Sokaren - 1983 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of Sökaren magazine, NR9 from 1983, delves into themes of New Age philosophy, holistic health, and global consciousness. The cover story, "Meditera eller dansa i rymdfärgtältet - och kom ut med nya fräscha idéer!" (Meditate or dance in a space tent - and come out with fresh new ideas!), introduces the concept of 'Spaceplace-Colourscape' tents, which are inflatable structures designed to stimulate creativity and inner exploration through sensory experiences.

Reportage: Per och Gita Sellmann - Meditera eller dansa i rymdfärgtältet

The article explores the 'Spaceplace-Colourscape,' an innovative architectural creation by Maurice Agis and Peter Jo. These structures, made of air-filled plastic walls, are designed to provide an immersive experience of color, sound, and space, aiming to offer an 'emotional kick' and open new channels for creativity. The authors describe their personal experience within such a tent at the Festival for Mind, Body and Spirit in London, highlighting the disorienting yet liberating effect of the environment, which encourages movement, meditation, and a sense of rebirth. The piece suggests that while such specialized environments are not readily accessible, natural settings can also serve as powerful sources of inspiration.

HUC-83: Human Unity Conference

The magazine extensively covers the Human Unity Conference (HUC-83) held at the University of Warwick, England, from July 27-30, 1983. Approximately 700 participants from 25 nations attended this tenth annual conference, organized by The Foundation of Universal Unity. The core idea promoted is that all of humanity forms a single entity, transcending differences of color, faith, nationality, or profession. The foundation's aim is to foster a new understanding of human potential and responsibility, emphasizing 'integrity' – a concept defined as wholeness, honesty, and adherence to life's creative forces.

The conference's message revolved around a global shift in consciousness, recognizing humanity as one family and Earth as a shared home. Participants discussed the importance of cooperation, love, and harmony in creating a better society. The concept of 'New Age idealism' was prevalent, with an emphasis on spiritual nature, divine essence, and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Several Swedish participants are mentioned, including Jade, Björn, Lasse, Leif, Åsa, and Sven. Gerhard Elston, a former leader of Amnesty International USA, is also highlighted for his involvement in humanitarian projects.

Emissaries, Sunrise ranch och stiftelsen

This section details the organization Emissaries of Divine Light, which administers the Human Unity Conference. The report includes an interview with Michael Paige from Sunrise Ranch in Colorado, USA, the organization's headquarters. Emissaries is described as a loosely connected group united by a sense of community, focusing on practical application of spiritual values and personal ethical development. Sunrise Ranch, founded in 1947, houses about 150 people and operates on principles of equal pay and shared responsibility. The article also touches upon Rupert Maskell's involvement and the growing network of Emissaries members worldwide.

Integritet

Rick Lathrop, director of Universal Unity, explains the concept of 'integrity' as central to the Emissaries' philosophy. He defines it as a character trait that emerges from an awareness of the whole, leading to cooperation, kindness, and helpfulness. Integrity, in this context, means understanding that harming others ultimately harms oneself, and applying this principle in all aspects of life, including business and politics.

Vänskapscirklar

The conference began with 'circles of friends' (vänskapscirklar), small groups designed to foster a sense of family and allow participants to share their impressions and feelings. The article describes the diverse backgrounds of individuals in one such circle, including a businessman, a woman involved in cultural change, a farmer, a therapist, a diplomat, and a chiropractor.

Öppningen

The opening session of the conference featured addresses by Lindsay Rawlings and Keith Turner, emphasizing the importance of human relationships. Participants were encouraged to engage in informal interactions. While the overall tone was optimistic, the report notes a lack of concrete project presentations and a tendency towards superficiality in some speeches. However, the need for practical action and a shift from 'talk-conferences' to concrete work was also expressed.

Konferensröster

Several participants share their impressions of the conference. Sandy Farrar found it exciting to see people from different countries communicating and agreeing. Reidun Lindskog from Oslo noted the friendliness but found it difficult to establish deeper connections. Shannon Larsen appreciated the harmony and mutual respect among attendees. Ron Chesworth found the new ideas encouraging, while Monica Bryant from Brighton expressed mixed feelings, noting both positive experiences and disappointment.

