validity of these phenomena despite skeptical opposition.

Psychic Surgery

An article titled 'Psykisk Kirurgi' (Psychic Surgery) discusses the phenomenon of 'supernatural' surgery performed by mediums. It references the work of Dr. Andrija Puharich, who validated the operations of Brazilian psychic surgeon José Arigo. The article then focuses on Lourival de Freitas, another Brazilian psychic surgeon. It recounts his operations in London, witnessed by psychiatrists and journalists, including a case of a deaf-mute girl who showed psychological improvement, a man with stomach ulcers who was reportedly healed, and an eye operation that resulted in improved vision. The text describes the trance state of the mediums and the alleged 'spirit' controlling Freitas, identified as the Roman emperor Nero. The use of instruments like knives and scalpels, along with the 'ectoplasmic stream' generated by the audience, is mentioned. The article also draws parallels between psychic surgery and the practices of Siberian shamans, noting their use of trance states, tobacco, alcohol, and certain plants to achieve their abilities.

UFOs and Other Phenomena

K. Gösta Rehn is featured for his books on UFOs, 'De flygande tefaten. Dokument och teori' and 'UFO! Nya fakta om de flygande tefaten', which present evidence and theories about extraterrestrial spacecraft. The magazine also includes a section on 'Vår tids mirakler' (Miracles of Our Time), a compilation of articles from previous issues covering reincarnation, mediumistic operations, clairvoyance, healing, and out-of-body experiences.

Book Reviews and Features

The issue contains a 'Postorderbokhandel' (Mail-Order Bookstore) section, listing various books available for purchase. Titles include works by Erich von Däniken, L. Pauwels and J. Bergier, Henry Kjellson, Birgit Lange ('Jordskred?'), K. Gösta Rehn, Maxim Mauritsson on Lourdes, Friedrich Jürgenson on communication with the deceased, and works by Martinus and Mahendranath Gupta. There are also reviews and mentions of books on Zen Buddhism, health (Are Waerland), and the history of religious movements.

'Jordskred?' and Positive Reviews

A section titled 'Positiva omdömen om "Jordskred?"' (Positive Reviews of "Landslide?") compiles favorable reviews of Birgit Lange's book. Critics like Einar Odhner, Einar Ahlberg, and Roland Adlerberth praise the book for its warmth, insight into parapsychological phenomena, and its balanced approach to topics such as reincarnation and out-of-body experiences. The reviews highlight Lange's ability to present complex subjects in an accessible and engaging manner.

Other Sections

'Innehåll' (Contents) lists the articles and their authors. 'Kontakt' (Contact) features personal ads seeking pen pals and services. 'Den store naturläkarens testamente' (The Great Natural Healer's Testament) discusses the teachings of Hjalmar Löfgren. 'Vart styr vår jord?' (Where is our Earth Heading?) by Elisabeth Ståhlgren interprets the Book of Revelation in the context of environmental issues. 'Konfutse' (Confucius) provides a quote on self-cultivation and governance. 'Bröderna Axelsson' discusses ESP experiments with twins. 'Ekonomiska medarbetare' lists financial contributors. A letter to the editor discusses Gerovital H 3. The magazine also promotes the 'Teosofiska Samfundet' (Theosophical Society).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are the exploration of consciousness beyond the material, the validation of parapsychological phenomena, and the questioning of conventional scientific and societal paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, advocating for objectivity while presenting evidence and arguments for spiritual, psychic, and extraterrestrial possibilities. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for alternative perspectives, encouraging readers to consider phenomena that challenge mainstream understanding.