Sokaren - 1997 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: No. 5, Volume 34
Date: September 1997
Publisher: Sökaren
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine for life questions, offers a diverse range of articles exploring spirituality, the paranormal, and alternative worldviews. The cover prominently features a New Age festival in Molkom, Sweden, alongside topics such as aliens, the contrast between Christian faith and New Age, dowsing, and the concept of 'summerland'.

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by Sökaren, with Sven Magnusson as the editor-in-chief. The editorial stance, as articulated by Magnusson, is not to represent any specific worldview but to examine interesting phenomena and question them. The underlying principle is that everything constitutes a non-material totality, a concept also embraced by the New Age movement.

Key Articles and Features

"Festival för sökare lockade två hundra" by Eva Sanner

This report details the first summer festival held at Ängsbacka, a new course center in Molkom, Sweden. The festival attracted over 200 participants and featured a variety of workshops and activities focused on personal and spiritual development. Highlights included music performances by Tomas Di Leva and Tony Ellis and the Cross Town Traffic, as well as workshops on "Heart Dance," holotropic breathing, African drumming, voice dialogue, and shamanic rituals like firewalking and sweat lodges. The festival was considered a success, with plans for a larger event the following year.

"Utomjordingar" (Aliens)

This section discusses Nick Pope's book "Open Skies, Closed Minds," in which he argues that UFOs pose a potential threat to national security. Pope, a former UFO investigator for the British government, suggests that extraterrestrial actions, such as abductions and operations on captives, are occurring secretly. He advocates for an international UFO investigation force and proposes a staged approach to dealing with potential alien contact, escalating from dialogue to ultimatum and, if necessary, war. The article also touches upon famous UFO cases like Roswell and the phenomenon of crop circles, noting that while many UFO reports can be explained, a significant percentage remain unexplained.

"Den mystiska Wawelstenen i Krakow" by Tadeusz Rawa

This article explores the legend of the Wawel stone, believed to be a mystical energy source located at Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland. The stone is described as one of the earth's seven chakras. The author interviews Jacek Sobczyk, a physics student who claims to feel the stone's energy and believes it can help heal ailments. The article delves into the history and folklore surrounding the stone, including theories about its Celtic origins and its alleged connection to Poland's decline when its influence was supposedly ignored. It also touches upon skepticism regarding the stone's powers.

"Ledande amerikansk parapsykolog på besök i Sverige" by SM and Åsa Freij

This piece reports on the visit of American parapsychologist Dean Radin to Sweden. Radin, head of a consciousness research institution in Las Vegas, discusses the status of parapsychology as a science. He highlights that while some paranormal phenomena can be explained naturally, others remain unexplained, suggesting that science has an incomplete understanding of reality. Radin's research focuses on phenomena like psychokinesis, precognition, and the influence of 'haunted' places. A key finding mentioned is the ability to influence others at a distance through thought.

"Kyrkan har inte svaren" by Jan Torberntsson

This article investigates why many spiritually interested individuals seek answers outside the church. The author interviews several people who express dissatisfaction with the church's teachings, finding them too narrow, judgmental, or lacking in spiritual depth. They cite issues like the concept of God, the emphasis on sin, and a perceived disconnect from contemporary spiritual needs. The interviews suggest that while some individuals find solace in traditional Christian beliefs, many are drawn to alternative paths like New Age due to its perceived openness and focus on personal empowerment.

"Vad säger kyrkans representanter om New Age?" by Jan Torberntsson

Following up on the previous article, this piece presents interviews with church representatives regarding New Age. The author notes a general lack of knowledge and a hesitant attitude towards discussing New Age among many clergy. While some express outright rejection, others acknowledge potential common ground or the need for dialogue. One priest suggests that New Age ideas are not entirely new and have historical roots, while another criticizes the church's lack of clarity on its own stance and the need for openness to alternative interpretations.

"Friheten finns här och nu" by Dana Hofford

This personal narrative recounts the author's spiritual journey, which began with a feeling of incompleteness despite years of spiritual discipline within a yoga community. The author describes a profound realization that freedom is not something to be attained in the future but is present in the here and now. This insight came through the teachings of spiritual masters like Nisargadatta Maharaj, Papaji, and Gangaji, who emphasized the importance of letting go of the illusion of separation and the belief in one's own limitations. The author describes experiencing a state of profound peace and interconnectedness.

