Sokaren - 1989 No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 7
Volume: ÅRGÅNG 26
Date: 1989
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1989, focuses on the theme of 'occultism' and related spiritual and psychological concepts. The cover features a portrait of Lena Kristina Tuulse, identified as a psychologist and a key figure in the 'greenhouse movement' in Sweden.

Articles and Features

"Ockultism, vad är det?" (What is Occultism?)

This section presents various perspectives on occultism.

Barbro Melander discusses Theosophy, referencing H.P. Blavatsky's "The Secret Doctrine" and "The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett." Melander explains Theosophy's view of cosmic evolution, the non-material basis of reality, and the interconnectedness of all things. Theosophy is presented as a timeless wisdom that encompasses a worldview and a vision of human inner transformation, emphasizing universal unity, the divine consciousness as the source of all, and the gradual unfolding of the universe from within.

Melander highlights three core tenets of Theosophy: the existence of a pervasive, eternal, and unchanging ground of being; the universe as an eternal entity undergoing cyclical manifestation and dissolution; and the concept of the soul as a spark of this ground, on a pilgrimage through time and space.

The article also touches upon other sources of occult knowledge, such as Vedanta and Upanishads, but stresses that true understanding is individual. It contrasts the scientific search for life's origins in matter with Theosophy's view of immaterial forces shaping forms. Melander quotes from "The Voice of the Silence" and "The Light on the Path," emphasizing the inner spiritual journey and the inherent 'song of life' within every human heart.

Mikael W. Gejel explores the meaning of 'occultism,' derived from the Latin 'occultare' (to hide). He defines it as the study of the deepest, hidden aspects of reality. Gejel distinguishes between occultism and science, noting that science relies on current hypotheses while occultism draws from millennia of observations and statements from enlightened individuals. He discusses the concept of multiple levels of consciousness and the potential for direct knowledge of the divine through higher states of awareness. Gejel also mentions Kirlian photography and parapsychological research as supporting evidence for an 'occult' or supersensible side of reality.

Gösta Eklund defines occultism as knowledge of nature's deepest secrets and inner workings, encompassing the entire history of human evolution. He explains that this knowledge is often kept secret to prevent its misuse by morally undeveloped individuals. Eklund contrasts the occult worldview with the conventional scientific one, which only considers the physical world, by including astral, mental, and causal realms. He notes that occultism relies on ancient observations and the pronouncements of masters who have achieved a high level of spiritual development. Eklund also touches upon the esoteric nature of religious texts like the Bible and the Vedas, which can be interpreted on multiple levels.

Håkan Blomqvist offers a critical perspective on occultism, defining it as the study of hidden or secret matters, tracing its modern usage to Agrippa von Nettesheim's "De Occulta Philosophia." He lists alchemy, astrology, Theosophy, and anthroposophy as examples of occult disciplines that deal with supersensible forces beyond scientific verification. Blomqvist asserts that there is no single unified occult worldview, as different traditions (Theosophy, Anthroposophy, Martinus, Ambres) offer distinct and often irreconcilable views, particularly on the problem of evil and human development. He criticizes occultists for relying on visions and auditions from supposedly highly developed individuals, contrasting this with the scientific method. Blomqvist states that he was once an occultist but no longer holds such beliefs, suggesting that parapsychological phenomena require further scientific investigation and that normal psychological explanations may suffice for many experiences attributed to the occult.

Gustav Adolf Pettersson is interviewed about his experiences with altered states of consciousness. He describes achieving clairvoyance through a form of meditation, where the ego diminishes and one can perceive inner images with clarity. Pettersson recounts experiences of seeing thoughts manifest externally and perceiving skeletal forms of people. He emphasizes the importance of breathing and the ability to pause between exhalation and inhalation to access spiritual worlds. He also discusses the concept of past lives and the ability to recall them, suggesting that the true self is the higher self, which manifests through different incarnations.

