Sokaren - 1997 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 2, 1997, årgång 34
Date: March 1997
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on 'life questions' (livsfrågor), presents a diverse range of articles exploring spirituality, alternative medicine, and unexplained phenomena. The cover features Annika Waldenström, who runs Akal Center in Stockholm, offering courses in Kundalini Yoga, The Science of the Aura, Gnosticism, and Dream Interpretation. The issue also includes contributions from various writers and features prominent figures in the fields of homeopathy, UFO research, and New Age spirituality.

Key Articles and Features

"Kartan och verkligheten" (The Map and Reality)

Authored by Sven M, this article discusses the conflict between established scientific paradigms ('maps') and reported realities, particularly concerning paranormal phenomena and alternative medicine. It argues that current scientific maps are incomplete and sometimes incorrect, suggesting that a more open view is needed to accommodate phenomena that don't fit the existing framework. The author critiques the materialistic worldview often presented by science and proposes a mental or consciousness-based understanding of the universe.

"Jubileum för Åsa" (Jubilee for Åsa)

This piece celebrates Åsa Freij's 20-year contribution as a journalist for Sökaren. It highlights her extensive work, including over 200 articles and numerous personal reports. The article touches upon her early encounters with the New Age movement and her role in covering events like the Planetstaden and Peace in Mind festivals. It also mentions her work in reporting on the Right Livelihood Award, emphasizing her dedication to exploring diverse spiritual and alternative topics.

"Priset för rätt levnadssätt" (The Prize for a Right Way of Living)

Reported by Åsa Freij, this article focuses on the 1996 Right Livelihood Award recipients: George Vithoulkas (homeopathy), Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishat (Indian people's science movement), the Russian Soldiers' Mothers Committee, and economist Herman Daly. The article details the work of each recipient, highlighting Vithoulkas's efforts to establish homeopathy as a recognized medical practice, Daly's critique of conventional economic theories, and the humanitarian work of the other recipients. The award, founded by Jakob von Uexkull, aims to honor those who work towards humanity's most fundamental needs.

"George Vithoulkas: Homeopat" (George Vithoulkas: Homeopath)

This section delves into the life and work of George Vithoulkas, a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award for his contributions to homeopathy. It explains the principles of homeopathy, its historical development by Samuel Hahnemann, and Vithoulkas's role in advancing and teaching the practice. The article discusses the challenges Vithoulkas faced in gaining acceptance for homeopathy in the Western medical establishment and his belief that conventional medicine often exacerbates health problems by suppressing symptoms. Vithoulkas's personal history, including his experiences during WWII and his journey into homeopathy, is also shared.

"Medmänniska och homeopat" (Fellow Human and Homeopath)

An interview with Monika Svärd, a Swedish homeopath, conducted by Åsa Freij. Svärd emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion for being a good homeopath. She shares her personal journey into homeopathy, including a childhood accident that sparked her interest in health and healing. Svärd discusses the principles of homeopathy, its effectiveness, and the need for careful diagnosis. She also touches upon her experiences with other spiritual practices and her belief in the interconnectedness of life.

"Hennes majestäts UFO-expert" (Her Majesty's UFO Expert)

This article features Nick Pope, who investigated UFO phenomena for the British Ministry of Defence from 1991 to 1994. Pope discusses his findings, his book "Open Skies, Closed Minds," and his conclusion that some UFOs are of extraterrestrial origin. He describes the challenges of his role, including limited resources and the tendency of the military to dismiss unusual sightings. Pope expresses his belief that the British government is not hiding information about UFOs, suggesting that if any 'cover-up' exists, it might be in the US. The article also includes a critical perspective from Jenny Randles, a UFOlogist, who questions Pope's conclusions based on his limited evidence.

"Naturfolk som guruer" (Nature Folk as Gurus)

Authored by Olav Hammer, a religious historian, this article critically examines the New Age movement's appropriation of shamanistic practices. Hammer questions the historical accuracy and authenticity of some New Age interpretations of shamanism, particularly those promoted by figures like Michael Harner and his book "The Way of the Shaman." While acknowledging the effectiveness of some techniques like meditation and trance journeys, Hammer criticizes the tendency to fabricate historical backgrounds and present unsubstantiated claims. He raises ethical questions about the appropriation of indigenous traditions, citing the strong objections from Native American groups.

"Planetstaden" (Planet City)

This reportage by Gunnar Martin Aronsson introduces Susanne Rangström and her New Age-focused business, Planetstaden Böcker AB, in Malmö. The business includes a bookstore, book club, and publishing house, catering to individuals interested in personal development, health, and alternative topics. Rangström emphasizes her desire to offer books and products that bring joy and help people. The article also mentions her role in organizing the 'Place of Miracles' fair and her plans for expanding the publishing house's offerings.

