Sokaren - 1995 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 5, 1995, årgång 32
Date: 1995
Price: 50:- inkl. moms
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on 'tidskrift för livsfrågor' (journal for life questions), features a cover story questioning the authenticity of Sai Baba's miracles. The issue also includes articles on the holographic universe theory, a history of philosophy, and the controversial MJ-12 documents related to UFOs.

Festival i vita tält på Långholmens gröna gräs

This article by Nina Falkenberg details the second 'Peace in Mind' festival held on Långholmen in Stockholm. The festival, which took place during the Pentecost weekend, featured over a hundred exhibitors offering various New Age and spiritual practices, including crystal healing, aromatherapy, yoga, kundalini meditation, and tarot readings. The event included lectures and workshops on topics such as dolphin communication, angelic contact, and new age energies. International speakers from Russia, USA, Canada, and England participated. Children had a dedicated 'paradise garden' for play and learning. The article highlights the success of the event in providing useful knowledge about new energies and self-knowledge. Specific workshops mentioned include Doris Ankarberg's nature attunement, kundalini meditation, and free dance. Musical performances included a didgeridoo concert by Diza, who was only four years old. The article also notes the presence of Thomas di Leva and mentions workshops by Caroline Wyndham and Marcus Mason on Stonehenge. Donna Talkingleaves led a workshop on the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. The article concludes by mentioning the upcoming third 'Peace in Mind' festival focusing on peace work and ecology, and notes that 1995 is seen as the beginning of a new era by Mayan and Inca cultures.

Vår oceaniska längtan

Björn Sahlin's article 'Vår oceaniska längtan' (Our Oceanic Longing) explores the concept of an 'oceanic feeling' – a sense of union with the all – which he posits is a direct threat to Western society and its emphasis on the bounded self. Sahlin critiques Sigmund Freud's interpretation of this longing as a regression to infancy, arguing instead that it is a fundamental human drive. He contrasts Freud's view of the self ('jaget') as needing to supplant God with the idea of a natural religiosity that seeks connection. The article discusses how Western society, symbolized by the walled city, suppresses this oceanic longing by channeling religious feelings into institutions that ultimately deaden them. Sahlin argues that this suppression leads to societal problems like the erosion of social safety nets and increased class divisions. He contrasts this with Eastern philosophies like Hinduism and Buddhism, which offer concepts like Nirvana as a release from the bounded self. The article touches upon Harry Martinson's 'Aniara' as a vision of liberation and the wave of Nirvana. It criticizes the Christian concept of an eternal afterlife focused on individual fulfillment and the exclusion of nature. The article concludes by suggesting that the church offers no true alternative to this oceanic longing, having a flawed vision of the human self.

Filosofins historia

This section, a summary of Jostein Gaarder's book 'Sofies värld', provides an accessible history of Western philosophy. It begins by outlining the fundamental questions that have driven philosophical inquiry since ancient Greece, such as the origin of the universe and the meaning of life. The article traces the development of thought from early Greek philosophers like Thales, Anaximander, and Democritus, who sought natural explanations for existence, to the Athenian philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Socrates' method of questioning, Plato's theory of Forms, and Aristotle's systematic approach to knowledge are highlighted. The article briefly touches upon other ancient schools like Cynicism, Stoicism, and Epicureanism. It then moves to the influence of mysticism, particularly Plotinus' concept of union with the divine. The medieval period is characterized by the dominance of Christian thought, which suppressed Greek philosophy. The Renaissance brought a renewed interest in classical thought and a humanist perspective, emphasizing human potential. The Enlightenment, with its faith in reason, is discussed, followed by the contrasting views of rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza) and empiricism (Hume, Berkeley). Immanuel Kant's critical philosophy, which sought to reconcile reason and experience, is presented. The Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the sublime in nature is explored, along with the dialectical method of Hegel. The section concludes by mentioning later thinkers like Kierkegaard, Marx, Darwin, and Freud, and briefly touches upon existentialism and the concept of a paradigm shift in contemporary thought, including a dismissive mention of New Age.

