Sokaren - 1987 No 10

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR10
Volume: 1987 ÅRGÅNG 24
Date: 1987
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 20:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren focuses on parapsychological phenomena, particularly the case of Ted Serios and his 'thoughtographs', alongside articles exploring spirituality, personal growth, and critical perspectives on religion.

"Tankografi" - En Parapsykologisk Gåta (Thoughtography - A Parapsychological Enigma)

This section delves into the controversial claims of Ted Serios, who possessed the alleged ability to produce photographs psychically. The article details how Serios, using a 'gismo' (a cylindrical paper tube), could influence film in a camera to create images of objects not present. The research conducted by Dr. Jule Eisenbud, a psychiatrist and professor, is highlighted. Eisenbud, initially skeptical, became convinced of Serios' paranormal abilities after extensive testing from 1964 onwards. He documented his findings in the book "The World of Ted Serios" (1967).

The article recounts Serios' background, his early struggles, and how his abilities reportedly emerged. It mentions historical precedents for 'spirit photography' and emphasizes that Serios was the first to produce numerous paranormal images under scientific control. Eisenbud's research involved other scientists, including physicists and physiologists, who corroborated the unusual results.

Criticism of Serios' abilities often centered on the 'gismo', with skeptics suggesting it was a tool for deception. However, Eisenbud and his colleagues maintained that rigorous controls were in place, including the examination and sealing of cameras and films, and that Serios' hands were always visible.

Despite the claims of paranormal activity, the article also presents a critical investigation by a team from Popular Photography magazine in 1967. This team, composed of experienced photographers and illusionists, found the experimental conditions to be unsatisfactory and suggested that Serios could have employed trickery. They noted that Serios often produced results when expectations were low or when conditions were less controlled.

James Randi, a magician, publicly challenged Eisenbud to replicate Serios' phenomena, leading to a debate about the definition of 'similar conditions' and 'similar phenomena'. Randi claimed Serios was a fraud and that he could replicate the effects using simple optical tricks.

Ted Serios' World

This section further explores the controversy surrounding Ted Serios, presenting Eisenbud's arguments against accusations of fraud. It details how Serios' 'gismo' was examined, and how experiments were conducted with witnesses, including scientists like Professor J. Allen Hynek. Despite the scientific scrutiny, the debate over whether Serios' abilities were genuine or a result of sophisticated trickery persisted.

Ingen Förklaring (No Explanation)

This part discusses the difficulty in explaining Serios' 'thoughtographs', even if they were genuine. It touches upon the philosophical implications, suggesting that the distinction between the psychic and physical worlds might be less clear than commonly believed. The article quotes Dr. Eisenbud stating that if the mind can directly influence matter, the rest of the mystery would be easier to solve.

Randi and Eisenbud

This section details the public exchange between Jule Eisenbud and magician James Randi. Eisenbud issued a challenge to Randi to replicate Serios' phenomena under controlled conditions, offering specific experimental parameters. Randi accepted the challenge but later withdrew, citing his inability to meet certain conditions, such as alcohol consumption, which he claimed Serios sometimes engaged in during experiments.

The article also references a TV program where Randi claimed to have replicated Serios' abilities, a claim Eisenbud refuted. The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between proponents of psychic phenomena and skeptics who attribute such claims to illusionism.

Reinkarnationsterapi (Reincarnation Therapy)

This article explores the practice of reincarnation therapy, featuring an interview with Sunna Cronstedt, who uses relaxation techniques to help people recall past lives. The piece describes a session with Anita, who experiences memories of being a young girl and later a boy in different historical settings. The author, however, expresses skepticism about the literal truth of these 'memories', suggesting they might be manifestations of the subconscious mind creating fictional narratives, similar to dreams.

The article references Johan Wretman's book "Kommer vi tillbaka?" (Will We Return?), which discusses cases of past-life recall. It also touches upon the idea that the subconscious can create temporary personalities and that these experiences might not be literal memories of past incarnations but rather symbolic representations of the individual's inner world.