Robin Stevens is featured in an article by Örjan Björkhem about his 'chair experiments.' Stevens, a spiritualist and priest, conducts 'experiments' where he attempts to describe a person who will sit in a specific chair before they do so. The article details one such experiment with a woman named Eva, where Stevens made 20 statements, 11 of which were considered partially correct. Björkhem critically analyzes the results, noting that many of Stevens' statements were subjective and that objective verification was limited. He also mentions an experiment with medium Odile René, who successfully identified a person present but not the intended target.

Jens Tellefsen, a physicist and lecturer, discusses the concept of a 'creative, self-organizing universe' in an interview. He explains that the universe exhibits both chaos and order, and that chaos is not a dead end but a normal state that contains creative potential. Tellefsen highlights the new 'chaos theory' research, which suggests that complex systems can spontaneously generate new orders and structures. He touches upon the idea that consciousness might be an emergent property of complex systems, rather than a fundamental aspect of the universe. Tellefsen also discusses the concept of fractals as a way to understand the complex, self-similar structures found in nature.

Lena Kristina Tuulse is interviewed about her work in personal development and the 'greenhouse movement.' She discusses her journey from family therapy with Walter Kempler to starting the 'Galleri Medmera' center, which aims to foster self-knowledge and self-realization. Tuulse identifies fear as the root of most human problems and advocates for emotional openness and self-acceptance. She believes that love is the key to overcoming fear and transforming oneself. Tuulse also touches upon the concept of a spiritual guidance in existence and the importance of living in harmony with the creative force of the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, esoteric knowledge, and personal development. It presents a range of views on occultism, from those who embrace it as a path to higher understanding (Theosophy, spiritualism) to those who view it critically or offer alternative explanations (psychology, science). There is a clear interest in the nature of consciousness, the universe, and human potential for growth and transformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse perspectives on these complex subjects without necessarily endorsing any single one. The magazine seems to encourage readers to explore these ideas for themselves.

Other Content

• Book Reviews/Advertisements: Includes listings for books on Theosophy, spirituality, and related topics, as well as advertisements for esoteric publications and services.
• Biorytm (Biorhythm): An advertisement for biorhythm charts and information.
• LYCKAN (Happiness): A quote from the Dhammapada.
• Magnetterapi: An advertisement for a book on magnet therapy.
• Kosmologisk Information: A description of a journal focusing on cosmology and Martinus's worldview.
• Liberalakatoriska Kyrkan: Information about a church offering spiritual services.
• Esoterisk Bulletin i Norden: An advertisement for a magazine on esoteric topics.
• Drömarbete (Dream Work): A book review about dream research.
• Vedisk Healing: An advertisement for distance healing services.
• Frågor och svar om döden (Questions and Answers about Death): A philosophical dialogue questioning the existence of death.
• Stolsexperiment Forts: Continuation of the article on Robin Stevens' chair experiments.
• Spelet om Din Resa Till Den Andra Stranden: Information about a parapsychological play and related publications.

This issue of 'Sökaren' (Issue 4, 1990) is a Swedish magazine focusing on spirituality, psychology, and alternative lifestyles. The cover features the headline 'JAG ÄR VÄRLDENS LJUS' (I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD) and a quote from Jesus, with an accompanying article by Barbro Johansson. The magazine includes a variety of articles, book reviews, and opinion pieces.

Articles and Features

Personal Development and Influences

The issue opens with an article featuring Lena Kristina, a gestalt therapist who discusses her influences, including Fritz Perls, Carl Rogers, Virginia Satir, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and Ann Wigmore. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the whole person, integrating mind and body, and the role of diet and natural healing, referencing Ann Wigmore's work with chlorophyll-rich foods. Kristina also highlights the 'Wäxthusrörelsen' (Greenhouse Movement) as her vision for promoting personal development and positive life changes in Sweden.

New Age Movement and Esalen Institute

A report by Ami Lönnroth for SvD on the New Age movement is summarized, focusing on the Esalen Institute in California. The article describes Esalen as a conference center and a hub for New Age personalities, mentioning figures like Fritz Perls, Carl Rogers, and Fritjof Capra. It touches upon the institute's experimental nature and the personal experiences of individuals like Marian Head, who found a sense of belonging and wholeness through a course on money.