Intervju med Donald Keys - En jord, en mänsklighet, ett öde

Donald Keys, founder of Planetary Citizens, discusses the organization's mission to promote the idea that Earth is one community and humanity is one species with a shared destiny. He advocates for a global perspective, similar to that of astronauts, and stresses the interdependence of all nations. Keys is not in favor of a world government but believes in the formation of governing bodies for specific life sectors. He highlights the role of nations like Sweden, Mexico, and Costa Rica in promoting this global consciousness, contrasting them with the obstructive policies of superpowers.

Keys also introduces the 'Planetary Initiative for the World We Choose,' a project involving around 500 organizations aimed at addressing global challenges like nuclear war and environmental destruction by fostering a collective vision for the future.

Intervju med Lin Martin - En ny tid gryr

Lin Martin, a healer and psychic, discusses her work, emphasizing that healing is not exclusive and that everyone has the potential to channel healing energy. She believes that time and space are not barriers to healing and that her work aims to help people 'wake up' to a new consciousness. Martin views the current era not as the brink of nuclear war, but as the dawn of a 'New Age consciousness.' She advocates for self-healing and a shift towards a more loving and giving attitude.

Intervju med Monica Bryant - Fullkomning är vår uppgift som människor

Monica Bryant, a health advisor and member of Green Farm Nutrition Center, discusses her work in helping people through crises and promoting personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of self-healing and a healthy lifestyle as the foundation for human progress. Bryant aligns with New Age thinking, advocating for a global consciousness and a positive outlook. She stresses that good health is essential for individuals to positively influence society and the planet, and that negative thoughts can be as detrimental as environmental pollution.

Intervju med Terry Willard - Matsmältningen är hälsans grund

Terry Willard, a Canadian herbalist and iridologist, highlights the importance of digestion for overall health. He believes that while good food is necessary, proper digestion is paramount. Willard advocates for the use of herbs to aid digestion and discusses the historical use of herbal medicine. He also touches upon the influence of emotions and mental state on health, suggesting that happiness and love are the best medicines.

Intervju med dr Larry Krantz - Livet är perfekt – om du vårdar det

Dr. Larry Krantz, president of the Whole Health Institute (WHI), discusses the principles of holistic medicine, which views the body, mind, emotions, and spirit as an interconnected whole. WHI aims to spread awareness that life is perfect and to help individuals realize this perfection in their own lives. Krantz emphasizes the patient's responsibility in their own healing process and advocates for a shift in attitude from self-pity to giving. He expresses tolerance for various healing methods, including traditional and non-traditional approaches, but stresses that the ultimate goal is for individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of humanity, the potential for personal and global transformation through New Age philosophies and holistic health practices, and the importance of developing a higher consciousness. The magazine adopts an optimistic and forward-looking stance, promoting self-awareness, spiritual growth, and a collective responsibility for the planet's future. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond individualistic concerns towards a more unified and harmonious existence.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 9
Year: 1983
Publisher: Zindermans förlag
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Eldvandring – en väg att utvidga verkligheten? (Firewalking – a way to expand reality?)

This issue of Sökaren magazine explores various alternative and spiritual topics, with a strong focus on personal transformation, parapsychology, and holistic health.

Reinkarnationsterapi med Barbara Findeisen (Reincarnation Therapy with Barbara Findeisen)

The main article details the experiences of journalist Margareta Sundgren-Danell with reincarnation therapist Barbara Findeisen. Margareta underwent 14 hours of therapy over several sessions, costing 3,150 SEK, to explore past lives and gain evidence for reincarnation. She describes a particularly intense session where she experienced being near death on a beach, feeling physical pain and a sense of coldness as her limbs disappeared. This was followed by an out-of-body experience and a feeling of freedom. She also recognized a man from this past life, who she later identified as Christofer in her current life.

Margareta learned that she had been murdered in that past life, possibly for adultery with a married man, in a strictly religious society where the Bible was read as law. She speculates that her death was not intended but a lesson. She also recounts other past lives, including being beheaded in France, stabbed on a battlefield, and a life in ancient Greece where she held power as a man, regretting ordering a slave to be killed. These past life experiences, she believes, have influenced her current life, causing a fear of speaking out and a slight stammer, stemming from past lives where she was punished for being too outspoken.

Barbara Findeisen explains that unresolved traumatic events and emotions from past lives can linger in the subconscious and affect present lives. By reliving these experiences, individuals can understand the root causes of their problems and overcome them. Margareta notes that she would need about ten more sessions to fully resolve her issues but lacks the time and financial resources.

