Sokaren - 1997 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1/1997
Volume: 34
Date: January 1997
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, is dedicated to exploring various facets of spirituality, the unexplained, and personal development. The cover prominently features Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, who is awarded the "Sökarens Klokpris" (Sökaren's Wisdom Prize) for 1996. The magazine delves into his work and the importance of critical inquiry in the field of UFO research.

Key Articles and Features

Sökarens Klokpris till Clas Svahn

The lead story celebrates Clas Svahn's receipt of the "Sökarens Klokpris." The article highlights Svahn's role as chairman of UFO-Sweden and his efforts to promote a critically questioning approach within the organization, which he believes is crucial given the tendency for wishful thinking and unfounded beliefs in the UFO field. The prize acknowledges his diligent and enthusiastic leadership in an area often met with academic disinterest. Svahn emphasizes the distinction between belief and knowledge, advocating for a scientific approach to investigating UFO phenomena.

Nils-Axel Mörner and the Dowsing Debate

This section details the controversy surrounding Docent Nils-Axel Mörner of Stockholm University, who offered courses on dowsing. Mörner is presented as a scientist who, despite facing criticism and pressure from the scientific community and university administration, stands by his conviction that dowsing is a phenomenon worthy of scientific investigation. The article recounts the media debate and the temadag organized by Mörner to present documentation and discuss the dowsing phenomenon. It highlights Mörner's frustration with what he perceives as the scientific establishment's resistance to new ideas and its conservative nature. The university's rector, Gustaf Lindencrona, is quoted expressing the need for scientific documentation for university courses, while Mörner argues that his courses are based on the work of others and that research into dowsing should not be suppressed.

Hildegard of Bingen: Visionary Mystic

This article explores the life and work of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a remarkable German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, and philosopher. The author, Kerstin Stina Carlsson, describes Hildegard's profound spiritual experiences, her extensive writings on theology, medicine, and physiology, and her influence on medieval Europe. Hildegard's visions, which began in her 40s, led her to write nine books, including "Scivias" (Know the Ways). The article emphasizes her role as a visionary who championed compassion, harmony, and balance, and her courage in challenging powerful figures of her time.

Sogyal Rinpoche on Life and Death

Peter Appel's article introduces Sogyal Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist lama and author of "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying." Rinpoche discusses the Western fear of death and the cultural tendency to abandon the elderly. He contrasts this with the Tibetan Buddhist understanding of consciousness and the death process, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation for death. Rinpoche also touches upon the concept of "bardos" (intermediate states) and draws parallels with near-death experiences, while cautioning against idealizing death based on positive NDE accounts. He advocates for a more compassionate approach to death and dying, aligning with the core Buddhist principles of compassion and love.

New Age: A Movement to Be Taken Seriously

Authored by Harry Månsus, this section examines the origins and development of the New Age movement, tracing its roots in Southern California and highlighting the Esalen Institute as a significant center for its growth. Månsus discusses the influence of figures like David Spangler and Shirley MacLaine, and the movement's emphasis on personal transformation and the "perennial philosophy" – the idea of a common spiritual reality underlying all religions. The article also touches upon the role of humanistic psychology and various therapeutic practices in shaping the New Age ethos. Månsus differentiates between the more esoteric and the more humanistic streams within New Age.

Other Notable Content

• "New Age i frikyrkan" (New Age in the Free Church): Åsa Freij reports on a program where Lars Johansson discussed the New Age movement from a Christian perspective, encouraging openness and dialogue.
• "Sök - och finn" (Search - and Find) and "NLP": Articles by Gunnar Martin Aronsson explore themes of spiritual seeking and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
• "Karl-Erik Edris - fri tänkare" (Karl-Erik Edris - Free Thinker): A piece on Karl-Erik Edris, presented as a free thinker.
• "Temadag om slagrutan" (Dowsing Themed Day): Göran Brusewitz reports on a day dedicated to the phenomenon of dowsing, featuring presentations and discussions on its scientific investigation.
• Poetry by Ruth Hallengren: Several poems are included, touching on themes of cosmic light, life, wisdom, and time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, and open-mindedness across a range of subjects, from UFO phenomena to alternative spiritualities and psychological exploration. There is a clear emphasis on seeking knowledge and understanding, even in areas that lie outside mainstream scientific consensus. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging dialogue and investigation, particularly for phenomena that challenge conventional paradigms. The magazine provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, encouraging readers to engage with complex questions about life, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1/1997
Date: January 1997

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into themes of personal transformation, spirituality, and the exploration of consciousness, featuring a diverse range of articles from personal experiences to scientific and philosophical discussions.

