Sokaren - 1978 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR7
Date: 1978

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual and alternative topics, features extensive coverage of the 'Festival for Mind & Body' held in London in April-May 1978. The magazine also explores various phenomena and practices within the New Age and spiritual movements of the era.

Festival for Mind & Body: A Grand Gathering

The main feature details the 'Festival for Mind & Body' at Olympia Hall in London, which drew over 100,000 visitors. The event showcased 144 spiritual organizations, health movements, and alternative groups, offering a wide range of spiritual and lifestyle alternatives. Attendees could explore various Buddhist organizations, the Hare Krishna movement, the Aetherius Society, animal welfare groups, and even established church groups participating in healing sections. The festival also included stalls for health foods, natural cigarettes, cosmetics, and various electronic devices. Healing sessions, astrology, and tarot readings were readily available. A special demonstration stage featured daily performances of yoga, gymnastics, folk dance, judo, and karate. The festival also included lectures and workshops throughout the day, with a notable list of speakers including Professor J.B. Hasted, Professor Douglas Dean, and others.

Graham Wilson, the festival's organizer, explained that the event aimed to provide a platform for alternative lifestyles and foster collaboration between groups. He noted the festival's growing success and its increasing acceptance by the public and media, with BBC coverage and plans for a documentary film.

Kirlian Photography: A Glimpse into the Aura

One of the most popular attractions was the Kirlian diagnosis stand, where people could have their hands' aura photographed and interpreted. The article describes the process and the reporter's experience with Brian Snellgrove, who provided a diagnosis based on finger meanings (little finger for spiritual, ring finger for creative, etc.). While the reporter found the diagnosis somewhat generic and influenced by her being a journalist, the article touches upon the scientific research into Kirlian phenomena by figures like Dr. Thelma Moss.

World Citizenship: A Passport to a New Era

The magazine introduces the concept of World Citizenship, pioneered by Gary Davis. Davis began issuing World Citizen passports in 1948, advocating for a world government. The article notes that these passports are officially recognized in several countries, although Davis has faced challenges with authorities. The World Service Authority, which issues these passports, aims to provide a form of identification for those who feel a global connection, with registration fees contributing to the organization's work.

UFO Abductions: Hypnosis and Suggestion

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to research into UFO abductions, particularly the work of Dr. Alvin H. Lawson. Lawson's experiments involved using hypnotic regression to create false UFO abduction scenarios. The findings suggested that many details in reported UFO abduction cases could be influenced by the hypnotist's suggestions and the participants' imaginations, rather than being factual accounts. The article highlights similarities between these fabricated cases and 'genuine' UFO abduction reports, questioning the reliability of hypnotic regression as a sole source of evidence for such phenomena.

Other Features

Benjamin Creme and the World Teacher

Benjamin Creme is presented as a messenger preparing for the reappearance of 'Maitreya' (the Christ). He speaks of telepathic contact with this being and the transformation of spiritual energy through a plexiglass pyramid. Creme's group, 'Världsläraren' (The World Teacher), works to channel this energy.

Paul Solomon: A Prophet of the New Age

Paul Solomon, described as a 'new sleeping prophet' akin to Edgar Cayce, gave lectures at the festival. His teachings, which began after a profound experience in 1972, cover spiritual development, future predictions, and a system called 'Inner Light Consciousness'. The article includes an excerpt from his lecture on love and relationships, emphasizing self-completion before finding a partner.

Genesa and Conscious Dream Control

Dr. Derhald G. Langham presents 'Genesa,' a concept for synthesizing human interpretation of universal phenomena, demonstrated using a plastic structure. The article also touches upon the concept of 'conscious dream control,' drawing from ancient practices like Tibetan yoga and Egyptian dream incubation, suggesting that individuals can become aware and influence their dreams.

Biofeedback: Electronic Gurus

The issue explores biofeedback devices, such as the 'mind mirror,' which measure physiological responses like skin resistance and brain activity. These devices are presented as tools for self-awareness and relaxation, offering direct feedback on one's progress in achieving mental and physical calm.

Göran Brusewitz on the Need for Closeness and Emotions

Göran Brusewitz writes about the psychological need for closeness and emotional connection, referencing Daniel Casriel's identity therapy ('skrikterapi' or scream therapy). This therapy aims to help individuals process and express suppressed emotions to achieve a 'new identity' based on self-acceptance and the right to love and be loved.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes themes of spiritual exploration, alternative lifestyles, personal growth, and the investigation of paranormal phenomena. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between science and spirituality, as seen in the coverage of Kirlian photography and biofeedback. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, presenting various perspectives and research findings within the New Age movement, while also critically examining some claims, particularly regarding UFO abductions and the reliability of hypnotic regression. The magazine encourages readers to explore these topics and seek personal development.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 7, 1978 (Argång 15)
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Headline: Är Jorden Ihålig? (Is the Earth Hollow?)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1978, explores a diverse range of topics including paranormal phenomena, spiritual development, religious critiques, and philosophical reflections. The cover prominently features a diagram illustrating the 'Hollow Earth' theory, suggesting that UFOs might have bases within the Earth and referencing Admiral Richard E. Byrd's alleged flight into the Earth's interior.

