Sokaren - 1998 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 3, 1998, Årgång 35
Date: May 1998
Price: 50:- including tax
Publisher: Sökaren
Theme: Tidskrift för livsfrågor (Journal for existential questions)

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish journal focusing on existential and spiritual matters, presents a diverse range of articles, with a strong emphasis on the intersection of faith, science, and the unexplained. The cover prominently features the 'Bible Code' phenomenon, alongside explorations of mysticism, UFO research, and the dynamics of spiritual groups.

The Bible Code: Hidden Messages in Scripture?

The lead article, "Finns det dolda budskap i Bibeln?" (Are there hidden messages in the Bible?), introduces the controversial 'Bible Code' theory. It highlights the work of Israeli researchers Doron Witzthum, Eliyahu Rips, and Yoav Rosenberg, who claim to have found a coded message within the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. This code, they suggest, contains predictions of world events up to the present day, discoverable through advanced computer analysis. The article notes that mathematician Eliyahu Rips asserts the code's existence with 99.998% certainty. The theory gained significant traction through Michael Drosnin's bestselling book, 'The Bible Code.' The article also touches upon earlier beliefs, such as Isaac Newton's conviction that the Bible contained hidden information. Critics, however, suggest that these patterns are merely natural statistical phenomena that can be found in any text with the aid of computers. The article mentions specific predictions allegedly found, such as the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, correlating with the Hebrew year 5755 (1995-1996), and the names of his assassins.

Is Mysticism Science?

"Är mystik vetenskap?" (Is Mysticism Science?) by Kerstin Stina Carlsson examines the nature of mystical experiences. Drawing on Arthur J. Deikman's work, the article posits that mystics across various traditions report remarkably similar insights, such as the existence of a sacred inner self and a universal connection to the divine. It contrasts the scientific method of external observation with the mystic's inward focus, using oneself as the subject of study. The article argues that mysticism, despite its subjective nature, is grounded in a disciplined pursuit of truth and can be considered a science in its original sense. It differentiates true mysticism from 'pseudomysticism' and emphasizes the importance of empathy and a sense of unity with all beings. The piece also touches upon the relationship between mysticism and religion, suggesting that while mysticism can exist without religion, religion without mysticism is impossible, as all religions originate from the mystical experiences of their founders.

A Strange Story

"En sällsam historia" (A Strange Story) by Solveig Almqvist recounts a peculiar incident experienced by three childhood friends. While waiting for a ferry at Djurgården, Stockholm, they boarded a seemingly unscheduled ferry. The journey was unsettling, with pale passengers, a missing captain, and the boat spinning unnaturally. The boys felt they were in danger of sinking. The captain eventually steered them to a less conventional docking point. Upon disembarking, they noticed the other passengers remained on board. The incident left the boys deeply disturbed, questioning whether they had encountered a 'ghost ferry' or 'spirits.' Almqvist explores possible explanations, including a hypothetical lost ferry, instrumental transcommunication, or a retrocognitive experience, acknowledging the difficulty of definitively proving any explanation.

Conversations on Paul Brunton's Philosophy

"Av drömmars stoff..." (Of the Stuff of Dreams...) presents a dialogue between Anthony Damiani, a proponent of Paul Brunton's philosophy, and his student Audhild Ybor. The conversation delves into Brunton's concept of 'karmic imprint' and the idea that the perceived world is a mental construct. Damiani explains that individual consciousness, particularly the higher consciousness, magnifies and projects this 'karmic imprint' from a divine source, creating our personal reality. He elaborates on the nature of 'karma' as divine energy and the process by which thoughts manifest into reality. The discussion highlights the distinction between personal consciousness and the higher, universal consciousness, and how the former shapes our experience of time and space.