A Day in Silence

The issue opens with a personal account titled "En dag i tystnad" (A Day in Silence) by Elisabet Broomé, who spent a day at Karlsudd, north of Stockholm, at "Ad Spiritum," a retreat founded by Susanne Wedfelt. The experience was designed to offer a complete day of silence, allowing participants to reconnect with their inner thoughts and selves. Wedfelt explains that in today's fast-paced society, there is an urgent need for silence and stillness to prevent people from becoming overwhelmed. Ad Spiritum offers guided meditations, lectures, and a peaceful environment for individuals to find inner peace and recharge. The day's program includes arrival, silence initiation, breakfast, meditation, lectures or concerts, lunch, free time for reflection or activities, light exercises, afternoon tea, and a final meditation by the fire.

Releasing: A Journey to the True Self

Another article, "'Releasing' – en resa in mot det sanna jaget" (Releasing – A Journey to the True Self), reports on a seminar led by the American couple Isa and Yolanda. Their method, "releasing," aims to help people let go of limitations and remember their divine nature. They believe that individuals are divine, spiritual beings manifested in physical bodies, and that disharmony arises from a separation from this inner truth. The seminar focuses on dissolving limiting patterns and blockages stemming from past experiences, allowing for a more loving and harmonious existence. The couple, who adopted new names at the guidance of "The Spirit of the Most High," offer workshops that help participants connect with their inner guidance and release emotional blockages.

Sök & Finn: A New Age Bookstore

The magazine highlights "Sök & Finn," a bookstore in Malmö owned by Kerstin and Jan Möller. The store offers a wide range of literature on spirituality, new age topics, crystals, and music. The Möllers started the business out of their passion for these subjects, seeing a need for such a resource in southern Sweden. They describe their journey in establishing the store, emphasizing the importance of positive affirmations and intuition in their business decisions. The article also touches upon the growing interest in new age literature, influenced by societal changes and a search for inner security.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Contact

"Finns svaret på ufo-frågan? Ja!" (Is there an answer to the UFO question? Yes!) features an interview with Sten Lindgren and Marcel Westerlund, who are part of the "Arbetsgruppen för utomjordisk kontakt" (Working Group for Extraterrestrial Contact). They claim to have knowledge of extraterrestrial civilizations, including a group they call the "Cosmic Brotherhood" (CBH). Lindgren recounts personal encounters and information received from an extraterrestrial named Bea, suggesting a 30-year plan for contact with Earth, with official contact anticipated between 1996 and 1998. Westerlund, a psychiatrist, views UFO flyovers as psychological tests to gauge humanity's reaction to potential contact. They believe that extraterrestrials are not hostile but see humanity as children needing guidance, and that a mild approach is being taken to avoid overwhelming humanity.

Consciousness and the Nature of Reality

An article titled "'Jag har blivit Gud'" ('I Have Become God') discusses the concept of non-local consciousness, referencing the work of physician Larry Dossey. It explores the idea that consciousness is not bound by time or space and that individual minds may be interconnected within a universal consciousness. The article touches upon the views of physicists like Erwin Schrödinger and mathematicians like Kurt Gödel, who have explored the idea of a singular, all-encompassing consciousness. The concept of "releasing" and the idea of achieving a state of being God is presented as a profound spiritual insight.

