Sokaren - 1987 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Volume: ÅRGÅNG 24
Date: 1987
Price: 20:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine, focuses on the intersection of science, psychology, and the unexplained, featuring a prominent article on mathematician and magician Persi Diaconis.

Persi Diaconis on Coincidences and Synchronicity

The lead article, "Persi Diaconis på sverigebesök" (Persi Diaconis on a visit to Sweden), by Jonas Söderström, details a lecture given by Persi Diaconis at the Mathematical Institute in Uppsala. Diaconis, a professor of mathematical statistics at Stanford and a professional magician, discussed the concept of "coincidences" or "synchronicity." He defined it as "a set of concurrent events, perceived as meaningfully related, with no apparent causal connection." Diaconis argued that many seemingly strange coincidences are not truly unusual but are often a result of our poor ability to calculate probabilities and our tendency to perceive patterns where none exist. He illustrated this with the "birthday problem," explaining that in a group of just 23 people, there's a 50% chance of two sharing a birthday, a fact that surprises most people. He also touched upon the "law of truly large numbers," suggesting that with enough opportunities, even rare events can occur frequently.

Diaconis's work also involves debunking paranormal claims, similar to James Randi. The article mentions his involvement with CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal).

The Case of B.D. (Bill Delmore)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of "B.D." (Bill Delmore), a purported medium whose abilities were investigated. Diaconis presented B.D.'s demonstrations, which often involved card tricks, as examples of how "multiple endpoints" can create the illusion of paranormal phenomena. The article explains how B.D. would present seemingly impossible feats, but upon closer examination, it's revealed that the outcome was statistically probable or achieved through misdirection and manipulation. The "bundle-of-sticks" effect is mentioned, where multiple weak arguments or possibilities combine to create a strong impression of something extraordinary.

Diaconis's analysis suggests that B.D.'s tricks often worked about one in eight times, and the successes were highlighted while failures were ignored. The article also touches upon the psychological aspect of why people are impressed, even when the trick doesn't always work, and how the lack of a sure-fire method can paradoxically enhance the belief in the paranormal.

The Cottingley Fairy Photographs

Another major feature, "Cottingleyfotografierna" (The Cottingley Fairy Photographs) and "Bluffen avslöjad" (The Bluff Revealed), by Janet Bord, meticulously investigates the famous case of the Cottingley fairies. The article recounts how two cousins, Elsie (15) and Frances (10), claimed to have seen and photographed fairies in Yorkshire, England, between 1917 and 1920. These photographs gained significant attention, with proponents like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believing in their authenticity. However, the article presents a detailed analysis by Geoffrey Crawley, editor of the British Journal of Photography, who concluded that the photographs were indeed hoaxes.

Crawley's investigation, spanning ten parts, revealed that the original photographs were heavily retouched and that the images of fairies were likely cutouts from books, such as "Princess Mary's Gift Book," and possibly double-exposed onto the film. The article highlights critical observations made by skeptics, such as the unnatural poses of the fairies, the lack of motion blur, and the disproportionate size of fairy elements compared to the girls. Elsie Wright later admitted in 1983 that the photos were a "practical joke" and that they waited for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Edward Gardner to die before revealing the truth. The article also discusses the role of photographers like H. Snellings in retouching the images and the motivations of those involved, including Conan Doyle's belief in spiritualism.

Health and Wellness: Overcoming Cancer and Mind Management

The magazine also includes articles on health and personal development. "Frisk mot alla odds" (Healthy Against All Odds) by Judith Glassman discusses how some cancer patients defy grim prognoses through positive attitudes, proactive engagement in their treatment, and a fighting spirit. It highlights the role of the mind-body connection, mentioning the influence of emotions on hormones and the immune system. The article cites examples of patients like Morris Abram and Bernice Wallin who actively participated in their healing process, often challenging conventional medical advice.

