Sokaren - 1984 No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), dated 1984, presents a multifaceted exploration of the unexplained, the spiritual, and the philosophical, with a strong focus on the work of journalist Jan-Ove Sundberg and his magazine "Det Okända" (The Unknown).

Jan-Ove Sundberg: The Man Behind "Det Okända"

The magazine dedicates significant space to Jan-Ove Sundberg, highlighting his career as a journalist specializing in the supernatural. It notes his ability to captivate readers with sensational stories, even if some critics question his methods and the veracity of his sources. Sundberg, who has no driver's license and types with one finger, has achieved remarkable success by creating "Det Okända," a magazine that caters to a broad audience fascinated by mysteries. The article contrasts his approach with more academic or serious publications, suggesting his success lies in his ability to present information in an accessible, entertaining manner. He defends his work by stating that "Det Okända" aims to inform people with experiences of the unknown that they are not alone, and that the magazine's broad appeal necessitates a simplified presentation.

Sourcing and Credibility Concerns

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the credibility of "Det Okända." The magazine "Sökaren" points out instances where Sundberg's articles appear to embellish or misrepresent information from foreign sources, citing the example of a UFO incident over Teheran. While Sundberg acknowledges that foreign material may not always be verifiable, he defends his choices by stating that readers are more interested in the story itself than its origin. Critics, like the author of this article, argue that sensationalism should not come at the expense of accuracy and that sources should always be cited.

Parapsychology and the Multidimensional Reality

An interview with Jens A. Tellefsen Jr., a professor of applied physics and vice chairman of the Association for Psychobiofysics, delves into the nature of parapsychology and the concept of a multidimensional reality. Tellefsen discusses his interest in the paranormal, influenced by his grandfather's associate Marcello Haugen, a healer and psychic. He touches upon phenomena like remote viewing and precognition, citing research by figures like Hal Puthoff, Russell Targ, and Robert Jahn. Tellefsen suggests that our everyday consciousness is only one aspect of a larger consciousness that may transcend space and time, and that understanding these multidimensional aspects could explain psi phenomena.

The Nature of Time and Consciousness

Tellefsen posits that time, as we perceive it, is a construct of our daily consciousness, and that the subconscious may have access to past, present, and future simultaneously. He draws parallels with Einstein's theory of relativity, which suggests that time is not absolute. He also discusses the possibility of time travel and the idea that our consciousness might be able to transcend temporal boundaries. The article touches upon the implications of psi phenomena, suggesting they necessitate a greater sense of responsibility towards each other and nature, supporting a holistic view of the world.

New Age Philosophy and Personal Transformation

Sondra Ray, an American author and teacher of "loving relationships," is featured for her work in New Age philosophy. Her teachings emphasize the power of thoughts and affirmations in shaping one's life and relationships. Ray's core message is that our relationships are deeply influenced by our birth experiences, and that by understanding and healing these "birth traumas" through methods like Rebirthing, individuals can transform their lives. She advocates for self-love and positive thinking, suggesting that the universe responds to our desires when we align our thoughts with them.

The Gaia Hypothesis

The magazine also explores the Gaia hypothesis, referencing Peter Russell's book "The Awakening World." This concept views the Earth as a single, living organism. The article discusses the scientific community's mixed reception to this idea, particularly the argument that Gaia cannot reproduce itself, though alternative forms of reproduction are considered.

Brahma Kumaris: A Spiritual Movement

The issue introduces the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, a spiritual movement founded in 1937. The movement teaches that souls are points of light and that the universe operates in cycles, with a recurring pattern of ages leading to a nuclear purification and a new beginning. They emphasize inner peace, spiritual knowledge, and the concept of humanity as one family. The article highlights their respect for other religions while asserting their unique understanding of spiritual truths. The Brahma Kumaris advocate for Raja Yoga meditation as a means to connect with the Supreme Soul and achieve inner transformation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Sökaren" demonstrates a clear editorial stance favoring the exploration of the unknown, the spiritual, and the unconventional. While it presents a platform for sensationalist journalism through its focus on Jan-Ove Sundberg and "Det Okända," it also engages with more serious discussions on parapsychology and New Age philosophy. The magazine appears to balance sensationalism with a genuine interest in exploring alternative perspectives on reality, consciousness, and spirituality. The critical tone adopted by the author of the article regarding Sundberg's journalistic practices suggests an underlying concern for accuracy and ethical reporting, even within the context of exploring the supernatural.