The 'Guds Moder' (God's Mother) and Lilly Gardeby

Jonas Bernholm's article, "'Guds Moder'", investigates the life and influence of Lilly Gardeby, a spiritual teacher who called herself 'God's Mother' and 'Spiritual Mother.' The article details Bernholm's personal experiences with Gardeby and her group, describing a period of intense spiritual exploration followed by disillusionment. Bernholm recounts Gardeby's methods, which involved intense psychological manipulation, claims of past-life connections, and the creation of a dependent community. He describes her charismatic yet controlling nature, her pronouncements about spiritual matters, and her interactions with followers, including alleged attempts to arrange marriages and control their lives. The article also touches upon Gardeby's claims of communication with spiritual entities and celebrities, and her controversial interactions with individuals in distress, such as Elisabeth, a patient at Långbro psychiatric hospital. Bernholm suggests that Gardeby's followers projected their needs and desires onto her, leading to a dynamic of blind obedience and control.

UFO Research and Donald H. Menzel

"Deltog Donald H. Menzel i hemlig UFO-forskning?" (Did Donald H. Menzel Participate in Secret UFO Research?) by Håkan Eriksson examines the role of Donald H. Menzel, a prominent UFO critic, and explores the possibility of his involvement in clandestine UFO investigations. The article suggests that Menzel, despite his public skepticism, may have been part of secret government projects related to UFO phenomena.

Other Content

The issue also includes "Bokfloden" (Book Flood), a section of book reviews, "Sökarnyheter" (Search News), and "Läsarforum" (Reader Forum), indicating a broad engagement with the journal's thematic interests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Sökaren consistently explores the boundaries between science, spirituality, and the unexplained. The journal appears to maintain an open, albeit critical, stance towards phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, such as the 'Bible Code,' mystical experiences, and UFO sightings. The editorial approach seems to encourage readers to question, investigate, and form their own conclusions, while also providing critical analysis and personal testimonies. The inclusion of articles on sects like Lilly Gardeby's suggests an interest in the psychological and social dynamics of belief systems and their potential for both positive and negative influence.

This issue of Sökaren, dated March 1998, features a cover story on the "UFO Enigma" and the alleged secret involvement of Donald H. Menzel in UFO research. The magazine also delves into the controversial life of a spiritual leader named Lilly.

Lilly's Influence and Control

The article details the experiences of individuals who were part of Lilly's group, describing her as a manipulative figure who exerted significant control over her followers. The narrator recounts Lilly's travel to Manaus, Brazil, with companions, which resulted in distress and financial loss for F. Lilly's methods included spreading fear through death prophecies, such as telling a woman her husband had cancer and another that her friend had little time left to live, all of whom, according to the narrator, remained alive.

Lilly's followers, often described as rebels and outsiders, were drawn to her for spiritual guidance. The narrator contrasts Lilly's initial motherly persona with her later shamanistic intensity, which could be frightening. Ingemar Gardeby, Lilly's associate, is portrayed as a supportive figure who offered healing and comfort to those disturbed by Lilly's methods.

The article highlights how Lilly's influence led followers to break ties with family and friends, and how she dictated their lives. The shift from a therapeutic environment to a controlled group is noted, with a turning point occurring after a shamanic course conflict. Lilly and Ingemar did not advertise their services, relying on word-of-mouth.

Lilly's advice was often detailed and aimed at binding people and alienating them from society. The narrator recounts a conflict in February 1988 after the failed South American expedition, where Lilly blamed the narrator's involvement with Vingåkers Hälsofrämjande. Lilly also attempted to sell a painting by a Brazilian artist, which the narrator declined.

Lilly's methods extended to advising followers on personal matters, sometimes leading to job loss or children being removed from school. When the narrator allowed C to move in, C reported everything to Lilly, creating a tense atmosphere. Lilly's advice also extended to animal care, suggesting the narrator's horses were restless due to the farrier smoking and eating meat.

The situation escalated when the narrator asked C to leave, leading to a confrontation with Lilly, Ingemar, C, and A, who shouted curses outside the narrator's home on May 1, 1989.

