Sokaren - 1988 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR1
Volume: 1988 ÅRGÅNG 25
Date: 1988

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1988, presents a comprehensive exploration of the New Age movement, its philosophy, and its impact on individuals and society. The cover features a striking image of a hand holding the Earth with the headline 'A new era for the Earth,' setting the tone for the issue's focus on transformation and spiritual evolution.

Articles and Features

'Nya Tidsåldern' (The New Era)

The magazine delves into the concept of the 'New Era' or 'New Age,' questioning whether it is a new religion, an occult doctrine, or a belief in human potential. It contrasts the New Age perspective with traditional Christianity, noting that while some Christian critics view the movement as devil-worshipping or linked to the Antichrist, others acknowledge its positive aspects and the search for meaning it offers.

'En ny livssyn' (A New Outlook on Life)

This section discusses how the New Age movement offers an alternative to declining traditional religious adherence, providing a sense of purpose and meaning. It highlights the perception of humans as inherently good with the potential for self-creation, contrasting with the Christian view of humanity as sinful and in need of salvation.

'Pan' - A Center for New Age Activities

The article describes Café Pan in Stockholm as a hub for New Age activities, hosting lectures and courses by prominent figures. It lists key themes covered at Pan, including a holistic worldview, the 'new physics' emphasizing energy over matter, the concept of love as the universe's creative force, meditation techniques, positive thinking, self-knowledge, and various body-mind therapies.

Key New Age Concepts Explored

Several articles break down specific New Age concepts:

• Holism: The idea that everything is interconnected and interdependent, a core tenet of the New Age.
• The New Physics: Parallels drawn between Eastern mysticism and modern physics, where energy is seen as the fundamental nature of the universe.
• Meditation: Methods like TM, Vipassana, and Zen are presented as paths to inner peace and self-understanding.
• Positive Thinking & Visualization: Techniques used to manifest desired outcomes and transform one's life and the world.
• Self-Knowledge & Personal Development: Various methods aimed at taking responsibility for one's life and achieving self-realization.
• Holistic Medicine: A view of the human being as a psychophysical unit, treating the whole person rather than just symptoms.
• Vegetarianism: Presented as an ethical, aesthetic, and economically sound choice contributing to better health.
• UFOs: The phenomenon of unidentified flying objects is noted as a subject of interest within the New Age.
• Astrology & Numerology: These practices are mentioned as tools for understanding oneself and one's destiny.
• Yoga: Presented as a path to inner balance and self-harmony.
• New Age Economics: A model emphasizing social responsibility and a balance between profit and societal well-being.

'Djävulsdyrkan - inte i New Age' (Devil Worship - Not in New Age)

This section clarifies that the New Age movement is not associated with devil worship. It argues that true devil worshippers are found in some naive Christian sects, and that the New Age is fundamentally opposed to such practices. The article critiques the portrayal of God in some Christian circles as having dualistic, malevolent aspects.

'Kvastads bild av New Age' (Kvastad's View of New Age)

Nils Bjørn Kvastad's neutral assessment of the New Age is presented. He describes holism as a central idea, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the experiential nature of this realization. Kvastad also touches upon the concept of finding one's 'true self' and the 'higher self' within the New Age framework.

'Rötterna' (The Roots)

This part traces the origins of the New Age movement to the hippie and counterculture movements of the 1960s, particularly in San Francisco. It highlights the rejection of industrial society, materialism, and war, and the embrace of art, fantasy, and Eastern religions. The influence of psychedelic drugs like LSD is discussed, alongside the counterculture's interest in the occult and parapsychology.

Fritjof Capra on Holism

Fritjof Capra is quoted on the importance of a new paradigm that recognizes the interconnectedness of the world and the concept of matter as a form of energy, emphasizing the dynamic and relational nature of the universe.

Sandy Levey: 'The Magical Lady'

An extensive feature on Sandy Levey, an American woman known for her work in personal development and 'personal marketing.' The article describes her courses, which aim to help individuals achieve their goals, improve self-confidence, and find success in both personal and professional life. Levey's methods, including 'enrolment' (a form of persuasive communication based on empathy), are detailed, along with her philosophy that money is a form of energy, not inherently negative.