Det holografiska universum

This article, based on Michael Talbot's book 'The Holographic Universe', explores the idea that the universe might be a giant hologram. It explains the principles of holography, where each part of a holographic plate contains information about the whole. This concept is applied to quantum physics, where subatomic particles exhibit 'non-locality,' seemingly communicating instantaneously regardless of distance, challenging Einstein's theories. Physicists like David Bohm and neurophysiologist Karl Pribram are cited for their work suggesting that reality might be an illusion, or 'maya,' and that consciousness is non-local, existing independently of the brain. The article posits that the holographic model could explain paranormal phenomena like telepathy and precognition, and suggests that advanced civilizations might manipulate this holographic nature of reality. It also touches upon the implications for UFOlogy, with researchers like Jacques Vallee suggesting that UFOs behave like holographic projections rather than physical objects. The article concludes by noting that while the holographic model is gaining interest in scientific circles, it is not yet universally accepted.

Är Sai Babas mirakler äkta?

This article critically examines claims of miracles attributed to the Indian spiritual leader Sai Baba, drawing from Dale Beyerstein's book 'Sai Baba's Miracles'. The author, SM, presents skeptical analyses of reported miracles, including alleged resurrections and materializations. Two cases of alleged resurrections, Radhakrishna and Walter Cowan, are detailed, with Beyerstein suggesting that the individuals were not medically dead and that the accounts may have been exaggerated. The article also discusses materializations, such as the production of a lingam (an egg-shaped object) from Sai Baba's mouth, which Beyerstein attributes to sleight of hand and illusionist tricks, citing the use of a 'thumbtip'. The article notes that Sai Baba has reportedly refused scientific experiments to verify his powers, claiming they are sacred and beyond scientific understanding. It also touches upon claims of healing, presenting a case where a man was reportedly cured of cancer but later died of lung cancer, questioning the efficacy of Sai Baba's interventions. The article concludes by mentioning that while some researchers like Erlendur Haraldsson are not entirely dismissive of Sai Baba's abilities, the evidence remains inconclusive.

MJ 12-dokumenten är knappast äkta

This article presents a skeptical analysis of the alleged Majestic 12 (MJ-12) documents, which claim to reveal a secret US government group tasked with investigating UFOs and extraterrestrial contact. The author, Håkan Eriksson, argues against the authenticity of the documents, primarily citing Philip Klass's findings that President Truman's signature on the key document appears to be a forgery, likely made with a typewriter that did not exist at the time. Eriksson also points to David Crown's assertion that the document was typed on a Smith-Corona machine, which was not manufactured until 1963. The article discusses the possibility that the documents might be a disinformation campaign, possibly involving UFO skeptic Professor Donald Menzel, who allegedly had a double life involving intelligence work and was critical of UFO phenomena. Eriksson acknowledges that some details in the documents, such as travel records of individuals named in the MJ-12 group, align with real events, but argues this could be a deliberate fabrication to lend credibility to the forgery. The article also mentions that the MJ-12 documents were allegedly leaked anonymously on undeveloped film. The author concludes that the evidence strongly suggests the documents are not genuine.

Passion, njutning och massage

This section features book reviews and advertisements for books related to personal well-being and spirituality. It includes reviews of 'Rosenmetoden' by Elaine Mayland, a body therapy technique focused on relaxation and emotional awareness; 'Stunder i nuet' (Moments in the Present) by Thich Nhat Hanh, offering daily meditations; 'Välbehag för dig och mig' (Pleasure for You and Me) by Jennifer Londen, a guide to renewing passion and intimacy in relationships; and 'Massage att börja med' (Massage to Start With) by Hans Axelson and Ulla Hedberg, a beginner's guide to classic massage techniques. The section also includes contact information for Energica Förlag/HÄLSAböcker for ordering these and other books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'Sökaren' appears to adopt a critical yet open-minded stance on topics related to spirituality, the paranormal, and life's deeper questions. While it presents skeptical analyses, particularly regarding alleged miracles and UFO documents, it also explores alternative viewpoints and theories, such as the holographic universe and various philosophical traditions. The editorial focus seems to be on encouraging readers to question, explore, and seek their own understanding of life's mysteries. There's a recurring theme of contrasting Western rationalism with Eastern or alternative spiritual perspectives, often highlighting a perceived suppression of deeper human longings in modern society. The magazine appears to value intellectual inquiry and provides a platform for diverse, sometimes controversial, ideas.

