Sokaren - 1996 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1, 1996 (Year 33)
Date: January 1996
Price: 50:- including tax

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual and parapsychological topics, features a prominent cover story questioning whether Samantha Khury has discovered that humans can actually communicate with animals. The magazine presents a diverse range of articles exploring New Age concepts, parapsychology, and spiritual philosophies.

Peace in Mind Festival and New Age

The magazine reports on the third 'Peace in Mind' festival held in Sollentuna, Sweden. Described as a 'general muster' of the New Age movement, the festival showcased various exhibitors and practices such as Swedish Healing Association, Regnbågscentret, Tua Vita, Theta förlag, and others offering services like crystal therapy, regression, healing, yoga, and astrology. The event also featured presentations on topics like channeling and New Age music. Despite the abundance of spiritual offerings, one visitor found the experience 'a bit confusing' due to the vast 'spiritual buffet'. The festival also included a presentation by Aztec Indians, emphasizing their deep respect for life and nature. However, the food options were limited to snacks and standard café fare.

Delfinkanalisering (Dolphin Channeling)

A notable presentation was given by Eva Åsberg, a lawyer who claims to channel a dolphin named Dehli. Dehli communicated that dolphins focus on spiritual growth, cooperation, and goodwill, contrasting this with human focus on technology and competition. Dolphins, Dehli explained, communicate through images and rest through short meditation periods rather than sleep, as they need to surface for air frequently.

Animal Communication with Samantha Khury

The cover story highlights Samantha Khury, an American who claims to understand animals and be understood by them. Her presentation at the Peace in Mind festival attracted significant attention. An anecdote is shared about Khury communicating with a horse, revealing its specific problem to its rider. Khury recounts her own difficult childhood as a foster child, finding solace and connection with animals, which eventually led her to discover her ability to communicate with them through images and feelings. She describes an instance where she felt she was flying as a pheasant took flight, attributing it to her transferring her experience to the bird. She also shares an experience with her Irish Setter, which seemingly prompted her to train her ability.

Critiques of Spiritual Teachers

An article titled 'Spiritual Teachers: People with Flaws and Weaknesses' discusses the nature of spiritual guidance. It questions whether one can fully trust a spiritual teacher and warns against uncritical adoration. The author suggests that while teachers may possess profound insights, they are still human and can exhibit flaws like vanity, greed, or arrogance. The article advises disciples to be discerning and not to set aside their own judgment. It also touches upon the disappointment of followers when teachers fall short of perceived perfection and the tendency for some seekers to constantly search for the 'perfect' guru.

Parapsychology: Serious Research with Impressive Results

This section addresses skepticism towards parapsychology, particularly a critical article by Sven Ove Hansson in 'Forskning och Framsteg'. Göran Brusewitz, chairman of the Society for Parapsychological Research, defends parapsychology, arguing it is a controversial science, not pseudoscience. He cites research using random number generators and the 'Ganzfeld' technique, which have yielded impressive results, even impressing critics. The article criticizes the selective approach of skeptics who dismiss evidence that contradicts their preconceived notions. It emphasizes the importance of an open-minded approach to research and acknowledges the influence of the experimenter's attitude on the results.

Critiques in 'Kritik i nya tiden' (Critique in New Times)

This section lists various critical articles published in Sökaren between 1994 and 1995. Topics covered include critiques of Kundalini yoga, the myth of Atlantis, astrology, UFO photos, spiritualism, and claims of miracles by figures like Sai Baba. It also mentions critical reviews of books on UFOs and psychic phenomena.

Avery Solomon's Philosophy

A seminar with Avery Solomon, from the Wisdom's Goldenrod philosophy center in Ithaca, New York, is described. Solomon, influenced by Anthony Damiani and Paul Brunton, focuses on finding commonalities between different spiritual paths rather than differences. He emphasizes that 'every religion has its special quality'. Solomon's teachings aim to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection, urging people not to blindly 'believe' but to understand. He discusses the concept of the ego as a barrier to perceiving reality and the idea that the world exists within our consciousness. His teaching style is described as engaging, humorous, and insightful, using simple analogies and encouraging participants to explore their own experiences.