Donald H. Menzel and the UFO Enigma

The article questions Donald H. Menzel, a renowned UFO skeptic and Harvard astronomer, suggesting his public stance might have been influenced by secret government work. Physicist Stanton Friedman discovered evidence of Menzel's involvement in top-secret intelligence activities with the NSA and CIA, including correspondence with President John F. Kennedy.

Friedman posits that Menzel may have been part of a secret group tasked with investigating UFOs and potentially recovering crashed spacecraft, possibly including figures like Vannevar Bush, Robert Oppenheimer, and John Von Neumann. Menzel's loyalty and discretion were reportedly valued by these organizations.

The article explores the possibility that the US government, particularly the CIA and NSA, engaged in secret UFO research during the 1950s-70s, despite their public denial. Released CIA and NSA documents suggest a serious consideration of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFO sightings, particularly those near defense installations.

Friedman argues that Menzel's role was to create a skeptical scientific consensus on UFOs, discouraging independent research. The article notes that Menzel's first skeptical book on flying saucers was published shortly after the 1953 Robertson Panel, which recommended a media strategy to debunk UFO reports.

While some critics find the conspiracy theory far-fetched, Friedman points to historical examples of individuals maintaining dual lives in espionage. The article concludes that without definitive proof, Menzel's motives remain open to interpretation.

Book Reviews and Spiritual Insights

The magazine features several book reviews and articles on spiritual and parapsychological topics:

• "Den flytande elden" by Lennart Lidfors: A novel exploring life's meaning, Kundalini energy, and spiritual concepts, though the reviewer notes its repetitive nature and elitist undertones.
• "Andens anatomi" by Caroline Myss: This book, translated by Hans Du Rietz, discusses the spiritual task of individuals, the nature of power, and the importance of distinguishing between psychological and spiritual crises.
• "Svensk Parapsykologi" edited by Nils-Olof Jacobson: A collection of articles discussing parapsychology in Sweden, featuring debates between skeptics like Nils Wiklund and proponents like Göran Brusewitz.
• "Vägen till kärlek" by Deepak Chopra: A book exploring love from a spiritual perspective, drawing on Eastern philosophy and traditions, with practical exercises for cultivating love.
• "Universum är inte skapat, utan skapas ständigt" by Paul Davis: An article discussing the concept of an ever-evolving universe and the principle of increasing complexity.
• "Bön verkar" (Prayer Works): An article discussing the effectiveness of prayer, both positive and negative, citing research by Dr. Larry Dossey.
• Jesús Alcalá on Animal Ethics: An opinion piece criticizing the ethical review boards for animal testing in Sweden, highlighting the suffering of laboratory animals.
• "Folkvett" (Folk Wisdom): An article about the Swedish Society for Parapsychological Research and its skeptical counterpart, Föreningen Vetenskap & Folkbildning.
• "De Heliga Tolvs Evangelium" (The Gospel of the Holy Twelve): A review of a Swedish translation of this text, which discusses Jesus' life and teachings, including vegetarianism and reincarnation.
• "Hypnosspiralen" (Hypnosis Spiral): A review of a video cassette offering alternative therapy for pain relief, meditation, and self-confidence.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

Several contributors share their personal experiences and what has significantly influenced them:

• Jan Torberntsson: Highlights Ambres's teachings for spiritual growth, Sai Baba as a spiritual inspiration, and Sökaren magazine for promoting new ideas.
• Kerstin Stina Carlsson: Emphasizes yoga as a method for holistic training, Lars-Eric Uneståhl's PUMT course for personal development, and Matthew Fox's book "The Coming of the Cosmic Christ" for a new perspective on Christianity.
• Bengt Petersen: Credits author Jan Fridegård for inspiration during difficult times, Zen meditation teacher Jacques Dropsy, and the practice of Zen meditation itself.
• Jonas Bernholm: Mentions his early influences from Russian literature and films, followed by New Age literature, including authors like Castaneda and Paul Brunton.
• Åsa Freij: Values guiding principles like the Golden Rule and the concept of "halvhalt" (a pause for reflection) from horsemanship, and personal spiritual experiences.
• Gunnar Martin Aronsson: Appreciates Sture Emby's teachings on life and self-knowledge, Anthony Robbins's methods for personal development, and Are Waerland's advocacy for vegetarianism.
• Sven Magnusson: Credits Are Waerland for introducing him to vegetarianism and raw food, the concept of unity mysticism, and Swedish literature, particularly poetry.