Margareta warns that this type of reincarnation therapy can be difficult, as clients are left to process intense experiences on their own after the sessions. She experienced psychological imbalance but has since recovered.

Eldvandring – en väg att utvidga verkligheten? (Firewalking – a way to expand reality?)

This section, written by Nils-Olof Jacobson, details the experience of firewalking with instructor Tolly Burkan. The author participated in a weekend course that included a workshop on firewalking.

The course focused on self-realization and life joy, teaching participants how to overcome blockages and behavioral patterns. Peggy Burkan stated that people are motivated by desire or fear, and the course aimed to help participants realize their desires. The firewalking workshop was scheduled for Sunday evening.

Upon arrival at the firewalking site, participants signed waivers acknowledging the risks. Tolly Burkan explained that the firewalking was not about the fire itself, but about overcoming fear, with the fire serving as a symbol. He demonstrated illusions to show how perception can be manipulated. Participants were paired up to share their fears.

The fire was built on a hill, and participants gathered around it. Tolly led a prayer for a safe and healing experience. He emphasized that the fire's temperature could reach 650 degrees Celsius and warned participants to be mindful. He explained that the experience was meant to be a spiritual one, not a circus act, and photography was forbidden to maintain concentration.

Participants were instructed to walk over the glowing coals, with the option to go barefoot. Tolly advised focusing on one's inner guidance and accepting the worst-case scenario (injury or death) as a prerequisite for walking. He stressed that the act of taking the first step was the most crucial part.

After the firewalking, participants gathered to share their experiences. Most walked without injury, though some, including the author, experienced no blisters. A few participants did get blisters, and Tolly demonstrated an acupressure technique to help them heal overnight.

Nils-Olof Jacobson reflects on the practice, noting that while firewalking is often associated with religious ceremonies, it can also be a secular practice. He references accounts of firewalking from various cultures and discusses the psychological aspects, including the altered state of consciousness that participants may enter.

He mentions Joseph Chilton Pearce's book "The Crack in the Cosmic Egg," which suggests that our perception of reality shapes our experiences, implying that fire does not necessarily have to burn if one's belief system allows for it.

The author concludes that firewalking is a way to expand one's reality and overcome limitations, not a shortcut or detour, but one of many paths to liberation.

Other Articles and Sections

• Louisa Rhine: An obituary for Louisa Rhine, a pioneer in parapsychology, who passed away at 91. She was a close collaborator of her husband, J.B. Rhine, and conducted her own research, particularly on spontaneous cases and psychokinesis.
• Psi-Bluff i USA (Psi-Bluff in the USA): This article discusses an incident where two young illusionists, Steven Shaw and Michael Edwards, allegedly fooled Professor Peter Phillips of Washington University during parapsychological research. The article notes that James Randi, known for his criticism of psychics, was involved, and that Phillips's findings were more cautious than Randi's claims.
• Eva Moberg: En ny tidsålder (Eva Moberg: A New Era): This piece reflects on the cultural shift towards cynicism and darkness in literature and art, contrasting it with a longing for higher values. Moberg suggests that a "final no" must precede a "yes" for the future of humanity and discusses the emergence of the "New Age" movement as a response to this need for hope and a new paradigm.
• Ivan Troëng dömd i hovrätten (Ivan Troëng convicted in the Court of Appeal): This article reports on the legal case against Ivan Troëng, a magnet therapist convicted of violating the law against quackery. The court ruled that his business, which claimed to cure diseases including cancer with magnets, was illegal. Troëng maintains his innocence, claiming he only provided general instructions and that his business was unfairly targeted.
• Böcker för Sökare! (Books for Seekers!): A list of books available for purchase, covering topics such as UFOs, parapsychology, dreams, health, yoga, meditation, astrology, and the works of Dan Andersson.
• Sökarguiden (Seeker's Guide): A section listing various events, courses, and services related to alternative and spiritual practices, including meditation, yoga, astrology, and holistic health.
• Konungen av Sverige? (The King of Sweden?): A brief commentary questioning the role and relevance of the Swedish monarchy, stating that the king has no political power and is essentially a ceremonial figure.
• Djurens försöken minskar! (Animal experiments decrease!): A short report stating that the number of animals used in Swedish experiments decreased significantly from 1977 to 1982, attributing this to public opinion, increased costs, alternative methods, and ethical review boards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic and alternative approach to health, spirituality, and personal development. It features articles on parapsychology, reincarnation, meditation, yoga, and other mind-body practices, often presenting them as valid paths to self-discovery and healing. There's a clear interest in exploring phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or societal norms, such as UFOs, firewalking, and past life regression. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and supportive of these alternative perspectives, encouraging readers to seek deeper meaning and personal growth. The magazine also engages with social and ethical issues, as seen in the article on animal experiments and the commentary on the Swedish monarchy.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: 9
Volume: 1983
Issue Date: September 1983
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of Sökaren, an independent journal for life-philosophy issues, is dedicated to the theme "Religion for a new era?" It presents a vision of humanity as a unified whole, capable of creating a good society, and contrasts this with the perceived shortcomings of traditional religions.

