Sokaren - 1994 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 6, 1994 (årgång 31)
Date: 1994
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, features Stefan Demert, a troubadour and deep thinker, on its cover. The magazine explores various spiritual, philosophical, and esoteric themes, including interviews, articles on New Age philosophy, UFO phenomena, and personal development.

Stefan Demert: A Seeker Who Found

The cover story highlights Stefan Demert, a musician and thinker, described as a "deep thinker." The article details his spiritual journey, influenced by a teacher named Ambres, who is channeled through a carpenter named Sture Johansson. Demert emphasizes that he does not separate spirituality from everyday life, seeing everything as interconnected. He views Ambres not as a guru but as an experienced friend. Demert discusses learning from Ambres, who has led courses in esoteric matters. He also touches upon the importance of interpreting dreams, both waking and sleeping, as messages. Demert's spiritual interest aims to resolve conflicts by understanding one's own reactions. He recalls early experiences in nature that hinted at other dimensions. He connects environmental concerns with spiritual matters, stating that caring for the environment is a natural consequence of this connection. Demert believes in reincarnation, seeing life as a process of learning and development across multiple lifetimes. He also discusses the concept of a 'ground personality' within each individual, which holds all knowledge from past lives, though this connection is often obscured by societal conditioning.

Aldous Huxley and the Mescaline Experience

An article titled "Aldous Huxley tells about a mescaline intoxication and an revelation of the tremendous mystery" explores Huxley's 1954 book "The doors of perception." The text discusses Huxley's experiences after taking mescaline, describing heightened sensory perceptions, the experience of an "eternal now," and a state of bliss where interest in personal activity vanished. Huxley viewed mescaline as a potentially beneficial drug for expanding consciousness, though he cautioned against uncontrolled use. The article also touches upon the historical use of psychoactive substances in various cultures and their connection to religious rites. Huxley's work is presented as a catalyst for exploring altered states of consciousness and the nature of reality.

New Age in Sweden: What Became of It?

This extensive section examines the New Age movement in Sweden, its origins, and its evolution. It details early initiatives like the "Levande företag" (Living Companies) conferences in the early 1980s, which aimed to integrate humanistic psychology and spiritual ideas into business. Key figures like Fritjof Capra, Edgar Mitchell, and Carl Rogers were involved. The article also covers "Livsfestivaler" (Life Festivals) and the publication of related magazines like Nexus and Helhetssyn för en ny tid. It highlights the core tenets of New Age, including the view of the universe as an interconnected, conscious organism, the importance of nature as a living entity, and the concept of human potential and self-healing. The article discusses the shift towards a holistic view of health, the practice of vegetarianism, and the idea of "honest business" based on deeper human values. It also touches upon the concept of reincarnation and karma, and the idea of a "paradigm shift" in scientific and societal thinking. The article notes the decline of some New Age organizations and bookstores due to economic reasons but suggests that the underlying ideas continue to influence society.

Other Sections and Themes

Levnadskonst (Art of Living): This section features various short contributions and quotes on living a meaningful life, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. Contributors like Ingvar Anderberg, Kerstin Lindell, and Rutger Bergström offer reflections on self-acceptance, resilience, and finding purpose.

• Sökarnyheter (Seeker News): This section provides brief updates on various topics:
• Origenes and Soul Transmigration: Clarifies that the church father Origenes did not believe in reincarnation, despite some claims.
• UFO Witnesses Studied: Reports on a Canadian study suggesting UFO witnesses have exotic beliefs but are not necessarily psychologically disturbed.
• Psyche Affects Immune System: Discusses the link between mental state and immune function, highlighting the role of positive thinking and emotional well-being.
• Scientific Support for Homeopathy: Presents a study suggesting homeopathy may have a statistically significant effect on reducing diarrhea in children.
• Confirmation of Benveniste: Discusses attempts to replicate Jacques Benveniste's controversial findings on diluted solutions, with mixed results.
• From Flumson: A humorous, self-deprecating piece by "Flumson" about criticism received for his writing.
• New Age and the Social Plane: Discusses the New Age vision for a new civilization based on cooperation, non-violence, and a higher consciousness.
• Views on Business: Explains the "honest business" philosophy within New Age, emphasizing human values over profit.
• Reincarnation and Karma: Elaborates on the belief in repeated lives and the law of cause and effect.
• Higher Consciousness: Explains the New Age concept of expanded awareness and its methods.
• Paradigm Shift: Discusses the concept of fundamental changes in worldview and scientific understanding.
• Conspiracy: Touches upon the idea of a global network of like-minded individuals working for positive change.
• Network Idea: Describes New Age as a network rather than a formal organization.
• Future of New Age: Reflects on the spread of New Age ideas and their potential impact.