Conscious Dreaming and Out-of-Body Experiences

The issue delves into the intricacies of conscious dreaming, detailing methods for achieving and maintaining awareness within dreams. It describes the progression from ordinary dreams to lucid dreaming, where the dreamer can influence the dream environment. A significant portion is dedicated to 'out-of-body experiences' (OBEs), or 'ut-ur-kroppen-upplevelser' (UKU) in Swedish. The text outlines the stages of OBEs, including the initial disorientation, the transition through a 'room barrier,' and the emergence of a new, semi-physical body. It discusses the emotional state during OBEs, characterized by anxiety and a sense of detachment, and the eventual learning process for the OBE body to navigate and interact with its surroundings. The article likens the development of dream consciousness to a child's upbringing, emphasizing gradual learning and control.

The Hollow Earth Theory

A prominent feature is the 'Hollow Earth' concept, fueled by rumors of UFO bases within the planet. The magazine references Admiral Richard E. Byrd's alleged 1947 flight into the Earth's interior, where he supposedly discovered a hidden world. A diagram illustrates this theory, depicting inner cities, tunnels, and even a 'Central Sun.' The article poses the question of whether this is fact or fiction.

Critique of the Swedish 'Folkkyrkan' (People's Church)

Björn Sahlin critically examines the concept of the 'Folkkyrkan' in Sweden, arguing that it hinders genuine religious freedom. He contends that the church's historical ties to the state and its desire to encompass the entire population have led to a diluted form of Christianity and religious passivity. Sahlin criticizes the 'Folkkyrkan' for its perceived intolerance towards other religions, which he labels as 'surrogates,' and for its role in maintaining a 'Christian culture' that he believes is outdated and potentially harmful. He advocates for a complete separation of church and state and for true religious pluralism where all faiths are treated equally.

New Religious Movements and Religious Freedom

Following the critique of the 'Folkkyrkan,' the magazine discusses the challenges faced by minority religious communities. It addresses the common negative stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding new religious movements, such as the Unification Church and Scientology, which are often dismissed as 'surrogates' or cults. The author defends these movements, highlighting their positive aspects and arguing that they possess fundamental qualities comparable to, or even exceeding, those found in traditional Christianity. The article also touches upon the 'Children of God' (Kärleksfamiljen) movement, detailing its controversial 'fishing for men' practice and its theological underpinnings.

Psychical Research and Cross-Correspondences

Birger Qvarnström presents an in-depth analysis of 'cross-correspondences' in psychical research. This phenomenon involves multiple mediums receiving fragmented messages that, when combined, form a coherent narrative, suggesting communication from deceased individuals. The article focuses on the 'Palm Sunday Case,' a complex cross-correspondence involving Arthur James Balfour and Mary Catherine Lyttelton, detailing how mediums received messages that later proved to be accurate historical references unknown to the mediums themselves. The author highlights the uncanny synchronicity between these messages and modern scientific theories, particularly in physics.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead ('Bardo Thödol')

Bertil Falk shares his personal appreciation for 'Bardo Thödol,' the Tibetan Book of the Dead. He describes it as a guide to the soul's journey from death to rebirth, emphasizing its unique perspective on the afterlife. Falk draws parallels between the book's teachings and contemporary scientific concepts, such as wormholes and black holes, suggesting a profound connection between ancient spiritual wisdom and modern physics. He advocates for a more accessible, 'everyday' version of the book tailored to a Western audience.

Intelligence and Perception

An article on 'Intelligence' defines it as the ability to understand, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and critical thinking for truth-seekers. It warns against letting desires and prejudices cloud judgment, stressing that true understanding requires processing information from reliable sources and being open to revising one's beliefs.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a 'Sökarguiden' section, offering information on various spiritual and holistic courses and organizations in Sweden. There are also personal reflections on friendship, a review of Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet,' and a summary of Ingemar Nilsson's doctoral dissertation on the history of experimental psychology in Sweden. A section on 'Horoscopes' and a brief mention of 'Magnet Therapy' as a health aid are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, the exploration of altered states of awareness (dreams, OBEs), the critique of established religious institutions (particularly the Swedish 'Folkkyrkan'), the investigation of paranormal phenomena (UFOs, psychical research), and the search for spiritual truth beyond conventional dogma. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, critical examination of societal norms, and a willingness to explore alternative spiritual and philosophical perspectives, often challenging mainstream religious and scientific viewpoints.