Sokaren - 1981 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR3
Volume: 1981
Date: 1981
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1981, features a cover story on Roland von Malmborg, described as a "world improver, multi-idealist." The magazine also delves into topics such as the concept of paradigms in science, atheism in America, Alvin Lawsons UFO studies, sleep, astrology, alternative movements, and a new themed day at Storkyrkan.

Roland von Malmborg: An Original Idealist

The main feature profiles Roland von Malmborg, a "positive-player, troubadour, world citizen, peace worker, environmentalist, vegetarian." The article highlights his unique street performances with a positiv (a type of hand-cranked organ), where he combines music, marionettes, and miming to convey messages about environmentalism, human rights, and peace. He sings in approximately 50 languages and aims for a holistic approach to his art. Despite facing bureaucratic hurdles and occasional run-ins with the police for performing without permits, Roland finds joy in direct audience interaction. His performances are not just musical; he philosophizes and engages his audience, encouraging participation. He has invested significantly in his equipment, including antique marionettes and clothing, costing around 25,000 Swedish kronor. He also performs as a guitarist and lecturer, often for non-profit organizations. His personal philosophy is rooted in globalism and a belief in universal love, influenced by his upbringing in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and his mother's background in anthroposophy. He is a vegetarian, viewing it as an extension of his pacifist beliefs and a way to address global hunger. Roland also explores the concept of reincarnation and believes in a divine dimension, though he emphasizes that human language is insufficient to fully describe it.

The Paradigm Concept and Resistance to Parapsychology

This section, written by Göran Brusewitz, explores the concept of paradigms as introduced by Thomas Kuhn. Brusewitz argues that resistance to parapsychology stems from its threat to the established mechanistic worldview and human perception. He explains that scientific progress is not always evolutionary but can be revolutionary, involving the overthrow of old paradigms by new ones. When new phenomena emerge that contradict the existing paradigm, scientists may react defensively, dismissing or rejecting the evidence. This resistance is rooted in the comfort and security that a paradigm provides. Brusewitz posits that paradigms are culturally conditioned and that the most life-sustaining ones survive. He also discusses how parapsychology challenges fundamental concepts of matter, time, energy, and consciousness, which are also being questioned by quantum physics. The article suggests that scientific understanding evolves through a cycle of normal science, anomalies, extraordinary science, and the eventual establishment of a new paradigm.

Atheism on the March in America

Reporter Bertil Falk investigates the growing movement of organized atheism in the United States. He notes that while many atheists do not feel the need to proselytize, organizations like American Atheists are actively promoting their views. The article features John Edwards, president of American Atheists, who discusses the organization's activities, including a Dial-An-Atheist service. Edwards acknowledges that the organization's public image can be perceived as aggressive, partly due to its leader, Madalyn Murray O'Hair, who has faced persecution for her activism. The article touches upon the historical context of atheism in America, its connection to social and political reforms, and the challenges atheists face in a predominantly religious society. It also highlights the increasing number of members in organizations like American Atheists, particularly in areas with strong religious influence, such as Utah. The piece also mentions George H. Smith, author of "The Case against God," who, despite being an atheist, has political disagreements with the organization regarding taxation of religious institutions.

Alvin H. Lawsons UFO Studies: Close Encounters of the Mental Kind

This article by Bertil Falk reports on the research of Alvin H. Lawson, a professor of English at California State University, who specializes in UFO literature. Lawson's research, particularly his hypnotherapy experiments, suggests that UFO close encounters may be mental rather than physical experiences. He found that when subjects were hypnotized to believe they had encountered UFO beings, their descriptions often matched figures from mythology, folklore, science fiction, and demonology. Lawson categorizes these encounters into three degrees, with the third degree involving direct interaction with UFO beings. His findings do not support the idea of extraterrestrial visitors but align with Carl Jung's theory of archetypes, suggesting a universal, inherited set of mental patterns that manifest in various cultural and historical contexts, including UFO experiences.

