Sokaren - 1985 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Volume: 22
Date: 1985
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 15:00 INKLMOMS

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1985, delves into the burgeoning New Age movement in Sweden, exploring its historical roots, key figures, organizations, and the dissemination of its ideas.

New Age in Sweden: A Historical Overview

The article traces the origins of New Age concepts in Sweden, noting that many elements, such as vegetarianism, natural living, interest in Eastern spirituality, and parapsychology, have long been present. Theosophy, in particular, is highlighted as a significant precursor, with its emphasis on the interconnectedness of all life and the idea of a universal life force.

Early Influences and Figures:

• Theosophy: Curt Berg, a leading theosophist, is quoted on the theosophical concept of unity in all life.
• Gunnar Rugland: Identified as an early Swedish New Age activist, Rugland had a vision of humanity as one family and advocated for vegetarian health and peace collectives.
• Jan Erik Janhammars Måndagsgruppen and Eddie Grahns Klubb Kamelen (later Klubb Sådd och Skörd) are mentioned as groups that promoted New Age ideas.
• Art Distribution (A.D.) in Stockholm, a cooperative art center founded in 1966, is described as having a New Age ethos, focusing on self-realization and community. A quote from Gita Sellmann, a participant in their carnivals, emphasizes the need to break free from technological and commercial constraints and find new ways of communication and self-expression.

The Rise of New Age Centers and Publications:

• Per Axel Atterbom's interview in 1972 about Findhorn is noted as one of the first explicit New Age articles in Sökaren.
• Vattumannen, a bookstore and information center founded in Uppsala in 1972 by Anders Björkén and Anders Ekströmer, became a well-known hub for New Age thought. It focused on alternative lifestyles and positive outlooks.
• Näckrosen Bokhandel in Gothenburg, started in 1973, also became a significant New Age bookstore.
• Föreningen för psykobiofysik, founded in 1974, investigated connections between the psyche, biological organisms, and physical matter, covering topics like parapsychology, meditation, and alternative medicine.
• Peter Sandblad's magazine Nexus, launched in 1976, focused on personal development, psychotherapy, and alternative medicine, reaching an audience of approximately 3,000.
• Galleri Medmera in Stockholm, established in 1976, served as a holistic center for New Age enthusiasts.

Key Organizations and Activities:

• Wäxthuset in Väddö, founded by Lena Wadenmark-Tuulse and Toomas Tuulse, became a center for 'life inspiration and creation', offering courses in personal development.
• Café Vega, started in 1982 by Tomas Frankell and Marie-Louise von Malmborg, was a meeting point for those interested in personal and global development. It later spawned the publication Energivågen.
• Café Pan on Söder in Stockholm, opened in 1984, continued the work of Café Vega.
• Gemenskapen Omkretsen, formed in 1979, aimed to be a network for New Age ideas in Sweden but ceased after a couple of years.
• Mark Mawrence is highlighted as an international networker who spoke of a global spiritual crisis and the need for a new spiritual and political sensitivity.
• Föreningen Nytänkarna (The New Thinkers Association), founded in 1982 by five women including actress Bibi Andersson, aimed to spread New Age ideas to opinion leaders in media and politics.

New Age Literature and Media:

• Sökaren itself played a significant role, with regular contributions from writers like Åsa Freij and Per Frisk.
• The article lists numerous influential New Age books published in Sweden in the early 1980s, including works by Mark Satin, Fritjof Capra, Marilyn Ferguson, Gary Zukav, and E.F. Schumacher.
• New Age Journal (formerly New Age Magazine) in the US is mentioned as a publication that successfully reached a broader audience by adopting a more conventional format.

Holistic Health and Philosophy:

• The concept of holistic medicine is presented as characteristic of the New Age, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.
• Meditation is discussed as a key practice, with references to Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its potential for stress reduction and inner balance.
• The article notes the philosophical underpinnings of TM, relating it to concepts of a fundamental state of pure consciousness.

The Rajneesh Movement:

• A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an account of the Third Annual World Celebration at Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, USA, attended by 15,000 people.
• The author, Göte Rudvall, describes the utopian community, its naming conventions, and the daily activities, including the 'Satsang' (silent meeting with the master) and the 'Rolls Royce drive' by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
• Rudvall reflects on the nature of discipleship and the potential impact of intense devotion on the master, questioning the outward manifestations of the movement.
• The article also touches upon the legal challenges faced by Rajneeshpuram and the movement's emphasis on safety measures, including AIDS prevention.

SEWA and the Alternative Nobel Prize:

• The article highlights SEWA (Self-Employed Women's Association) in India, founded by Ela Bhatt, which received the Alternative Nobel Prize. SEWA's work in empowering women through education and financial independence is praised.
• The establishment of the SEWA Bank is noted as a pioneering initiative.
• Bertil Falk contrasts SEWA's direct approach to addressing root causes of poverty with Mother Teresa's work, which he suggests primarily alleviates symptoms.

