Sokaren - 1976 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Date: 1976

This issue of Sökaren magazine, published in 1976, presents a strong stance against animal cruelty and explores the controversial topic of spiritual healing, alongside in-depth discussions on hypnosis and multiple personalities.

Front Against Animal Cruelty

The magazine highlights the publication "DJURFRONT," an organ of the Youth Circle of the Nordic Society Against Cruel Animal Experiments. The article "Hamra en hund i huvudet sju dygn i sträck – blir vi klokare av det?" (Hitting a dog on the head for seven days – do we become wiser from it?) by Agne Windmark exposes the brutal practices in animal experimentation. It cites a study from the "Journal of Trauma" (1966) where dogs were subjected to repeated head trauma, and another experiment involving cats deprived of sleep for 70 days. The article also references Professor Robert White's controversial work on head transplantation in apes, which he claims has made him religious.

Birgitta Carlsson, a key figure in Djurfront, discusses the ethical implications of animal experiments, questioning the scientific necessity and the suffering inflicted. The magazine criticizes the scientific community's often dismissive attitude towards animal welfare. A report on a march against animal cruelty and animal factories is mentioned, emphasizing the public's support for animal protection.

The issue also touches upon the practices of pharmaceutical companies like Astra, where thousands of experimental animals are used annually. The article "Roligt arbete på Astra" (Fun work at Astra) quotes a department head who distinguishes between family pets and experimental animals, highlighting a disconnect in empathy. The magazine contrasts this with the ethical stance of Albert Schweitzer, who advocated for minimizing animal suffering and questioning the necessity of every experiment.

Further articles discuss the conditions in factory farms and slaughterhouses, likening them to "Auschwitz" and calling for stricter animal rights legislation. The magazine's editorial stance is presented as a call for a fundamental shift in how humans perceive and treat animals, urging for a more compassionate and ethical approach.

Spiritual Healing: Miracles or Deception?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of spiritual healing, focusing on the Filipino healers, the Orbito brothers. Chiropracter André Rönnqvist champions their abilities, recounting his own experiences and advocating for the belief in divine power manifesting through these healers. He describes how Alex Orbito, and later Marcos Orbito, performed operations without conventional medical tools, allegedly removing diseased tissue from patients.

Rönnqvist recounts his efforts to bring Marcos Orbito to Sweden for a TV program, aiming to allow the public to form their own opinions. He criticizes the Swedish TV panel's predominantly negative reaction, attributing it to the medical establishment's resistance to phenomena outside their scientific framework. Rönnqvist argues that spiritual healing is a manifestation of God's power, not science, and that it can free individuals from materialistic concerns.

The article includes testimonials, such as that of Bengt Bonaeus, a lecturer who claims to have been healed of a blood clot and other ailments by Marcos Orbito. Bonaeus describes the removal of what appeared to be a blood clot and even old surgical dressings from his body. He emphasizes that the Orbito brothers do not charge for their services but accept donations, and that the success of healing is ultimately dependent on God's will.

However, the magazine also presents a more critical perspective. Psychologist Lars-Eric Uneståhl, who participated in a TV panel discussion, suggests that while some patients experience positive effects, it might be due to the placebo effect—the patient's belief in the healing process rather than a direct physical intervention. He notes that many so-called healers engage in fraud, but distinguishes the Orbito brothers, stating they claim no knowledge of what they remove.

Hypnosis and Multiple Personalities

Dr. Reima Kampman, a psychiatrist, explores the phenomenon of multiple personality disorder, describing it as a hysterical splitting of personality and a rearrangement of repressed memories, often triggered by stress. He discusses the possibility of secondary personalities emerging spontaneously or under hypnosis, and the integration of these personalities through psychiatric treatment.

Kampman also touches upon related phenomena like mediumistic trances, automatic writing, and age regression under hypnosis, noting that some individuals claim to remember past lives. He references Dr. Ian Stevenson's research supporting reincarnation theory based on children's accounts.

An investigation at Uleåborg University is detailed, which aimed to study the prevalence and nature of hypnotically induced secondary personalities. The findings suggested that individuals capable of producing these personalities were psychologically healthier and better adjusted than those who could not, challenging previous assumptions linking this ability to mental disorders.

Zen Meditation and the Human Condition

Professor Hans Hof contributes an article on Zen meditation, defining its goal as achieving a state of silence and stillness in consciousness, or 'one-pointedness'. He explains that this state can be reached through various methods, including sitting meditation and contemplating koans (paradoxical riddles). Hof emphasizes that Zen meditation is not about escaping reality but about achieving a more integrated and conscious experience of life.

He discusses the physiological effects of meditation, such as altered brainwave patterns and the activation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased relaxation and awareness. Hof argues that Zen meditation fosters a direct connection with one's inner self and the external world, promoting spontaneity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. He contrasts this with Western society's over-reliance on rationalism and materialism, advocating for a balance between the inner and outer worlds.

Parapsychology and the Paranormal

The magazine includes a report by Rolf Ejvegård on the 1975 Parapsychological Association (P.A.) congress in Santa Barbara. The report covers various topics discussed, including psychokinesis, precognition, and clairvoyance. Ejvegård notes the presence of young students and expresses some disappointment with the inclusion of reports on Indian magicians. He highlights a case of poltergeist phenomena investigated by doctors J.G. Pratt and John Palmer, which involved unexplained knocking and moving objects, seemingly connected to a 10-year-old girl.

