Sokaren - 1999 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 1, 1999, Årgång 36
Date: January 1999
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish magazine focused on 'life questions' (livsfrågor), features a cover story on the Sri Yantra mandala, artwork by Birgitta Tillander. The magazine explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, alternative science, and social activism.

Articles and Features

Sri Yantra: The Sacred Geometry

The issue opens with an exploration of the Sri Yantra, a complex geometric mandala used in Hindu traditions. Birgitta Tillander's artwork is featured, and the article delves into the concept of sound creating form, referencing Dr. Hans Jenny's kymatik research. The Sri Yantra is described as a representation of Krishna's energy and the heart chakra, with its nine triangles symbolizing sacred numbers and divine aspects. The article also touches upon the idea of 'OM' as the primordial sound of creation.

Right Livelihood Award 1998

Åsa Freij reports on the 1998 Right Livelihood Award ceremony, highlighting activists fighting for peace, health, and the environment. The award's founder, Jakob von Uexkull, is mentioned, along with the ceremony held at the Swedish Parliament. Key recipients included Samuel Epstein for his work on environmental toxins and cancer, the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) for their advocacy for breastfeeding, and organizations from Croatia working for peace and reconciliation. The article emphasizes the award's recognition of individuals and groups working tirelessly for a better world, often against greed and environmental destruction.

Eva Moberg Receives Sökaren's Wisdom Prize

Eva Moberg, a debater and dramatist, is awarded the 'Sökarens klokpris' (Sökaren's wisdom prize) for her critical perspective on the cultural elite's and media's treatment of the New Age movement. Moberg argues that 'New Age' has been unfairly dismissed as superstition, losing its potential as a paradigm shift. She criticizes the methods used to discredit it, such as 'invisibilization' and 'ridicule,' and notes how elements initially associated with New Age, like acupuncture and yoga, have become mainstream. Moberg also touches upon the importance of understanding symbols and myths, and expresses a hope for a 'revolution of feelings' in the coming decades.

God's Monologue

This section presents a piece titled 'Guds monolog' (God's Monologue), written by Sökaren's editor. It's an imaginative exploration of what it might be like to be God, contemplating creation, consciousness, and the nature of existence from a solitary, self-aware perspective. The monologue touches on themes of loneliness, creation, free will, and the inherent imperfections of the created world, ending with a plea for help in creating a better world.

The Forgotten Language: Spirituality and Sacred Symbols

Kerstin Stina Carlsson writes about 'Det glömda språket' (The Forgotten Language), referring to the language of symbols and myths that was once central to spirituality. She argues that the rise of rationalism has led to a decline in the ability to interpret these symbols, which are crucial for understanding the deeper meaning of life. Carlsson discusses various symbols, including the Yin-Yang and the cross, and their multifaceted interpretations across cultures and traditions. She emphasizes that symbols help bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual realms, the visible and invisible, and the finite and infinite.

A Newly Awakened Guru from Australia Visits Sweden

Åsa Freij reports on Vartman, a 31-year-old Australian who is described as a 'newly awakened guru' visiting Sweden. Vartman, who has received blessings from Gangaji, leads 'satsangs' (spiritual gatherings) where he speaks about love, consciousness, and self-realization. He emphasizes that true peace and freedom come from resting in one's true self, beyond the mind's constant activity. The article includes an interview with Dana Hofford, who describes Vartman's teachings as a transformative experience that led to her 'death and rebirth,' bringing a profound sense of liberation.

The Source of All Renewal?

Erland Lagerroth reviews Amit Goswami's book 'The Self-Aware Universe,' which proposes that consciousness creates the material world, drawing on quantum physics and 'monistic idealism.' Goswami suggests that the universe is self-aware through humans, and that the 'quantum self' is the seat of freedom, creativity, and renewal. Lagerroth discusses the concept of wave function collapse and the role of observation in manifesting reality. He also touches upon Goswami's ideas on personal transformation and the importance of creativity and 'quantum leaps' in ethics. While acknowledging the book's speculative nature, Lagerroth finds merit in its challenge to materialistic and deterministic views, suggesting a synthesis with theories of self-organizing systems.

Thoughts on Life

Bengt Petersen shares his personal journey of life and spiritual exploration. He recounts how early influences from writers like Jan Fridegård, Vilhelm Ekelund, and Harry Martinson, along with his practice of Zen meditation, shaped his understanding of life. Petersen expresses a detachment from trendy spiritual concepts like 'ascended masters' and 'channeling,' preferring to find meaning in direct experience and observation of the natural world and human consciousness. He advocates for a life of love, giving, and acceptance, finding value in simple existence and connection with others.