Mentalism

Avery Solomon's teachings include 'mentalism', which, based on Paul Brunton's ideas, posits that the material world exists only within our thoughts and consciousness. Our experience of reality is shaped by our minds, and there is a higher, universal consciousness that underlies everything.

Christianity and New Age

This article compares and contrasts Christianity with New Age beliefs. It highlights similarities in the concept of love and compassion, with both emphasizing the importance of treating others as oneself. However, it points out key differences: Christianity views humans as sinful and in need of divine forgiveness, while New Age elevates humanity, seeing individuals as divine and capable of achieving higher consciousness. Christianity's concept of God is often seen as external, whereas New Age views God as immanent within the universe and humanity. The article suggests that New Age can be seen as a development or expansion of Christian ideas, rather than a contradiction.

Magazines in Memoriam

This section pays tribute to several Swedish magazines that have ceased publication. These include:

• Helhetssyn för en ny tid (Holistic View for a New Era): A New Age magazine that lasted only two issues due to lack of funding.
• Gnosis: A magazine focused on spiritual culture, published by Björn Sahlin, which ceased publication after several thematic issues.
• Mandala: A journal of mysticism and philosophy, noted for its beautiful design and serious content, which had to close due to declining sales.
• Växtkraft (Growth Power): A magazine for personal growth and alternative offerings, which ended after issue 13.
• Jordens goda nyheter (Earth's Good News): A publication aiming to share positive and inspiring events, which stopped due to financial losses.
• Följeslagare (Follower): A magazine on consciousness development that ceased publication.
• Sfinx: A magazine featuring articles on near-death experiences, dowsing, and Native American culture, which also ended due to lack of interest.

The section also briefly mentions other defunct magazines like 'Hela Livet!', 'Det Okända', 'Spektra', 'UFO-Rapport', and 'Arcanum'.

Newcomer's Guide (Nybörjare)

This section features personal accounts and reflections on various topics.

UFO

The author recounts their first UFO sighting in 1946 as a teenager and their subsequent interest in the phenomenon. They discuss the evolution of their understanding, from early beliefs in friendly extraterrestrials based on figures like George Adamski, to a more critical perspective influenced by authors like Gray Barker and Albert Bender, who reported on more sinister aspects of UFO encounters. The author concludes that while UFOs remain unexplained, many sightings might be internal experiences or hallucinations rather than physical spacecraft.

Spiritualism

The author shares their past involvement with spiritualism in the 1950s, attending séances and reading spiritualist literature. However, their belief was challenged by critical writings, particularly by John Björkhem, and the unconvincing nature of the séances they attended.

Critique of Ignorance

This piece reflects on the author's own journey as a newcomer to spiritual and paranormal topics, acknowledging their initial lack of critical discernment. They emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge, sharpening one's intellect, and demanding strong evidence before accepting claims, particularly in the realm of the paranormal.

Encounters with Strange Beings

This article discusses the phenomenon of alien abductions, referencing Paul Devereux's theory that these experiences are internal, altered states of consciousness rather than physical encounters with extraterrestrials. Devereux suggests that 'abductions' may be related to psychological defense mechanisms like dissociation, potentially triggered by trauma, or even by naturally occurring substances like DMT in the brain. The article contrasts this with the idea of alien spacecraft and probes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a New Age perspective, emphasizing personal growth, spiritual exploration, and the interconnectedness of all things. It advocates for a holistic approach to life, integrating spirituality with everyday existence. The editorial stance is generally open to paranormal phenomena and alternative beliefs, while also encouraging critical thinking and a discerning approach to information. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between traditional religions and newer spiritual movements, suggesting that New Age offers a continuation or expansion of existing spiritual traditions. The magazine also highlights the importance of love, compassion, and ethical living as central tenets. Skepticism is addressed, but often countered with arguments for the validity of parapsychological research and the limitations of purely materialistic viewpoints.