Att Förändra Sitt Liv (Changing One's Life)

Authored by Lolo Forsberg, this article offers advice on personal transformation and habit formation. It emphasizes the importance of taking small steps to change one's life, starting with simple new habits like morning exercises or walks. The author encourages readers to embrace each day and to gradually incorporate positive changes, highlighting the benefits of self-discipline and self-awareness.

The piece draws inspiration from authors like Vilhelm Ekelund and Stig Carlson, advocating for a mindful approach to life and the cultivation of healthy routines. It suggests that consistent effort in changing habits can lead to increased self-confidence and a more fulfilling life.

Paulus - Kristendomens Grundare (Paul - The Founder of Christianity)

This section presents a critical analysis of the Apostle Paul's role in shaping Christianity, drawing heavily on the work of Bengt Lidforss, a prominent Swedish critic of religion.

Lidforss argues that much of what is considered Christian today is not derived from Jesus' teachings but from Paul's interpretations. He contends that Jesus emphasized actions and deeds as crucial for salvation, whereas Paul shifted the focus to faith in Christ's divinity, death, and resurrection. Lidforss suggests that Paul's theology incorporated elements from contemporary mystery religions, such as Mithraism, including concepts like symbolic death and rebirth, holy communion, and water baptism.

Lidforss posits that Paul, who never met Jesus in person, experienced a vision on the road to Damascus, which he believes may have been a hallucination related to epilepsy. This vision, according to Lidforss, transformed Paul from a persecutor of Christians into their most fervent advocate.

The article highlights Lidforss' view that Paul's theology, particularly the doctrine of atonement and justification by faith, was a departure from Jesus' teachings. He argues that Paul's focus was on the myth of Christ's death and resurrection, rather than on Jesus' personal life, moral teachings, or his opposition to religious hypocrisy.

Lidforss traces the origins of Paul's ideas about a dying and resurrected savior to ancient mystery cults in the East and Egypt, predating Christianity. He describes Paul as a deeply religious man, a Pharisee from Tarsus, whose worldview was influenced by stoicism and a strict adherence to religious law. Lidforss notes Paul's emphasis on celibacy and his view that worldly pleasures were insignificant.

The article concludes by stating that Lidforss' critique suggests that much of what constitutes Christianity today bears Paul's indelible mark, and that his influence is more significant than that of Jesus' original teachings.

Other Sections

• Cover Photo: Features Solveig and Sören, founders of Solsökehem, with the quote "Själen är viktigast!" (The soul is most important!).
• Solsökehem: An article describes Solsökehem as a health and retreat center in Dalarna, Sweden, founded by Sören Grind and Solveig Langkilde, focusing on inner life, personal growth, and spiritual development.
• Book Reviews/Mentions: Brief mentions of authors like Henry T. Laurency and his esoteric writings, and advertisements for spiritual and esoteric literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, spirituality, and alternative approaches to life and consciousness. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, such as psychic abilities and past-life regression. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these topics, presenting both proponents' claims and skeptical counterarguments. The critical examination of religious doctrines, particularly the influence of Paul on Christianity, suggests a leaning towards rational inquiry and a questioning of established beliefs. The emphasis on personal transformation and inner growth is also a recurring theme, promoting self-awareness and positive life changes.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1/1988
Date: January 1988

This issue of Sökaren magazine, a Swedish publication focused on parapsychology, spirituality, and alternative topics, features a prominent obituary for Friedrich Jürgenson, a key figure in the study of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP).

Friedrich Jürgenson (1903-1987)

The magazine dedicates significant space to the life and work of Friedrich Jürgenson, who passed away in 1987. Born in Odessa, Jürgenson had an international upbringing and was multilingual. He began his career as an opera singer but transitioned to painting due to a chronic throat condition. He became a renowned portrait artist, commissioned by the Catholic Church to paint Pope Pius XII and Pope Paul VI. Jürgenson also participated in archaeological excavations in Pompeii and received the 'Commendatore San Gregorio Magno' award from the Pope for his contributions to Italian culture.