This issue of Sökarguiden, titled "Bör man varna för New Age?" (Should we warn about New Age?), published in 1984, explores the multifaceted New Age movement. The magazine critically examines the movement's origins, core beliefs, and its perceived place in contemporary society, contrasting it with scientific objectivity and rationalism.

The New Age Debate: Warning or Hope?

The cover story directly addresses the controversy surrounding New Age, posing questions about whether it is a movement based on primitive emotional thinking and distrust of science, or if it harbors authoritarian and elitist tendencies, even drawing comparisons to Nazism and fascism. The article refutes the claim of an organized link between New Age and neo-Nazism, as suggested by a Svenska Dagbladet article, while acknowledging some shared sentiments like a distrust of science and a focus on emotional aspects. However, it argues that New Age's concept of a new, conscious, loving human type, increasing in number and forming a global family, is fundamentally different from Nazi elitism.

Defining New Age: An Elusive Identity

The article highlights the difficulty in defining New Age, describing it as a collection of new thoughts and perspectives rather than a rigid ideology. It notes that individuals involved may have their own interpretations, but a common thread is an optimistic outlook and belief in human potential. Some see it as a new state of consciousness, a wiser humanity, a vision of humans in balance with nature, or the creation of a paradise on Earth.

Origins and Influences

New Age ideas are traced back to various sources, including the counterculture movements of the 1960s, particularly in California, and Eastern philosophies. The book "The Greening of America" by Charles A. Reich is cited as an early influence, describing a new youth culture focused on living richly and meaningfully rather than solely on career and money. This new consciousness emphasizes individual self-realization, mutual respect, and a sense of community, valuing each person as unique.

Key New Age Centers and Concepts

Notable New Age centers mentioned include the Findhorn community in Scotland, which envisions a new humanity living in harmony with creation, and The Farm in Tennessee, founded by Stephen Gaskin. The article discusses the New Age perception of the universe as a unified, living organism, not mere matter, and that the universe creates itself. It contrasts this with traditional Western religions. The concept of nature is viewed holistically, advocating for cooperation with nature, sustainable energy, and responsible resource management.

The Human Being in New Age Philosophy

New Age views humans not as a product of chance but as part of a divine plan, sharing the universe's spiritual essence. Individuals are seen as "divine" with vast, untapped potential, a stark contrast to the Christian concept of humanity being full of sin. The movement emphasizes that humans are interconnected with the universe and each other, forming a single family. This leads to a focus on emotional and spiritual needs over material possessions.

The Rise of Objective Science and its Critiques

The article "Den vetenskapliga objektiviteten – ett värde eller ett hot?" (Scientific Objectivity – a Value or a Threat?) by Jan Grönholm, critiques the modern over-reliance on scientific objectivity. It argues that while science has replaced religious dogma as the ultimate authority, this pursuit of objectivity has led to the devaluation of human values like emotion and mysticism. The author contends that the scientific worldview, often rooted in materialism, struggles to account for free will and meaning, potentially leading to a deterministic and dehumanizing perspective.

Humanism in a Scientific Age

Grönholm questions whether humanism has become an empty word in an age dominated by scientific objectivity. He suggests that the scientific emphasis on materialism and quantifiable data leaves little room for subjective experience and the deeper aspects of human existence. The article touches upon the role of intellectuals in shaping societal narratives and the potential for even seemingly neutral scientific discourse to serve existing power structures.