News from the UFO World

This section presents several short news items related to ufology and related phenomena:

• Crop Circle Research: Nancy Talbott, part of the BLT Research Team, discusses findings from investigations into crop circles, suggesting that abnormal changes in plants and soil, such as rapid heating effects, point towards non-human origins and potential links to UFOs.
• ITK Group in Sweden: The formation of the Swedish Network for Instrumental Transcommunication (SNIT) is announced, an online forum for serious discussion and research into communication with other dimensions via electronic means.
• Chinese UFO Research: China is reportedly investing in UFO research, hoping to gain knowledge of advanced technology from potential UFO encounters.
• Producer Reports: A quote from Edgerton Y. Davis suggests that certain chemical substances can produce scientific reports, hinting at the artificiality of some scientific claims.
• Poor Research: Hans-Olov Adami, a professor of cancer epidemiology, is quoted stating that a significant problem in research is not the lack of it, but the prevalence of poor-quality research.
• Uninvited Guests: Nick Pope, a former UK Ministry of Defence UFO investigator, discusses his research into abduction phenomena, noting the commonality of small, alien-like beings and the possibility of a hybridization program.
• Parapsychology Congress: A symposium on parapsychology is planned for the World Congress of Psychology in Stockholm in 2000.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of spirituality, science, and societal issues. There's a clear interest in alternative perspectives, challenging established scientific and cultural paradigms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while embracing phenomena that lie beyond conventional understanding. The magazine promotes personal growth, ethical awareness, and a deeper connection with oneself and the universe. There's a recurring critique of materialism and a call for a more holistic and conscious approach to life and society.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 1/1999
Volume: 21
Date: January 1999
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0283-2579
Cover Headline: Andlighet har många ansikten (Spirituality has many faces)

This issue of Sökaren magazine, with the cover theme "Spirituality has many faces," explores a wide range of spiritual, esoteric, and New Age topics. The magazine features book reviews, articles, and personal reflections on subjects including mediumship, healing, mysticism, ufology, and personal development.

Book Reviews (Bokfloden)

Själens styrka (The Strength of the Soul) by Rosemary Altea Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book is described as a relatively superficial but interesting piece of entertainment literature on important questions. Rosemary Altea, a medium and healer, claims to be in constant contact with an Apache Indian spirit guide named Grey Eagle. The book recounts her experiences, including facilitating reunions between deceased children and their parents. Altea emphasizes that souls in the spirit world are not unreachable and can influence the lives of the living.

Magi (Magic) by Dénis Lindbohm Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book by veteran Swedish esotericist Dénis Lindbohm explores the magical tradition. Lindbohm's language is noted as unusually clear and personal for the subject matter. He introduces new concepts like 'falkatna,' 'golkatna,' and 'serokatna' to describe spiritual energy and the condensation of conscious souls. The book also draws on Lindbohm's memories of his mother's knowledge of magical practices, including healing rituals and the use of amulets.

Oförklarligt (Unexplained) - Edited by Åke Persson This book is aimed at readers with a "light" interest in the supernatural, such as those who read weekly magazines. The reviewer, SM, suggests it offers little for those with a "deep," serious, and intelligent interest in the paranormal. Despite an ambitious-looking bibliography, the book contains errors and misleading information, presenting events uncritically.

Gammal visdom (Old Wisdom) - Sufi wisdom words by Ibn Ata Allah This section, marked with 'SM,' presents Sufi wisdom, with an example quote about the value of solitude for contemplation.

Handen skriver själv (The Hand Writes Itself) - Konsten att skriva automatisk skrift (The Art of Automatic Writing) by Edain McCoy Reviewed by SM, this book is described as an unscientific work. The reviewer criticizes McCoy's knowledge, citing her classification of Brad Steiger as a well-known parapsychological researcher, which the reviewer disputes. SM points to the work of Professor Ian Stevenson as a more credible source on automatic writing, noting that researchers generally view it as a manifestation of the subconscious rather than communication with spirits. Information on Stevenson's work is provided via an internet link.

Tala med djur (Talk to Animals) - Kommunicera med djur (Communicate with Animals) by Arthur Myers Reviewed by SM, this book compiles interviews with American "animal communicators" who believe animals can think and communicate telepathically. Myers, a journalist, presents cases that support this hypothesis, though he himself has not experienced such communication. The reviewer notes a certain monotony in the interviews, with many communicators having had unhappy childhoods, suggesting a possible link between a lack of human connection and a heightened ability to connect with animals. The reviewer finds some claims, such as animals creating poetry or reincarnating as different species, to be fanciful.

Meditationer om karma (Meditations on Karma) by Paul Brunton Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book is a compilation of Paul Brunton's thoughts on karma. Brunton, known for his work introducing Eastern philosophy to the West, explores karma from various angles, contrasting Eastern passive fatalism with Western active initiative. The reviewer praises the Swedish translation by Robert Larson but notes a lack of structured disposition, as it reads like a notebook. However, Aronsson acknowledges Brunton's deep understanding of the subject.

