Sokaren - 1995 No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 6, 1995 (årgång 32)
Date: 1995
Publisher: Solrosens Förlag
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl. moms

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker), a Swedish magazine focused on "life questions," features a cover story on dolphin intelligence, exploring their status as intelligent beings and potential 'travel companions' for humanity. The magazine also delves into spiritual and occult themes, including the work of influential thinkers and historical movements.

Dolphin Intelligence: Our Intelligent Fellow Traveler

The lead article, "Delfinen vår intelligenta medresenär" (Our Intelligent Fellow Traveler), by Lotten Odh, discusses the renewed appreciation for dolphins as beings comparable to humans or even deities. It highlights the growing number of accounts of dolphins seeking contact and experiencing paranormal events in their presence. The article credits neuroscientist Dr. John Lilly for being among the first to scientifically explore dolphin intelligence and their mystical significance.

Ancient cultures, such as the Greek and Australian Aboriginal, are noted for their understanding of dolphins' connection to goddesses and their matriarchal societies. The author suggests that these ancient cultures possessed knowledge about dolphins that modern science is only beginning to grasp. The article posits that dolphins hold keys to understanding deeper truths about our spiritual existence.

Dolphin Brains: The article notes that dolphin brains are larger and seemingly more developed than human brains. While some scientists attribute this to the need to process information from their sonar systems, others believe dolphins possess a higher intelligence than humans, albeit in a different form. Their brains have evolved over millions of years in a virtually predator-free, low-gravity environment, fostering strong social structures where altruism is paramount. A unique feature is the paralimbic lobe, a connection between the brain hemispheres found only in cetaceans, which may allow for simultaneous information processing and a holographic perception of reality, including the 'psyche' of individuals.

This capacity could explain experiences of people swimming with dolphins, where the animals seem to anticipate needs or detect conditions like cancer before the person is aware. The author shares personal anecdotes of dolphins reacting to her emotions faster than she could process them.

Dolphin Research: Dolphin research gained momentum after WWII, driven by their popularity in marine parks and the discovery of their trainability. Dissections revealed their large, well-developed brains, particularly the cerebral cortex, associated with empathy, spirituality, and aesthetic experiences. This led to scientific interest in their intelligence, with the US military exploring their use in warfare. Dr. John Lilly was a key figure in this research, initially attempting to teach dolphins English and study their communication. However, after years of research, Lilly experienced a crisis of conscience regarding his experimental methods.

By the early 1960s, Lilly shifted his focus, believing that true proof of intelligence lay not in teaching dolphins human language but in raising human consciousness. He proposed that dolphins possess a different, more spiritually advanced form of intelligence that could offer humanity a path to spiritual growth and peace.

Expanded Consciousness: Dr. Lilly invented the isolation tank (or float tank) to facilitate inner journeys by removing external stimuli. He also experimented with LSD, combining it with isolation tank sessions to expand his consciousness and connect with the awareness of whales and dolphins. He believed these beings had profound spiritual insights to share and could act as a link between the spiritual world of whales and human consciousness.

Despite initial skepticism and the later stigma associated with LSD, Lilly's work inspired many. He advocated for communication with dolphins and whales through meditation and dreams, believing in a universal consciousness accessible to all.

An Extraterrestrial Guide Leads My Life

This section features an interview with Björn Örtenheim, an engineer and inventor who claims to be guided by an extraterrestrial intelligence called "Power of Light." Örtenheim recounts his experiences as a pilot, his work in aerospace and film, and his growing concern for the environment. He describes an encounter in 1967 with a UFO near Halmstad, Sweden, where the craft matched his plane's maneuvers. He believes this encounter was a test for a mission he was chosen for by Power of Light.

Örtenheim also shares a near-death experience where he was offered a mission to help slow humanity's destructive path. He gained abilities like seeing auras and predicting future events, attributing his success in public speaking and his ability to answer complex questions to Power of Light's guidance. He emphasizes that Power of Light is a cosmic intelligence that acts as his guide and teacher, providing him with instructions and enabling him to develop clean energy systems. He also relays messages from Power of Light about the importance of vegetarianism and the existence of hidden subterranean races.