Other Sections

The issue also includes sections on "Läsarforum" (Reader Forum) with personal anecdotes, advertisements for spiritual services and products, and a brief mention of an international conference on culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are spirituality, personal development, the exploration of the unknown (UFOs), and critical examination of established beliefs and authorities. The magazine appears to provide a platform for alternative viewpoints and personal spiritual journeys, while also engaging in critical analysis of both spiritual movements and scientific skepticism. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore diverse perspectives on life, consciousness, and unexplained phenomena.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 3/1998
Volume: 40
Date: March 1998
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0284-3965
Cover Price: 40 SEK
Cover Headline: Internet

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated March 1998, presents a comprehensive guide to internet resources and spiritual events, with a strong focus on New Age, UFO phenomena, and personal development. The cover prominently features the word "Internet" alongside an artistic depiction of a woman's face, suggesting a theme of digital exploration within the spiritual realm.

Internet Resources

The magazine dedicates a significant section to "Svenska sajter av new age-typ" (Swedish New Age-type sites), offering a directory of websites related to spirituality, esotericism, astrology, and alternative health. This includes links to sites like HelgonNet, Esoteria Bookshop, Vattumannen, and various personal homepages of individuals offering services or information in these fields. A subsection titled "Ny forskning, nya tankar" (New research, new thoughts) highlights organizations such as the Society for Parapsychological Research and the Network for Transcendent Science, along with Swedish UFO organizations and websites related to skepticism.

Ängsbacka Festival 98

A major focus of the issue is the upcoming "Ängsbacka festivalen 98" (Ängsbacka Festival 98), a "No Mind Celebration Festival" taking place from July 3rd to 9th. This festival is described as a gathering for people from diverse backgrounds interested in self-knowledge and inner exploration. The festival aims to foster a state of "No Mind," characterized by inner stillness, clarity, and love, free from the constraints of past and future. It emphasizes "Celebration" as living intensely in the present moment.

The festival is held at Ängsbacka Kursgård in Värmland, Sweden, a venue that offers courses year-round in self-knowledge and meditation, often featuring world-renowned authorities. The festival itself promises a wide array of activities, including concerts, workshops, ceremonies, rituals, and meditations, allowing attendees to choose their own path of participation. The festival also features a "Kids Special Festival" for children and teenagers, with tailored activities and leadership.

Concerts and Performances

• Several musical acts are highlighted for the festival:
• Thomas Di Leva returns with "The Spirit of Love," known for his warm, humorous, and insightful performances.
• Sister Qat and Inspecta with Yarden Riddims represent a new generation of reggae artists, blending reggae with hip-hop and ragga.
• Mandala Dakini Band will perform meditative, ethno-influenced music dedicated to Poonjaji.