"Religion for a new era?" - The Main Article

The lead article, attributed to "SM," explores the growing dissemination of the idea that humanity is a single entity, a concept promoted by organizations such as Universal Unity, Emissaries of Divine Light, Planetary Citizens, and Planetary Initiative. The author posits that this holistic view could become the "new era's religion," emphasizing humanity as a family with immense potential to create a wonderful society and a beautiful world to live in.

This philosophy is presented not as based on "holy scriptures" or "divine revelations," but on a positive outlook towards humanity and the world. Its adherents envision a future where everyone collectively harnesses the possibilities for an abundant life. The article highlights "neighborly love" as a core tenet, not driven by fear of punishment or promise of reward, but by the experience of unity as divine children of the universe, fundamentally equal and good.

The individuals spreading these ideas are described as intellectually and morally superior, significant figures in a time when humanity faces the threat of annihilation. The author suggests they are worthy of being heard.

The article critiques existing religions, stating they lack the power to guide humanity out of its current crisis and into a better society. This weakness is attributed to a lack of convincing truth in their messages. People find it difficult to believe that God has spoken directly to them through a book or a chosen human, or to accept a God who is simultaneously omniscient, omnipotent, and all-good.

While the Universal Unity foundation, which organizes annual conferences on human unity, has been criticized for talking more than doing, the article defends the value of spreading a good ideology. Organizing conferences, writing, public speaking, and leading courses are seen as having significant worth in promoting ideas for a good life, drawing a parallel to Karl Marx, who was "practically" inactive but influential through his writings.

The article concludes that people who embrace this ideology can become active in its spirit, improving the world. This idealism is presented as a light in dark times, and if humanity adopts these ideas of unity, a great future awaits.

Contents and Interviews

The issue features a diverse range of articles and interviews:

• Per o Gita Sellmann writes about meditating in a "space travel tent."
• SM covers "HUC-83."
• Åsa Freij discusses "Emissaries, Sunrise ranch and the foundation."
• Åsa Freij also reports on "HUC-83."
• SM conducts interviews with:
• Donald Keys
• Lin Martin
• Larry Krantz
• Monica Bryant
• Terry Willard
• SM interviews Barbara Findeisen about "Reincarnation therapy."
• Margareta Sundgren-Danell writes about "'Past life'-therapy."
• SM presents an article titled "The hundredth ape."
• Eva Moberg discusses "A new age."
• Nils-Olof Jacobson writes about "Firewalking."
• SM reports on "Ivan Troëng convicted in the court of appeal."

Editorial Information

Sökaren is described as an "Independent journal for life-philosophy issues." The editor and publisher is Sven Magnusson, with the address Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad, Sweden. The contact phone number is 054/11 16 89.

Subscription prices are listed as 102 SEK for a full year (10 issues) and 54 SEK for a half year. Payment can be made via Postgiro (70 60 47-8) or Bankgiro (372-8128).

Advertising prices (including VAT) are: Full page 1,000 SEK, half page 600 SEK, and small ads at 20 SEK per column-centimeter (minimum 60 SEK).

The magazine is printed by Prinkipo in Stockholm.

The ISSN is 0038-0504.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spirituality, consciousness, and the search for meaning in a changing world. The editorial stance appears to be critical of traditional religious structures and supportive of New Age philosophies that emphasize human potential, unity, and personal transformation. There is a clear focus on alternative therapies like reincarnation and past-life therapy, as well as a belief in the possibility of a more enlightened future for humanity if these new ideas are embraced.