Our Shared Creation

This article, by Matthew Fox, a priest and author, discusses the concept of a shared origin and collective creation process in the universe. Fox, who was disciplined by the Vatican for his radical views, argues that mystics have long recognized a common source for all beings, uniting humanity in a universal work. He cites Rainer Maria Rilke and Tao Te Ching, emphasizing that understanding one's origin leads to wisdom, compassion, and peace. Fox highlights Meister Eckhart's view that all work derives its power from God's essence, making it sacred and rooted in compassion.

He suggests that a new creation story is needed to awaken human wisdom, leading to a world of joy and wonder. The article also touches upon the scientific creation story, tracing the universe's origin to a single point 15 billion years ago.

Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and Medical Application

This section reviews Dr. Larry Dossey's book "Healing Words," which explores the power of prayer as a medical treatment. Dossey argues that prayer can be as effective as drugs and surgery, supported by his research. He suggests that prayer can foster trust, endurance, and strength, helping individuals overcome difficult life situations.

Some Leaves from the History of Occultism

This multi-part series by Karl M. Hartveit examines the history of occultism. It begins by defining "occultism" as the pursuit of knowledge about a hidden reality, accessible through "spiritual" senses. The article traces the origins of esoteric knowledge, contrasting it with exoteric knowledge. It highlights the influence of Indian religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, which incorporate concepts like Maya (illusion) and the goal of transcending the ego to achieve liberation.

Madame Blavatsky: The series details the life of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, co-founder of the Theosophical Society. It recounts her extensive travels and her pursuit of hidden wisdom, including her claims of training with Masters in Tibet. Her seminal work, "Isis Unveiled," is described as an attempt to explain the occult worldview, referencing astral and etheric realms.

Vivekananda: The article discusses Swami Vivekananda's role in introducing Vedanta philosophy to the West, particularly his advocacy for Kundalini yoga as a path to spiritual enlightenment and cosmic consciousness.

Annie Besant: It covers Annie Besant's journey from atheism and socialism to becoming a prominent Theosophist and successor to Blavatsky. Her work with Charles Leadbeater in exploring past lives and her belief in the coming of a World Savior are discussed.

Krishnamurti: The series details the Theosophical Society's belief in the imminent arrival of a World Savior, identifying Jiddu Krishnamurti as that figure. However, Krishnamurti himself rejected this messianic role, advocating for individual freedom and truth as a "formless, pathless land."

Scott Peck: The final part of this section discusses Scott Peck's ideas on spiritual development, outlining his four stages: chaotic/antisocial, formal/institutional, skeptical/individual, and mystical/collective. Peck emphasizes the importance of continuous mental growth and openness to change.

UFO Mystery: Raël: I Have Met an Alien!

This article reports on Claude Vorilhon, who later adopted the name Raël, and his claim of encountering an extraterrestrial in France in 1973. Vorilhon describes a spaceship landing and meeting an alien who identified himself as Raël, an ambassador from the Elohim. The alien allegedly revealed that the Elohim are advanced extraterrestrial scientists who created life on Earth, including humans, through cloning. The article notes that the Elohim are often misinterpreted as 'God' in the Old Testament. Raël's message emphasizes love for the creators, Earth, and fellow humans, and he claims the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was an atomic explosion. The article also touches on the interpretation of biblical events, such as Jesus's miracles, as technologically advanced actions by the Elohim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Sökaren" consistently explores themes of consciousness, spirituality, and alternative knowledge systems. It bridges scientific inquiry with mystical and esoteric traditions, featuring articles on dolphin intelligence, spiritual development, occult history, and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting diverse perspectives on life's deeper questions and humanity's place in the universe. There is a recurring emphasis on the potential for expanded human consciousness and the interconnectedness of all life.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 6
Volume: 32
Date: December 1995
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504

This issue of "Sökaren" delves into the mysteries of UFOs, parapsychology, and spiritual experiences, presenting a blend of personal accounts, critical analysis, and New Age perspectives. The central theme appears to be the exploration of the unknown and the challenges of understanding phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific explanation.