Bengt Wilhelm's 'Planera din framtid' (Plan Your Future)

This section covers a course led by Bengt Wilhelm, focusing on goal setting and future planning. The course encourages participants to identify their true desires and create actionable plans to achieve them. Wilhelm emphasizes that 'planning is moving the future to the present' and that a clear vision combined with effort is key to success.

Martinus Thomsen: A Cosmological Vision

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the teachings of Martinus Thomsen, a Danish cosmologist. The article details his life, his cosmic consciousness experience, and his philosophy that 'everything is very good.' It explains his concept of the universe as a manifestation of divine logic and love, and his belief in the cyclical evolution of beings through various planes of existence. His seven principles for living, including the elimination of the concept of 'enemy' and the practice of unconditional love, are presented.

Calendar of Events

A calendar lists upcoming courses and lectures in 1988 related to New Age themes, including Feldenkrais, Rebirthing, Art Therapy, and Meditation, held at locations like Wäxthuset Kaprifol.

Other Features

• Tarot: An advertisement for Elisabeth Haich's book and Tarot cards, explaining their use for understanding life's challenges.
• Quotes: A selection of quotes from Marcus Aurelius on self-reflection and living in accordance with nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a positive and transformative outlook on life, emphasizing personal growth, spiritual exploration, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The editorial stance appears to be open and exploratory regarding New Age ideas, presenting them with detailed explanations and personal accounts, while also acknowledging critical perspectives. There is a clear interest in alternative philosophies, psychological development, and a holistic understanding of the universe. The issue advocates for self-awareness, conscious living, and the pursuit of one's true potential, often framing these pursuits within a spiritual or cosmological context.

This issue of "Sökaren" magazine, dated 1988 and identified as issue number 1, focuses on spiritual and esoteric topics, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena and the 'New Age' movement. The cover headline, "Böcker för andliga sökare" (Books for spiritual seekers), and the prominent listing of various esoteric books set the tone for the content.

Martinus and His Cosmology

The magazine features an article about Martinus, a cosmologist whose teachings are described as a spiritual doctrine for future generations. Martinus emphasized that his person was secondary to the knowledge he conveyed, which he saw as an extension of Jesus's teachings. He advocated for a non-organizational approach, allowing individuals to accept what resonates with them. He predicted that humanity would eventually attain cosmic consciousness, experiencing 'cosmic glimpses.' His work, previously known as 'Livets Bok,' has been renamed 'Tredje Testamentet' and is published by Hälsans förlag and Borgens förlag.

Edith Nicolaisen and Parthenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Edith Nicolaisen, the founder of the Swedish UFO publishing house Parthenon in 1957. The article by Håkan Blomqvist highlights Nicolaisen's influential role in developing UFO interest in Sweden. It details her life, her early spiritual interests in anthroposophy and theosophy, and her pivotal decision in 1954 to dedicate herself to UFO research after reading Desmond Leslie and George Adamski's "Flying Saucers have landed." Despite facing skepticism and personal challenges, Nicolaisen worked tirelessly, publishing numerous books on UFOs and related topics. The article also touches upon the controversies surrounding Parthenon's publications, particularly George Adamski's "Ombord på rymdskepp" (Onboard a Spaceship), and the financial struggles the publishing house faced.

UFO Literature and Contactees

The magazine discusses the early days of UFO literature in Sweden, starting with "Flying Saucers have landed." It mentions correspondence with George Adamski and his claims of encounters with Venusians. The article also touches upon other contactees and their books published by Parthenon, such as Ray and Rex Stanford, Elisabeth Klarer, Daniel Fry, and Rolf Telano. The influence of this literature on Swedish UFO organizations is noted.