Karl-Erik Edris: A Free Thinker

The issue profiles Karl-Erik Edris, a ticket seller for SJ (Swedish Railways) who is also a prolific thinker, writer, and translator. Edris chose his job for the intellectual freedom it afforded him, allowing him to pursue his philosophical and literary work. He discusses his early pessimism about the world and his transformation through meditation, leading him to believe in the power of love. Edris is involved in translating Alice Bailey's works and offers his perspective on the "new age" movement, distinguishing between genuine spiritual seeking and what he considers superficial trends. He also presents his views on civilization's challenges in his book "I elfte timmen" (In the Eleventh Hour), suggesting a need for a new, life-affirming vision.

Healing and Scientific Inquiry

"Healing: A Resource for the New Era" by Göran Brusewitz examines the phenomenon of healing, exploring its potential connection to psychokinesis and the placebo effect. The article cites research by Bernard Grad and others, suggesting that healing can have measurable effects on biological organisms, such as faster wound healing in mice and accelerated plant growth. It discusses the concept of "subtle energies" and the growing scientific interest in alternative healing methods.

Creationism vs. Evolution

An article discusses the debate between creationism and evolution, referencing a supplement in the Christian newspaper "Dagen." It presents the view that the complexity of life, particularly DNA, suggests intelligent design, while also acknowledging the scientific perspective of evolution. The article notes that while creationism is less prevalent in Sweden than in the US, there is a Swedish organization called Genesis that promotes creationist views.

Other Short Articles and News

The "Sökarnyheter" (Seeker News) section includes brief reports on various topics: the perceived link between belief and health, the effectiveness of placebos in treating depression, a potential connection between diet and dementia, the growing importance of spirituality in business, a professor's theory on the cause of cancer related to earth radiation, claims of non-terrestrial intelligent life on the moon, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the ethical considerations of animal rights from a theological perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around personal growth, spiritual exploration, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The magazine appears to advocate for a holistic approach to life, integrating spiritual and psychological insights with practical applications. There is a consistent emphasis on inner development, self-awareness, and the potential for positive transformation. The editorial stance seems to be open to exploring unconventional ideas and research, encouraging readers to question established paradigms and seek deeper understanding of themselves and the universe.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 1/1997, is a Swedish magazine focused on spirituality, parapsychology, and alternative topics. It features a prominent obituary for Örjan Björkhem, a notable Swedish parapsychologist and author, alongside various book reviews and articles.

Örjan Björkhem till minne (In Memory of Örjan Björkhem)

The issue begins with a tribute to Örjan Björkhem, who passed away at the age of 49. Göran Brusewitz, a colleague and friend, recounts Björkhem's academic background in religious history, psychology, and other subjects, and his subsequent career as a journalist specializing in alternative medicine and as a parapsychological researcher, author, and translator. Björkhem co-authored several books, including "Människan och verkligheten" (Man and Reality), "Parapsykologi och övertro" (Parapsychology and Superstition), "Praktisk parapsykologi" (Practical Parapsychology), and "Kontakt med andra världar" (Contact with Other Worlds). He was also involved with the Society for Parapsychological Research and the John Björkhem Memorial Fund. Brusewitz notes Björkhem's innovative approach, which moved away from laboratory experiments towards exploring psi abilities through courses and his belief in testing ideas through practical application.

Martin Johnson shares his personal connection to Björkhem, influenced by Björkhem's father, John Björkhem, a pioneer in parapsychology. Johnson recalls meeting Örjan as a teenager and later collaborating on the book "Parapsykologi och övertro." He highlights Björkhem's extensive knowledge and his role in assisting Johnson's wife with alternative medicine during her battle with Parkinson's disease. Johnson also notes their differing scientific viewpoints which eventually led to a cessation of contact.

Adrian Parker, a university lecturer, reflects on Björkhem's unique approach to parapsychology. He mentions Björkhem's interest in spontaneous psi phenomena and his belief that conditions fostering these events were key, rather than solely relying on laboratory experiments. Parker notes that Björkhem led groups that manipulated group dynamics to facilitate psi experiences, drawing parallels to the work of Kenneth Batcheldor. He suggests Björkhem might have achieved greater academic recognition if he had published more in English research journals, but acknowledges Björkhem as a maverick thinker who prioritized his own path over academic titles.