UFO-mysterium: Margareta Sundgren's Experience

The cover story, "UFO-mysterium," features an interview with Margareta Sundgren, who recounts her alleged encounters with extraterrestrials. She describes waking up in her home in 1988, experiencing a sense of presence, and being taken from her bed to the lawn outside. This event was followed by a paralysis of her right arm, which lasted for nearly a year. Sundgren also reports gaining new abilities, such as seeing auras and sensing people's energy. She details further experiences, including a disorienting night where her room seemed mirror-reversed and a sensation of being in a strong energy field, leading to a blackout. She later recalls being on a table in a brightly lit room, surrounded by insect-like beings, and communicating with them. The article notes that Sundgren is seeking a hypnotist to help clarify her memories.

Raël and the Elohim

The issue also touches upon the teachings of Raël, who claims to be the last prophet of the Elohim, extraterrestrial beings who created humanity. Raël founded the Raëlian Movement, an organization with a significant international following, which promotes values such as respecting one's conscience, environmental awareness, and world peace through a global government. The movement also offers courses in 'Raëlian values' and 'sensual meditation.' Raël's book, "The Message Given to Me by Extraterrestrials," is mentioned, which interprets biblical events from an extraterrestrial perspective.

Book Reviews: A Critical Look at UFO and Spiritual Literature

"Sökaren" provides reviews of several books related to UFOs and spiritual exploration:

• "Fallet Raël" (The Raël Case): This review discusses Claude Vorilhon's (Raël's) book, which claims he encountered an alien in 1973 who designated him as a spokesperson. The book offers interpretations of biblical events through the lens of extraterrestrial activity, positing that 'Elohim' are human-like beings from space rather than a single God.
• "Du är jag" (You Are Me) by Gry Jannicke Jarlum: This book is described as a channeled work detailing UFO experiences and a 'contact with the higher self.' The review notes Jarlum's claim that the book was written through automatic writing and that the source is an extraterrestrial intelligence named Betroz. It mentions a UFO experience where a craft seemed to transform into a car and a subsequent dream of being taken aboard a UFO. The review expresses skepticism about the reliability of the channeled content, calling it 'chatterbox-like' and 'unfocused.'
• "Den magiska vagnen" (The Magic Wagon) by Björn Örtenheim: This youth book is described as a 'New Age' story where three teenagers travel through time and space, encountering historical figures and extraterrestrials. The reviewer notes its unique blend of humor and unusual juxtapositions.
• "Buddhismen som psykologi" (Buddhism as Psychology) by Anna Bornstein: This book is reviewed as an eclectic collection of articles exploring Buddhism's connection to psychology, featuring interviews with spiritual teachers like Paul Brunton and the Dalai Lama. The reviewer finds the book too focused on the author's personal journey and lacking in original Buddhist psychological insights.
• "Djävulspojken" (The Devil Boy) by Kirsti Sinomsuuri: This novel is presented as a story about Simone Weil, though this is denied by the book itself. The reviewer finds the novel overly complex and lacking in substance, primarily appealing to those already deeply interested in Weil.
• "Emerson" by Ralph Waldo Emerson: The review highlights the publication of three of Emerson's works in Swedish, noting his influence on New Age thought and his optimistic philosophy that nature and humanity are inherently good. Emerson's ideas on self-reliance and the potential for human achievement are discussed.

Reader Forum: Debates on Skepticism and Spirituality

The "Läsarforum" section features a lively exchange of opinions:

• Jan Armeni writes to cancel his subscription, expressing frustration with "Sökaren's" perceived negative and critical stance, particularly regarding reports on figures like Sai Baba. He argues that the magazine should be more open to positive and miraculous phenomena and should feature more articles about women.
• The editor's response defends the magazine's critical approach, stating that critical examination is essential for seeking truth and that Sökaren aims to help readers test claims. The editor acknowledges the economic constraints that lead to black-and-white cover images and asserts that the magazine's content is mostly positive or neutral, with only a few critical pieces.
• Lennart Lidfors inquires about the status of 'de la Warr' research, mentioning that a delawarr camera was reportedly stolen from a facility in the US, hindering research.
• Rutger Bergström shares a personal experience of feeling a divine presence in an ancient oak forest, which taught him to see the 'divine in everything.'
• Elsie-Marianne Molin recounts an experience with a man named Olle Jönsson in the late 1940s, who allegedly demonstrated psychokinetic abilities, including bending a spoon and moving a wooden bear. She also describes participating in a 'table-turning' session where a small table moved without physical contact, suggesting it was genuine psychokinesis.
• The editor's comment on Molin's account suggests that such phenomena might stem from the subconscious mind, similar to how a pendulum or Ouija board works, but acknowledges the possibility of genuine psychokinesis if the table moves without touch.