"HEALING en verklighet känd sedan forntiden" by Nils Bjørn Kvastad

This article explores the history and practice of healing, noting its ancient origins and continued presence across cultures. It discusses various perspectives on healing, including divine intervention, spiritual channeling, and the stimulation of the body's own healing abilities. The author cites examples of healers and research studies that suggest healing and prayer can have measurable effects, referencing figures like Imhotep, Jesus, and modern researchers like Brian Josephson and Bernard Grad. The article concludes that healing and prayer are indeed real phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the search for meaning, spiritual exploration, and the questioning of established beliefs, particularly those of traditional religion. The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach, encouraging readers to explore diverse perspectives and to think for themselves. The editorial stance emphasizes that truth is not confined to a single doctrine and that a deeper, non-material reality underlies existence. The magazine acts as a platform for exploring these complex questions without imposing a singular answer, fostering a sense of inquiry and personal discovery.

This issue of "Sökaren" (The Seeker) magazine, dated 5/1997, focuses on the unknown and explores various phenomena related to consciousness, alternative therapies, and unexplained events. The main cover headline is "Hjälp från det okända" (Help from the unknown), featuring an article on dowsing.

Dowsing: A Physical Reality?

The issue features an in-depth look at dowsing, citing research by Leif Engh. Engh's doctoral dissertation in 1981 on karst areas mentioned dowsing as a method to detect underground water channels. Experiments conducted on Gotland in 1982 with 54 individuals showed significant success in locating water channels, even when blindfolded. Further tests indicated the possibility of detecting deeper channels. The article highlights that the dowsing reaction is a spontaneous, unconscious muscular response, often perceived as the dowsing rod moving on its own. While the exact trigger remains unclear, laboratory experiments in the 1960s and 1970s, involving magnetic fields, demonstrated success rates far exceeding chance, suggesting a physical basis for the phenomenon. Various dowsing instruments are described, including the traditional Swedish Y-shaped rod and the L-shaped metal rods common in the USA and continental Europe.

The Nature of Mysticism

Bengt Petersen explores the concept of mysticism, drawing on the work of William James. Petersen highlights that mystics often describe their experiences as ineffable, intuitive, and beyond ordinary language. James identified key characteristics of mystical experiences: ineffability, the intuitive nature of the knowledge gained, transiency, and passivity. The article discusses how modern research attempts to demystify mysticism by viewing it as a distinct type of human experience. It touches upon the idea of 'cosmic love' and the concept of 'emptiness' in Zen Buddhism, where the ultimate reality is seen as pure emptiness from which all arises. The article also references Catharina Stenqvist's work, which suggests that mysticism doesn't necessarily involve ecstatic experiences but rather a continuous practice of prayer, meditation, and seeking truth.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Contact

Several articles touch upon UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact. One piece discusses Steven Greer, founder of CSETI (Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence), who believes there is overwhelming evidence of alien visits. Greer suggests that aliens may not make open contact because humanity is not yet ready. The magazine also features a purported communication from the spirit of Jules Verne, received via fax and computer by Maggy and Jules Harsch-Fischbach in Luxembourg. The message describes Verne's arrival in a 'summer land' and his interactions with beings there, hinting at a new dimension of existence.

Consciousness and the Self-Aware Universe

An interview with physicist Amit Goswami, author of "The Self-Aware Universe," presents a view that consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental basis of reality. Goswami argues that matter and consciousness are two aspects of the same reality, and that consciousness creates the material world. This perspective, termed 'monistic idealism,' is seen as being supported by modern physics, particularly quantum physics, which suggests that reality is influenced by observation and that possibilities exist beyond the material realm. This challenges the purely materialistic worldview.

Alternative Therapies and New Age Information

Anna Jönsson's AJKON agency is featured, providing information and consulting on alternative therapies. Jönsson shares her journey of exploring over 20 different therapies and her goal to help others find what is right for them. The magazine also reviews books on alternative health and well-being, including Andrew Weil's "Health and Quality of Life" and Søren Ventegodt's "Quality of Life." The concept of 'The Aquarian Conspiracy,' a movement for a new age and a new consciousness, is discussed, noting how its ideas have influenced mainstream society.

Other Features

Other sections include:

• Book Reviews: Reviews of books on chakras, UFO contacts, and health.
• Internet Resources: A listing of websites related to paranormal research and alternative lifestyles.
• "Varia" Section: Short news items on topics such as the benefits of pets, near-death experiences, and the scientific understanding of beauty.
• Intelligences: A breakdown of different types of intelligence, including logical, critical, mathematical, and empathetic intelligence.
• Quotes: Various quotes on life, wisdom, and human nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of consciousness, spirituality, alternative healing, and unexplained phenomena. There is an underlying belief in the existence of realities beyond the purely material and a focus on personal growth and self-discovery. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these topics, presenting research and personal accounts, while also including critical perspectives and scientific inquiry where applicable. The magazine aims to inform and engage readers interested in a wide range of unconventional subjects.