Workshops and Activities

• The festival offers a rich program of workshops and activities, including:
• Indbildningsorkestret: Popular musicians from Copenhagen known for their blend of folk music, kletzmer, and improvisation.
• Didgeridoo: Learning to play the ancient instrument with Ilya Magnes and Pauli from Mandala Dakini.
• Tantra and Heart Dance: Led by Pratibha, these workshops focus on chanting, dancing, and opening the heart, promoting love, joy, and ecstasy.
• Heart Celebration: Facilitated by Ma Prem Turiya, this session aims to foster presence, togetherness, and community through vulnerability and joy.
• Shamanism and Sufism: Workshops include "Zikr," "Secrets of the Internal Chi," "Empowerment of the Rainbow Body," and "In the Garden of Knowers" as part of Sufi teachings. Derk Loeks from the USA will lead workshops on spirituality and permaculture.
• Glödvandring (Firewalking): A ceremony for transformation and healing, with Peggy Dylan, the originator of the Western firewalking tradition, leading workshops on spirit, women, and spiritual power.
• Svetthyddaceremoni (Sweat Lodge Ceremony): A ritual for transformation and rebirth, designed to connect participants with their origins and inner selves.
• Shamanistiska Trumresor (Shamanic Drum Journeys): Exploring spirit animals and expanding intuition with guided drum journeys.
• Voice Dialogue: Introduced by Jaques Laurent from France, this method explores inner selves and subconscious patterns.
• Ceremonies for Mother Earth and the Feminine Urkraft: Women gather to reconnect with the earth, share experiences, and celebrate feminine energy, creativity, and beauty.
• Onya C Dowling, Leela, and Berit Jarama offer workshops based on Sufi and shamanic traditions.
• Kono Kono (Deep Massage) and Hono Hono (Healing): An introduction to traditional Maori medicine and massage.
• Tanga Umu Waira: A traditional Maori sweat lodge ceremony.
• Maoriprinsessan Erena Rangimarie Rere Omatri Rhöse will share her knowledge of traditional Maori medicine.
• Satsang: Spontaneous dialogues with Nukunu, designed to create a field of resonance and awaken realization.
• How to Live Joyously Moment to Moment: Exploring an inner state of being beyond external circumstances.
• Body Awareness and Group Integration: Workshops using theatrical expression, voice liberation, yoga, and body therapy.
• Välsignade Tystnad (Blessed Silence): Exploring wisdom and light through meditation techniques, including those from Osho.

Practical Information

The festival costs 2900 SEK, including workshops, music, vegetarian food, and tent space. Single-day tickets are not available. Additional costs apply for dormitory or tent rental. Participants are advised to bring their own sleeping bags and meditation cushions. Children aged 0-5 are free, 6-12 pay 500 SEK, and teenagers pay 800 SEK. No rooms are available for rent at the venue; nearby accommodation options are provided.

Registration details, including payment by bank giro, are outlined, along with information on purchasing tickets through Gaia Center and Vattumannen in Stockholm or Näckrosens Bokhandel in Göteborg. Travel information, including directions by bus and car from various cities, is also provided.

Other Sections

• Zen and Martial Arts: Features Aikido with Mouliko Halén and Tai Chi with Göran Strandberg. Zen Chi Do is presented by Vasant, founder of "The School of Zen Martial Arts and Centering."
• Behandlingar (Treatments): Information on booking individual treatments with workshop leaders during the festival.
• Drogfritt (Drug-free): The festival pub will be open in the evenings, and the event is alcohol and drug-free.
• Tider (Times): The festival begins on Friday, July 4th, with an opening ceremony at 21:00. Registration opens at 10:00 on Friday. The festival concludes on Thursday, July 9th, with a full moon party, and departure is on Friday, July 10th.
• Information: Contact details for Ängsbacka Kursgård, including phone, fax, and email, are provided.
• Övrigt (Other): A call for volunteers to help with festival preparations in May and June.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of consciousness, spirituality, and self-development, facilitated by both online resources and in-person events like the Ängsbacka Festival. The magazine promotes a holistic approach to life, integrating mind, body, and spirit. The editorial stance appears to be one of openness to diverse spiritual paths and practices, encouraging personal growth and self-discovery. The emphasis on the "Internet" as a resource suggests an embrace of new technologies for disseminating spiritual and self-help information. The inclusion of UFO-related content indicates an interest in unexplained phenomena as part of a broader exploration of reality beyond the conventional.