However, Jürgenson is most remembered for his parapsychological research, particularly his belief in establishing communication with a 'different life plane' through electronic means, such as tape recorders and radios. He authored books like "Rösterna från rymden" (Voices from Space) and "Radio- och mikrofonkontakt med de döda" (Radio and Microphone Contact with the Dead). His appearance on the Swedish TV program "Här är ditt liv" (Here is Your Life) brought him wider public recognition. Jürgenson was also a vegetarian and an advocate for animal rights, notably producing a documentary about the culling of songbirds in Italy.

The 'Men in Black' (MIB) Phenomenon

Another significant section of the magazine explores the 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomenon. The article begins with the case of Carlos de los Santos Montiel, a Mexican pilot who reported seeing UFOs and was subsequently threatened by men in dark suits to remain silent. The phenomenon is traced back to Albert Bender, who coined the term 'Men in Black' in 1956 after being allegedly visited by three dark-suited men who warned him to cease his UFO research. The article discusses Bender's experiences, which are interpreted by some as psychological rather than literal encounters.

It also recounts the experiences of Peter Stevens, who was approached by a man in a dark suit warning him about UFO studies, and whose sketch of the man was later stolen. The mysterious deaths of Peter Stevens and other UFO researchers are mentioned in connection with these MIB encounters.

John Keel's experiences with MIB figures are also detailed, describing his own paranoia and encounters with mysterious individuals during his UFO research in the late 1960s. The article notes that MIB reports often involve individuals in dark suits, sunglasses, and hats, with distinctive physical features, and that they sometimes pose as government agents.

Psychic Archaeology and Lost Civilizations

The magazine features an article by Marshall McKusick critiquing 'psychic archaeology.' McKusick argues that claims made by psychic archaeologists, often inspired by figures like Edgar Cayce, lack scientific basis and are frequently based on plagiarism and misinterpretation of facts. The article specifically addresses Cayce's theories about Atlantis, the 'fountain of youth,' and his alleged connections to ancient civilizations in Peru and the land of Oz. McKusick debunks claims about Bimini being a remnant of Atlantis and criticizes the methods and conclusions of psychic archaeologists like David Zink and Jeffrey Goodman.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) in Europe

The issue includes an article by Nils-Olof Jacobson detailing his experiences and research into Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). Jacobson describes his involvement with individuals like L.W., who recorded anomalous voices on tape using radios tuned between stations. He also mentions the work of other European EVP researchers, including Alex Schneider, Klaus Schreiber, Franz Seidl, Manfred Boden, Hans Otto König, and Alexander MacRae. A significant portion is dedicated to the 'Technician' phenomenon in Luxembourg, where a voice identifying itself as 'Technician' provided detailed instructions for improving EVP equipment and communication systems.

Other Topics

Other sections of the magazine cover a variety of subjects:

• Walt Whitman: An excerpt from an article by Brita Rodosi discusses the poetry and philosophy of Walt Whitman, focusing on his concept of universal unity and divine presence.
• Mental Training: An announcement for a university-level course in mental training offered by Örebro University, focusing on peak performance principles.
• Swedish Vegan Association: Information about the Veganbladet magazine and vegan recipe suggestions.
• Book Reviews: Reviews of books on stress management, depression, dream interpretation, and Chinese acupuncture.
• New Age and Esoteric Services: Advertisements for various New Age services, including consultations on numerology, past life regression, color therapy, and spiritual retreats.
• Book Advertisements: Promotions for books on topics such as health, spirituality, and UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren are the exploration of the unexplained, the paranormal, and alternative belief systems. The magazine appears to present a platform for individuals and researchers investigating phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific understanding, including UFOs, psychic abilities, and spiritual concepts. While presenting various perspectives, the editorial stance, particularly in the critique of psychic archaeology, suggests an underlying emphasis on critical evaluation and a distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific claims. The inclusion of obituaries and personal accounts indicates a focus on the human element within these fields of study. The magazine also highlights the growing commercialization of New Age practices.