Title: New Age
Issue Date: 1995 (Issue number 5)
Publisher: Vintergatans förlag
Country of Publication: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of "New Age" magazine, dated 1995, offers a comprehensive exploration of spiritual and alternative health practices prevalent in the "New Age" movement. It features articles on the human body's energy centers (chakras), meditation, healing modalities, UFO phenomena, and the philosophical underpinnings of this spiritual path.

Chakrasystemet: An Eastern Teaching

The lead article, "Människokroppens chakrasystem: en österländsk lära" (The Human Body's Chakra System: An Eastern Teaching) by Margareta Sundgren, provides an overview of the chakra system. Sundgren, who practices alternative medicine in Stockholm, explains that chakras are energy centers connecting the physical body to the etheric body, which is a subtle counterpart to the physical form. The etheric body absorbs cosmic energy (qi, prana, pneuma), the source of life force. These energy centers are linked by meridians, similar to the concepts in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The seven major chakras are described as energy knots that connect the body and mind with the energy body and spiritual force. Each chakra vibrates at a unique frequency and represents different psychological patterns. Blockages in chakras, often caused by suppressed emotions or negative experiences, can lead to physical and mental imbalances, hindering personal development. When chakras are open and spinning clockwise, they receive necessary energies for health. Conversely, counter-clockwise spinning indicates an imbalance, hindering the flow of energy and the ability to receive external influences.

The article categorizes chakras into three groups: emotional (navel, solar plexus, heart, throat), intellectual (forehead, crown, and the 'executive' chakra in the back of the head), and volitional (root, sacral, healing, shoulder blade, and neck chakras). Each chakra is detailed with its location, associated physical organs, color, and vibrational tone, and its role in human psychology and vitality.

• Baschakrat (Root Chakra): Located at the base of the spine, it governs instincts, life force, and sexual energy. Balance leads to vitality and self-assurance, while imbalance can manifest as aggression, violence, or self-destruction.
• Navelchakrat (Navel Chakra): Associated with reproductive organs and sexual energy, it governs the ability to accept the physical body and navigate life's changes. It also relates to the ability to give and receive love and care.
• Solarplexuschakrat (Solar Plexus Chakra): Linked to the yellow wavelength, it influences organs like the liver, stomach, and nervous system. It is considered the center of the mental body and is believed to hold memories from past lives. Balance here leads to a sense of cosmic connection and emotional harmony. It also governs our relationship with power and self-mastery.
• Hjärtchakrat (Heart Chakra): Associated with the emerald green wavelength, it channels universal love and governs our relationships with ourselves, others, and all living beings. Blockages can lead to stress and imbalance in other chakras.
• Halschakrat (Throat Chakra): With a turquoise wavelength, it governs communication, creativity, and intuition. Imbalances can lead to an inability to express oneself or accept life's opportunities.
• Pannchakrat (Forehead Chakra/Third Eye): Associated with the indigo-violet wavelength, it connects us to higher consciousness and influences our ability to visualize and understand mental concepts. It is also linked to our perception of reality.
• Kronchakrat (Crown Chakra): With an opal white wavelength, it connects us to our Higher Self and represents the balance of our four bodies (physical/etheric, emotional, mental, and soul). It signifies spiritual experience and connection to the divine.

Other Articles and Features

Sunshine Daydream: This article by Jan Bojer Vindheim explores the counter-culture movement of the 1960s, focusing on the influence of psychedelic drugs like LSD, mescalin, and psilocybin on spiritual exploration and the development of a unique subculture. It discusses the role of figures like Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, and Alan Watts, and the integration of Eastern philosophies and mysticism into the hippie movement. The article touches upon the chemical occultism and the search for transcendent experiences, noting the eventual decline of the movement due to societal pressures and internal issues.