UFO Kidnappings:

• A section by J. Allen Hynek discusses a psychological study of individuals who reported being abducted by UFOs.
• The study, conducted by psychologist Dr. Slater, found that the nine subjects tested were psychologically normal and not psychotic, suggesting that their accounts were not simply the product of mental illness.
• The findings indicated that while the subjects were diverse, they shared traits such as high intelligence, a rich inner life, a relatively weak sense of identity, and a degree of paranoia or mistrust.
• The study concluded that the test results were not inconsistent with the possibility of UFO abductions, even if they could not definitively prove them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded exploration of alternative lifestyles, spiritual paths, and personal development. It aims to inform readers about various New Age phenomena without imposing a specific belief system, encouraging individual discernment and synthesis of ideas. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to document the growing influence of these movements in Sweden, while also critically examining their manifestations and societal impact. There is an underlying theme of seeking a more meaningful and holistic way of life in contrast to materialism and conventional societal structures.

This issue of "Sökarguiden" from 1985 delves into a range of topics related to the paranormal, consciousness, and alternative lifestyles. The magazine features articles on UFO phenomena, psychological aspects of witness accounts, government secrecy, meditation practices, and the potential dangers of intense spiritual or meditative pursuits.

UFOs and Government Cover-ups

The issue includes a review of the book "Clear Intent: The Government Cover-Up of the UFO Experience" by Lawrence Fawcett and Barry J. Greenwood. The review highlights the book's reliance on declassified government documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests. The authors conclude that UFOs have flown over US military installations since WWII, are considered a threat to national security, and that important reports are still being withheld from the public. The review, however, criticizes the authors for a lack of critical analysis of the documents and for presenting them in a historical vacuum, suggesting that the government's interest may have shifted from national security to technological applications.

Another article, "Har USAs regering haft en klar avsikt att vilseleda allmänheten om UFO?" (Has the US Government had a clear intention to mislead the public about UFOs?), by George M. Eberhart, further scrutinizes the government's handling of UFO information. Eberhart points out the book's reliance on official reports and speculates that the government's interest might be in understanding the technology behind UFOs for potential military or energy applications, rather than simply identifying the phenomenon.

Psychological Aspects of UFO Experiences

An article titled "Är 50 procent av alla UFO-vittnen psykiskt störda?" (Are 50 percent of all UFO witnesses mentally disturbed?) discusses a five-year study by an Austrian research group led by Ernst Berger. The study found psychological symptoms in over 50 percent of UFO witnesses. The article suggests that these symptoms might be a natural consequence of the UFO experience and the societal treatment of witnesses, rather than indicating pre-existing mental instability.

Meditation and its Potential Dangers

"Vipassanameditation i tio dagar" by Margareta Hartelius recounts a personal experience with Vipassana meditation at Splatts House. She describes the rigorous schedule and the practice of observing sensations without attachment. The article also touches upon the Buddhist concept of 'anicca' (impermanence).

In contrast, "'Meditationspsykos'" by Dr. Bo Johnson, an associate chief physician at Lillhagen Hospital, discusses the potential risks of intense meditative practices, particularly those involving Kundalini energy. Johnson reports on cases of 'meditation psychosis,' where individuals experience severe psychological distress, including paranoia and hallucinations, often after engaging in practices like Kundalini activation, TM meditation, or primal therapy. He emphasizes the importance of proper guidance and warns against experimenting without expert supervision, noting that conventional medicine is often ineffective.

Freda Morris, in "Negativa reaktioner på psykokinesi — vad beror de på?" (Negative reactions to psychokinesis - what causes them?), explores the psychological mechanisms people employ when confronted with paranormal phenomena like psychokinesis. She introduces the concept of 'rejection reaction,' which can manifest as inappropriate laughter, avoidance, or questioning one's own sanity. Morris suggests that these reactions are normal defense mechanisms that help individuals integrate new information and reconstruct their belief systems.

Psychokinesis and Personal Power

Cindy Siegel's article, "Vad har PK-träffar för betydelse?" (What is the significance of PK-sessions?), discusses the impact of psychokinesis (PK) training sessions. Siegel notes that a significant percentage of participants in PK sessions can bend metal using their minds, leading to a profound shift in their belief systems about reality and personal capabilities. This experience can foster a greater sense of personal power and control, potentially leading to a reduction in societal conflict and aggression.