This issue of Sökaren, identified as Nr 10, 1987, with a volume of 9, focuses on changes in its publishing schedule and features a variety of articles on spirituality, archaeology, and personal development. The cover headline, "Fortfarande 9 tidningar/ 10 nummer" (Still 9 magazines/ 10 numbers), directly addresses the shift in publication frequency.

Editorial and Publishing Changes

The editorial section, likely written by the editor Sven Magnusson, explains the decision to reduce the magazine's output from ten issues per year to nine, including one double issue. The editor humorously admits to an initial miscalculation regarding the implications of this change on subscription management, particularly concerning the half-year fee. The explanation for this reduction is attributed to the magazine's economic resources, stating that they can only afford nine issues annually. The editor also mentions a correspondence with Bea Riemschnider, editor of 'Archaeology', regarding the republication of an article.

Featured Articles

The issue presents several articles, each with a corresponding SM (Sökaren Magazine) designation:

• "Tankografri": An article likely related to the publishing changes or a general commentary.
• Walt Whitman: A piece dedicated to the renowned poet.
• "Med själen i centrum" (With the Soul at the Center) by Mona Rehn: This article explores themes related to the soul and inner focus.
• "Att förändra sitt liv" (Changing One's Life) by Lolo Forsberg: This piece delves into personal transformation. A photograph of Lolo Forsberg is featured on the cover and credited to Mona Rehn.
• "Tryckfel" (Typo): This section highlights a correction for an article about Sai Baba in issue number 8, where a sentence was humorously misinterpreted due to a typo.
• "Reinkarnationsterapi" (Reincarnation Therapy): An article exploring the concept of reincarnation therapy.
• "Paulus – kristendomens grundare" (Paul – Founder of Christianity) by Nils-Olof Jacobson: This article examines the role of Paul in the foundation of Christianity.
• "Vem talar i Luxemburg?" (Who Speaks in Luxembourg?) by Nils-Olof Jacobson: This article likely discusses communication or phenomena related to Luxembourg.
• "De gäckande männen i svart" (The Elusive Men in Black) by Håkan Blomqvist: This article appears to be related to UFOlogy or unexplained phenomena.
• "Daglig samvaro" (Daily Companionship) by Phil Bosmans: A piece focusing on everyday interactions and relationships.
• "Psykisk arkeologi" (Psychic Archaeology) by Marshall McKusick: This is a significant article where McKusick responds to a request to use his article, noting that a translated version from 'Fate' magazine was used instead of the original from 'Archaeology' due to delays in receiving a copy. He expresses his pleasure that his work is being translated into Swedish.
• Eileen Caddy: "Footprints on the Path": This is a book review or mention of Eileen Caddy's work.

Reader Engagement and Information

The issue includes a section for "Brev" (Letters) and "Bokrecension" (Book Reviews). A "Inbetalningskort" (Payment Card) for 1988 subscriptions is enclosed with the issue, reminding readers to pay for the upcoming year.

The magazine also provides contact and subscription details:

• Publisher: SÖKAREN
• Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson
• Address: Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad, Sweden
• Telephone: 054-11 16 89
• Subscription Prices: Helår (10 issues) 150 SEK (1988: 165 SEK), Halvår 85 SEK (1988: 90 SEK).
• Payment Methods: Postgiro 70 60 47-8, Bankgiro 372-8128.
• Advertising Prices: Full page 1,000 SEK, half page 600 SEK, small ads 20 SEK per column-cm (minimum 60 SEK).
• Printer: Värmlandstryck i Karlstad AB, Karlstad 1987.
• ISSN: 0038-0504.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren positions itself as an "Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor" (Independent magazine for questions of worldview). The content reflects a broad interest in spirituality, personal growth, historical and archaeological research (with a focus on potentially unconventional aspects like 'psychic archaeology'), and commentary on societal and cultural topics. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and intellectually curious, engaging with various perspectives while maintaining a focus on independent inquiry. The discussion around publishing frequency and the correction of a typo also suggests a commitment to transparency and reader service.