• Book Reviews (Bokfloden): Several books are reviewed:
• "Medium Klein: Snart stigerviupp i ljuset!" (Medium Klein: Soon you will rise into the light!) by Eric Klein, a book channeling messages from higher dimensions about humanity's ascension.
• "Medium Carey: Snart kommer det tusenåriga riket!" (Medium Carey: Soon the thousand-year kingdom will come!) by Ken Carey, which discusses spiritual awakening and the coming of a new era.
• "Regnbågskrigaren" (The Rainbow Warrior), a memorial edition dedicated to Norman Stevens, an esotericist who wrote about spiritual hierarchies and ancient wisdom.
• "Det osynliga i healing" (The Invisible in Healing) by Helen Gamborg, which explores energy healing and spiritual practices.
• "Meditation och Mystik i Östasien" (Meditation and Mysticism in East Asia) by Hans Granqvist, a factual overview of Eastern meditation practices.
• "Det Blå Ljuset är Kristusljuset" (The Blue Light is the Light of Christ), a book that appears to be related to spiritual healing and encounters with spiritual figures.

New Age - Irrationellt? Jaha! Flummigt? Javisst! Charmigt? Jadå! Gå på shoppingtur i Nya tidsåldern – och fynda! (New Age - Irrational? Sure! Fluffy? Yes! Charming? Absolutely! Go on a shopping trip in the New Age – and find bargains!): This section provides an overview of various New Age practices and products available, including Reiki healing, dance therapy, rebirthing, crystal healing, aura reading, regression therapy, shamanism, astrology, tarot, and UFO communication. It highlights the diversity and accessibility of these practices.

Läsarforum (Reader's Forum): This section features letters from readers and responses from the editor, Sven Magnusson. One letter discusses the nature of channeled messages and the importance of open-mindedness, while Magnusson defends his critical approach, emphasizing the need for logical reasoning and evidence-based understanding.

Återblick (Look Back): An article titled "Även djuren kan helas" (Even Animals Can Be Healed) from 1965 recounts instances of animal healing through spiritual and alternative methods, showcasing the effectiveness of these practices.

Mediumforskning (Mediumship Research): This section delves into the history and research of mediumship, discussing figures like the Fox sisters, D. D. Home, and Eileen Garrett, and the scientific attempts to understand phenomena like transmediumship and channeled messages.

Medialt (Mediumship): This section briefly touches upon various forms of mediumship and psychic phenomena, including channeling, clairvoyance, and telepathy.

New Age Practices: The magazine details numerous New Age practices such as intuition development, positive thinking, Kundalini energy work, chakra systems, numerology, star people (individuals believed to originate from other planets), UFO messages, massage therapies (including Kahuna massage), Zonterapi (reflexology), dream therapy, shamanism, pyramid power, esotericism, vegetarianism, and various forms of healing (Reiki, color healing, music healing, distance healing).

New Age Publications: The issue mentions new magazines like "Kosmiskt & Personligt" and "Alphaomega," which cater to the New Age audience, featuring articles on UFOs, spiritual teachings, and channeled messages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "New Age" generally adopts an open yet critical stance towards the phenomena it covers. While it presents a wide array of alternative spiritual and healing practices, there is an underlying emphasis on critical thinking and discerning truth from falsehood, particularly in the "Läsarforum" section. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploration and information dissemination, encouraging readers to engage with these topics while maintaining a grounded perspective. Themes of personal growth, spiritual awakening, holistic health, and the search for deeper meaning are recurrent throughout the issue. There's a clear interest in bridging the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual or esoteric beliefs, though the magazine acknowledges the challenges and controversies surrounding many of these topics. The overall tone is one of curiosity and a desire to present a diverse range of perspectives within the New Age movement.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: nr 5
Volume: årgång 32
Date: Oktober 1995
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: Full year (6 issues) 250:-, Half year 150:-

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, features a cover story critically examining the spiritual figure Sai Baba. The issue also explores various predictions about future events, UFOs, and global upheavals, alongside articles on philosophy and the human body's energy systems.