Title: Sökaren
Issue Date: January 1996 (Volume 33, Issue 1)
Publisher: Sökaren
Country of Publication: Sweden
ISSN: 0038-0504

Content Summary

This issue of Sökaren magazine, a Swedish publication focused on life questions and critical inquiry, covers a diverse range of topics.

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena

The magazine features an article discussing the history of the Swedish UFO movement, referencing UFO-Aktuellt magazine and its coverage of topics like the alleged alien autopsy film and the work of UFO researchers. It also touches upon the debate between UFO proponents and skeptics, as seen in the magazine Folkvett, where philosopher Sven Ove Hansson questions the value of UFO research compared to traditional scientific fields, while UFO researcher Clas Svahn defends its importance as a challenge to understanding unexplained phenomena.

The issue also addresses the controversy surrounding psychiatrist John Mack and his research into UFO abduction cases, noting Harvard University's decision not to censure his work. A brief mention is made of Anders B. Johansson, who is described as promoting messages about alien intervention and world changes, with the article expressing skepticism about his claims.

Health and Alternative Therapies

Articles explore various health-related topics. One piece discusses the risks of vegan diets for pregnant women, recommending a lacto-vegetarian diet. Another section delves into magnet therapy, citing research by the late Professor Olov Lindahl, who presented evidence for the biological effects of magnets on bone fractures, cancer, and other conditions, while noting the resistance from conventional medicine.

The magazine also features a review of Dannion Brinkley's book "Räddad av ljuset" (Saved by the Light), which recounts his near-death experience and includes dire predictions about the future, though the reviewer expresses doubt about their accuracy. The book "Kvinnliga vålnader" (Female Ghosts) by Alice Radomska is reviewed as an entertaining but not deeply serious collection of ghost stories.

Spirituality and New Age Thought

Several articles explore New Age philosophy and spiritual concepts. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin is presented as a key inspirer of the New Age movement, emphasizing his view of the universe as a developing, interconnected whole moving towards greater consciousness. Pitirim A. Sorokin is highlighted for his research into altruism and the power of love as a creative force. Abraham Maslow's concept of "peak experiences" is discussed as the core of religious experiences and a unifying element across different religions.

David Bohm's ideas on the new physics, which views reality as an interconnected whole rather than separate parts, are also featured. The magazine includes an article on Fritjof Capra, who draws parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism, seeing the cosmos as a living entity. Peter Russell's concept of the "unlimited self" and the idea of unity with the universe are also explored.

Human Rights and Social Issues

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Right Livelihood Award, often called the alternative Nobel Prize. The article details the 1995 recipients, including a Bosnian citizens' council, a Hungarian human rights activist, a Thai social reformer, and the founder of an Indonesian human rights organization. The award, established by Jakob von Uexkull, aims to support individuals and organizations working for environmental sustainability, peace, and justice.

Other Features

The issue includes a section on Eskil Svensson, a long-time editor of the health magazine Vegetar, who is leaving his post. There are also book reviews, including "Mystik från skogarna" (Mysticism from the Forests) and "Vandra mot ljuset" (Walk Towards the Light), the latter described as a "corrected Bible" that reinterprets biblical texts from a Manichaean perspective. A brief mention is made of the "Peace in Mind" festival in Stockholm, featuring topics like dolphin channeling and aura healing.

Editorial Stance

The editor, Sven Magnusson, expresses a desire to present a balanced view, including critical perspectives alongside positive content, to allow readers to form their own informed opinions. He laments the perceived shift in the New Age movement and calls for continued engagement with the deep thoughts of thinkers like Capra and Sorokin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, open-mindedness, and a holistic view of the world. It explores alternative perspectives on science, spirituality, health, and social issues, often questioning mainstream narratives. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of ethical development, human rights, and a balanced understanding of reality, encouraging readers to engage with complex ideas and form their own conclusions. The editor's note in the final pages highlights a commitment to providing comprehensive information, even when it includes critical viewpoints, to empower readers' decision-making.