Sokaren - 1985 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR10
Volume: 22
Date: 1985
Price: 15:00 INKL MOMS

This issue of Sökaren magazine features a cover story on Harley Swiftdeer, an "Indian magician." The magazine delves into various spiritual, psychological, and philosophical topics, including the origins of "A Course in Miracles," the nature of intuition, and the controversial spiritualist activities of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

The Untold Story Behind A Course in Miracles

The article "Den hittills okända historien bakom A COURSE IN MIRACLES" by Robert Skutch details the extraordinary process through which "A Course in Miracles" came into being. It highlights the initial skepticism and resistance of Helen Schucman, a psychologist and self-proclaimed atheist, and her colleague William Thetford, a professor of medical psychology. Working in a tense academic environment, they found themselves increasingly reliant on each other. The narrative traces the pivotal moment in the summer of 1965 when Thetford suggested a new, cooperative approach. This shift seemed to trigger a series of unusual events for Schucman, including vivid mental images and dreams that evolved into a clear inner voice dictating the text of "A Course in Miracles." Despite her initial fear and disbelief, Schucman began transcribing the material, a process that continued for seven and a half years, resulting in a 622-page Textbook, a 478-page Workbook, and an 88-page Manual for Teachers.

The article emphasizes the paradoxical nature of Schucman's experience, her strong opposition to the dictation yet her inability to stop. Thetford's unwavering support and his own research into parapsychology, particularly Edgar Cayce, played a crucial role. The text also touches upon the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of the Course, its emphasis on love, forgiveness, and the choice between love and fear, and its unique approach to spiritual learning.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: The Peculiar Case

"Det egendomliga fallet Elisabeth Kübler-Ross" by Sven Ove Hansson examines the later-life spiritualist activities of the renowned thanatologist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. It details her embrace of spirit guides, out-of-body experiences, and her involvement with a spiritualist sect called Facet Divinity Church, founded by Jay Barham. Kübler-Ross's belief that near-death experiences are proof of life after death and her controversial views, such as the idea that Hitler might return as a great leader to atone for his past, are discussed. The article also touches upon allegations of sexual misconduct within Barham's sect and Kübler-Ross's own explanation for her lack of fear regarding smoking, attributing it to the power of belief.

Intuition - What Is It?

This section features three articles exploring the concept of intuition:

• Henri Bergson: The French philosopher Henri Bergson argued that intuition is a vital means of knowledge, allowing us to directly experience the flow of life, unlike intellect which only provides a superficial view. He believed intuition, which evolved from instinct, is essential for understanding the true nature of reality.
• Hans Larsson: The Swedish professor Hans Larsson defended intuition as a crucial element in philosophical and scientific thinking, alongside logic. He contended that while intuition might seem chaotic, it is a finer and more stringent application of logic, enabling a holistic understanding of complex issues that pure logic cannot grasp.
• Pitirim A. Sorokin: The Russian-American sociologist Pitirim A. Sorokin identified intuition as a third source of knowledge, alongside reason and the senses. He acknowledged its mysterious nature but highlighted its significant role in human culture, science, and art, while also cautioning that intuition, like sensory perception and reason, can lead astray and requires verification.

The section also briefly mentions the New Age perspective on intuition as a path to knowledge, including insights into past lives, and contrasts this with the critical view of philosopher Mario Bunge, who sees intuition as a rapid form of logical deduction that needs empirical testing.