Alexis Carrel and Lourdes: This article revisits the early issues of Sökaren, reflecting on an article about the healings at Lourdes and the involvement of Nobel laureate Alexis Carrel. It discusses Carrel's scientific investigation into the phenomena and his personal account of witnessing a healing, which he described as a "miracle."

What Became of New Age in Sweden? (Revisited): This section provides a retrospective look at the New Age movement in Sweden, detailing its early conferences, publications, and key figures. It discusses the core beliefs, the challenges faced by organizations, and the lasting influence of New Age ideas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, personal growth, alternative health, and esoteric knowledge. There is a clear interest in phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, such as UFOs, reincarnation, and altered states of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, presenting various perspectives and research findings, even those that are unconventional. The magazine seems to advocate for a holistic approach to life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and encouraging readers to explore their inner potential and question established norms.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1995:2, is a Swedish magazine focusing on spirituality, New Age concepts, and related phenomena. The cover headline, "Andliga kriser feltolkas" (Spiritual crises misinterpreted), highlights an article by Stanislav Grof on the understanding of spiritual emergencies. The magazine features a collection of book reviews on New Age topics, exploring themes of consciousness, personal transformation, and Eastern philosophies.

New Age Books Reviewed

The issue presents a selection of books that are considered important in the New Age movement, with detailed summaries and analyses:

• Fritjof Capra's "Fysikens tao" (The Tao of Physics): Discusses the parallels between Eastern philosophy and modern physics, emphasizing the concept of fundamental unity.
• Marilyn Ferguson's "Mot en ny tidsålder" (Towards a New Age): Hailed as a New Age classic, it describes the 'Aquarian Conspiracy' and a coming transformation of human consciousness and society.
• Findhorns trädgårdar (The Findhorn Garden): Recounts the story of the Findhorn community and its spiritual practices.
• Jan Grönholm's "Helhetssyn och framtidstro" (Holistic View and Faith in the Future): An introduction to the search for a new view of humanity and the world, integrating science and spirituality.
• Willis Harman and Howard Rheingold's "Inspirationens ögonblick" (Moments of Inspiration): Explores how ideas arise and how individuals can tap into their creativity and intuition.
• Stuart Holroyd's "Nya perspektiv" (New Perspectives): An encyclopedia of ideas and concepts relevant to life philosophies, including topics like clairvoyance, reincarnation, and UFOs.
• Gerald Jampolsky's "Kärlek är att släppa rädslan" (Love is Letting Go of Fear): Presents twelve lessons for personal change based on the idea that love is the core of our being and fear is an illusion.
• Gerald Jampolsky's "Levo och lär kärlek" (Live and Learn Love): Further explores love as the essence of life and the path to inner peace.
• Thomas S. Kuhn's "De vetenskapliga revolutionernas struktur" (The Structure of Scientific Revolutions): Discusses paradigm shifts in science and their implications for understanding reality.
• Lawrence LeShan's "Kämpa för livet" (Fight for Life): Examines the emotional causes of cancer, linking it to a sense of hopelessness and lack of meaning in life.
• Ingrid and Rune Olausson's "Ett annat sätt" (Another Way): Features stories of people working to create a better world based on a holistic worldview.
• Michael Phillips and Salli Rasberry's "Ärliga affärer" (Honest Business): Presents a business philosophy focused on passion, contribution, and self-fulfillment.
• Peter Russell's "En uppvaknande värld" (A Waking World): Discusses the transition to a new age characterized by a boundless sense of self and unity with the universe.
• Mark Satin's "Politik för en ny tid" (Politics for a New Age): An overview of New Age movements and ideas aimed at transforming Western societies.
• Bernard Siegel's "Kärlek, medicin och mirakel" (Love, Medicine, and Miracles): Explores the connection between the mind and physical health, emphasizing the power of positive mental states.
• Carl Simonton's "Du kan bli frisk igen" (You Can Get Well Again): Offers methods for healing through positive attitudes and visualization techniques.
• Claes Sjöberg's "Alternativ från A till Ö" (Alternatives from A to Z): A guide to possibilities in the future, covering topics like ecology, soft technology, and new lifestyles.
• Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's "Så tror jag" (This is How I Believe): Expresses thoughts on evolution, the universe, and humanity's place within it.
• Annastina Vrethammar's "Tänk dig ett bättre liv" (Imagine a Better Life): Focuses on affirmations and positive thinking.
• Gary Zukav's "De dansande Wu Li-mästarna" (The Dancing Wu Li Masters): Attempts to reconcile modern physics with Eastern mysticism.