Scientific Studies on Meditation and Yoga

An article by Erik Hoffman presents findings from a study on the effects of a three-month yoga and meditation course offered by the Skandinavisk Yoga och Meditationsskola. Using psychophysiological methods, the study measured changes in the autonomic nervous system and brain activity (EEG). The results indicated improved relaxation, reduced anxiety and worry, and a better balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The study also observed an increase in alpha waves, particularly in the right hemisphere of the brain, suggesting a positive impact on emotional and mental well-being.

'How to Start Your Own Cult'

A section titled "Hur Du startar Din egen kult" (How to Start Your Own Cult), based on Duke McCoy's book, offers a cynical guide to establishing and managing a cult. It outlines strategies for recruitment, indoctrination, organizational structure, and financial exploitation, emphasizing psychological manipulation and control over members.

Other Esoteric Topics

The magazine also includes discussions on other esoteric subjects:

• "De döda lever!" (The Dead Live!): This article explores claims of communication with the deceased through electronic means, referencing the work of Friedrich Jürgenson and his experiments with recording 'paranormal voices.' It also recounts a personal experience of a telephone call from a deceased relative.
• "Ingen pyramidkraft?" (No Pyramid Power?): This piece critically examines the concept of pyramid energy, referencing the book "Pyramideenergi, en kritisk undersøgelse" by Jens Laigaard. The author questions the scientific validity of claims about pyramid power and discusses alleged cases of 'pyramid therapy' being ineffective.
• "Filosofi och livsåskådning" (Philosophy and Worldview): Gunnar Ståldal's article discusses the importance of critical thinking and avoiding common logical fallacies when examining religious and philosophical claims. It critiques the selective use of reason by some religious proponents and explores the nature of symbols and literal interpretations in religious texts.
• Book Reviews: Several books are reviewed, including works on spiritual seeking, cosmology, psychology, and esoteric practices. Notable titles include those by Bo Forsberg, Brita Ahman, Bo Nässil, Bror Karlsson, Barbara Erskine, Heinz Körner, George G. Ritchie, Desmond Leslie, and George Adamski.
• Advertisements: The magazine contains advertisements for books, courses, and esoteric services, including those related to teosofi, reiki, and astrology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around spirituality, the paranormal, UFO phenomena, and alternative worldviews. There is a clear interest in exploring the boundaries of human consciousness and reality, often through non-conventional means like meditation, esoteric studies, and alleged contact with non-human or discarnate entities. The magazine seems to cater to a readership interested in spiritual seeking and esoteric knowledge, presenting a mix of personal accounts, theoretical discussions, and critical analyses of phenomena often outside the mainstream scientific consensus. The inclusion of the 'cult' article, while presented as a guide, also reflects an awareness of the darker aspects associated with some alternative movements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation, as seen in the pyramid power and philosophy articles.

Sökaren, Issue 1, 1988, is an independent Swedish magazine focused on life philosophies, parapsychology, and spirituality. The issue features a diverse range of articles, book reviews, and personal accounts, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained and alternative ways of thinking.

Key Articles and Features

Dream Telepathy: A Critical Look

The book review of "Dream Telepathy" by Montague Ullman, Stanley Krippner, and Alan Vaughan critically examines the research into telepathic communication during dreams. The review highlights the initial promising results from the Maimonides dream research laboratory in the late 1960s, where researchers used a 'blind matching' technique to correlate dream reports with targeted images. The review notes the difficulty in replicating these findings in later studies, leading to the eventual cessation of the Maimonides lab's activities. It mentions Charles Honorton's continued research using the 'Ganzfeld' technique and the challenges in establishing repeatable experiments in parapsychology. The review acknowledges the book's value in suggesting the existence of paranormal phenomena despite the inconclusive experimental results.

Tantric Meditations and Yoga Nidra

An article titled "De ursprungliga tantriska meditationerna förmedlade av vår tids yogier" (The original tantric meditations taught by our time's yogis) introduces the intensive courses offered at Håå Kursgård in Småland, Sweden, by Swami Janakananda. The article emphasizes the unique opportunity to learn the complete Kriya Yoga system. It includes a testimonial from psychologist E. Hoffmann, who notes the positive psychophysiological effects of a three-month course. The feature also highlights "Yoga Nidra," a relaxation technique, with a mention of a cassette tape by Swami Janakananda that is described as a "hit" in relaxation. Testimonials praise its effectiveness in promoting peace and well-being.