"Jungs psykologi 20p" (Jungian Psychology 20p)

This section is an advertisement for a Jungian psychology course offered at the university level, covering theories, ideas, and methods of analytical psychology, including dream interpretation and active imagination.

"Annika Waldenström: Jag vill väcka de inre, livgivande flödena" (Annika Waldenström: I want to awaken the inner, life-giving flows)

This feature article by Eva Sanner profiles Annika Waldenström, the founder of Akal Center in Stockholm. It details her journey from a career in hydrology to establishing a center for personal growth, offering courses in Kundalini Yoga, chakra massage, and more. Waldenström discusses her belief in inner wisdom and the importance of self-discovery. The article also mentions her positive experiences with her spiritual teacher, Ambres, and her collaborations with other teachers at Akal Center.

"Jag vill sälja böcker som kan glädja och hjälpa människor."

This is a quote from Susanne Rangström of Planetstaden, expressing her mission to offer uplifting and helpful books.

"Av en slump blev jag arrangör av Place of Miracles-mässan."

This is a quote from Susanne Rangström, indicating her accidental involvement in organizing the 'Place of Miracles' fair.

"AKAL BETYDER 'THE UNDYING SPIRIT', DEN ODÖDLIGA ANDEN, ELLER DET SOM ALDRIG DÖR."

This is a quote defining the meaning of 'Akal' in relation to Annika Waldenström's center.

"JAG HOPPAS ATT MÄNNISKOR PÅ AKAL CENTER SKA INSPIRERAS ATT TILLÅTA OCH UTTRYCKA DET ODÖDLIGA INOM SIG."

This is a quote from Annika Waldenström expressing her hope for her center's impact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to spirituality, alternative medicine, and unexplained phenomena. It champions personal growth, self-discovery, and holistic well-being. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and acceptance of diverse viewpoints, often challenging conventional scientific or societal norms. There is a clear emphasis on the 'New Age' movement and its associated practices, though some articles, like Olav Hammer's, offer a more critical perspective on the movement's historical claims and cultural appropriation. The magazine aims to provide a platform for individuals and ideas that fall outside the mainstream, encouraging readers to question, explore, and seek deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 2/1997, carries the cover headline 'Oppna sinnen' (Open Minds) and features a prominent image of a woman. The magazine delves into themes of spirituality, personal development, and alternative lifestyles.

Peace in Mind Festival

The main article reports on the Peace in Mind festival, which returned to Stockholm's Medborgarhuset. Approximately 6,000 visitors attended, exploring a wide range of alternative therapies, crystals, tarot readings, and spiritual products. Lotta von Arnold Maurice, the festival's organizer, notes a shift in public perception, with the event being treated more seriously than in previous years, despite a slight decrease in visitor numbers compared to a prior event in Sollentuna. She attributes the drop partly to issues with promotional banners. The festival offered a diverse array of activities, including lectures by figures like Rauni-Leena Luukanen on UFOs and Lotten Odh on dolphin encounters. The report highlights a positive and open atmosphere among attendees and exhibitors, with many seeking guidance on life choices.

Åsa Freij: My Life as a Sökaren Reporter

Reporter Åsa Freij reflects on her 20-year career with Sökaren, during which she has written around 200 articles. She recounts her initial steps into journalism and her personal journey of seeking wisdom, influenced by figures like Paul Brunton. Freij shares experiences from her travels, including an encounter with an Indian guru, Ramamurta Mishra, which led her to shift her focus from horses to spiritual exploration. She discusses her approach as a journalist, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance and objectivity while respecting diverse beliefs. Freij also shares personal anecdotes from her travels, including a challenging night journey in India and her impressions of the Dalai Lama and Sai Baba. She reflects on the nature of faith, the concept of God, and the role of love and well-being in life.

Ma Oftedal: Priest in Turbulent Waters

This section profiles Ma Oftedal, a priest facing challenges within the Swedish Church due to her unconventional interests, including reincarnation and UFOs. She recounts her experiences of being questioned by church members and the media, and her opposition to being silenced. Oftedal shares her personal journey to becoming a priest, which involved a misunderstanding in her application process. She also details her work organizing thematic days at Storkyrkan with Ludvig Jönsson, which faced bomb threats. The article touches upon her personal experiences with spiritual phenomena, including encounters with UFOs and what she describes as spirits in her home. She recounts a significant UFO sighting and a subsequent experience where she felt guided by a voice from Orion, identifying herself as a 'light bearer.'

