Sokaren - 1982 No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR8
Year: 1982

This issue of Sökaren delves into a diverse range of topics, including innovative play, personal development through positive thinking, the enduring mystery of UFOs, and the ancient practices of shamanism and healing.

New Games – Nya lekar

The magazine introduces 'New Games,' a concept originating from America, designed to be fun and accessible for all ages. Dale Le Fevre, a certified facilitator, explains that these games are non-competitive, with no winners or losers, and adapt to the participants, ensuring continuous engagement and creativity. Le Fevre highlights that New Games often require no special equipment, focusing instead on human interaction and imagination. He also mentions the use of unique props like earth balls and parachutes. The games are noted for their psychological and social benefits, fostering a positive self-image and encouraging relaxation and uninhibited expression. The New Games Foundation, established in San Francisco in 1974, aims to spread these principles. Dale Le Fevre is scheduled to return to Sweden in the spring, and two books on New Games are available in English, with a Swedish book by Dale planned for the following year.

Two specific New Games are described: 'JÄTTEKNUTEN' (The Giant Knot), a cooperative game where participants form a knot by holding hands, and 'Knäleken' (Knee Game), where players sit in a circle and then in each other's laps, emphasizing interdependence. The 'Jordbollen' (Earth Ball) is also highlighted as a key New Games tool.

Affirmationsteknik

Annastina Vrethammar, who leads courses in affirmation technique, explains this method as a form of positive thinking that can help individuals overcome dissatisfaction with their lives, relationships, or careers. Affirmation, meaning affirmation or confirmation, involves using visualization and repeating positive words to foster a more positive outlook. Vrethammar emphasizes the holistic view of the universe, where everything is interconnected and influences everything else. She stresses personal responsibility for one's thoughts, feelings, and actions. Negative thought patterns, described as 'programs,' can be replaced with positive ones, leading to personal growth and self-realization. The process is likened to filling a dirty vessel with clean water: the initial stirring up of negativity is a necessary step towards clarity. Affirmations are framed as positive thoughts that counteract negative ones, such as 'I am worthy of being loved' or 'I can do this.' While some affirmations may require consistent practice, others can yield immediate results, particularly in practical matters.

Vrethammar's own journey led her to leave her job as a high school teacher to teach affirmation techniques, inspired by the positive changes in her own life. She explains that affirmations work by tapping into the creative principle, where an idea or image manifests into reality. The process involves focusing energy on the desired outcome. She notes that many people have unconsciously used affirmations throughout history, but her method emphasizes conscious and disciplined application. Affirmations are seen as seeds planted in the subconscious, requiring time to grow. Annastina Vrethammar offers weekend courses, and her contact information is provided.

A Course in Miracles

This section details the origin and philosophy of 'A Course in Miracles,' a spiritual text dictated to psychologist Helen Schucman by an 'inner voice' in 1965. Schucman, initially an atheist, collaborated with Dr. William N. Thetford, a professor of psychology, to transcribe the material, resulting in approximately 1500 typed pages. The course, published in three volumes by the Foundation for Inner Peace, offers a profound spiritual and psychological framework. It teaches that miracles occur when we correct our mistaken thoughts and emphasizes love over fear. The core message is that we are all part of a universal consciousness, and true identity lies in our divine nature, not in the ego. The course aims for a complete transformation of personality, fostering greater love and peace by recognizing our inherent divinity and interconnectedness with all beings. It is presented as a guide to spiritual self-help, teaching how to overcome obstacles to experiencing love and to reconcile with oneself and others.

UFOs – What You Should Know

Professor J. Allen Hynek, a renowned expert in UFO phenomena, discusses the challenges of distinguishing fact from fantasy in UFO reports. He clarifies that most reports (about 80%) are actually IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), often misidentified celestial bodies like Venus or common objects. Hynek categorizes the remaining 20% of truly unexplained UFO reports into six main categories: night skies, daylight discs, radar-visual cases, and three degrees of close encounters. He highlights the importance of witness credibility, noting that many credible individuals, including pilots and police officers, have reported sightings. Hynek discusses specific examples within each category, such as glowing objects in North Dakota, disk-shaped phenomena near Calgary, and radar-visual encounters involving aircraft. He also touches upon close encounters, including alleged sightings of humanoid figures and the potential for electromagnetic interference with vehicles.

Hynek expresses frustration with the military's approach to UFO investigation, criticizing their statistical methods and tendency to dismiss unexplained cases. He emphasizes that the UFO phenomenon is global and exhibits consistent patterns, suggesting it is not merely a product of collective imagination. He proposes that understanding UFOs may require new scientific paradigms, potentially involving concepts of time, space, and matter beyond current comprehension. The article includes photographic examples of alleged UFOs that have been explained as natural phenomena or misidentifications, such as a wall lamp, the moon, and Venus.