Astrology: A Way of Life

Åsa Freij explores how astrology is integrated into the daily lives of some individuals. The article features Regina, a boutique owner in Stockholm, who uses astrology to understand people and make decisions, particularly in relationships and career choices. She believes that understanding someone's astrological sign helps her navigate interactions and avoid potential conflicts. The piece also touches upon the idea that astrology can be a form of psychological support, providing comfort and guidance, as suggested by docent Jan-Öjvind Swahn. It contrasts this with a more critical view, where astrology might be seen as a "mental illness" or a way to avoid personal responsibility.

Dream Control and the Senoi People

This section delves into the dream practices of the Senoi people of Malaysia, as described by researcher Kilton Stewart. The Senoi have a highly developed dream psychology, viewing dreams as a controllable realm where they can confront fears, seek positive experiences, and even bring back 'gifts' from their dream world. They are taught to never shy away from dream challenges and to actively shape their dream experiences. This practice is seen as a way to integrate psychological energies and maintain a peaceful society. The article contrasts this with Western approaches to dreams, which are often dismissed as nonsensical or ignored. The Senoi's approach is presented as a method for personal growth, conflict resolution, and fostering community well-being, suggesting that their dream manipulation techniques could be beneficial for Western societies.

Psychic News and Near-Death Experiences

This segment discusses the spiritualist publication Psychic News and its focus on life after death. It reports on individuals who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) and returned with profound insights. Edmund Wilbourne recounts an experience of being in a "heavenly" place after being declared dead, and Barny Hayden describes meeting his deceased father in a beautiful garden after multiple resuscitation attempts. The article highlights the conviction of these individuals that their experiences were real and not mere dreams, suggesting a continuity of consciousness beyond physical death. It also touches upon the concept of a "tunnel" experience, common in NDEs, which is also found in UFO encounters and other altered states of consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of alternative beliefs, spirituality, and personal growth, often challenging conventional scientific or societal norms. There's a strong emphasis on individual empowerment, whether through controlling dreams, understanding astrological influences, or questioning established paradigms. The magazine appears to be open to phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, such as parapsychology and UFOs, while also engaging with social and political issues like atheism and environmentalism. The editorial stance seems to favor critical inquiry, personal exploration, and a holistic view of human experience, encouraging readers to consider different perspectives and possibilities beyond the material world.

Title: Psychic News
Issue Date: July 19, 1980
Issue Number: 2510
Price: 15p

This issue of Psychic News, a spiritualist newspaper, delves into themes of life after death, mediumship, near-death experiences (NDEs), and paranormal phenomena. The cover story, "Brutally murdered girl returns through veteran medium," highlights the case of Sally Shepherd, who, after being brutally murdered, reportedly communicated her experiences and distress through the medium Jessie Nason.

Key Articles and Features

Brutally Murdered Girl Returns Through Veteran Medium

The lead article details the case of Sally Shepherd, a victim of a brutal sex murder in London. Her friend and flatmate, Marty Rowley, contacted the medium Jessie Nason due to poltergeist phenomena in their flat, which were attributed to Sally's earthbound state. During a dramatic séance, Jessie Nason established contact with Sally, relaying her fear and confusion. Nason revealed details of Sally's life, which Marty could confirm, including her unusual hair dyeing habits and borrowed clothing. Sally's real name was revealed to be Sarah. The séance described Sally being attacked from behind and her murderer stealing approximately eight pounds. Nason conveyed that Sally's deceased father had come to meet her on the 'other side,' guiding her into a healing aura of love.

Accounts of Near-Death Experiences

The magazine features several personal accounts of near-death experiences:

• Mohindar Surmay: A Sikh man who, after a severe back operation, experienced a period of unconsciousness. He described being carried by eight figures in white robes through a desert, and encountering an intense, bright light that he perceived as a 'great halo.' He felt he had died but was told, "It is not your time yet."
• Grace Wright: A woman who, during childbirth complications, felt herself floating and saw the room from above. She heard magnificent music and experienced a strong, formless light, feeling drawn towards it.