The Psalms: A Critical Examination

Östen Kjellman offers a critical analysis of the Psalms, arguing that many passages are not comforting but rather express animosity towards non-Jews and advocate for violence and subjugation. He contrasts the 'righteous' (Jews) with the 'ungodly' (non-Jews) and questions the suitability of these texts for modern legal systems. Kjellman also critiques the depiction of God as vengeful and calls for a re-evaluation of the Psalms' content.

Mysticism and Parapsychology

Alf Ahlberg explores the nature of mystical visions and parapsychology. He discusses the historical dismissal of such experiences as superstition or hallucination and argues that modern science, particularly physics, is beginning to acknowledge phenomena beyond conventional understanding. Ahlberg proposes that mystical visions might offer glimpses into other dimensions of reality, suggesting a potential reconciliation between religion and science.

The Golden Rule Across Cultures

An article titled 'Den gyllene regeln' (The Golden Rule) presents variations of this ethical principle from different cultures and religions, including Native American, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Jewish traditions, highlighting a universal theme of treating others as one wishes to be treated.

Oscar Levertin: On a Jewish Cemetery in Prague

Oscar Levertin's poem reflects on a Jewish cemetery in Prague, contrasting the tradition of placing stones on graves with flowers, symbolizing remembrance and endurance.

Scientology Controversy

Henrik Sedvall, a former member of the Church of Scientology, is criticized by Gullevi Almgren for his public statements. Almgren defends Scientology's practices, clarifies misunderstandings about 'memory clearing,' and asserts the importance of respecting individual beliefs and choices.

Provocation and Past Lives

Örjan Björkhem expresses concern about the proliferation of 'therapists' who use past-life regression, arguing that while the phenomenon of constructed past lives is fascinating, these therapists often exploit people's vulnerabilities and create more problems than they solve.

Book Reviews

The issue includes numerous book reviews covering a wide range of topics:

• 'Samtal med Cleo' by Doris Ankarberg: A book and cassette series on integrating spiritual and physical life.
• 'Sunrise': An English-language magazine from the Theosophical Society.
• 'Hälso & Kursgård': A listing of courses on personal development, healing, and spirituality.
• 'The Game of Transformation': A course based on a game from Findhorn.
• 'Trädkramare inför rätta': A book documenting the legal battles of environmental activists protesting highway construction.
• 'Drömmars betydelse': A collection of essays on the psychological and religious significance of dreams.
• 'Arketyper' by Pia Skogemann: An exploration of Carl Jung's theories in relation to modern science.
• 'Sanning & konsekvens' by John Gray: A book on emotional expression and its impact on well-being.
• 'Social invention workshops' by Nicholas Albery: A guide to creative problem-solving and social innovation.
• 'Farväl till skuld' by Gerald G. Jampolsky: A self-help book on overcoming guilt.
• 'The dream workbook' by Jill Morris: A practical guide to understanding and utilizing dreams.
• 'Helt enkelt' by Claes Ridell and Alan Garner: A book on communication skills.
• 'Vänta dig mirakler' by Burt Hotchkiss: A book related to the teachings of 'A Course in Miracles'.
• 'Ljuset ur tunneln' by Raymond A. Moody Jr.: A book on near-death experiences.
• 'Etikboken' by Bengt Myrgård et al.: A model for discussing ethics in schools.
• 'Mindmapping' by Björn Ringom: A guide to the mind-mapping technique.
• 'Per Ragnars lilla gröna' by Per Ragnar: A collection of facts and commentary on lifestyle.
• 'Historiens gåtfulla platser': An atlas of mysterious places around the world.
• 'Böcker om Tibet': A list of books on Tibetan Buddhism.
• 'En intellektuell självbiografi' by Karl Popper: A personal account by the influential philosopher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and alternative perspectives on life, health, and consciousness. There's a clear interest in bridging the gap between the spiritual and the material, the scientific and the mystical. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various belief systems and psychological approaches, while also engaging in critical analysis of religious texts and societal trends. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an aim to inform readers about contemporary literature in these fields. The magazine also touches upon social issues, environmental concerns, and the challenges of personal growth in a complex world.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 7, 1989
Publisher: Wallin & Dalholm Boktr AB
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: Full year (8 issues) 175 SEK, Half year 95 SEK.