Title: Ord från redaktören
Issue: 5/1997
Volume: 40
Date: May 1997
Publisher: Gaia Center
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue features an editorial titled "Skeptisk men öppen" (Skeptical but Open), which explores the balance between rational thinking and emotional intelligence, intuition, and openness to the unknown.

Editorial: Skeptisk men öppen

The editorial argues that while skepticism and objectivity are valuable, an overemphasis on rationality can lead to a mechanistic and unimaginative worldview. Many people are experiencing uncertainty about the foundations of scientific understanding. The author suggests that a profound, non-rational experience could help those who are overly reliant on scientific reasoning to become more creative and human in their search for truth.

It is stated that no human is entirely rational or irrational; we all integrate both aspects. To live harmoniously, it is necessary to cultivate not only the rational, skeptical side but also empathy, compassion, insight, and imagination. An exclusively rational person risks becoming inhuman, while an exclusively emotional or imaginative person may become detached from reality.

The editorial emphasizes the benefit of learning from the opposite perspective. For those drawn to rationality, it's wise to cultivate appreciation for art, music, spiritual values, and the uncertain aspects of reality. Conversely, those who live in a world of emotion and fantasy should develop their rational thinking skills.

Emotional intelligence is presented as the ability to empathize with others, leading to compassion, which underpins social policy. For quick decisions, intuition—a rapid synthesis of knowledge and thoughts—is often more effective than slow, rational processes.

The value of positive illusions is also discussed. These illusions go beyond factual, rational knowledge and can include an overly positive self-perception, a belief in inherent goodness, faith in God, a sense of meaning in life, and the continuation of consciousness after death. Without such illusions, life would be more difficult.

The placebo effect, rooted in belief, is significant in medicine and is related to psychological influence, hypnosis, visualization, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Emotions and illusions play a vital role in human health. However, it is naive to believe that conviction and the body's self-healing capacity alone can cure all diseases; strict rational judgment is also required.

The editorial concludes by advocating for an intelligent, non-dogmatic skepticism that is open and considers both facts and the non-rational side of human life and thought.

Calendar of Events (KALENDERTIPS)

The issue includes a calendar of upcoming events, primarily hosted by Gaia Center, focusing on spiritual and personal development themes:

• September 28 (Sunday): Gaia. Documentary film on Ramana Maharshi, the Sage of Arunachala (English, 13 min, 25 SEK).
• September 29 (Monday): Gaia. "Life and Death" with Lama Lodru (Allan Fotheringham) discussing the Tibetan Book of the Dead (70 SEK).
• October 3 (Friday): Gaia. Film about Papaji, focusing on freedom and enlightenment. Papaji, a disciple of Ramana Maharshi, speaks about self-realization (English, 1 hr 42 min, 25 SEK).
• October 8 (Wednesday): Gaia. "Insight and Ecstasy" with Mikael W. Gejel, an introduction to Western esotericism, Hermeticism, and Anthroposophy (70 SEK).
• October 9 (Thursday): Gaia. "The Art of Being a lifepath" mini-workshop with Alan Lowen, teaching how to enjoy life and express gratitude (70 SEK).
• October 12 (Sunday): Gaia. "A Magical Evening of Gratitude" with Thomas Jönsson and Tomas Di Leva, featuring music, conversation, and reflection (44 SEK).
• October 24 (Friday): Gaia. Documentary film on Gangaji, a disciple of Papaji, titled "River of Freedom." Gangaji encourages deep exploration of freedom (English, 1 hr 32 min, 25 SEK).
• October 24 (Friday): Dialog Norrmalm, Stockholm. An open discussion between Ma Oftedal and Harry Månsus on New Age spirituality, Christian faith, and the future of the church.
• October 25 (Saturday): Forum för tro och samhälle (Forum for Faith and Society). A training day on New Age with Olav Hammer and others, held at Credohuset, Sabbatsbergs sjukhusområde, Stockholm (200 SEK, registration required by October 20).

Contact information for Gaia Center in Stockholm is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial in this issue strongly advocates for a balanced approach to life, emphasizing the integration of rational thought with emotional intelligence, intuition, and spiritual openness. The stance is critical of extreme rationalism and promotes a more holistic understanding of human experience, acknowledging the importance of subjective states, emotions, and even positive illusions for well-being. The calendar of events reflects this stance by offering a variety of activities related to spirituality, esoteric knowledge, and personal growth, suggesting a readership interested in exploring beyond conventional scientific paradigms.