Shamanism and Healing Conference

Lars Lundmark reports on a conference held in Alpbach, Austria, focusing on shamanism and healing. The event attracted 320 participants, including doctors, psychologists, and individuals seeking healing. The growing interest in shamanism and traditional healing methods in Western countries is noted. Michael Harner, an authority on shamanism, defines it as ancient techniques for achieving health and balance with nature, where shamans play vital roles in their communities. The universality of shamanic practices across different cultures is highlighted, with examples from indigenous peoples worldwide, including Sami shamans (nåjder).

The conference featured lectures, panel discussions, and workshops. Notable speakers included Albert Hoffmann (inventor of LSD) and Stanley Krippner, who discussed altered states of consciousness and individual mythology. Workshops offered practical experiences in healing methods and shamanic techniques, such as Michael Harner's 'Journey to the Upper World,' which uses visualization and drumming to access altered realities. Stanley Krippner demonstrated Holotropic Breathwork and explored personal myths using tarot cards and dream analysis. Jarbas and Carmen Marinho from Brazil led workshops on developing psychic abilities and spiritual guidance.

Rolling Thunder, a Cherokee shaman, shared his wisdom on peace with the Earth, the importance of respect for nature, and the concept of the 'Great Spirit.' He emphasized the need to 'cleanse thoughts' and advocated for a shift away from the materialistic and destructive tendencies of Western civilization towards a more harmonious relationship with the planet. The conference underscored the interconnectedness of all life and the need for a deeper ecological consciousness. The closing ceremony included a song by Don José Matsuwa, a 103-year-old Huichol shaman, expressing gratitude to Mother Earth.

Rolling Thunder, Son of Mother Earth

This article profiles Rolling Thunder, a 65-year-old Cherokee shaman who is a spiritual leader and inspiration for the Meta Tantay community in Nevada, a commune of about 60 people seeking to preserve indigenous culture. Rolling Thunder is described as a medicine man with extraordinary abilities, including rain-making and telepathic communication. He has traveled extensively, sharing his message of peace with the Earth. The article recounts his visit to Sweden for a course at Ledusjö, organized by Leif and Eleonore Salmgren. Despite initial plans for an outdoor course, weather conditions led to it being held indoors. Rolling Thunder's teachings emphasize the importance of respecting Mother Earth and the need for humanity to 'cleanse its thoughts' to avert global crises like nuclear war. His philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of all life and the healing power of nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes personal growth, self-discovery, and a more harmonious relationship with the world. The themes of 'New Games,' 'Affirmation Technique,' and 'Shamanism/Healing' all point towards a holistic approach to well-being, emphasizing creativity, positive mindset, and spiritual connection. The article on UFOs, while presenting scientific inquiry, also acknowledges the persistent mystery and the need for open-mindedness. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging exploration of alternative perspectives and practices that foster personal empowerment and a deeper connection to nature and the universe.

This issue of The Flying Saucer Review, dated September 1982, delves into a diverse range of topics including UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, holistic health, and spiritual exploration. The magazine serves as a platform for articles, book reviews, and personal accounts related to the New Age movement and paranormal interests.

Key Articles and Features

UFOs and Ancient Mysteries

The issue touches upon the growing interest in UFOs in China, with reports of a large circulation for a Chinese UFO magazine and a visit by its American editor, Paul Dong. Dong collected hundreds of UFO case reports from China between 1978 and 1981. The magazine also revisits the concept of megalithic cultures, referencing Francis Hitching's 'Earth Magic' and Janet and Colin Bird's 'The Secret Country,' which explore theories about ancient astronomical knowledge and earth energies. Roland Adlerberth reviews several books on ancient mysteries, including those discussing giants, ley lines, and ancient astronauts, such as Peter Kolosimo's 'Unknown Universe' and Anthony Roberts' 'Sowers of Thunder.'

Health, Spirituality, and Alternative Lifestyles

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to health and spirituality. The article 'Kärleksträning' (Love Training) by Asa Freij describes an imagined alternative society where love is the primary tool for work and personal development, emphasizing conscious effort and spiritual growth. Another article, 'Medvetandet är en hälsofaktor' (Consciousness is a Health Factor), discusses the psychological impact on physical health, citing experiments with animals and research on human well-being. The 'Recept för att bli 100 år' (Recipe for Living to Be 100) article summarizes findings from a study of centenarians, highlighting positive attitudes, regular habits, and a lack of stress as key factors.

Björn Roxendal's piece, 'Tillvarons fasta punkt' (The Constant Point of Existence), explores the concept of the Self (Jaget) as the ultimate reality and the path to self-realization. The magazine also features a section on 'Helhetsmedicin' (Holistic Medicine) with a series of lectures covering topics like meditation, transpersonal psychology, and the role of diet and lifestyle in health. The 'Sökaren och gurun' (The Seeker and the Guru) parable illustrates the concept of consciousness as the ultimate answer to life's mysteries.