Nils Wiklund recounts his acquaintance with Björkhem during their studies in Lund in the early 1970s. Wiklund initially conducted strictly controlled, statistical parapsychological experiments that yielded random results. Björkhem's reaction—that it still worked with statistical evaluations—later revealed his deeper insight into the limitations of such methods. Wiklund agrees with Björkhem's skepticism towards laboratory experiments and the focus on statistically significant results, suggesting that these often overlook the spontaneous experiences that initially inspired parapsychology. Björkhem dedicated his later years to studying spontaneous phenomena and developing methods to promote such experiences.

Wiklund also reveals that Örjan and his wife Ann wrote 60 medical romance novels under the pseudonym Per and Elisabeth Reymers over a six-year period. Björkhem's originality, directness, inner strength, and unique way of expressing truths made encounters with him thought-provoking and memorable. Despite his high-quality work, he chose not to pursue a doctorate. Björkhem is remembered as a friend, inspirator, and creative researcher who leaves a significant void.

Book Reviews (Bokfloden)

Tecken i säden (Signs in the Grain) by Beth Davis is reviewed. The book examines three crop circle formations in England, with contributions from six authors. It features 14 color images and discusses the complexity and intelligence behind these formations, dismissing most as hoaxes. The stalks are bent, not broken, and the ears are undamaged. The book suggests crop circles might be clues to a cosmic riddle, possibly a language from alien intelligences. Interpretations draw from ancient mysticism and Native American prophecies, with the circle symbolizing unity and cosmic consciousness. The reviewer notes the book's interesting observations about pulsating lights and a triangular craft seen during the formation of the Barbury Castle circle.

Meditationens glädje (The Joy of Meditation) by Salle Merrill Redfield is presented as a short, accessible handbook for beginners. Translated by Ann Björkhem, it contains four simple meditation exercises, each about twenty minutes long, emphasizing relaxation and visualization. The reviewer, Eva Jagrell, suggests it can be used in groups and is suitable for a bedside table.

Dikten om livet på den andra sidan (The Poem of Life on the Other Side) by Olof Lagercrantz, a book about Emanuel Swedenborg, is critically reviewed. The reviewer argues that Lagercrantz, an 85-year-old poet with limited knowledge of mediumship, incorrectly compares Swedenborg's spiritual visions to fictional fantasies. Lagercrantz suggests Swedenborg blurred the lines between fantasy and reality, but the reviewer contends that Swedenborg, like mediums, believed he was describing a real world. The reviewer criticizes Lagercrantz for dismissing the truthfulness of Swedenborg's experiences and for not understanding the nature of his visions, which are seen as arising from the unconscious rather than conscious creation. The book is described as a tedious read, particularly Swedenborg's "Himmelska hemligheter" (Heavenly Secrets).

Kanaliserade råd (Channeled Advice) reviews "Leva med glädje" (Live with Joy) by Sanaya Roman, translated by Ingegerd Wennerbeck. The book, part of the "Earth life" series, presents messages channeled from an entity named Orion. The reviewer finds the book a pleasant introduction to exploring one's higher self, noting its non-authoritarian tone. It covers themes like positive thinking, inner peace, gratitude, and letting go, presented in clear Swedish. The chapters conclude with exercises.

12 steg i kris (12 Steps in Crisis) by Julian Sleigh is reviewed as a handbook for personal problem-solving using a twelve-step method. The reviewer, Gunnar Martin Aronsson, notes that Sleigh, a psychoanalyst from South Africa, bases his steps on the idea that the world is meaningful and that meaning can be found even in difficult times. The book emphasizes recognizing that individuals are not their pain or complexes but have a higher identity, allowing them to use experiences for growth. The 62-page book is recommended as a resource for navigating crises.

Förändringar på jorden (Changes on Earth) by Hugh Lynn Cayce, Edgar Cayce's son, is reviewed. The book compiles Edgar Cayce's prophecies about coastal destructions, Japan sinking, and Atlantis rising. The reviewer finds the book tedious and poorly translated, with questionable commentary. The book's statistical claims about earthquakes are questioned, and the evidence for Atlantis is dismissed as trivial.