Spiritual Emergencies and Misinterpretation

An article by Stanislav and Christina Grof, "Andliga kriser feltolkas" (Spiritual crises misinterpreted), argues that what are often diagnosed as mental illnesses are in fact natural spiritual development processes. They highlight how traditional cultures viewed these experiences as blessings, while modern psychiatry tends to pathologize them. The Grofs advocate for a better understanding and support for individuals undergoing these transformative crises, emphasizing that they can lead to profound insights and personal growth when approached with understanding rather than medical intervention.

The Case of Shanti Devi and Reincarnation

Sture Lönnerstrand's book "Shanti Devi, en berättelse om reinkarnation" (Shanti Devi, a story of reincarnation) is reviewed. The case involves a young girl in Delhi who claimed to remember a past life. While Lönnerstrand presents it as proof of reincarnation, the review notes the low scientific value and discusses alternative explanations like ESP, as proposed by parapsychologist Ian Stevenson. The article also touches upon the historical presence and eventual rejection of reincarnation beliefs within Christianity, referencing a church council in Constantinople.

The Nature of Consciousness and the Afterlife

Sven Magnusson's article, "Finns det ett liv efter döden?" (Is there life after death?), explores the concepts of survival and immortality. He distinguishes between the 'bottom' of consciousness (potentially timeless) and its 'content' (thoughts, personality, which is temporary). Magnusson discusses the difficulty of proving life after death, referencing reincarnation cases and near-death experiences as suggestive but not conclusive evidence. He posits that our current understanding of reality is limited and that the true nature of consciousness might be eternal and universal.

Criticism of Parapsychology

Elisabet Söderström's article, "Kritiken mot parapsykologin" (Criticism of parapsychology), addresses the often irrational basis of criticism against parapsychological research. It highlights the work of C.E.M. Hansel, an English psychologist who has extensively criticized parapsychology, often suggesting fraud or methodological errors in experiments. The article also mentions the defense of parapsychology by figures like H.J. Eysenck and Ramakrishna Rao, who suggest that social and psychological factors, rather than purely rational ones, often drive the criticism.

The article "Duellen om rum 314 vid Duke University" (The duel in room 314 at Duke University) details the controversial analysis by C.E.M. Hansel of the Pearce-Pratt experiments, a seminal study in parapsychology. Hansel's critique, which suggested potential fraud, is contrasted with the view of researchers like J.B. Rhine and Pratt, who considered the experiments to be among the best in the field.

Other Topics

• Göran Grip's "Allting finns" (Everything exists): A review of a book by a doctor who documents his life experiences, including near-death experiences and regression therapy, without drawing definitive conclusions about reincarnation.
• Melvin Morse's "Förvandlad av ljuset" (Transformed by Light): Discusses near-death experiences and how they can lead to profound personal transformation and a loss of the fear of death.
• Martinus Kosmologi: Advertisements for the magazine "Ny Kultur" which promotes the teachings of Martinus Kosmologi, a spiritual philosophy.
• Holotropic Breathwork: An announcement for group sessions.
• Franz Schwabe's "Levande Magi": Advertisements for books on magic, tarot, and self-help techniques.
• Deva Events: A calendar of upcoming events related to spirituality, astrology, and personal development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic worldview that integrates spirituality with science and personal well-being. It champions the idea of human potential for growth and transformation, often drawing parallels between ancient wisdom traditions and modern psychological and scientific insights. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of exploring alternative perspectives on consciousness, the nature of reality, and the human condition, often challenging conventional medical and scientific paradigms. The magazine seems to encourage open-mindedness and a personal search for truth, while also providing critical analysis of research and phenomena within the New Age and parapsychological fields. The emphasis is on personal experience, inner development, and the possibility of a higher state of consciousness.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 6
Volume: Årgång 31
Date: November 1994
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 250 SEK for a full year (6 issues), 150 SEK for a half-year.
Editor and Publisher: Sven Magnusson

Editorial Introduction: "Slut för i år tack för i år!"