The article also touches upon the scientific community's resistance to paranormal phenomena, citing the example of Professor John Taylor, a mathematician who publicly supported the reality of metal bending attributed to Uri Geller. Taylor criticized the scientific establishment for its closed-mindedness and urged for a more open approach to investigating the paranormal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue of Sökaren are the ethical treatment of animals, the exploration of alternative healing methods, and the investigation of consciousness and the human psyche. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards established scientific and medical practices when they are perceived as contributing to animal suffering or dismissing phenomena outside their conventional understanding. There is a clear advocacy for animal rights and a willingness to explore controversial topics like spiritual healing and parapsychology, often from a perspective that challenges mainstream views. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting awareness, encouraging critical thinking, and advocating for a more compassionate and holistic view of life, both for humans and animals.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1 1976, Årgång 13
Date: 1976
Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, a publication for life philosophy questions where differing opinions can be expressed, features a diverse range of articles exploring parapsychology, spirituality, animal rights, and self-improvement.

Mind Over Matter: A Concept for Skeptics

The central theme of this issue is "Mind Over Matter," a concept that the mental realm transcends the material and can influence it. The article argues against the common dismissal of this idea, citing examples like psychic surgery and telekinesis. It posits that the mind's influence on the body (psychosomatic effects) is a scientifically recognized form of mind over matter. The article draws a parallel between the mind's control over one's own body and external phenomena, suggesting that the denial of the latter is often based on a materialistic worldview. It encourages a shift towards a more spiritual understanding of the universe, advocating for the dissemination of knowledge about parapsychology to foster greater joy and understanding.

Djurfront: A Voice for Animal Rights

The magazine highlights "Djurfront," an organization dedicated to combating animal cruelty and exploitation. The article introduces Djurfront's core principles, which include opposition to all forms of animal abuse, particularly in animal experiments. It emphasizes that animals possess intrinsic value and should not be oppressed. The publication is described as well-written, varied, and affordable, with subscription details provided. The article also touches upon the idea that reducing animal suffering also reduces human suffering, aligning with the law of cause and effect.

Rexed's Misconceptions on Health Foods

An article critiques Rexed, head of Socialstyrelsen, for his views on health foods expressed in a TV program. Rexed's assertion that health foods are a form of fanaticism and not a universal medicine is challenged. The author defends health foods, explaining that they focus on natural, unprocessed ingredients and a healthy lifestyle, which have a generally beneficial impact on the body, often leading to the disappearance or improvement of illnesses, without claiming to be a miraculous cure.

UFO-Information: A Swedish UFO Magazine

This section provides a detailed history of "UFO-Information," the magazine of the Swedish UFO organization UFO-Sverige. It traces the publication's evolution from its humble beginnings in 1969 with hand-duplicated issues to its current status with a significant circulation and international reach. The article details the technological advancements, organizational growth, and editorial contributions that have shaped the magazine. It also includes an interview with Carl-Axel Jonzon (CAJ), the UFO-Sverige base, who discusses the magazine's success, its purpose of making people aware of phenomena beyond the earthly, and the challenges of verifying UFO reports.

The Bermuda Triangle: A Skeptical View

An article by Bertil Nilsson reviews Larry Kusche's critical analysis of the Bermuda Triangle phenomenon. Kusche argues that most disappearances in the region can be attributed to natural explanations rather than mysterious forces. The article criticizes pseudoscientific writers for selectively presenting information and ignoring facts that contradict their theories. Kusche's book, "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved," is highlighted as an effort to provide rational explanations for these events.

Fred genom Gemenskap: Peace Through Unity

The issue features "Fred genom Gemenskap" (Peace through Unity), a foundation established in 1975 by Douglas and Gita Keiller and Anthony Brooke. The foundation aims to foster inner understanding and unity among people, promoting peace through community and shared ideals. The article details the foundation's origins, its connection to the Findhorn community, and its philosophy of seeking universal peace through individual transformation. It mentions the Keillers' home in Gövik as a center for their activities and lists various individuals and groups who have visited or been associated with their work.

Other Articles and Features

Additional content includes a review of the book "Lär dig leva vettigt!" (Learn to Live Sensibly!) by Albert Ellis and Robert A. Harper, which promotes rational thinking as a tool for self-improvement and problem-solving. There is also a discussion on Buddhist philosophy and practices from the "Buddhistisk Gemenskap" (Buddhist Community) in Stockholm. The magazine also includes a section on "Fritt valt ämne" (Free Choice Subject) in schools, discussing the challenges of implementing parapsychology as a subject. A poem by Eva Jagrell-Akesson is also featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, spiritual growth, and alternative philosophies. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages open-mindedness and critical inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific and materialistic views. It provides a platform for diverse perspectives, from the advocacy for animal rights to the investigation of UFOs and the promotion of self-awareness and inner peace. The editorial stance seems to favor a holistic approach to understanding reality, integrating spiritual and psychological dimensions with the material world.