"Alfa-tänkande" (Alpha-Thinking) by Asa Freij introduces a course led by Australian Jacob Bloom, focusing on achieving the "alpha state" of consciousness. This state is described as conducive to intuition, creativity, better memory, and improved health. The course reportedly involves exercises in visualization, memory enhancement, and fostering a sense of love and community among participants. The article touches upon different brainwave states (delta, theta, alpha, beta) and emphasizes the benefits of operating in the alpha state for learning and well-being.

Other Content

The issue also contains shorter pieces, including a philosophical reflection by Harry Martinson titled "Tankar under ett svårt oväder" (Thoughts during a severe storm), and advertisements for various courses and publications, such as "Counselling – En kvalificerad utbildning" and "Vetenskapen om det talade ordet" (The Science of the Spoken Word).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren demonstrates a clear editorial stance that favors rational inquiry and scientific skepticism while remaining open to exploring phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine aims to debunk pseudoscience and paranormal claims through logical analysis and evidence, as exemplified by the detailed investigations into Persi Diaconis's work and the Cottingley fairy photographs. Simultaneously, it embraces topics related to personal growth, health, and the mind-body connection, suggesting that psychological and attitudinal factors can play a significant role in well-being and overcoming adversity. The magazine appears to encourage critical thinking and a proactive approach to life, whether in understanding coincidences, evaluating extraordinary claims, or managing one's health.

This issue of "Sökarguide" from 1987, with the cover headline "Polaritetsgurun Anders B. Johansson åter i Stockholm!", delves into a variety of topics including UFO studies, out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and philosophical inquiries into life's mysteries. The magazine features articles, interviews, and opinion pieces, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives.

The Colorado UFO Study: Bluff or Conspiracy?

Philip J. Klass critically examines the controversial scientific study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) conducted by the University of Colorado under the direction of physicist Edward U. Condon. Klass argues that while the study itself may not have been perfectly executed, Condon and his coordinator, Robert Low, were victims of a "well-orchestrated misinformation campaign" by a group of "UFO believers." The article details the project's origins, the involvement of figures like James E. McDonald (a proponent of the extraterrestrial hypothesis) and David R. Saunders (who admitted to being a "near believer"), and the internal conflicts and external criticisms that plagued the investigation. Klass highlights the crucial contract clause requiring objective researchers and questions the impartiality of some team members. He also discusses the role of Congressman J. Edward Rousch and the media's portrayal of the project, suggesting that the project's findings were misrepresented and that the true intentions of Condon and Low were misunderstood. The article concludes that the project, despite its flaws, did not engage in deception, and that many of the "unexplained" cases had prosaic explanations upon closer examination.

Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs)

The magazine explores OBEs from both parapsychological and psychological viewpoints. Rolf Ejvegård and SM discuss laboratory experiments aimed at verifying OBEs, citing the work of researchers like Karlis Osis and Charles Tart. The experiments often involved subjects attempting to perceive hidden targets while in an OBE state. The article notes the difficulty in definitively proving paranormal phenomena and touches upon the psychological interpretation of OBEs as altered states of consciousness. Susan Blackmore's critique of some experiments is also mentioned, highlighting potential methodological flaws.

Levande detektorer (Living Detectors)

This section touches upon experiments using human and animal "detectors" to register the presence of an OBE subject. It describes attempts to measure a cat's behavior and vocalizations when a subject claims to be in an OBE state in the same room.

Enkät om livets och människans gåta (Survey on the Riddle of Life and Humanity)

This extensive section features responses from various individuals representing different spiritual and philosophical backgrounds to a set of fundamental questions:

1. Does God exist? If so, what is God like?
* Ajit das (Bhaktivedanta Society) believes God is the ultimate reality, Sri Krishna, the source of all existence, and can be known through devotion.
* Tomas Frankell views God as an experience beyond thought and words, emphasizing inner connection.
* Olle Hjern (Herrens Nya Kyrka) is convinced of God's existence as a personal, loving, and wise higher power, the source of all good.
* Michael Lindfield (Findhorn) describes God as a nameless, loving, intelligent consciousness, the magnetizing force behind creation.
* Rabia Lundberg believes God is an ineffable essence within all beings, the source of life and consciousness.
* Sten Rodhe (Swedish Church, Christian Zen meditator) sees God as a mystery beyond human comprehension, a loving father, and a triune being (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
* Sigurd Westerlund (Martinus Institute) views God as the universe itself, an organism of universal love and consciousness.
* Elis Wikström (Frikyrkan) believes in a theocentric world system and a divine consciousness, seeing God as immanent and transcendent.