Sven Magnusson, the editor, bids farewell for the year 1994, expressing hope that the readers have found value in the 31st volume of Sökaren. He emphasizes the magazine's intention to provide positive content, including critical pieces. Magnusson acknowledges the sensitivity of writing about drugs, noting that some may perceive it as propaganda. However, he defends the inclusion of Aldous Huxley's experiences with mescaline as interesting and not intended to encourage drug use. He also mentions a recurring feature of reprinting articles from Sökaren's debut issue, which was published 30 years prior.

Magnusson reflects on the New Age movement, stating that while it promised much, many of its positive aspects seem to have faded. He agrees with Elisabet Söderström's view that criticism of parapsychology lacks a rational basis and stems from social and psychological causes, advocating for this perspective to be more widely disseminated.

He introduces articles by John White on spiritual enlightenment and notes that "Stina" brought his work to his attention. Magnusson expresses surprise at White's interpretation of Jesus but believes it may offer valuable insights. He also addresses his review of Sture Lönnerstrand's book on the Shanti Devi case, defending his critical stance.

Magnusson concludes by wishing readers well for 1995 and urges them to renew their subscriptions to ensure the magazine can continue to be produced with 40 pages, including color sections. He notes that the current circulation is around 2,000 copies and that a larger subscriber base is needed to maintain the current format. He also appeals for donations to the support fund, announcing a lottery for five copies of Göran Grip's book "Allting finns" for those who donate 250 SEK or more by the end of the year, or provide a gift subscription.

Contents

• "Stefan Demert, en sökare som funnit" by Eva Sanner (Page 2)
• "Aldous Huxley berättar om ett meskalinrus" (SM) (Page 6)
• "Levnadskonst" (Page 8)
• "Sökarens första nummer" (Page 10)
• "Sökarnyheter" (Page 12)
• "Vad blev det av New Age i Sverige?" (SM) (Page 14)
• "Kärntankar inom New Age" (SM) (Page 17)
• "New Age-böcker på svenska" (SM) (Page 20)
• "Kritiken mot parapsykologin" by Elisabet Söderström (Page 23)
• "Vad är andlig upplysning?" by John White (Page 26)
• "Bokfloden" (Page 32)
• "Labbet" by Göran Grip (Page 34)
• "Läsarforum" (Page 35)
• "Finns det ett liv efter döden?" (SM) (Page 36)
• "Andliga kriser feltolkas" by Stina (Page 38)

Key Articles and Themes

Aldous Huxley and Mescaline

The issue features an article detailing Aldous Huxley's experiences with mescaline. While acknowledging the controversial nature of discussing drug use, the editor defends its inclusion as an interesting account from a notable figure, emphasizing that it is not intended as propaganda.

New Age in Sweden

Several articles explore the New Age movement's presence and development in Sweden. "Vad blev det av New Age i Sverige?" and "Kärntankar inom New Age" examine its trajectory and core beliefs, while "New Age-böcker på svenska" reviews relevant literature.

Parapsychology Criticism

Elisabet Söderström contributes an article titled "Kritiken mot parapsykologin," arguing that criticism directed at the field of parapsychology is often irrational and rooted in social and psychological factors rather than scientific evidence. The editor expresses agreement with this viewpoint.

Spiritual Enlightenment

John White's article, "Vad är andlig upplysning?", delves into the concept of spiritual enlightenment. The editor notes that White's perspective on Jesus, brought to his attention by "Stina," is unconventional but potentially insightful.

Retrospective and Book Reviews

The magazine includes a look back at its own history with a reprint from its debut issue 30 years prior. Göran Grip's "Labbet" and a "Bokfloden" (Book Flood) section suggest reviews or discussions of various books. The "Läsarforum" section indicates reader contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren include spirituality, the exploration of consciousness, critical examination of popular movements like New Age, and a defense of parapsychology against what the editor deems unfounded criticism. The editorial stance, as expressed by Sven Magnusson, is one of open inquiry, intellectual honesty, and a desire to provide valuable, thought-provoking content to its readers, while also ensuring the magazine's financial viability through subscriptions and donations. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking and a willingness to engage with potentially controversial topics.