Esoterica and Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books on esoteric subjects. 'Tons Brunés PÅ SPORET AF KRAFTKILDER FORTIDENS' (Tons Brunés on the Trail of Ancient Power Sources) is reviewed as a book exploring ancient energy sources and their connection to past civilizations. Peter Underwood's 'Dictionary of the Supernatural' is described as a comprehensive lexicon of paranormal terms. Jack Hallam's 'The Ghosts' Who's Who' is presented as a guide to British ghosts. Graham J. McEwan's 'Sea Serpents, Sailors & Sceptics' is reviewed for its exploration of sea monster lore. The magazine also features a section on 'Utländsk bokvandring' (Foreign Book Wanderings) by Roland Adlerberth, reviewing various books on ufology, ancient mysteries, and the paranormal.

Other Sections

'Meddelande från framtiden' (Message from the Future) by Gustav Mark offers a speculative glimpse into the year 2382, envisioning a world government, a global language (Italian), the prohibition of meat consumption, and advanced technology. The 'Vattumannen' section announces a 10th-anniversary celebration for a bookstore specializing in New Age literature. The issue also includes a horoscope column, a section on psychotherapy using NLP, and a brief mention of the Ramakrishna movement in the Soviet Union. A report on the legal status of Scientology in Sweden is also featured, noting that while charges of fraud were dropped, concerns about the ethics of their course pricing remain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Flying Saucer Review are the exploration of the unknown, the search for deeper meaning, and the promotion of alternative perspectives on health, spirituality, and society. The magazine consistently champions topics related to UFOs, ancient civilizations, esoteric knowledge, and personal transformation. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, encouraging readers to question conventional beliefs and explore a wide range of phenomena and philosophies, particularly those associated with the New Age movement. There is a clear emphasis on self-discovery, holistic well-being, and the potential for humanity to evolve beyond current societal limitations.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Nr 8, 1982
Publisher: Smålandspostens Boktr. AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: Helår (10 nr) 98:-, Halvår 52:-
Cover Headline: Upplaga och kvalitet (Circulation and Quality)

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish independent journal for life philosophy issues, addresses the challenges of its circulation and the nature of its readership. The editorial, signed 'SM' (presumably Sven Magnusson, the editor and publisher), discusses the perception that the magazine's circulation is too small and could be increased with more advertising. However, the editorial argues that the magazine's content is aimed at a specific, exclusive group of 'serious seekers' who engage with profound questions, rather than the general public who might be satisfied by sensationalist entertainment. The magazine's current circulation is just over 3,000 copies, with an additional 400 copies printed for promotional purposes.

Articles and Content

The issue features a diverse range of articles, including:

• "New Games - Nya lekar" by Per Sellmann (pages 2-5).
• "Affirmationsteknik" (Affirmation Techniques) by SM (pages 6-7).
• "En kurs i mirakler" (A Course in Miracles) by SM (pages 8-9).
• "Vad ni bör veta om UFO" (What You Should Know About UFOs) by J. Allen Hynek (pages 10-15).
• "Konferens om shamanism och healing" (Conference on Shamanism and Healing) by Lars Lundmark (pages 16-17).
• "Rolling Thunder, son av Moder Jord" (Rolling Thunder, Son of Mother Earth) by Jörgen I. Eriksson (pages 18-22).
• "Tillvarons fasta punkt" (The Fixed Point of Existence) by Björn Roxendal (pages 23-26).
• "Kärleksträning" (Love Training) by Åsa Freij (pages 24-26).
• "Utländsk bokvandring" (Foreign Book Journey) by Roland Adlerberth (pages 27-30).
• "Gösta lever av vad naturen ger" (Gösta Lives Off What Nature Gives) by Sigbritt Eklund (pages 31-33).
• "Meddelande från framtiden" (Message from the Future) by SM (pages 34-35).

Product Advertisements

Pages 2 and 3 feature advertisements for cassette tapes produced by "New Waves Shanthi Tapes" under the guidance of Annastina Vrethammar. These tapes offer guided meditations and exercises focused on:

• "Läkande bilder" (Healing Images): Using visualization for physical and psychological well-being.
• "Bli vän med din kropp" (Befriend Your Body): Exercises to increase body awareness and harmony.
• "Meditera - hämta styrkan hos dig själv" (Meditate - Draw Strength From Yourself): Techniques for achieving peace of mind and increased effectiveness.
• "Väck dina energicentra" (Awaken Your Energy Centers): Introducing the body's vital energy centers (chakras) and methods to positively influence them.

The advertisement includes prices and instructions for ordering via postgiro.

Editorial Stance and Readership

The editorial emphasizes that Sökaren is intended for a niche audience of "serious seekers" who are genuinely interested in profound life philosophy questions. It contrasts this with the general public, who might be more interested in sensationalism and entertainment found in other publications. The magazine aims to provide readers with a basis for their own exploration of life's big questions, rather than dictating beliefs. The editorial explicitly states that the magazine's purpose is not to have a message or provide answers, but to present various viewpoints for discussion and critical examination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around personal growth, consciousness exploration, and alternative perspectives on life, health, and the paranormal. The editorial stance is one of intellectual engagement and critical inquiry, catering to a readership that values depth and seriousness over superficiality. The magazine positions itself as a unique cultural publication for those who are dedicated to seeking deeper understanding.