Articles and Content

Cover Story: Critical Examination of Sai Baba

The main cover story, "Kritisk granskning av Sai Baba" (Critical Examination of Sai Baba), discusses a critique of Sai Baba's work. The author acknowledges a script on the topic (pages 8-9) but deems it one-sided and insufficient for a proper assessment, as it is not based on personal observations. The article recommends Erlendur Haraldsson's more thorough and balanced book, "Miracles are my visiting cards," which details Haraldsson's personal encounters with Sai Baba's miracles on several occasions. Haraldsson's book was published in 1987 by Century Hutchinson Ltd in London.

Table of Contents Highlights:

• Nina Falkenberg: "Festival i vita tält" (Festival in white tents) - Page 2
• Björn Sahlin: "Vår oceaniska längtan" (Our oceanic longing) - Page 4
• SM: "Är Sai Babas mirakler äkta?" (Are Sai Baba's miracles real?) - Page 8
• SM: "Det holografiska universum" (The holographic universe) - Page 10
• SM: "Filosofins historia" (History of Philosophy) - Page 12
• Håkan Eriksson, SM: "MJ 12-dokumenten" (The MJ 12 documents) - Page 16
• Margareta Sundgren: "Människokroppens chakrasystem" (The human body's chakra system) - Page 20
• Jan Bojer Vindheim: "Sunshine daydream" - Page 26
• Book Review: "Bokfloden" (The river of books) - Page 28
• News: "Sökarnyheter" (Seeker news) - Page 30
• SM: "Stänk av mystik" (Sprinkles of mysticism) - Page 32
• Reader Forum: "Läsarforum" - Page 37
• Laurie Worger: "Även djuren kan helas" (Even animals can be healed) - Page 38

Philosophy Section: Plotinos

A section on philosophy features "Plotinos på 200-talet" (Plotinos in the 2nd century). It notes that Plotinos viewed the soul as a spark from God, mystics believed one's neighbor is oneself, and 18th-century Romantics saw nature as a living whole. These ideas are presented as concepts embraced by many in the New Age movement, with the concluding thought: "Nothing is new under the sun."

Future Predictions: "Vad kommer att hända?" (What will happen?)

This section explores various predictions about the future. Anders B. Johansson anticipates the "Sirians" taking over Earth soon. Sten Lindgren expects UFO landings in the near future. Rauni-Leena Luukanen foresees major upheavals and rescues by spacecraft. Kristina Wennergren reports that many people claim to have been informed by their "space friends" about impending catastrophes and severe misfortunes.

The article links these beliefs to individuals interested in occultism, esotericism, and channeling, who also tend to believe the descriptions of reality provided by figures like Blavatsky and Bailey. It notes that such individuals are easily worried by prophecies of upheaval and world-ending events.

The text points out that prophecies of doom have always existed, citing a surge in such predictions around the year 1000 and again before the year 2000. Specific examples include a prediction of world's end on October 28, 1992, in Korea, which did not materialize, leading some believers to require psychiatric help. American preacher Harold Camping predicted world-ending events for 1994. Indian guru Swami Pragyanand predicted a nuclear third world war before the year 2000 that would destroy civilization. Edgar Cayce prophesied that large parts of America, Northern Europe, and Japan would sink into the sea, with Atlantis rising, events he believed had already occurred.

The article attributes the root of these doom prophecies to visions, revelations, automatic writing, inner voices, and other unnatural phenomena, identifying the source as the subconscious mind.

It explains that the subconscious lacks the ethical concepts and reality perception of the conscious personality. For the subconscious, its own fantasies are good reality. It also possesses a role-playing ability, creating temporary personalities that claim to be wise spirits, deceased individuals, higher consciousness, or extraterrestrials. These illusory intelligences seem to possess peculiar knowledge, possibly acquired beyond the physical senses.

The article concludes that the basis of these prophecies is illusory phenomena, and those who believe them are being deceived.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes related to spirituality, mysticism, the paranormal, and alternative philosophies, often with a critical or analytical perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, questioning sensational claims while acknowledging the existence of phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The critique of Sai Baba and the analysis of future prophecies suggest a desire to separate verifiable facts from belief and illusion. The recurring mention of "SM" (likely the editor or a regular contributor) indicates a consistent voice within the publication. The philosophy section, referencing Plotinos and New Age concepts, highlights an interest in historical and contemporary spiritual thought.