Sokaren - 1974 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR6
Date: 1974

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual, philosophical, and parapsychological topics, features a prominent interview with Professor Tor Ragnar Gerholm, a discussion on the scientific study of psi phenomena, and explorations of various spiritual and esoteric subjects.

Interview: Tor Ragnar Gerholm on the Occult Problem

The interview with Professor Tor Ragnar Gerholm addresses the scientific community's skepticism towards occult phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. Gerholm clarifies that science's role is to systematize experiences, not to dictate what can or cannot exist. He acknowledges that while these phenomena may seem improbable, science cannot definitively rule them out. He explains that scientists operate under specific 'rules' that define their discipline; for instance, a physicist cannot incorporate non-physical factors into their work without ceasing to be a physicist. Gerholm states that parapsychology is not yet an established science, lacking professorships and doctoral programs in Sweden, and that doubts persist regarding the existence of paranormal phenomena and the validity of experiments in the field. He suggests that if paranormal phenomena were scientifically proven, they would cease to be 'paranormal' and become integrated into our understanding of reality.

The Scientific Study of Psi

Nils Wiklund's article, "Det Vetenskapliga Studiet av Psi," examines the historical and contemporary approaches to parapsychology. He notes that skepticism towards phenomena like animal magnetism and clairvoyance has existed for centuries, with figures like Schopenhauer and Immanuel Kant commenting on them. Wiklund highlights the evolution of parapsychological research, from early investigations into spontaneous phenomena and survival after death in the late 19th century to the more controlled laboratory experiments pioneered by J.B. Rhine in the mid-20th century. Rhine's work, focusing on card-guessing and dice-throwing experiments, aimed to statistically prove psi phenomena. Wiklund discusses the challenges in establishing repeatable experiments and the ongoing debate about fraud, sensory cues, and selective reporting in parapsychological research. He mentions the work of researchers like Gertrude Schmeidler, who explored personality traits and attitudes in relation to psi abilities, and the potential influence of experimenter bias.

Dreams, Clairvoyance, and Telepathy

An article by Stanley Krippner and Kenneth Zirinsky, "Ett Experiment Med Drömmar, Klärvoajans Och Telepati," details a study conducted at the Maimonides Dream Laboratory. The experiment aimed to differentiate between clairvoyant and telepathic reception during dreams. Participants were exposed to target images intended for either clairvoyance or telepathy, and their dream reports were analyzed. The findings suggested that participants were more likely to report dreams related to the clairvoyant target images than the telepathic ones, indicating a potential distinction between these psi abilities in the dream state.

Kirlian Photography and the 'Phantom Leaf'

Nils-Olof Jacobson's article, "Fantombladet – Bioplasma Eller Eterkropp?", discusses Kirlian photography and the controversial 'phantom leaf' phenomenon. This phenomenon, where an image of a cut leaf appears to persist in a Kirlian photograph, has been interpreted by some as evidence of a 'bioplasmic' or 'etheric' body. Jacobson notes the difficulty in replicating this effect and the differing interpretations among researchers, highlighting the ongoing debate about its validity and implications.

Spiritual and Philosophical Perspectives

The issue also includes sections on various spiritual and philosophical teachings:

• Buddha's Teachings: An excerpt from Dhammapada, focusing on verses about the importance of action, a pure mind, and self-mastery.
• The Bhagavad Gita: References to the 'Song of the Lord,' emphasizing the concept of duty and surrender.
• Martinus' Teachings: Several individuals, including Are Waerland, Gunnar Hedfors, and Agne Windmark, share their experiences with the cosmic philosophy of Martinus, highlighting its impact on their understanding of life, death, and the universe.
• Bô Yin Râ: An introduction to the writings of Bô Yin Râ, presented as a source of spiritual wisdom and guidance.

Other Articles and Features

• Solens Tyranni (The Tyranny of the Sun): Sven Rosén explores the potential influence of solar activity, such as sunspots, on human events, including political climates and collective behavior.
• Book Reviews and Announcements: The magazine features reviews of books on spiritualism, parapsychology, and related topics, as well as announcements for relevant organizations and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of science, spirituality, and the paranormal. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting various perspectives on phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. There is a consistent exploration of alternative worldviews, spiritual philosophies, and the ongoing quest for knowledge beyond the material realm. The editorial stance encourages critical inquiry while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms in explaining all aspects of existence.

This issue of "Sökaren," number 6 from 1974, is a Swedish magazine focused on life philosophy, spirituality, and parapsychology. The editorial stance is explicitly "non-neutral" in its commitment to democratic principles and freedom of the press, while aiming to present diverse viewpoints on life's great questions.

Key Articles and Themes

"ICKE NEUTRAL" (Non-Neutral)

This editorial piece by Sven Magnusson and Nils-Olof Jacobson outlines the magazine's philosophy. They assert that while Sökaren is neutral on political parties, it is fundamentally pro-democracy, as only democratic states guarantee freedom of the press. The magazine is not for religious indoctrination but for exploring and debating life philosophies. They emphasize the importance of respecting differing opinions and encourage readers to engage with opposing viewpoints to strengthen their own understanding.