Sökarnyheter (Sökaren News)

This section highlights various news items and short articles:

• Parapsychological Research Funded: Docent Adrian Parker and Helena Johansson at the University of Gothenburg have received research grants from the Swedish National Bank and a Cambridge University fund to conduct parapsychological research using the ganzfeld technique.
• Critique of Parapsychology: Sven Ove Hansson, a docent in theoretical philosophy and a skeptic, is critical of parapsychology, arguing that the demand for 'repeatability' is an unrealistic standard and that the field is hindered by this requirement. He also criticizes the organization 'Vetenskap och Folkbildning' (Science and Popular Education) for its passive stance.
• Church Exodus: The number of people leaving the Church of Sweden reached a record high of 20,613 in the previous year, with economic reasons and upcoming changes in membership rules cited as potential factors.
• Kindness and Longevity: A study suggests that kind people tend to live longer than unkind individuals, with a difference of several years.
• John Mack's UFO Research: The article discusses Professor John Mack of Harvard University, who believes abduction accounts are credible. A Harvard investigation into Mack's interest in UFOs is mentioned, with a committee reportedly stating that UFO sightings, when investigated, are often found to be errors or hoaxes.
• Vegetarianism Among Youth: A growing number of young people, particularly girls, are adopting vegetarian diets in schools, though many only adhere to it during school hours.
• "Personality Disorder?": The article questions the psychiatric labeling of individuals with beliefs in reincarnation and alternative therapies as having 'schizotypal personality disorder,' criticizing the notion of 'culturally acceptable' beliefs.

Other Articles and Features

• "Visdom i korthet" (Wisdom in Brief): A collection of aphorisms and short quotes on various spiritual and philosophical themes.
• "Delfinen vår intelligenta medresenär" (The Dolphin Our Intelligent Fellow Traveler): An article by Lotten Odh discussing the intelligence of dolphins.
• "En utomjordisk intelligens leder mitt liv" (An Extraterrestrial Intelligence Leads My Life): Björn Örtenheim shares his experiences after a near-death experience, leading him to believe he is guided by a 'cosmic intelligence.'
• "Vårt gemensamma skapande" (Our Common Creation): An article by Britta Zettmar and SM.
• "Några blad ur ockultismens historia" (Some Leaves from the History of Occultism): Karl Milton Hartveit provides historical context on occultism.
• "Andlig utveckling enligt Scott Peck" (Spiritual Development According to Scott Peck): An article by Kerstin Stina Carlsson.
• "Kvinnor i täten" (Women at the Forefront): A section highlighting successful women in the New Age and alternative fields, including Lotta von Arnold Maurice (Peace in Mind festivals), Berit Amana Eriksson (Inre Oasen), and Åsa Levin (Isis Förlag).
• "Borddans med Olle Jönsson" (Table Dancing with Olle Jönsson): A reader's account of witnessing psychokinetic phenomena.
• "Lyrik" (Poetry): A collection of poems by various authors, including "Skapelsens träd" (The Tree of Creation), "Förvandlingar" (Transformations), "Kom till dig själv!" (Come to Yourself!), "Räddad" (Saved), "Kammaren" (The Chamber), "Tack o Gud" (Thanks O God), "Någon Annanstans" (Somewhere Else), and "Dansa min själ" (Dance My Soul).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" revolve around the paranormal, UFOs, spirituality, and personal transformation. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages openness to these phenomena while maintaining a critical and questioning approach. It seeks to explore experiences that challenge conventional understanding, providing a platform for both believers and skeptics to voice their perspectives. The editorial stance seems to be one of cautious investigation, urging readers to consider the possibilities of the unknown but also to apply critical thinking and scientific inquiry. There's a notable effort to include diverse voices, including a focus on women in spiritual and alternative fields, and a commitment to continuing its independent publication.