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish independent magazine for worldview issues, addresses a declining subscriber base since 1985. The editor notes that despite advertising efforts, the circulation is not growing and may even be decreasing. The editor speculates that the sheer volume of information available through books, courses, and other specialized magazines might be saturating the audience, leading to less interest in Sökaren, which aims to cover topics like parapsychology, UFOs, and spirituality.

Despite the challenges, the magazine highlights its continued existence and its unique position in providing information for enthusiasts of various esoteric and paranormal subjects. It lists its regular contributors, including Örjan Björkhem, Håkan Blomqvist, Åsa Freij, and Nils-Olof Jacobson, and mentions its sources, such as New Age Journal, New Realities, Brain/Mind Bulletin, Parapsychology Review, and Skeptical Inquirer.

Contents and Articles

The issue features a range of articles and interviews:

• Occultism, what is it? Knowledge or nonsense??? - An exploration of occultism, including an interview with G. A. Pettersson.
• Örjan Björkhem: Stolsexperiment med Robin Stevens - Björkhem discusses his work with Robin Stevens' stol (chair) experiments, including notes from Stevens' experiment which mention a 'youngish lady', an 'elderly female to spirit recently-sudden passing (photo)', and a 'blue jeans' figure, possibly related to a sighting in the Stockholm area.
• Alf Ahlberg: Vision och verklighet - Part of a series from volume 7.
• Alf Ahlberg: Parapsykologi och vidskepelse - Part of a series from volume 12.
• Barbro Johansson: Månadens bibelcitat: Jag är världens ljus - A monthly Bible quote.
• Lawrence LeShan: Vad är betydelsefullt med det paranormala? - An article exploring the significance of the paranormal.
• Gullevi Almgren: Svar till Henrik Sedvall - A response to Henrik Sedvall.
• Örjan Björkhem: Provokation - Another contribution from Björkhem.
• Bokrecensioner & Bokrevy - Reviews of books related to the magazine's themes.
• Ett kreativt, självorganiserande universum - Intervju med Jens Tellefsen - An interview with Jens Tellefsen, who discusses his views on human growth and consciousness.
• Lena Kristina Tuulse: En av Nya tidsålderns ledande personer i Sverige utvecklar sina åsikter om vad som är av vikt. - An interview with Lena Kristina Tuulse, a prominent figure in the New Age movement in Sweden, discussing what she considers important.
• New Age i SvD - Ami Lönnroth gör en resa västerut - Ami Lönnroth's report on the New Age movement, likely from the newspaper SvD.
• Den gyllene regeln - A reprint of the Golden Rule, emphasizing its universal importance.
• Östen Kjellman: Psaltaren, en tröst för sorgsna människor? Är Bibeln verkligen heltigenom god läsning? - Kjellman questions the nature of the Psalms and the Bible as reading material for the grieving.
• Oscar Levertin: På judiska kyrkogården i Prag - Ett folks lidande - Levertin's piece on the Jewish cemetery in Prague and the suffering of a people.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine consistently focuses on topics related to the paranormal, spirituality, and alternative worldviews. It aims to provide a platform for discussion and information on subjects often outside the mainstream. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these areas, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation, as suggested by the inclusion of 'Skeptical Inquirer' as a source and articles questioning religious texts.

The recurring themes include parapsychology (experiments, psychic phenomena), occultism, New Age philosophy, spirituality, and the exploration of religious and philosophical ideas from various traditions. The magazine also touches upon the challenges of maintaining readership in a competitive information landscape and the potential saturation of the market with esoteric content. The quote from Edvard R. Murrow at the end of the editorial section emphasizes the spiritual values and unity highlighted across major religions, suggesting a broader philosophical underpinning for the magazine's content.