Sokaren - 1970 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue Date: August 1970
Volume: 7
Issue Number: 7

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into the mysteries of UFO phenomena, personal spiritual experiences, and ethical considerations. It features a detailed account of a significant UFO sighting in Finland, interviews with prominent UFO researchers, and philosophical reflections on life, death, and reincarnation.

Key Articles and Features

En Finsk UFO-Händelse (A Finnish UFO Incident)

The central piece details a remarkable encounter on January 7, 1970, in Imjärvi, Finland, involving two men, Aarno Heinonen and Esko Viljo. While skiing, they witnessed a luminous object descending, emitting a humming sound. The object, described as a round, metallic craft about three meters in diameter with three hemispherical protrusions and a central tube, hovered at a low altitude. A beam of light emanated from the craft, creating a circle on the snow, and a humanoid entity, approximately 90 cm tall, emerged holding a black box. The entity was described as thin with a pale face, unusual nose, and wearing a green suit. Both witnesses experienced subsequent physical ailments, including numbness, pain, nausea, and disorientation, which persisted for weeks and months, prompting medical investigation. The report includes testimonies from the witnesses and a doctor's assessment, noting the possibility of shock or radiation effects.

UFO-Intervjuer (UFO Interviews)

Ivan Troëng: An engineer, Troëng asserts that UFOs are inter-planetary craft. He suggests that statistical analysis of UFO sightings, correlating with the positions of Earth and Venus, can prove this. He also explains UFO propulsion as a form of ion drive, where ionized air particles are propelled by an electric field, creating lift. Troëng believes UFOs may be monitoring Earth to prevent self-destruction and discusses the potential for intelligent life on Mars, citing Professor Frank B. Salisbury.

Carl-Axel Jonzon: A tele-technician and driving force behind the Swedish UFO organization UFO-Sverige, Jonzon shares his journey into UFO research, stemming from an interest in the occult. He recounts personal sightings of unidentified flying objects and discusses the formation and goals of UFO-Sverige, which aims to collect information and counter official explanations. He expresses skepticism about George Adamski's later claims and criticizes Tage Eriksson of FOA for not conducting field investigations.

Ulf Ringström: A docent in physics, Ringström views UFOs as likely inter-planetary craft, driven by curiosity. He finds their propulsion methods intriguing, noting their ability to perform maneuvers defying known physics. He emphasizes the significance of the UFO phenomenon if other civilizations exist in our vicinity.

Från en Död om Liv (From a Death about Life)

This poetic and philosophical piece by Per Ragnar explores the transition from physical death to an afterlife. The author recounts memories of past lives, including a soldier's life and a life as a woman named Esta. Ragnar describes the process of leaving the physical body, the existence of an astral body, and the journey towards a spiritual realm. The text emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence, the concept of karma, and the ultimate unity of all life.

De Lämnar Sin Kropp (They Leave Their Body)

Authored by R. Crookall, D. Sc., Ph. D., this article discusses the phenomenon of astral projection, where individuals claim to leave their physical bodies in an 'astral' or 'spiritual' form. The author presents evidence from various accounts, including descriptions of a 'silver cord' connecting the astral body to the physical form. The article suggests that these experiences are objective realities rather than mere dreams and that scientific instruments may eventually provide definitive proof.

Min Citatssamling (My Collection of Quotes)

Harry Forsberg shares his hobby of collecting quotes from notable figures like Emerson, Goethe, and Rabindranath Tagore. He explains how these concentrated thoughts have provided him with guidance and inspiration for living a meaningful life. Forsberg highlights the importance of wisdom, harmony, and serving humanity, reflecting on the profound impact of these collected insights.

Om Jag Förgäter Dig... (If I Forget You...)

Dénis Lindbohm recounts his experiences of remembering past lives, asserting his human identity while also claiming to have lived countless previous lives. He describes vivid memories of past existences, including a soldier's life and a life as a woman named Esta. Lindbohm expresses a sense of isolation due to his unique ability to recall these past lives and discusses the concept of shedding one's earthly 'costume' to achieve freedom and remembrance. His mother corroborates his claims of past-life memories from a very young age.

Vägen Till Hälsa III (The Path to Health III)

Henning Karström continues his discussion on diet and health, focusing on the impact of saturated fats and unsaturated fatty acids. He references Norwegian and American health recommendations to reduce fat intake and increase consumption of polyunsaturated fats from plant oils and fish. Karström explains how saturated fats can raise blood cholesterol levels, leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. He also touches upon the ethical implications of food choices, including the treatment of animals.