"Gemenskapen" - Simple Conversation Meetings

"Gemenskapen" (Community), or GE, is a project initiated by Sven Söderberg aimed at fostering connection among ordinary people. Söderberg emphasizes that GE is not a therapeutic activity but a space for people from all walks of life to meet, share, and listen without judgment. The meetings involve small group discussions on various themes, followed by coffee and informal socializing. The article highlights the positive impact of these gatherings, with participants finding new life content and forming meaningful connections. Söderberg's philosophy behind GE centers on the importance of self-responsibility, understanding life's meaning, and the balance between solitude and community.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a review of the book "Fågel i min båge" (Bird in my Cage) by BaoM, a notice about an event celebrating Babaji, and advertisements for spiritual and New Age-related books and services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren magazine strongly leans towards exploring spiritual, psychological, and esoteric subjects. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional ideas and experiences, particularly those related to spiritual awakenings, paranormal phenomena, and alternative paths to knowledge and self-understanding. The magazine provides platforms for diverse perspectives, from the detailed account of "A Course in Miracles" to the critical examination of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's later life and philosophical discussions on intuition. The emphasis is on personal growth, the search for meaning, and the exploration of consciousness beyond conventional scientific paradigms.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1986, focuses on themes of intuition, past lives, UFO phenomena, astrology, and spirituality. The cover story features "Prinsessan Erena i Deje," an interview with Erena Rhöse, a Maori woman living in Sweden, discussing her indigenous upbringing, nature's wisdom, and her views on life, death, and universal connection. The magazine also includes articles exploring the concept of intuition, past-life regressions, UFO sightings, and the practice of astrology.

Intuition: An Essential Part of Thinking

Lin Martin, a speaker at the New Age-centret Café Pan in Stockholm, emphasizes that intuition is a vital component of human thought, complementing the intellect. He explains that the brain's two hemispheres, left (intellectual) and right (intuitive), work together for optimal creativity. Martin asserts that intuition is not illogical but rather a higher form of logic that integrates intellect at a profound level. He notes that successful business people often rely on intuition, making decisions based on both logic and a sense of what is right. The article also touches upon the idea that intuition can reveal deeper knowledge about oneself and life's meaning.

Stig Lindholm is quoted discussing intuition as a fundamental aspect of human functioning, suggesting that suppressing it leads to a diminished self. He contrasts intuition with logical thinking, viewing the former as more general and the latter as a specialized, clear form of thought. Lindholm believes that intuition can be the initiator of ideas and hypotheses, which the intellect then verifies. He stresses the need for balance between intuition and intellect to avoid skewed perspectives and personalities.

Past Lives: Verification and Experience

The article "Antonias reinkarnation" by Linda Tarazi details the extensive efforts to verify the past-life memories of a subject named Jane Doe, who recalled being Antonia Micaela Maria Ruiz de Prado in 16th-century Spain. Tarazi, a psychologist, recounts her investigation, which involved searching archives in Spain, North Africa, the West Indies, and Peru. She found surprising correlations between Jane Doe's accounts and historical records, including details about people, places, and events that were not readily available in common historical texts. The case highlights the challenges and potential rewards of verifying past-life claims, with specific mentions of historical figures like Giordano Bruno and Thomas Cottam, and the verification of historical locations and events related to the Spanish Inquisition.

Another section features interviews with individuals who claim to see past lives, including Swami Dhyan Giten (formerly Björn Erik Andersson) and Tapesh (formerly Erik Rolf). Giten, a "spiritual healer, psychic and medium," discusses his ability to read past lives, psychological patterns, and even physical health. He recounts past lives as a printer, possibly Gutenberg, and in Atlantis. Tapesh, who also uses a spiritual name from Bhagwan Rajneesh, shares his experiences of past lives, including dying in childbirth and losing a leg, and how these influence his present life. He also touches upon the concept of future lives and the non-linear nature of time.

Erena Rhöse, featured on the cover, discusses her Maori heritage and upbringing, emphasizing a deep connection to nature and a holistic view of life. She speaks about the concept of reincarnation not as a direct rebirth of the same personality but as a continuation of essence and a blending with the universal consciousness. Erena believes that all life is interconnected and that one's physical body is composed of the same elements as the rest of the universe.