These accounts are presented alongside discussions with experts.

Expert Discussions on Life After Death and Spirituality

• Theologians and Spiritualists: Program host Bernard Jackson notes the growing acceptance of such accounts by scientists, doctors, and theologians. Max Magee from the College of Psychic Studies emphasizes that individuals reporting out-of-body experiences can distinguish them from dreams and often state they are no longer afraid of death.
• Professor John Hick: A theologian who studies religious doctrines about life after death, referencing the Tibetan Book of the Dead, which suggests the soul continues after the body dies, experiencing a period before rebirth.
• Dr. William Thompson: A medical professional who suggested that a person's religious beliefs influence their experience of the afterlife. He noted that Wilbourne, an Orthodox Christian, believed he met Jesus.
• Parapsychologists: Rolf Ejvegård (chair of the Society for Parapsychological Research), Nils-Olof Jacobson (author of "Life After Death?"), and Bertil Edgardh (psychoanalyst) discussed the scientific investigation of these phenomena. Ejvegård stated that parapsychology is a neutral science, but binding proof for contact with the 'other side' is lacking, though Jacobson found it more likely than not that we survive death.
• Christian Perspectives: Lutheran theologian Professor Holsten Fagerberg and Catholic priest Jean Paillard affirmed the Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life with God, rejecting the concept of reincarnation. Paillard noted that reincarnation belongs to a different conceptual world.

Thematic Discussions

• Reincarnation: The topic of reincarnation is discussed, with Spiritualists sharing the belief in multiple earthly lives for personality development, contrasting with the Christian view. Professor Ian Stevenson's research on children recalling past lives is mentioned.
• UFOs: The article "Alvin Lawson Forts" touches upon UFO sightings and experiences, suggesting they might be real psychological experiences rather than physical encounters with extraterrestrials.
• Alternative Lifestyles: The magazine includes sections on alternative living, such as an 'Alternative Day' event at Stockholm University featuring topics like alternative energy, urban planning, and organic food. Organizations like Ekoteket and Norrkläder are highlighted for their work in environmentalism and cooperative production.

'Credo' Section

This section features reflections on life, death, and spirituality. Hans Ruin's book "Det finns ett leende" is mentioned, recounting a woman's overcoming of death anxiety through a profound spiritual experience. The section includes a quote about the power of love and divine presence.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are included, covering topics such as philosophy, psychology, religion, and alternative practices:

• "Dagen är din" by Erik Dammann (on individual and society).
• "Självkontroll genom mental träning" by Lars-Eric Uneståhl (on mental training for athletes).
• "Skrifter" by Franciscus of Assisi (on Franciscan ideals).
• "Breven till Lucilius" by Seneca (on Stoic philosophy).
• "Gudar och hjältar i nordisk mytologi" by Brian Branston (on Norse mythology).
• "Varför vara kristen?" by Hans Küng (on modern theology).
• "Metod eller anarki" (on philosophy of science).
• "Jag och personlighet" by Erik Ryding (on philosophical essays).
• "Yoga dag för dag" by Richard Hittleman (on yoga practices).
• "Einsteins universum" by Nigel Calder (on relativity theory).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Psychic News are the exploration of consciousness beyond physical death, the validity of spiritualist and paranormal experiences, and the search for meaning in life. The magazine adopts an open-minded stance, presenting accounts of NDEs, mediumship, and UFO sightings, while also including discussions with religious and scientific perspectives. It appears to advocate for a broader understanding of reality that encompasses spiritual and psychic phenomena, encouraging readers to question conventional beliefs and explore alternative viewpoints on life, death, and the universe. The editorial stance is one of inquiry and openness to phenomena that challenge materialist explanations.