The I Ching and Personal Guidance

An article by Annakarin Svedberg explores the ancient Chinese text, the I Ching, as a source of wisdom and guidance. It explains the method of consulting the I Ching through coin tosses to generate hexagrams, which are then interpreted to provide insights into the future or advice on how to navigate life's changes. The author emphasizes that the I Ching is best used as a wise advisor rather than a definitive predictor, encouraging users to focus on how to best prepare themselves for evolving circumstances.

Other Features

The magazine also includes sections on parapsychology and illusionism, discussing the challenges of conducting fraud-proof experiments. It features a "Sökarguiden" (Search Guide) listing various publications and events related to New Age and similar interests, including advertisements for workshops on shamanism, yoga, and rebirthing. There is also a brief mention of a perceived decline in UFO interest in the USA and a section on astrological analysis and graphology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, spirituality, and the human condition in the late 20th century. There is a clear tension between the perceived benefits of New Age spirituality and the potential dangers of irrationalism and a rejection of scientific principles. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand and evaluate the New Age movement rather than outright endorsing or condemning it. The magazine encourages a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the potential for personal growth and the need for critical discernment when engaging with these ideas.

This issue of Det Okända, number 9 from 1984, is a Swedish magazine focused on sensationalist journalism, the paranormal, and spiritual topics. The editor-in-chief, Jan-Ove Sundberg, is described as someone who prioritizes exciting stories over factual accuracy, making the magazine more of an entertainment source for readers of weekly magazines and comic books rather than a serious journalistic publication. The magazine's reliability is questioned due to its editor's tendency towards the sensational and lack of critical source evaluation.

Cover Story: UFO Sighting

The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a headline related to a UFO sighting. The main cover story details an encounter with a silver, disk-shaped UFO observed hovering low in the sky over Sweden. The object is described as large and moving slowly, with no reported electromagnetic effects or physical trace evidence. This incident serves as a central theme for the issue, aligning with the magazine's focus on the unexplained.

Featured Articles and Themes

The issue delves into various themes related to the supernatural and personal development:

"Texas" Sundberg's Unlikely World

This article highlights a man who had 1000 works rejected but is now the editor-in-chief of Sweden's largest magazine on the supernatural. It touches upon sensationalism in media.

New Age Magic

An article titled "New Age-magi" explores how to manifest desires using the power of thought. It suggests that New Age practices can be beneficial, contrasting this with a view that it represents a return to medieval superstition.

Psi and the Multidimensional Reality

Physicist Jens Tellefsen is featured in an article discussing psi phenomena and the multidimensional reality. Tellefsen is presented as someone with significant knowledge of parapsychology, who is more informed than its superficial critics.

Martinus and Cosmic Consciousness

Several pages are dedicated to the works of Danish author Martinus, promoting his philosophy of cosmic consciousness. Books like "Tredje Testamentet – Livets Bok" (The Third Testament – The Book of Life) are presented as comprehensive analyses of the universe and life's principles. The articles emphasize that Martinus's teachings are not dogmatic but encourage independent investigation of his ideas. His work is described as offering a logical understanding of life and a path towards a more peaceful existence.

Other Articles

• "Tänkom Gaiaska ha barn!" by Bertil Falk.
• "Dina relationer börjar i livmodern!" by Monica Seilitz.
• "PULLAN" by Chintamani Isberg.
• "Brahma Kumaris" by Åsa Freij, detailing the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, India, which includes meditation centers and dining halls.
• "Sökarguiden" by Per Frisk.
• "The Scientific Objectivity – A Value or a Threat?" by Jan Grönholm.
• "I Ching" by Annakarin Svedberg, discussing the ancient Chinese practice of seeking knowledge through coin casting.
• "The Prophet's Journey Through Time" by Sven Rosén, which touches upon a prophetic figure discovering events related to a birth in a manger.
• Book Reviews: Several book reviews are included, covering titles such as "Footprints on the Path" by Eileen Caddy.