Book Reviews and Music

The magazine includes several book reviews. "Edris i elfte timmen" by Karl-Erik Edris is reviewed, with the reviewer expressing reservations about its prophetic claims and evasive answers. "Heureka!" by Colin Turner, reviewed as "Alternativt tänkande" (Alternative Thinking), is praised for its insights into creative thinking and universal principles. "Zenvisdom" by Tsai Chih Chung is reviewed, with the reviewer questioning the clarity and depth of the translated Zen teachings. "Psi" by Allan Rydén, focusing on psychometric experiments with medium Kurt Svensson, is noted for its brief coverage of the experiments. "Mirakel för alla" by Hebe Taylor is a small book of quotes from "A Course in Miracles."

Ralph Lundsten's music is featured, with descriptions of his albums like "Nordic Light," "The Joy of Being," and "In Time and Space," highlighting their themes of nature, spirituality, and cosmic journeys. The magazine also promotes a music club, Amorica, offering New Age and relaxing music.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the search for meaning. It showcases individuals who challenge conventional norms, such as the priest Ma Oftedal and the reporter Åsa Freij, who navigates diverse spiritual landscapes. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards alternative beliefs and phenomena, including UFOs and various spiritual practices, while also providing critical reviews of books and movements within these fields. The editorial stance seems to encourage self-discovery and a questioning approach to life's mysteries.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 2/1997
Date: 1997
Type: Magazine

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into various aspects of psychology, spirituality, philosophy, and ufology, featuring book reviews, articles, and event listings.

Book Reviews

C.G. Jung's "Själen och döden" (The Soul and Death)

The review discusses a new Swedish translation of C.G. Jung's selected writings from 1916-1956, focusing on the concept of individuation. The book explores personal development, therapeutic methods like active imagination, and the societal implications of the collective unconscious. The reviewer praises the translation, the inclusion of Jung's original footnotes, and the rich visual content. Jung's emphasis on the universal symbolic language found in myths, sagas, and dreams is highlighted as a significant contribution to psychology. The reviewer notes Jung's interest in religious symbolism but his somewhat detached stance on Christian confessions, viewing religious symbols as psychologically active. The book also details a patient's mandala drawings and Jung's interpretation of synchronicity, which the reviewer finds occasionally bordering on naivety, citing examples of perceived premonitions based on astrological signs or phobias.

"Den Tibetanska Livs- och Dödsboken" (The Tibetan Book of Life and Death) by Sogyal Rinpoche

This review introduces Sogyal Rinpoche's book, which the reviewer discovered through a newspaper article. The book is described as a guide to the Tibetan understanding of life and death, with a foreword by the Dalai Lama commending Rinpoche's suitability for the task. The reviewer shares a personal connection, finding the book helpful during their mother's illness and death, providing comfort and deeper understanding. The book is divided into four parts: Life, Dying, Death and Rebirth, and concluding thoughts. It emphasizes living well to die well and offers insights into the gradual dissolution of consciousness and the development of pure awareness. The author draws parallels between Buddhist and Christian traditions, aiming to foster a more enlightened view of death and encourage readers to become "servants of peace."

"Vägen till nirvana" (The Path to Nirvana) by Henri Arvon

This review of a pocket encyclopedia entry on Buddhism notes its dense information within 122 pages. The reviewer finds Buddhism peculiar, originating from Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), and describes it as an atheistic religion, though variants may include a concept of God. The core teaching is that life is suffering, and the goal is to achieve Nirvana, a state of peace where desires are extinguished. The reviewer questions the relevance of this "life-hostile" doctrine to modern Westerners, despite acknowledging that suffering, aging, and death are universal. While Buddha advocated a middle way, Buddhist monks practice asceticism. Nirvana is described as a state of inner peace and dissolution into the Absolute, a union with the Absolute, or a state of bliss. The reviewer interprets the "Enlightenment" as the realization that life is transient, nothing is permanent, and the mind is a stream of mental processes, leading to a sense of emptiness and the absence of a soul. The driving force for rebirth is not a soul but the "will to live." Buddhism promotes compassion and avoiding harm, but active efforts to improve the lot of the poor are less emphasized. Vegetarianism is common, though monks accept food offerings. Buddhism does not rely on revealed truth; enlightenment comes from individual insight. The reviewer notes Henri Arvon's assertion that Buddha's teachings express a deep contempt for women, citing Buddha's warnings to monks about women potentially igniting the "will to live," leading to suffering. Despite this, Buddhism has been successful in Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, though less so in its country of origin, India.