2. What is a human being? If not by chance, why were humans created? If life is created, what is its meaning?
* Ajit das explains humans as souls (atma) seeking worldly pleasure, with the body as a means to reconnect with God.
* Tomas Frankell sees humans as beings in contact with their true selves, capable of experiencing beyond fear and separation.
* Olle Hjern views humans as unique beings created in God's image, capable of co-creation and preparing for a spiritual world.
* Michael Lindfield describes humans as a blend of earth and angel, a conscious bridge between the ideal and material worlds, meant to manifest perfection.
* Rabia Lundberg sees humans as a movement, a process of development, part of life's evolution, with no creator or chance, but self-determined.
* Sten Rodhe views humans as a mystery, with life's meaning and purpose beyond human comprehension, possibly related to preparing for a higher world.
* Sigurd Westerlund states humans are eternal beings on a path of development, with the meaning of life being its experience.
* Elis Wikström believes humans are eternal souls, part of a cyclical process of development, with the purpose of discovering and expressing inner love and harmony.

3. How should a human being be? (What characterizes a good person?)
* Contributors emphasize love, selflessness, living in harmony with God and others, honesty, and acting from one's true self.

4. Is there any truth in religions?
* Most respondents agree that religions contain truths but are often limited by their forms or interpretations. They are seen as paths to God, guides for inner development, or reflections of divine principles, with some emphasizing the common core of love and truth across different faiths.

5. What is death? Is there a life after death?
* The general consensus is that death is a transition, not an end. Life continues in another form or spiritual realm. The soul (atma) is eternal and transmigrates or continues its journey. Death is seen as a natural part of a cycle of existence, a transformation rather than annihilation.

Other Features

The magazine also includes advertisements for various services such as health courses, meditation music, and astrological analyses. There is also a section called "Sökarguiden" which lists events, lectures, and services related to alternative healing, spirituality, and personal development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for meaning, the nature of consciousness, the existence of higher powers, and the exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints on complex and often controversial topics, encouraging readers to contemplate these mysteries themselves. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in spirituality, parapsychology, and alternative philosophies.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1
Volume: 1987
Date: January 1987
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual and philosophical topics, is themed around 'Our Heroes' and explores various aspects of life, music, spirituality, and well-being. The cover features a photograph of composer Paul Winter.

Articles and Features

Våra hjältar (Our Heroes)

The editorial laments the poor quality of current television programming, criticizing its portrayal of excessive alcohol consumption and romanticization of crime. It advocates for better TV content that celebrates positive role models such as philanthropists, environmental activists, and peace advocates, suggesting that such programming would be more beneficial than current offerings.

Music and Spirituality

Paul Winter: The magazine highlights the work of American musician Paul Winter, born in 1939. His music, often categorized as 'New Age Music', is described as a blend of global folk music, sacred music, and natural sounds. His group, the Paul Winter Consort, evolved from a jazz sextet in 1967. Winter's notable works include 'Common Ground' (1977), which incorporated animal sounds, and 'Missa Gaia' (Earth Mass), a large-scale work recorded in 1981 that aims to be a mass for the planet. The article notes his performances, including a simultaneous broadcast with a Russian choir in 1985, and his environmental activism, with his group receiving an Environmental Award from the UN. His latest cassette, 'Harmonic Meetings', features three members of his group using words from ancient Christian, Jewish, and Islamic liturgies, recorded in a French monastery.