"Tvivel kring Backster" (Doubt surrounding Backster) by Sven Rosén

This article critically examines the claims of Cleve Backster regarding his "Backster effect," which suggests plants react to human thoughts. Rosén highlights that Backster's experiments have not been independently replicated and lack scientific validation. He notes that researchers like J.B. Rhine have found no support for Backster's hypotheses, despite attempts to verify them. The article suggests that Backster's claims have not been published in reputable scientific journals and that his success is largely due to media attention.

"Det vetenskapliga studiet av psi" (The scientific study of psi) by Nils Wiklund

This article likely delves into the scientific investigation of psychic phenomena, though specific details are not fully elaborated in the provided text. It is presented alongside other parapsychological topics.

"Ett experiment med drömmar" (An experiment with dreams) by Stanley Krippner and Kenneth Zirinsky

This piece reports on a specific experiment related to dream research, a common area of interest in parapsychology. The details of the experiment are not provided in the excerpt.

"Min favoritbok" (My favorite book) by Nils Kalén

This is a personal reflection where the author shares their favorite book, likely related to the magazine's themes of philosophy, spirituality, or the unexplained.

"Fantombladet" (Phantom Leaf) by Nils-Olof Jacobson

This title suggests an article exploring a phenomenon or concept related to 'phantom leaves,' possibly a metaphor for something elusive or spiritual.

"Solen tyranni" (The Sun's Tyranny) by Sven Rosén

This article connects solar activity, specifically sunspots, to historical events. It presents a graph (Fig. 1) showing peaks in solar activity correlating with periods of revolution and major conflicts, such as the American Revolution (1778), the French Revolution (1789), the revolutions of 1830 and 1848, the American Civil War (1860), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870). The author notes that periods of high solar activity seem to coincide with increased social and political unrest. The article also references historical figures like Garibaldi and Napoleon, suggesting their life paths might also be reflected in solar cycles.

"Utländsk bokvandring med Roland Adlerberth" (Foreign Book Journey with Roland Adlerberth)

This section reviews foreign books, likely related to the magazine's core themes. The mention of Roland Adlerberth as a translator suggests a focus on international perspectives.

"Lönar det sig att spekulera över livsgåtan?" (Is it worth speculating about the riddle of life?) by Sune Stigsjöö

This lengthy article explores philosophical questions about the meaning of life. Stigsjöö critiques modern philosophy's reliance on linguistic analysis, arguing it misses deeper existential questions. He contrasts this with ancient philosophies and suggests that modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics, is rediscovering concepts previously explored by mystics and philosophers. The article touches upon the nature of consciousness, the relationship between mind and matter, and the possibility of life beyond death. It advocates for a holistic view of existence, encompassing both the material and spiritual realms.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are included:

• "SCHUON PÅ SVENSKA" (Schuon in Swedish) by Olle Hjern: Reviews Frithjof Schuon's work, focusing on his concept of the "transcendental unity of religions" and the importance of tradition and esotericism.
• "FÖR PROFFS OCH AMATÖRER" (For Professionals and Amateurs): A review of "Handbok för kristna amatörer" by Olle O-son Liberg and Valdemar Wentz, described as a collection of short poems and images reflecting on Christian themes like gratitude and responsibility.
• "RELIGIONENS KURIÖSA VÄRLD" (The Curious World of Religions) by Rune Jönsson: Reviews Ernst Benz's book "Nya religioner," which examines ten new religious movements, including Sri Aurobindo Ghose's Integral Yoga, Baha'i, and the Ifa religion.
• Book Recommendations: Includes reviews of "This Baffling World" by John Godwin, "Some Trust in Chariots" by E.W. Castles and B.B. Thiering, and "Vorstoss an die Grenzen des Möglichen" by Jacques Bergier.

Letters to the Editor ("BREV")

• "UPPSTÅNDELSE KRING UPPSTÅNDELSEN?" (Resurrection around the Resurrection?) by Sven Magnusson: A response to an article by Sven Magnusson questioning the resurrection of Jesus. The author argues that while the concept of a spiritual body is plausible, the literal resurrection lacks sufficient evidence. The response from Leo Torgny emphasizes the lack of reliable evidence for Jesus' death and subsequent revival, deeming belief in it "unreasonable."
• "SKÄMT OCH ALLVAR" (Jokes and Seriousness) by Bernicus: A humorous commentary on the magazine and its contributors, with a response from the editor clarifying the intent behind the remarks.

Other Sections

• "SOLFLÄCKARNA OCH ARBETSLÖSHETEN" (Sunspots and Unemployment): Discusses the correlation between sunspot activity and economic cycles.
• "Två dikter" (Two Poems) by Lillemor Lönnqvist.
• "KONTAKT" (Contact): Personal ads and advertisements for esoteric products and services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, the unexplained, and the search for meaning in life. It maintains an open-minded yet critical approach, encouraging rational inquiry and debate. The editorial stance is clearly pro-democracy and pro-freedom of expression, aiming to provide a platform for diverse philosophical and spiritual viewpoints without imposing a single doctrine. The connection between natural phenomena (like solar cycles) and human events is a recurring area of interest, as is the critique of materialistic worldviews and the exploration of alternative perspectives on reality and existence.