"Änglavakt & skyddsänglar" (Angel Watch & Guardian Angels) by Eileen Elias Freeman

The interest in angels is growing, influencing the Swedish market. This book, translated by Gunilla Boman, is by Eileen Elias Freeman, described as a leading angel seer in the USA and founder of Angel Watch Network. The book recounts Freeman's first encounter with her guardian angel in childhood and includes testimonies from other angel watchers. The reviewer acknowledges that the explanation of angelic experiences remains a mystery, but faith offers an answer. The book is categorized as religious edification and is considered well-translated and easy to read.

"Om konsten att vara" (On the Art of Being) by Bertil Martinsson

This is a brief mention of Bertil Martinsson's collection of aphorisms, similar to his previous works on love, forgiveness, and truth. A quote from the book is provided: "You can be so busy missing what you don't have that you don't see what you do have."

Dowsing Controversy

Nils-Axel Mörner Offered Million-Dollar Prize by James Randi

The article details an offer of $971,000 from American illusionist and skeptic James Randi to Nils-Axel Mörner, a geology docent at Stockholm University, if Mörner can prove the effectiveness of dowsing under Randi's controlled conditions. The Association for Science and Folk Education supports Randi's challenge, emphasizing the importance of verifying Mörner's claims or disproving them. Mörner disputes Randi's interpretation of previous tests, stating that scientifically significant results were achieved even if not meeting Randi's stringent criteria. Randi's proposed tests involve identifying battery polarity and finding hidden coins, with specific success rates required. Mörner, however, views Randi as a charlatan and believes dowsing is a genuine phenomenon, citing experiments showing different reactions based on battery polarity and its use in exploring earth radiation, which he links to potential health issues.

Mörner's Courses Evaluated by Stockholm University

Stockholm University's evaluation group, comprising professors from hydrology, philosophy, and geophysics, concluded that Nils-Axel Mörner's dowsing courses are not based on scientific grounds and do not foster critical thinking. The evaluation, requested by the faculty, found that the courses do not meet the university's standards for scientific grounding and critical thinking. The faculty has urged Mörner to provide a proper course plan for continuing education.

Philosophical Discussions at Café Fågel Blå

The article describes ongoing philosophical discussions at Café Fågel Blå, initiated by Ulf Berggren. The theme for the evening was "Freedom - our divine longing." The discussions, facilitated by Fredrik Ribbing, explored the nature of freedom, its relationship to happiness, responsibility, and inner peace. Participants shared personal reflections, including a prisoner's poem on inner freedom and a man who found economic freedom did not bring happiness. The debate touched upon whether true freedom lies in having choices or in a state of inner contentment, and whether nature peoples are the freest. The conclusion seemed to be that freedom is subjective: "one is free if one feels free."

Advertisements and Listings

Several advertisements and listings are present:

• Monroe Institute: Offers Hemi-Sync cassettes and CDs for meditation, development, and concentration, including "The Gateway Experience" and "Metamusic."
• Aristo 2000: Seeks exhibition spaces for events, offering affordable rates.
• Energi-förlag: Promotes its book catalog and the magazine "Energivågen."
• Therapeutic Services: Listings for Regression therapy with Berit Sarvisé, Reiki Healing, and Tarot courses.
• Book Recommendations: Suggestions for reprinting classic works by Aldous Huxley, Ian Stevenson, Richard M. Bucke, Pitirim A. Sorokin, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and Erik Dammann.
• Event Calendar: Listings for lectures and events at Gaia Center and Akal Center on topics such as Hildegard of Bingen, Gnosticism, Kundalini, and the nature of life.
• Sathya Sai Center: Information on programs in Gothenburg.
• Vitaform: Advertises massage benches and chairs.
• Franz Schwabe Prod.: Offers a prospectus for "Hypnosspiralen."
• Birgit Cars: Presents a poem titled "Till Mästaren" (To the Master).
• Evangelium för en ny tid: Advertisement for Levi H. Dowling's book.
• Lennart Lidfors' Recommendation: Praises Paramahansa Yogananda's "My Life as a Yogi."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of personal growth, spirituality, alternative philosophies, and the nature of consciousness. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Nyktra grubblerier" (Sober Musings) section, encourages critical thinking while maintaining an open mind to various spiritual and philosophical ideas, including reincarnation, the existence of God and the soul, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. The editor advocates for a balance between open-mindedness and critical inquiry, suggesting that while definitive answers may be elusive, the pursuit of understanding and living a fulfilling life are paramount. The magazine also engages with skeptical viewpoints, as seen in the dowsing controversy, but often presents alternative perspectives with a degree of sympathy or at least a willingness to explore them.