Brev (Letters)

This section includes a letter from Astrid Gilmark responding to a previous article on healing, acknowledging its value while expressing reservations about its presentation. It also features a letter from Ulla Gustafsson questioning the concept of reincarnation and karma, arguing that suffering does not necessarily lead to moral improvement and that active compassion is more effective. A section on 'Personal Biorythm' is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the paranormal, the unexplained, and alternative perspectives on life and existence. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, with detailed reports and interviews aiming to present evidence and theories beyond conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging readers to consider possibilities outside mainstream science. Themes of spirituality, past lives, and the nature of consciousness are recurrent, suggesting a focus on personal growth and the search for deeper meaning. Ethical considerations, particularly concerning diet and the treatment of living beings, are also a significant aspect of the magazine's content. The publication seems to advocate for a more conscious and questioning approach to life, encouraging readers to seek truth beyond established norms.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 8
Volume: 1970
Date: 1970-08
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren delves into the societal shifts concerning religion and health in Sweden during the early 1970s. The cover prominently features the headline "UPPBROTT FRÅN KRISTEN TRO" (Breakaway from Christian Faith), signaling a focus on the decline of traditional religious adherence and the search for new belief systems.

Uppbrott från Kristen Tro (Breakaway from Christian Faith)

Authored by Sven Magnusson, this article explores the diminishing influence of Christianity in Sweden. Sociologist docent Berndt Gustafsson is quoted, stating that "Swedish religion is being dismantled." He notes that while many young people are drawn to university theological programs, their motivation often stems from idealistic desires for social contribution rather than a deep interest in traditional religious doctrine. This trend suggests a continued decline for established religious communities.

The article questions whether this decline should be halted, proposing that the "difficulties of faith" are becoming too great for many individuals. Traditional authorities like the Bible and Luther, along with the church, are losing their significance in the face of new ideas and a "new age" perspective. The author posits that the perceived weakness of Christian teachings from an intellectual and scientific standpoint contributes to its decline.

Magnusson advocates for a movement where Christians would break away from their faith and, starting from a "zero point," seek new truths. He suggests dismantling the "irrational" theological structures of Christianity, which he describes as a large house built on loose sand, with the resurrection of Jesus as its core, questionable foundation. The article calls for incorporating wisdom from various religions, philosophies, and parapsychological phenomena.

For those who see Christianity primarily as a social message of compassion, Magnusson encourages broadening their idealism to include wise individuals and philanthropists from other traditions. He asserts that a high moral code should be sought in the demands of living life itself, rather than solely in the teachings of figures like "God's son." The author believes that a new, rational religion could emerge if the old theology were dismantled, offering a sense of belonging to many who are in doubt.

The article acknowledges that while Christian idealism and humanism are valuable, they need a new foundation. The commandment of love is seen as a crucial rule for coexistence, stemming from deep human consciousness. A religious worldview is considered possible and perhaps necessary, but it must be free to develop, unhindered by the excessive reverence and trust placed in the Bible and clerical theology, which have historically locked development.

Magnusson concludes by urging readers to "seek truth with an open mind wherever it can be found."

Vägen till Hälsa (The Path to Health) & Naturprodukter bäst (Natural Products are Best)

This section provides practical health and nutrition advice. It discusses dietary fats, distinguishing between saturated and unsaturated fats.

• Margarine: Described as a saturated fat, often made from refined and partially hydrogenated animal and vegetable fats. The use of an emulsifier called ME-18 in margarine was linked to a skin disease outbreak in Holland, causing illness and deaths among over 100,000 people.
• Charcuterie: Advised to be consumed with caution due to high fat content.
• Fish Fats: Identified as polyunsaturated fats, which are believed not to raise blood cholesterol levels. Eating fresh fish is considered healthier than consuming fatty meat from land animals. However, vegetable oils are deemed healthier than fish fats.
• Butter and Vegetable Oils: The article recommends that people in Nordic countries should regularly consume about 30g of butter per day, as it contains vitamins A and D. Simultaneously, it advises using at least an equal amount of vegetable oils daily. A strong caution is issued against using butter for frying, as the cholesterol in butter can convert to methylcholanthrene, a substance with cancer-inducing properties.

Natural Products are Best: This part emphasizes the health benefits of consuming natural products in their most natural state. It discourages the consumption of heavily conserved and chemically or physically treated foods. The processing of canned goods often leads to the loss of vitamins and vital nutrients. Furthermore, these products may contain added chemicals, spices, and colorings, making them less advisable for regular consumption.

While acknowledging the importance of canned goods during crises or wartime, the article stresses that they should not be consumed abundantly under normal circumstances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the societal and individual search for meaning in a changing world, particularly the questioning of traditional religious structures. The magazine appears to advocate for critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and an open-minded approach to discovering truth, whether in religion or in personal well-being. The editorial stance supports the dismantling of outdated dogmas and encourages the embrace of new knowledge and diverse perspectives, while also promoting a health-conscious lifestyle focused on natural and minimally processed foods.