Sokaren - 1991 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR5
Volume/Year: 1991 ÅRGÅNG 28
Date: 1991
Price: 30:00 INKL. MOMS
Subtitle: Oberoende tidskrift för livssynsfrågor (Independent journal for questions of worldview)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 1991, is an independent journal focusing on worldview issues. It features a cover story on 'Frigörande andning' (Liberating Breathing), a popular method for self-development, with photography by Tomas Johansson. The magazine also includes a significant reportage on the illusionist James Randi's visit to Sweden, profiles of three authors, and discussions on Ki Aikido and the Kundalini hypothesis.

Reportage: James Randi i Sverige

The article details the visit of illusionist and paranormal investigator James Randi to Sweden. Randi, known for debunking paranormal claims, believes that phenomena attributed to the supernatural are actually due to misinterpretations, tricks, or self-deception. He has a standing offer of $10,000 to anyone who can demonstrate a paranormal event under controlled conditions. Randi, a magician since childhood, has written several books, including 'The Truth about Uri Geller' and 'Flim-Flam!', which scrutinize claims of ESP, UFOs, psychic surgery, and dowsing. He is a founder of the skeptical organization CSICOP and was recognized by the John D & Catherine T Mac-Arthur Foundation for his work.

Randi characterizes parapsychology as a pseudoscience bordering on madness, noting that even respected parapsychologists admit to never having achieved a positive experimental result, despite decades of work. He argues that they are honest but deceive themselves. Randi demonstrated how dowsers fail under controlled conditions, such as when the ground is obscured or when different individuals are tested independently. He also recounted the Benveniste affair in France, where claims of homeopathy's effects on blood were exposed as self-deception.

In an interview, Randi reiterated his skepticism, attributing paranormal claims to misinterpretations and self-deception. He stated that while he respects parapsychologists' honesty, they are victims of their own biases. He also touched upon the concept of 'mind over matter,' dismissing it as the mind controlling muscles, not directly influencing physical objects. Randi expressed skepticism towards hypnotism, viewing it as a consensual agreement between the hypnotist and the subject.

Reportage: Tre författare och de stora livsfrågorna (Three Authors and the Great Life Questions)

This section, written by Bengt Petersen, profiles three Swedish authors who, despite difficult childhoods, explored profound life questions and a more religious worldview, particularly around World War I. They are Ragnar Jändel, Ivan Oljelund, and Harry Blomberg.

Ragnar Jändel (1895-1939)

Jändel, a poet from a working-class background, wrote about his harsh upbringing in works like 'Den trånga porten' and 'Barndomstid'. Initially involved in the labor movement, he later gravitated towards a religious worldview, emphasizing individual responsibility over collective struggle. He was influenced by Dan Andersson and Meister Eckhart, focusing on mysticism and personal experience. Jändel viewed Christ not as God but as a human filled with God, emphasizing love and sacrifice. He described profound spiritual experiences, feeling a connection to the divine and a sense of universal love. His later work, 'Malört', reflects a darker period after personal tragedies, questioning the presence of God.

Ivan Oljelund (1892-1978)

Oljelund's life, marked by poverty and hardship, also led him to explore spiritual questions. His autobiographical novels detail his experiences. He was drawn to the idea of God through Benjamin Franklin's writings and Strindberg, finding solace in the concept of the soul inhabiting a body. Oljelund, like Jändel, was critical of the materialistic direction of the labor movement and sought a spiritual foundation. He viewed Jesus as a model of love and compassion rather than a divine savior. He engaged in correspondence with Jändel about their spiritual journeys.

Harry Blomberg (1893-1950)

Blomberg is presented as the most devout of the three, fully embracing Christian teachings after a long spiritual struggle. He also had a difficult childhood and was involved in the labor movement. His early works explored religious crises, leading to an immanent belief in God. He later joined the Oxford Group and eventually the state church. Blomberg advocated for a more active role for laypeople and greater social responsibility within the church. He was known for his continuous inner struggle and a desire for personal growth.