"Destruktiva" sekter ("Destructive" Sects) is a series of six study booklets published by Föreningen Rädda Individen, accompanying a video. The booklets cover topics like mind control, Hare Krishna, Scientology, Trosrörelsen, UFF, Enighetskyrkan, and Kristi Församling. The reviewer finds it difficult to assess the accuracy of the texts but suggests they offer insights into how vulnerable individuals are drawn into sects through group pressure.

Knasbok om flygande tefat (Nonsense Book about Flying Saucers) by Sune Hjorth is heavily criticized. The reviewer calls it a collection of incredible claims without factual basis, filled with unsubstantiated assertions presented as truth. Hjorth's belief that governments are hiding UFO contact and collaborating with malevolent aliens is highlighted. The reviewer dismisses the book as a "hodgepodge of absurdities" and criticizes the publisher, Zindermans, for releasing it.

Sensation och moral (Sensation and Morality) by Carl-Adam Nycop is discussed. The reviewer notes that while Nycop is an interesting author, the book doesn't address the widespread inaccuracy in journalism. The reviewer laments that journalists seem unaware of or uninterested in factual accuracy, citing a personal example of a reporter misrepresenting his office floor.

Den kosmiska katedralen (The Cosmic Cathedral) by Harry Månsus is reviewed positively. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the "New Age" movement from a Christian perspective. Månsus is praised for his open-mindedness in studying and sympathizing with a movement often criticized by other Christians. The book discusses centers like the Esalen Institute, figures like David Spangler and Deepak Chopra, and touches on topics like Alcoholics Anonymous and mystical experiences.

Reinkarnation reviews "Upptäck dina tidigare liv" (Discover Your Past Lives) by Glenn Williston and Judith Johnstone. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the book's claims, citing Ian Stevenson's research suggesting that hypnotically induced "past life" memories are often fabricated. While acknowledging the strangeness of some hypnotic phenomena, the reviewer finds the book lacks scientific quality and its reasoning is superficial.

Seg humor (Slow Humor) reviews "Grundkurs för utomjordingar" (Basic Course for Aliens) by Zoev Jho. The reviewer finds the book's humor to be slow and the translation from English to Swedish to have lost much of its spirit.

UKU-Forskningen (UFO Research) discusses Mats Olsson's book on Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs). The reviewer notes the growing scientific interest in OBEs and their potential to support dualistic views of consciousness. Olsson's documentation of his own OBEs is seen as a logical contribution, but the reviewer warns against the "occult psychosis" of blindly accepting claims from institutions like the Monroe Institute. The reviewer also mentions the UKU-Vännernas Nätverksgrupp (OBE Friends Network Group) and its coordinator, Alf-Erling Sjöberg.

Other Sections

Filuren (The Little Trickster) is a short dialogue between a shopkeeper selling New Age items and a customer, highlighting the popularity of crystals and New Age literature.

Små ord från redaktören (Small Words from the Editor) discusses the value of magazines over books, arguing that magazines offer ongoing information and diverse perspectives. The editor also touches on the subjective nature of perception, with different people focusing on different phenomena like channeling, UFOs, or science.

Djurplågeri som folkrörelse (Animal Cruelty as a Popular Movement) criticizes the Swedish moose hunt, calling it a moral scandal and tragedy. The article cites statistics on injured animals and calls for an end to "pleasure hunting."

Sökarens knaspris (Sökaren's Nonsense Prize) is awarded to Sune Hjorth for his book "Rymdmänniskor på Jorden," criticizing his unsubstantiated claims about UFOs and reincarnated Egyptian gods.

Kalendertips (Calendar Tips) lists upcoming events related to spirituality, parapsychology, and personal development, including lectures, workshops, and dialogues in various Swedish cities.

Greensleeves Books is advertised as a source for used and out-of-print books.

Support fund donations are listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in parapsychology, UFO phenomena, spirituality, and alternative lifestyles, often through book reviews and personal accounts. There is a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as evidenced by the "Knaspriset" and the critical reviews of certain books. The editorial stance seems to favor open-minded inquiry into these subjects while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unverified information. The magazine also engages with ethical issues, such as animal cruelty and the potential dangers of cults.