Publisher and Subscription Information

The magazine is published by HÄLSANS FÖRLAG, with its editorial office in Karlstad, Sweden. Subscription prices and bank details are provided. The magazine is part of a larger publishing effort that includes numerous books on spirituality, self-help, and esoteric topics, many of which are listed and described throughout the issue, particularly those related to Martinus's philosophy and other spiritual authors like Bô Yin Râ.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Det Okända' are the paranormal, UFOs, spiritualism, and self-improvement through various philosophical and esoteric systems, most notably Martinus's cosmology. The editorial stance, as reflected in the introductory piece, is one that acknowledges the entertainment value of sensationalism while simultaneously warning readers about the lack of rigorous journalistic standards. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in the unexplained and alternative belief systems, offering a mix of reported phenomena, philosophical explorations, and practical advice for personal growth.

This document is a single page from a Swedish publication, likely a magazine or newsletter, focusing on the upcoming visit of reincarnation researcher Ethlynn Luce to Stockholm in November. The main headline, "HUR PÅVERKAS DIN NUSITUATION AV TIDIGARE LIV?" (How is your current situation affected by previous lives?), sets the theme for the content.

Ethlynn Luce, described as a reincarnation researcher, metaphysician, and healer, has previously had successful visits to Sweden in 1983 and earlier in the year. She spends six months of the year working in Europe, allowing her to visit Sweden twice annually. Her current visit is scheduled from November 12th to December 1st, during which she will offer personal consultations and conduct workshops.

Two workshops are scheduled at Cafe Pan Helhetscenter on November 24th and December 1st, with themes titled "LÅT DIN INTUITION ARBETA FÖR DIG" (Let Your Intuition Work For You) and "VAR I KONTROLL ÖVER DITT LIV" (Be in Control of Your Life).

Contact information for Anne-Kristina in Stockholm is provided for consultations and workshop registrations, including a phone number and specific hours (19:00-21:00 on most days). A voice message system is available for other times. The cost for a personal consultation is 400 SEK, and for a workshop, it is 250 SEK.

Information contacts are also listed for Gothenburg (Christina Henser, tel: 031/13 13 62) and Östersund (Lena Lindholm, tel: 063/35 32 5).

Additionally, an evening lecture by Ethlynn Luce will be held at Cafe Pan on November 13th, with the topic "MINA ERFARENHETER FRÅN 15 ÅRS REINKARNATIONS FORSKNING" (My Experiences from 15 Years of Reincarnation Research).

Ethlynn Luce's Background and Philosophy

The article delves into Ethlynn Luce's background, highlighting her natural ESP (Extra-Sensory Perception) ability, which she has possessed since childhood. Unlike some practitioners, she does not enter a trance state. Her childhood experiences are described, where she demonstrated an unusual awareness, knowing where friends were hiding during games and even anticipating teachers' questions in school.

Luce's work aims to help individuals understand how their past-life experiences can create blockages in their mental energies and emotions, impacting their current life situations. She posits that intuition is a quality inherent in all humans, varying in its activity level. While distinct from emotions, intuition is closely related to feelings and sensitivity, operating on a different plane.

Living according to one's intuition is presented as a path to a simpler and richer life. By stimulating intuition, individuals can achieve greater harmony and fulfillment. Understanding these connections allows people to better utilize their innate potentials for a more loving existence.

Karma is discussed in the context of its application in life for growth opportunities. The text emphasizes that individuals have the power to change themselves and pursue their dreams, overcoming fears or perceived limitations like age.

The article suggests that individuals will gain insight into the energies influencing them in the near future. The integration of mental and emotional factors, based on personal choices, will determine how one aligns their life with their karmic tendencies.

Many people who have met Ethlynn Luce reportedly recommend her workshops for gaining a deeper understanding of their circumstances and a broader perspective on life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is the influence of past lives on present circumstances and the role of intuition in navigating life. The publication appears to promote a metaphysical and spiritual perspective, emphasizing personal growth, self-awareness, and the utilization of innate abilities like ESP and intuition. The editorial stance is supportive of Ethlynn Luce's work, presenting her as an experienced and insightful researcher whose methods can provide valuable understanding and practical benefits to individuals seeking a more fulfilling life. The focus is on empowerment through self-understanding and the development of inner potential.