Reportage: Åsa Freij - Blixtmöte med La Chance och hans skrämseleffekt (Flash Meeting with La Chance and His Shock Effect)

Journalist Åsa Freij describes her brief encounter with therapist Roger La Chance and his method, 'The French Release Method'. This technique aims to resolve traumatic 'cell memories,' release guilt, overcome fears, phobias, and traumas, and break negative codependency patterns. Freij undergoes a session involving a balloon pop to confront a fear, which she finds surprisingly effective, though she notes it might not work for everyone. La Chance explains that his method involves confronting negative emotions quickly and intensely to prevent them from taking hold. He emphasizes that true control comes from letting go of the need to control. Freij experiences a sense of relief and inspiration after the session.

Reportage: Ki Aikido - en väg till andlig utveckling (Ki Aikido - A Path to Spiritual Development)

This article by Åsa Freij explores Ki Aikido, a martial art that combines physical training with spiritual development. Gunnar and Inger Norberg, instructors at 'Kraftkällan' in Stockholm, teach Ki Aikido, which they describe as a way to develop self-worth, well-being, and integrity. The training involves exercises for awareness, balance, breathing, and self-defense. The article highlights how Ki Aikido teaches practitioners to manage their emotions, set boundaries, and improve their relationships by focusing on cooperation and mutual understanding rather than conflict. It emphasizes that Ki Aikido is not just about physical techniques but also about applying its principles to everyday life.

Kundalinihypotesen (The Kundalini Hypothesis)

Written by Kenneth Ring, this article introduces the concept of Kundalini, a dormant bioenergy described in Sanskrit as 'coiled like a serpent.' The hypothesis suggests that Kundalini, when activated, rises along the spine, stimulating energy centers (chakras) and leading to profound, often overwhelming, experiences of expanded consciousness, spiritual insight, and even paranormal abilities. Ring draws parallels between Kundalini experiences and Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), suggesting a potential common biological basis for these phenomena. He cites the work of researchers like Itzhak Bentov, Hiroshi Motoyama, and Gopi Krishna, who have explored Kundalini's effects on the nervous system and brain, leading to heightened awareness, creativity, and altruism. The article notes that while the hypothesis is not scientifically proven, the similarities in reported experiences are significant.

Ur Sydsvenskan: Västerlänningar hindras nå vishet (Westerners are Hindered from Attaining Wisdom)

This article by Bo Teglund discusses the research of Professor Lars Tornstam, who is investigating a new perspective on wisdom, particularly in aging. Tornstam argues that Western society actively hinders the development of wisdom, which he defines as a sense of connection to the universe and past generations, and a reduced ego-centricity. He believes that instead of depression or isolation, aging can lead to wisdom if not obstructed by societal norms. Tornstam criticizes the focus on productivity in middle age and the tendency to view the elderly with pity rather than respect. He suggests that guidance towards wisdom, rather than just work therapy, is needed for older individuals. The article also touches upon the concept of 'gerotranscendence,' where individuals transcend their self-centeredness and feel a greater connection to life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, self-development, and the search for meaning beyond conventional materialism. There's a clear interest in alternative philosophies, psychological insights, and personal growth. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various paths to understanding the human condition, from skeptical inquiry into paranormal claims to the embrace of spiritual practices and philosophical exploration. The inclusion of diverse articles, from debunking pseudoscience to exploring mystical concepts like Kundalini and Ki Aikido, suggests a broad and inclusive approach to exploring 'livssynsfrågor' (worldview issues).

This issue of "Parapsykologi" (Psychology) from 1991, issue number 3, focuses on the theme of "Psychic Detective Work" with the cover headline "Psykiskt detektivarbete: Kan paranormal information leda polisutredningar framåt?" (Psychic Detective Work: Can paranormal information lead police investigations forward?). The magazine explores the intersection of parapsychology and criminal investigation, historical cases, and the broader context of New Age and esoteric beliefs.

Psychic Detective Work: Historical and Modern Cases

The main article by Örjan Björkhem, "Psykiskt detektivarbete," critically examines the role of psychic abilities in police investigations. Björkhem begins by reflecting on the historical aims of parapsychology to explain paranormal phenomena and notes the shift towards laboratory studies, which he argues have neglected real-world phenomena.

He discusses the challenges of proving the existence of paranormal phenomena and the skepticism surrounding them. Björkhem highlights the importance of motivation in paranormal events, often linked to dramatic situations like deaths where strong emotions are involved.

The Case of Jacques Aymar

A historical example is the 1692 case of Jacques Aymar in Lyon, France. Hired by the police prefect, Aymar, a dowser, was tasked with finding the murderers of a wine merchant and his wife. Using his dowsing rod, Aymar followed indications from the crime scene, leading police through the city and to a gardener's house. He identified the murderers and even described details of their actions and escape, which were later corroborated.

However, Björkhem notes that Aymar's later attempts to demonstrate his abilities in Paris were unsuccessful, leading to accusations of fraud. He suggests that Aymar might have been influenced by the reactions of the audience, a natural explanation that cannot be ruled out.

Gerard Croiset and Bob Cracknell

The article then discusses modern figures like Dutch psychic Gerard Croiset, known for his alleged ability to find missing persons and bodies. Björkhem expresses skepticism about some of the claims surrounding Croiset, citing Colin Wilson's account of a case where Croiset's predictions were not fully substantiated. He also mentions Bob Cracknell, a British psychic detective who opened his own agency. While Cracknell's insights were often factually correct, they did not directly lead to the solving of criminal cases, such as the Yorkshire Ripper case.

Björkhem argues that while many psychic detectives have claimed success, there is a lack of documented cases where their paranormal information directly led to the arrest of a criminal.

The Case of Mona Andersson

A significant case study presented is that of Mona Andersson, a 35-year-old woman who disappeared in Sweden in 1987. Five mediums, who had participated in courses organized by Björkhem, independently provided similar details: Mona was murdered, her body was hidden nearby, and the killer was a boyfriend who acted in panic after the crime. The mediums' descriptions were remarkably accurate regarding details like the bicycle's condition and the boyfriend's appearance. The investigation led to the arrest of one of Mona's boyfriends, Anders, who confessed. However, Björkhem points out that the mediums' information, while helpful in directing the search, did not directly solve the case, a common pattern in psychic detective work.

Björkhem analyzes the mediums' statements, noting that out of 93 factual claims, 68 were correct, 15 incorrect, and 10 had unclear truth value. He emphasizes that the crucial aspect is not just obtaining paranormal information but interpreting it correctly and verifying it through conventional means.

The Case of Eva

Another case, that of 15-year-old Eva who disappeared in 1988, illustrates the limitations of psychic detective work. Mediums described her abduction by two men and the location of her body. However, subsequent investigations concluded that Eva had accidentally drowned in a lake while intoxicated, and no crime had occurred. This case highlights how mediums might construct narratives based on strong emotions, even in the absence of a crime.

Björkhem concludes that psychic detective work functions similarly to hypnotic testimony: in the absence of real memories, the mind can construct them. He believes that paranormal information can be useful for generating new leads but must be treated with caution and verified.

Interpretation of 'Mediumistic Information'

Björkhem provides guidelines for interpreting 'mediumistic information' in cases like murder investigations:

1. Motivation of Mediums: Mediums who contact families may be driven by a desire to comfort or by their own fears, leading to potentially misleading statements.
2. Avoiding Interpretation Bias: Investigators should not interpret the information themselves but focus on the exact wording, as misinterpretations can steer the investigation in the wrong direction.
3. Confidentiality: Mediums' statements should be kept confidential from the family to avoid distress and to maintain objectivity. The identities of mediums should also remain private to prevent them from feeling pressured to perform.
4. Irrelevant Details: Paranormal details may be irrelevant or misleading. A medium might describe a suspect accurately without that person being guilty.
5. Coherent Narratives: Mediums often present coherent stories, but each statement should be assessed individually, as most details might be incorrect.
6. Consensus vs. Individuality: While multiple mediums might provide similar information, it's crucial to assess each statement independently, as their narratives can contradict each other.
7. Lack of Proven Cases: Despite anecdotal evidence of accurate information, there are no confirmed cases where a criminal was found or convicted solely based on mediumistic tips.
8. Feedback is Crucial: The process requires ongoing feedback between the contact person and the mediums to calibrate their information.

Björkhem emphasizes that while paranormal information can provide ideas for investigation, it cannot replace conventional police work.

New Age and Esoteric Ideologies

In a separate section, Håkan Blomqvist critiques the "New Age-flum" (New Age-nonsense), particularly in relation to UFO beliefs. He argues that figures like Sten Lindgren and Bertil Kuhlemann promote occult sects with fascist and totalitarian ideologies.

Blomqvist cites Jacques Vallée's warnings about UFO contact cults promoting anti-intellectualism, racism, and social utopianism, where humanity cannot solve its own problems and must rely on extraterrestrials. He criticizes the idea of 'superior' humans and the rejection of democracy.

Blomqvist details his own negative experiences with the hylozoist sect, led by Lars Adelskogh, which he describes as promoting fascist and anti-Semitic ideas. He notes that Sten Lindgren and Bertil Kuhlemann appear to be promoting this sect, which he believes is dangerous.

He also criticizes the pseudoscientific approach of "Projekt URD" (UFO reporting and data system), led by Lindgren, Kuhlemann, and Bjarne Håkansson, for neglecting psychological and sociological aspects of witness credibility.

Blomqvist warns against building worldviews on 'voices in the head,' mediumistic messages, or occult visions, as this can lead to adopting knowledge- and life-hostile, totalitarian doctrines.

Interview with 'Roger'

The magazine includes an interview with 'Roger' (pseudonym), a contact person for Sten Lindgren. Roger denies being a 'spaceman' or 'agent for the space brothers,' stating that his interactions with Lindgren were philosophical discussions about UFO phenomena. He expresses concern that Lindgren and others elevate hypotheses to facts and are susceptible to manipulation by demagogues.

Roger explains that he agreed to answer Lindgren's questions out of shared interest in UFOs but wanted to maintain his anonymity. He believes Lindgren's desire to be significant and 'do the right things' drives his actions. Roger advises Lindgren to distinguish between assumptions and facts and to be open to re-evaluating his beliefs.

Roger recounts a 1964 event where he and Lindgren allegedly observed a UFO, but he disputes Lindgren's dramatic description of the event, suggesting Lindgren's account is exaggerated.

Book Reviews and Other Sections

The issue also features book reviews on topics such as health, meditation, and esoteric teachings:

• "Recept på hälsa" by Olov Lindahl: A comprehensive guide to health, advocating a strict vegan diet.
• "Wa-Do" by Tran Vu Chi: A book on Japanese healing movements and massage.
• "Rörelsens helande kraft - Vägen till extas" by Gabrielle Roth: Explores movement, dance, and theater for personal development.
• "Livslust" by Lena Kristina Tuulse: Focuses on rebirthing and conscious breathing as a path to well-being.
• "Själsglädjen" by AnneMarie Hellström and Marguerite Landin: Discusses mental training and positive visualization.
• "Dynamisk träning med Silvametoden" by José Silva and Burt Goldman: A guide to relaxation and mental programming.
• "Klara drömme" by Keith Harary and Pamela Weintraub: A 30-day course on lucid dreaming.
• "Tre minuters meditation" by David Harp and Nina Feldman: Offers short meditation techniques.
• "De parallella kunskaperna och Eldens lära" by Raul Amon: An introduction to esoteric teachings related to 'the science of fire'.

There are also sections on personal ads, donations, and a review of the book "Gud Barnet och mystiken" by Björn Rosendal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Parapsykologi" consistently explores the boundaries of science and the unexplained, with a critical yet open-minded approach. This issue particularly emphasizes the need for critical thinking and rigorous verification when dealing with paranormal claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution against unsubstantiated beliefs, especially those that promote potentially harmful or totalitarian ideologies, while acknowledging the potential for genuine paranormal phenomena to exist and be studied scientifically. There is a clear distinction made between scientific parapsychology and the more speculative or pseudoscientific aspects of the UFO and New Age movements. The magazine encourages readers to question, research, and avoid blindly accepting claims, particularly those that lack evidence or logical reasoning.

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: Number 5, 1991
Publisher: Wallin & Dalholm Boktr AB, Lund
Country of Publication: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: Full year (8 issues) 220 SEK, Half year 120 SEK.
Cover Headline: Kollegor (Colleagues)

This issue of Sökaren, an independent magazine for life-view issues, is dedicated to its "colleagues" – other magazines with similar interests. The editorial stance is informative and exploratory, aiming to connect readers with related publications and topics.

Related Publications

The magazine highlights several related publications:

• Jordens Goda Nyheter (Earth's Good News): Described as an enthusiastic and easy-to-understand sister publication, it is edited by Mona Sundquist and features experienced journalists like Marie Milling, Cathrine Vergara, and Eva Lagnefeldt. It is published four times a year in A4 format with approximately 40 pages, often featuring familiar New Age personalities and themes. The address is Box 2059, 103 12 Stockholm.

• Mandala: A magazine for mysticism and philosophy, produced by three women, with Anna Bornstein (translator of Paul Brunton's books) as the driving force. This beautiful quarterly publication is recommended for those interested in mystical interpretations of reality. The address is Box 6098, 121 06 Johanneshov.

• Gnosis: A magazine for spiritual culture, publishing four issues per year, often in substantial volumes. The latest volume contained five issues and 352 pages, featuring a wide range of thinkers and writers including Mäster Eckehart, Hans Hof, Kurt Almqvist, Jakob Böhme, Poul Bjerre, Bo Setterlind, Carl Gustav Jung, Marianne Fredriksson, and Lars Levi Laestadius. The publication is managed by Björn Sahlin, formerly of Verbum, Vattumannen, and Proprius. The address is Bokförlaget Åsak, Johannesberg, 820 60 Delsbo.

• UFO-aktuellt: This magazine focuses on research and speculation regarding unexplained phenomena. It is noted for contributions from writers such as Clas Svahn, Anders Liljegren, and Håkan Blomqvist, maintaining a high standard and being accessible to intelligent individuals interested in UFOs. The address is Box 175, 733 23 Sala.

Other related publications mentioned briefly include Växtkraft (focused on life questions, edited by Kenth Agurell) and Tidlös Visdom, Utan Gräns, Arcanum, among others.

Table of Contents

The issue features a diverse range of articles:

• James Randi in Sweden: (Page 2)
• Bengt Petersen: "Three Authors and the Great Life Questions" (Page 6)
• Åsa Freij: "Lightning Meeting with La Chance and His Fear Effect" (Page 10)
• Åsa Freij: "Ki Aikido – A Path to Spiritual Development" (Page 12)
• Kenneth Ring: "The Kundalini Hypothesis" (Page 15)
• Bo Teglund: "Westerners Hindered from Reaching Wisdom" (Page 18)
• Örjan Björkhem: "Psychic Detective Work" (Page 20)
• Katarina Ed: "Psychic Powers" (Page 26)
• Håkan Blomqvist: "Totalitarian Ideologies in the UFO Movement" (Page 28)
• Håkan Blomqvist: "Interview with the 'Spaceman' Roger" (Page 31)
• Tomas Johansson: "Liberating Breathing – A Tumultuous Experience" (Page 34)
• Nils-Olof Jacobson: "Health for Body and Soul" (Page 36)
• SM: "New Age Fluff – What Is It?" (Page 38)
• Book Reviews: (Page 39)

Editorial Information

Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson
Address: Östra Kanalgatan 18, 652 20 Karlstad
Telephone: 054-11 16 89
Taltidning (Audio Magazine): Available through SRF-registret, telephone 08-39 93 42.
Advertising Prices: Full page 1,300 SEK, half page 750 SEK, small ads 25 SEK per column-cm (minimum 75 SEK).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sökaren demonstrates a clear interest in New Age philosophies, spiritual development, mysticism, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The magazine acts as a curator and commentator on these subjects, connecting readers with various publications and perspectives within these fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and encouraging readers to explore these topics further through the mentioned resources. The inclusion of book reviews and interviews suggests a commitment to providing in-depth coverage of the subjects within its scope.