Other Topics

The issue also includes a review of "Den möjliga människan" (The Possible Human) by Jean Houston, which explores methods for expanding human consciousness and potential. There is also a brief mention of reincarnation therapy and a review of Tony Buzan's book on improving brain function and creativity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of consciousness expansion, alternative healing methods, the nature of reality, and the potential for hidden knowledge or suppressed information. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring unconventional ideas and phenomena, while also acknowledging potential risks and the need for critical evaluation. There is a clear interest in government transparency regarding UFOs and a focus on personal development and spiritual exploration.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1
Volume: 1985
Date: January 1985
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Cover Price: 125 SEK (full year subscription)
Cover Headline: Tro kan göra blind (Faith can make blind)

Main Articles and Themes

Tro kan göra blind (Faith can make blind)

The lead article explores the dual nature of religious belief, positing that while faith can foster understanding and community, it can also be a source of intolerance. The author argues that some individuals believe they possess absolute truth, leading to a rejection of other beliefs and a sense of their own religion being threatened. This can manifest as a desire for censorship and the monopolization of public discourse by a single worldview. The article traces the extreme forms of religious intolerance through history, such as religious wars, inquisitions, and religiously motivated executions, noting that while large-scale conflicts are less common in the Western world, smaller instances of intolerance persist in the form of religious groups attacking and denigrating others. The author suggests that this fanatical mindset can be a torment for those who hold it, creating an internal pressure to warn and combat those who do not adhere to their 'Truth.' The article also mentions the potential for such individuals to write books against neo-spirituality or the New Age movement.

New Age i Sverige (New Age in Sweden)

This section highlights the New Age movement in Sweden, listing its leading pioneers. It specifically mentions Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, describing him as a figure worshipped as a god by his red-clad followers, and refers to him as a 'silent master' in a utopian society.

UFO-fronten (The UFO Front)

Edited by Håkan Blomqvist, this section delves into UFO-related topics:

• "Vad skulle hända, om regeringarna sa att 'vi har faktiskt besök från rymden'? Skulle det bli kaos?" (What would happen if governments said 'we actually have visitors from space'? Would it cause chaos?)
• Cindy Siegel discusses the significance of 'PK-träffar' (likely referring to psychic or paranormal meetings).
• Freda Morris explores the reasons behind negative reactions to 'PK' (psychic phenomena).
• Margareta Hartelius recounts a ten-day Vipassana meditation retreat, describing it as both difficult and beneficial, and touches upon 'meditationspsykos' (meditation psychosis) and its potential dangers.
• Chintamani Isberg contributes a piece titled 'PULLAN, allena' (PULLAN, alone).
• SMo. Nils-Olof Jacobson engages in a brief exchange about literature, questioning whether it is 'Lögn eller beskrivning av verkligheten?' (Lies or a description of reality?).

Bokrevy (Book Review)

Reviews include:

• "Den möjliga människan, reinkarnationsterapi, hjärnkraft" (The possible human, reincarnation therapy, brainpower).
• Eileen Caddy's "Footprints on the path," translated by Maria Adkinson.

Bertil Falk: Ett pris som sitter där det ska (Bertil Falk: A price that sits where it should)

This piece is from Sökaren's collaborators in Pona and reflects on the future society, referencing a new book by Jan Grönholm titled "Informationssamhället kan bli bra om vi vill det" (The information society can be good if we want it to be).

J. Allen Hynek: UFO-kidnappingar (UFO Kidnappings)

This article by J. Allen Hynek discusses UFO abductions, where ordinary people report being forcibly taken aboard flying saucers and subjected to medical examinations, describing the experience as 'gruesome'.

George M. Eberhart: Klaravsikt att vilseleda? (Clear intention to mislead?)

This article discusses how the Freedom of Information Act has led to the release of previously classified information about UFOs in America, questioning whether the intention behind the release is to mislead.

Sökarguiden (The Search Guide)

This section, contributed by Per Frisk, includes a call to action: "Sand in ditt lära program idag!" (Send in your learning program today!), likely an advertisement or a call for submissions for a program related to the magazine's themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren positions itself as an "Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor" (Independent journal for questions of worldview). The issue consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative beliefs (New Age, UFOs), and the psychological and societal implications of faith and belief systems. There is a clear interest in phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific or religious explanations, coupled with a critical examination of intolerance and dogma, whether religious or secular. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into various belief systems, while also cautioning against the dangers of fanaticism and blind faith. The inclusion of UFO reports and discussions on meditation suggests a broad scope encompassing paranormal, spiritual, and psychological topics.

Publication Details

• Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson
• Address: Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad, Sweden
• Phone: 054-11 16 89
• Subscription Prices: Full year (10 issues): 125 SEK; Half year: 70 SEK.
• Payment: Postgiro: 7060 47-8; Bankgiro: 372-8128.
• Advertising Prices: Full page: 1000 SEK; Half page: 600 SEK; Small ads: 20 SEK per column-cm (minimum 60 SEK).
• Printing: Värmlandstryck i Karlstad AB, Karlstad 1985.
• ISSN: 0038-0504.