Other Musicians: The issue also briefly mentions Mike Rowland's new cassette 'Solace' and Chaitanya Hari Deuter's album 'San', expressing mild disappointment with Deuter's new, more pop-oriented sound.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

Phil Klass on the Condon UFO Study: UFO skeptic Phil Klass offers a more positive view of the Condon committee's UFO research than previously presented in Sökaren. He directs criticism towards Professor James McDonald, whom he considers the main antagonist.

Cottingley Fairies: Janet Bord debunks the famous Cottingley Fairies photographs, which were once supported by Conan Doyle, stating they were a hoax. The article mentions that the girls, Elsie and Frances, used paper cutouts of fairies with butterfly wings, though Frances later claimed one photo was genuine due to a double exposure.

Health and Well-being

Humor and Joy: A review of Lars-Erik Uneståhl's booklet 'Skrattandets värld' (The World of Laughter) discusses the importance of humor for health and personal development. The magazine also mentions a 'Laughter Tape' from Funny Business, USA, which, despite its intention, evoked mixed and negative emotions in listeners.

Psychological Training: Lars Ryberg's book 'Lugn och harmonisk med psykisk träning' (Calm and Harmonious with Mental Training) is reviewed. It offers practical exercises for psychological hygiene and mental training, including visualizations for humor and creativity. A cassette of guided exercises is also available.

Vegetarianism: An article titled 'Plus för vegetarismen' (Plus for Vegetarianism) reports on a five-year study in West Berlin that found vegetarians to be healthier, with better blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and lower incidence of heart disease and cancer.

Rebalancing: The Swedish Rebalancing Institute offers treatments, courses, and education in body therapy, relaxation techniques, meditation, and crisis therapy.

Yoga Nidra: Swami Janakananda's new cassette 'Upplev Yoga Nidra' (Experience Yoga Nidra) is advertised, offering deep relaxation and a journey through the senses with sound from Mother Earth.

Esotericism and Philosophy

Teosofi (Theosophy): The magazine promotes 'Tidskriften Teosofiskt Forum', a publication exploring ancient wisdom, mysteries schools, reincarnation, and meditation. It lists various articles covering topics like the eternal self in Shakespeare's sonnets, light from ancient Egypt, and the keys to myths found in our hearts.

Hermetics by Bardon: Information is provided on books by Franz Bardon, including 'Initiation into Hermetics' and 'The Practice of Magical Evocation'.

Babaji's Kriya Yoga: Practical lessons in Babaji's Kriya Yoga, with recorded lectures by Yogi Ramaiah, are announced for Stockholm.

Tarot, Pendulums, and Crystal Balls: A service offering tarot cards, pendulums, and crystal balls is advertised, along with related literature.

Inre tystnad och rymd (Inner Silence and Space): This section discusses the teachings of Jeddu Krishnamurti, who passed away in 1986. Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher who traveled the world for 60 years, emphasized the importance of attention, observation without judgment, and living in the present moment. His book 'Att vara fri' (Freedom from the Known) is highlighted.

Phil Bosmans: A selection of quotes from Phil Bosmans' book 'Kära medmänniska' (Dear Fellow Human) is presented, offering reflections on life, happiness, and self-acceptance.

Eileen Caddy: An excerpt from Eileen Caddy's 'Footprints on the Path' is included, focusing on the continuous learning and accumulation of wisdom.

Reviews

• Recensioner (Reviews): The magazine includes reviews of several books:
• 'Erotik' by Francesco Alberoni, a work exploring human sexuality.
• 'Medicin för själen' (Medicine for the Soul) by Phil Bosmans, described as a collection of wisdom pieces.
• 'Humor och glädje' (Humor and Joy) by Lars Ryberg, focusing on psychological training and the benefits of laughter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic and spiritual worldview, encouraging self-awareness, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of life's mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on mental well-being, meditation, and the interconnectedness of all things. The editorial stance is critical of superficial entertainment and advocates for content that uplifts and educates. The magazine also shows an interest in paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and alternative health practices, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach.