Sokaren - 1991 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SÖKAREN
Issue: NR 6
Volume: 1991 ÅRGÅNG 28
Date: 1991
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 28:00 INKL. MOMS

This issue of Sökaren, an independent magazine for life-view questions, explores a diverse range of spiritual, mystical, and paranormal topics. The cover features Marja Entrich, described as a 'grand old lady, beauty expert, folk singer, artist, and sufier,' with a headline about the magazine being an 'independent journal for life-view questions.'

Key Articles and Features

"Världars möte" (Meeting of Worlds)

This article introduces the book "Gåvan från stjärnorna" (The Gift from the Stars) by Lennart Lidfors, an electroengineer, psychologist, and doctoral candidate. The book details the extraordinary experiences of Lennart and his wife Marianne, who claim to have communicated with an extraterrestrial intelligence named 'Lace.' Lace communicates through Marianne while she is in a hypnotic trance, speaking with Marianne's voice. Lennart, while acknowledging the possibility that Lace might be a part of Marianne's subconscious, personally believes Lace to be an independent intelligence. The article touches upon the concept of 'transpersonal personalities' and the skepticism within the scientific establishment towards such claims. It also mentions Marianne's past life memories of Atlantis and Egypt, and her profound connection with dolphins at Kolmården Zoo, particularly a dolphin named Venus, which she felt enhanced her telepathic abilities.

Lennart and Marianne perceive their lives as guided by higher forces, and they believe dark forces see them as a threat. They recount a warning from Lace about an assassination attempt, which was later narrowly avoided when a car tried to force Marianne off the road. Despite the unusual nature of their experiences, Lennart insists on the truth of their account, stating that the book is written in a novelistic form but is entirely true.

"Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, en sufilärare" (Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, a Sufi Teacher)

This feature, written by Birgitta Manners Stålhammar, introduces Sufism as a spiritual path that seeks balance between the outer and inner realities, not tied to any specific religion but containing elements found in mystics across all traditions. It highlights the book "Sufism" by Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri, who posits that Sufism is as old as human consciousness and is the heart of Islam. The article explains that Sufism aims to achieve a total awareness of reality and the Absolute, seeking inner truth and love. It discusses the importance of discipline, inner awakening, and letting go of desires and fears to attain joy and peace. The article also touches upon the concept of reincarnation and karma, and the idea of a cosmic struggle between dark and light forces.

Haeri emphasizes the importance of adhering to the outer laws of Islam, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad. He criticizes modern Muslim practices that deviate from these original laws. The article contrasts Haeri's view with the International Sufi Movement, founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan, which is presented as a universal brotherhood open to all religions and nations, emphasizing love and unity.

"Psi och upprepbarhet" (Psi and Reproducibility)

Authored by Gunnar Matti, this article critically examines the concept of reproducibility in parapsychological research. It discusses the challenges faced by parapsychologists in consistently replicating experiments, a key criterion for scientific validity. The article references Arthur Koestler's comparison of psi abilities to sex in terms of their unpredictability. It also explores the philosophical underpinnings of the demand for reproducibility, linking it to a deterministic and mechanistic view of the universe. The author discusses the work of parapsychologist J.G. Pratt, who suggested that the inherent unpredictability of psi phenomena might be a characteristic rather than a flaw. The article also touches upon chaos theory as a potential framework for understanding the unpredictable nature of psi phenomena and critiques the rigid adherence to scientific paradigms that may hinder the acceptance of such research.

"FENOMENET TED SERIOS" (The Phenomenon Ted Serios)

Written by Birger Qvarnström, this piece from 1971 details the experiments of Ted Serios, a psychic from Chicago who could allegedly produce 'psychophotographs' by concentrating his thoughts. Psychoanalyst Jule Eisenbud of the University of Denver conducted extensive research with Serios, documenting his ability to mentally project images onto photographic film. These images often bore a resemblance to intended subjects, such as buildings or illustrations, though sometimes with partial or distorted accuracy. The article describes the experimental setup, including Serios's use of a 'gismo' (a cylinder) and his heavy reliance on alcohol. Eisenbud's research involved numerous scientifically qualified witnesses who became convinced of the authenticity of Serios's abilities, ruling out conventional explanations like trickery.

The article highlights specific instances, such as Serios producing an image congruent with a Westminster Abbey illustration and another resembling a spacecraft, which coincidentally bore a likeness to a newly constructed space laboratory. Eisenbud's psychoanalytic interpretations suggest Serios's abilities might be linked to his desires and attitudes. The experiments also explored the possibility of Serios influencing images without direct camera contact and even influencing the film emulsion itself, suggesting a connection between the psychic and physical realms.

"Andning och avspänning på Gullnäs" (Breathing and Relaxation at Gullnäs)

This reportage by Bengt Petersen describes a retreat center called Gullnäs on the island of Tjärnö, Sweden, known for its courses in breathing and relaxation. Founded by Carl-Axel Danåsen, the center has hosted courses led by Werner Ludwig, a German doctor, since 1963. The article emphasizes the holistic approach, combining healthy vegetarian food, nature, and therapeutic exercises. It highlights the role of Britt Sjöberg, a renowned relaxation pedagogue, who teaches a gentle form of yoga and relaxation that is accessible to everyone. The reportage includes testimonials, such as that of Barbro Lessler, who found significant relief from chronic pain and improved self-confidence through these practices. The article concludes with a traditional greeting, "Salam, Salam - Aleikum," signifying peace.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the search for meaning beyond conventional materialism. There is a strong interest in phenomena that challenge established scientific paradigms, including psychic abilities, extraterrestrial contact, and alternative healing methods. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and exploratory, presenting various perspectives and personal experiences while acknowledging skepticism and the need for critical inquiry. The magazine seems to cater to a readership interested in alternative worldviews and personal growth.

This issue of SÖKAREN, dated June 1991, features a cover story titled "Skilda utkikspunkter" (Different viewpoints), exploring the diversity of human perceptions and beliefs. The magazine covers a range of topics including religious history, paranormal phenomena, UFOs, and psychological insights.

Articles

Var Jesus verkligen essé? Ett svar till Siwert Aldenryd

Marie-Louise Brandsby critically examines the claim, often found in New Age literature, that Jesus was an Essene and a vegetarian. She consults historical texts and scholarly works, including those by E-M Laperrousaz, Marcel Simon, and Hugh Schonfield, to present a nuanced view of the Essenes. Brandsby highlights that the Essenes had a rigid, eschatological worldview, a strict hierarchy, and exclusionary practices, contrasting sharply with Jesus's teachings of love and inclusion (e.g., "Love your enemies," "Judge not," and welcoming the marginalized). She points out that Jesus's actions, like eating the Passover lamb and fish, also contradict Essene vegetarianism. While acknowledging potential Essene influence on some early Christian groups and the presence of reincarnation beliefs in some Jewish mysticism, Brandsby concludes that Jesus likely opposed Essene rigorism. She also touches upon Schonfield's speculative theories about Jesus's survival of the crucifixion and the possibility of Jesus belonging to the Nazarene group.

Du är universum

Sven Andersson's illustrated series explores the concept of the universe and individual perception. It suggests that each person creates their own reality and that multiple realities exist simultaneously. The series touches upon quantum mechanics and the idea of a 'super-universe' containing parallel worlds.

Randi har problem

This section reports on James Randi's legal disputes with Uri Geller. Randi details his ongoing lawsuits and his decision to leave CSICOP to avoid further entanglement. He expresses a need for financial support to continue his defense against Geller's claims.

Falsk profetia

An article discusses the religious movement Church Universal and Triumphant and its leader Elizabeth Clare Prophet's failed prophecy of a Soviet nuclear attack in the spring of 1991. The incident is used to caution against blindly accepting prophetic pronouncements.

Vi tror

This short piece quotes psychologist Daniel T. Gilbert on the human tendency to be credulous and easily influenced by media, especially when information aligns with pre-existing beliefs.

Hälsokost är bra

A study from San Francisco is presented, indicating that a vegetarian diet led to reduced atherosclerosis in patients with heart conditions, while a non-vegetarian diet showed an increase. Vegetarians also lost weight compared to non-vegetarians.

Optimismens fördelar

Martin Seligman's research on optimism and pessimism is summarized. Pessimists tend to view setbacks as permanent and pervasive, leading to more problems, poorer health, and higher rates of depression. Optimists, conversely, see challenges as temporary and external, maintaining their belief in future success and experiencing better health and work performance. The article emphasizes that optimism can be learned.

Biorytm

This is a brief advertisement for a biorhythm chart service.

Inspirerande! Provocerande?

This section reviews Annika Langlé's book "Helande Krafter" (Healing Powers), which explores topics like healing, positivity, nature's forces, essential oils, crystals, chakras, reincarnation, and spiritual guides, offering practical exercises.

Finns hypnos?

This article discusses the skepticism surrounding the existence of hypnosis, citing James Randi and Robert A. Baker, who argue it's merely role-playing. It contrasts this with the idea that hypnosis might be a distinct state of consciousness, noting that skepticism towards the paranormal often extends to hypnosis.

Främlingar från rymden

Dr. Ron Westrum, a sociologist interested in UFOs, suggests that a significant number of people may have been abducted by aliens. He posits that UFOs are real physical objects and that the visitors are an alien species, possibly using humans for experiments or breeding. Westrum believes that open contact with aliens could be catastrophic for human civilization due to the vast cultural and technological differences.

UFO

This article features an interview with French UFO researcher Professor Jean-Pierre Petit. Petit, a cosmologist, suggests that UFOs could be extraterrestrial craft, possibly utilizing principles of inter-universal travel to overcome vast distances. He explains that the lack of clear photographic evidence might be due to infrared radiation affecting film. Petit also discusses why aliens might avoid open contact, fearing the destabilizing effect on human society.

Livet speglat i korta meningar

This section reviews Bertil Martinsson's book "Knorr på tur med Eros och andra gudar," praising its concise wisdom and spiritual insights. It also briefly mentions Eva Jagrell's collection of poems, "Den största friheten."

Oh, död!

This section presents three poems by Anders Apelqvist: "Skapelsens träd" (The Tree of Creation), "Aska" (Ashes), and "Lockelser" (Temptations), reflecting on death and the afterlife.

Otrolig Lidfors

This is a review of Lennart Lidfors's book "Gåvan från stjärnorna" (The Gift from the Stars). The book documents Marie's experiences with hypnosis, leading to alleged memories of past lives, Atlantis, UFO contacts, and communication with an extraterrestrial entity named Lace. The reviewer, Håkan Blomqvist, expresses skepticism about the book's claims, suggesting that Marie's experiences might be influenced by popular culture and psychological phenomena, and criticizes Lidfors's lack of critical distance.

Brev

Annelie Nacef questions Håkan Blomqvist about apparent contradictions in his articles regarding Sten Lindgren's UFO contacts, specifically concerning the number of witnesses interviewed. Blomqvist explains that his earlier article in 1985 was based primarily on Lindgren's account and a general acceptance of UFO phenomena due to his then-current esoteric worldview. He later conducted more thorough interviews in 1986, revealing discrepancies. He emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation and understanding witness psychology in UFO research.

Bokrecensioner

This section includes reviews of several books: "Förstå dina känslor" by Louise Frostegren, "Att förlåta" by Suzanne and Sidney B. Simon, and a mention of books from ICA Bokförlag.

Innehåll

A table of contents lists the articles and their page numbers, including contributions on Sufism, psi phenomena, voice analysis, the Ted Serios phenomenon, Jesus and the Essenes, Sven Andersson's comic, a French UFO researcher, and poems by Anders Apelqvist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, particularly in the realms of the paranormal and New Age beliefs. While exploring topics like UFOs and past lives, it often presents counterarguments and scholarly perspectives. There is a clear emphasis on rational inquiry and the importance of psychological understanding when evaluating witness accounts. The magazine also features content related to spirituality, alternative lifestyles, and philosophical discussions, encouraging readers to think critically about diverse viewpoints.