UFOs: Beyond Extraterrestrial Visitors

Håkan Blomqvist's article "På UFO-fronten" examines the UFO phenomenon, questioning the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis. He recounts the 1965 UFO sightings in Sweden and the case of Rut and Erik Andersson, who reported seeing dwarf-like beings. Blomqvist discusses the work of UFO researchers like Jacques Vallee and John Keel, who proposed that UFOs might be related to folklore, parapsychological phenomena, or beings from parallel dimensions rather than solely extraterrestrial visitors. The article suggests that advanced technology can be indistinguishable from magic and that the UFO phenomenon might be a complex, multi-faceted event with both technological and psychological aspects.

Astrology: Guidance, Not Fortune-Telling

Ivan Wilhelm, chairman of the Swedish Astrological Association, addresses the limitations of astrology. He argues against the idea that astrology can predict physical appearance, citing the example of John McCall's failed test. Wilhelm emphasizes that astrology should be viewed as a system of guidance, not fortune-telling, and that its interpretations must be contextualized. He highlights that modern astrology focuses on trends, individual development, and subjective experiences, comparing it to an orientation map for life. The article also touches upon the ongoing research into the foundations of astrology and the challenges faced by astrologers in proving their discipline's validity under controlled conditions.

Spiritual Practices and Beliefs

The issue includes various sections on spiritual practices and beliefs. "Guru" explains the concept of a spiritual teacher in Indian traditions and the importance of discerning between genuine and false gurus. A brief mention of firewalking and its risks is included. The article "Biskopar får vara frimurare" discusses the controversy surrounding bishops being members of Freemasonry. A section on "Präster" notes the low interest in electing priests in Sweden. The magazine also features advertisements for books on spirituality, parapsychology, and yoga, including an offer for a Yoga Nidra cassette tape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around exploring consciousness, the nature of reality, and alternative belief systems. There is a consistent emphasis on intuition, personal growth, and the interconnectedness of all things. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, such as past lives, UFOs, and astrology, while also encouraging critical thinking and verification. The editorial stance seems to favor a holistic and spiritual worldview, encouraging readers to explore their inner selves and the mysteries of existence.

This issue of Sökaren, dated October 1985 (Nr 10, 1985), is an independent journal for worldview issues, published in Sweden. The cover prominently features an interview with Professor Robert Morris, the first holder of the Koestler Professorship in Parapsychology at the University of Edinburgh. The main headline poses the question: "What should Morris do with the Koestler Professorship?" accompanied by a smaller headline discussing "The art of stretching the demand for truth and objectivity."

Interview with Robert Morris

The interview with Professor Robert Morris, an American who will take up his post in November 1985, addresses his views on parapsychology. He defines it as the study of non-normal influence or communication between organisms and their environment, emphasizing it is a transdisciplinary problem area, not a belief system. Morris identifies as an 'agnostic' regarding psi phenomena but suggests that currently unknown natural principles might explain them. He stresses the importance of fully understanding normal human capabilities and the tricks of illusionists before accepting paranormal claims, noting the existence of both pseudocriticism and pseudoscience.

Morris points out that a significant weakness in the debate surrounding parapsychology is the lack of familiarity with the actual research literature among both critics and proponents. He acknowledges that reported paranormal effects are often small and could have alternative explanations. However, he believes that recent advancements in data collection and analysis, aided by computers, will improve the quality and replicability of psi research. His role as professor will involve identifying promising research areas and improving the quality of psi research through rigorous scientific methods.

He also advocates for research that bridges the gap between laboratory experiments and real-world conditions, without compromising scientific controls. Morris believes that well-conducted parapsychological research, using scientific methods to solve problems, can be exciting for the public and contribute to knowledge. He concludes that even if the primary outcome of parapsychological research is a better understanding of how we deceive ourselves and others, science will still have advanced, and new knowledge will have been gained.

Editorial Stance and Criticism

New Scientist, which published Morris's declaration, offers a critical editorial perspective. It questions the enduring human fascination with parapsychology, suggesting that the phenomena themselves remain elusive. The magazine implies that parapsychologists have little to offer skeptics and that a good parapsychological anthropology or sociology might be more intellectually satisfying than the research Morris intends to conduct. The core question posed by New Scientist is why parapsychology continues to attract public interest.