Personal Accounts and UFO Sects

"Roman om svensk tefatssekt" (Novel about a Swedish UFO sect) reviews Anders Dahl's novel "Uppståndelsen från tefatssekten." The review details the author's personal experience as a teenager in the Intergalaktiska Federationen (IGF) sect in Stockholm during the early 1970s, led by Sten Lindgren. The novel explores the sect's belief system, which was influenced by UFO contactees like George Adamski. The review describes the psychological impact of leaving the sect, including a period of psychosis for the protagonist. It also critiques the 'New Age' tendency towards superficial spirituality and the pressure to maintain a 'positive' outlook.

Another section discusses "Psyko-fantasi eller verklighet?" (Psycho-fantasy or reality?), reviewing Örjan Björkhem's debut novel "Djävulen mobiliserar." The novel reportedly blends elements of journalism, religious psychology, and paranormal phenomena, including telepathy and levitation, set against an Indian mystical backdrop. The review notes the author's claim that the story was based on discovered manuscripts, a narrative device that is questioned.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes a substantial "Bokrevy" (Book Review) section, covering a variety of titles:

• "Jordpuls och fädernas gåtfulla kraft" (Earth pulse and the mysterious power of the ancestors) by Ulla and John Hamilton, which explores ley lines and earth energies.
• "Om himlen och dess under och om helvetet, enligt vad jag hört och sett" (On heaven and its wonders and on hell, according to what I have heard and seen) by Emanuel Swedenborg, a classic work on the afterlife.
• "Äktenskapet mellan öst och väst" (The marriage of East and West) by Bede Griffiths, discussing the integration of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.
• "Praphupäda. Människan, helgonet, hans liv, hans arv" (Praphupada. The man, the saint, his life, his legacy) by Satsvarupa Dasa, a biography of the founder of the Hare Krishna movement.
• "Bränn inte ut dig!" (Don't burn yourself out!) by Barbro Bronsberg and Nina Vestlund, a book on burnout prevention and self-care.
• "Suggestopedi" by Jean Lerède, an introduction to a pedagogical method for accelerated learning.
• "Droppar av dis och eld" (Drops of mist and fire) by Dénis Lindbohm, a personal account of past-life memories.
• "Drömmar. Hur man minns dem. Hur man tolkar dem. Hur man drar nytta av dem" (Dreams. How to remember them. How to interpret them. How to benefit from them) by Julia and Derek Parker, a comprehensive guide to dream interpretation.
• "Älvor, vättar och andra väsen" (Elves, sprites, and other beings) by Ebbe Schön, a book on Swedish folklore.
• "Levande föda" (Living food) by Ann Wigmore, focusing on raw food recipes and a vegan diet.
• "Den kosmiska koden" (The cosmic code) by Heinz R. Pagels, explaining quantum physics and reality.
• "Lugn och harmonisk med psykisk träning" (Calm and harmonious with mental training) by Lars Ryberg, a practical guide to mental training techniques.

Editorial and Other Content

The "Ord och känslor" (Words and Feelings) section, likely an editorial by the editor SM, discusses the importance of clear thinking and emotional control when writing polemical pieces or responding to articles. It emphasizes the need for understanding opposing viewpoints and avoiding writing in a state of anger.

The "Kontakt" (Contact) section includes personal ads, information about organizations like "Stödföreningen för Djupterapi" (Support Association for Deep Therapy), and advertisements for spiritual courses and books.

"Footprints on the Path" is a spiritual message by Eileen Caddy, translated by Maria Adkinson, encouraging inner peace, harmony, and gratitude.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, alternative healing, parapsychology, and the search for meaning beyond conventional paradigms. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge mainstream scientific and religious views. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging critical inquiry while also presenting personal experiences and alternative perspectives. The magazine provides a platform for a diverse range of voices within the New Age and spiritual movements, with a particular emphasis on self-discovery and personal growth.