Commentary on "The Mind Race"

The magazine includes a critical review of the book "The Mind Race" by American authors Russell Targ and Keith Harary. The reviewer, Martin Johnson (identified as a professor of parapsychology at the University of Utrecht), describes the book as "shockingly uncritical and untruthful" in its portrayal of paranormal research. Johnson notes that Targ and Harary, both physicists, lack a background in behavioral science. He recounts their involvement with Uri Geller and the controversial nature of the experiments conducted at SRI (Stanford Research Institute). The book is criticized for its overly optimistic tone, suggesting that paranormal phenomena are real and can be developed by anyone, even for practical benefits like finding parking spaces or oil. Johnson also finds the inclusion of paranormal research in the Soviet Union to be a gratuitous addition.

Other Articles and Features

Several other articles and features are present:

• "Vad skall Morris göra med Koestler-professuren?" (What should Morris do with the Koestler Professorship?) by Håkan Blomqvist, discussing the new parapsychology professor's leanings towards unknown natural principles explaining the paranormal.
• "Om konsten att tänja på sanningskravet och sakligheten" (On the art of stretching the demand for truth and objectivity) by Martin Johnson, a commentary on Targ and Harary's controversial book.
• "Det egendomliga fallet Elisabeth Kübler-Ross" (The peculiar case of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross) by Sven Ove Hansson.
• "Intuition – vad är det?" (Intuition – what is it?) by Åsa Freij, exploring whether intuition is valuable, genius, or something else.
• "Antonias reinkarnation" (Antonia's reincarnation) by Linda Tarazi, an investigation into hypnotic regression to past lives.
• "En genomtänkt astrologi, tack!" (A well-thought-out astrology, thank you!) by Ivan Wilhelm, a commentary on astrologer John McCall's failed test.
• "De berättar om tidigare liv" (They tell of past lives) by Åsa Freij, discussing differing accounts of past-life regressions.
• "Samtal med den indianske magikern Harley Swiftdeer" (Conversation with the Native American magician Harley Swiftdeer) by Gunilla Rech and Ola Persson.
• Book Reviews: Several books are reviewed, including "Sven Stolpe och Sigtunaupplevelsen" (Sven Stolpe and the Sigtuna Experience), "Andarnas värld" (The World of Spirits) by Elinor Rohlin, "Möte med Ambres" (Encounter with Ambres), and "Vallfart" (Pilgrimage) by Birgitta Fries-Ossiann. The reviews cover topics such as spiritual experiences, mediumship, and philosophical explorations of consciousness and creation.
• "VATTEN ÖVER HUVUD TAGET" (Water Over the Head) by Dénis Lindbohm, a humorous account of a sailing trip shared by a believer and an atheist.
• "Sökarguiden" (Seeker's Guide): A section listing various courses, events, and books related to spirituality, healing, and personal development.
• "Gåvor" (Gifts): A list of donations received by the publication.
• "Brev" (Letters): A letter from Nils-Olof Jacobson questioning the depiction of David's harp.
• "Kontakt" (Contact): A personal advertisement from a 28-year-old man seeking a partner with shared interests.
• "Av Sven Rosén" (By Sven Rosén): A comic strip titled "Profeten" (The Prophet).
• "Fotspår på stigen" (Footprints on the Path) by Eileen Caddy, a spiritual text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and the paranormal. There is a clear tension between a critical, scientific approach to parapsychology, as advocated by Robert Morris and critiqued by publications like New Scientist, and a more open, sometimes uncritical, acceptance of spiritual and paranormal phenomena found in other articles and book reviews. The magazine seems to cater to a readership interested in alternative worldviews, personal growth, and esoteric subjects, while also engaging with the challenges of maintaining intellectual rigor and objectivity within these fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives from skeptical to deeply spiritual.