Helande på alla nivåer (Healing on All Levels) by Shakti Gawain Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book by Shakti Gawain addresses the need to balance and integrate the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of healing. Gawain emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing negative emotions rather than simply "letting go" of them. The book includes meditations and practical exercises.

Reiki - Att hela genom beröring (Reiki - To Heal Through Touch) by Tamara Honervogt Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this practical guide to Reiki healing is aimed at those who have taken courses or are considering doing so. The book covers Reiki's history, theory, and applications for humans, animals, and even the planet. It is described as having attractive color illustrations.

Rör dig fri (Move Freely) by Birgitta Birath This book introduces "brain gym," a movement therapy designed to improve the connection between the brain's hemispheres. The reviewer, Gunnar Martin Aronsson, notes that it is a relatively new method, not yet recognized by conventional medicine, but used in sports training and school health services. The book includes simple exercises that can be done independently.

Frigörande dans (Liberating Dance) by Anne Grundel This book describes how dance can be used for personal development and healing. It includes personal accounts and exercises, and a CD with music by Ale Möller is available.

Reflexologi & meridianterapi (Reflexology & Meridian Therapy) by Inge Dougans Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this is described as a more technical textbook on reflexology and meridian therapy, combining classical zone therapy with Chinese medicine principles. The reviewer notes the lack of clinical studies supporting reflexology in Denmark but suggests the book is a thorough guide for those seriously interested in learning the subject.

Ramtha: De Forntida Visdomsskolorna (Ramtha: The Ancient Wisdom Schools) Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this is the first book by Ramtha published in Swedish. It contains transcripts of lectures given by Ramtha (channeled by JZ Knight) in 1988, focusing on ancient wisdom schools. Jacobson finds the text to be a continuous flow of words with vivid metaphors and rhetorical questions, making it difficult to find substance. He suggests the book is primarily for existing followers.

På änglavingar (On Angel Wings) by Mariana Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book follows "Jan" (implied to be Jan Fridegård) through various classes in an "angel school" after death. The reviewer finds it easy to read and pleasant, offering a different perspective than Ramtha's teachings. It is recommended for readers new to spiritual concepts.

Articles and Features

Mäster Eckhart, mystiker (Meister Eckhart, Mystic) by Bengt Petersen This article explores the life and teachings of the 13th-century mystic Meister Eckhart. Petersen discusses Eckhart's concept of God, noting the difficulty in fully grasping it due to Eckhart's use of paradoxical language and his attempts to describe the ineffable. The article touches upon Eckhart's views on divine will, suffering, and the concept of the "Godhead" as distinct from the traditional Trinity. Petersen also notes the influence of medieval societal structures on Eckhart's theology.

Min tro, mitt sökande (My Faith, My Search) by Margit Christoffersson A personal reflection on faith, the search for meaning, and the belief in a divine presence. Christoffersson expresses a desire to share her inner journey and her belief in God's presence in all aspects of life.

Sökandet (The Search) by Birgit Cars This piece discusses the human drive for meaning and the search for spiritual understanding, referencing Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's idea of striving for increasing consciousness. It also mentions Eva Moberg's essay "Vårt förakt för New Age" (Our Contempt for New Age) as a defense and explanation of the New Age movement.

Läsarforum (Reader Forum) This section includes a prayer to the Holy Spirit for problem-solving and a thank-you note from ACN for publishing the prayer. It also features a recommendation for the magazine Sökaren.

Ravi Shankars två steg till upplysning (Ravi Shankar's Two Steps to Enlightenment) - Reportage by Peter Jansson This reportage details a visit by Indian guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to Sweden. Jansson describes Shankar's charismatic presence, his emphasis on humor and clarity, and his practical techniques for increasing life force (prana) through breathing exercises, meditation, and healthy living. Shankar's philosophy of "becoming nobody" to achieve enlightenment is discussed, along with the idea that this process leads to a greater sense of joy and universal connection.

Lindra nöd – bygga skolor (Alleviate Distress – Build Schools) - andlighet i praktiken för svenska Tibetvänner (Spirituality in Practice for Swedish Tibet Friends) This article highlights the work of the Swedish-Tibetan School and Culture Association, which supports education for Tibetan children in exile and in Tibet. The association's 10th-anniversary celebration is described, emphasizing their commitment to practical action in their spiritual pursuits. The article mentions the association's support for schools in Tibet and Nepal, as well as their disaster relief efforts.

Chopra i Sverige (Chopra in Sweden) This brief report covers a seminar by Indian-American guru Deepak Chopra in Stockholm. The article mentions Chopra's teachings on the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of intuition, and the stages of romantic relationships, equating them to spiritual development.

Ängeln Elvira (Angel Elvira) - Saga av Malin Helena A personal narrative about a grandmother's belief in her guardian angel, Elvira. The story recounts how Elvira's presence brought comfort and protection to the grandmother during her childhood and how this belief influenced her understanding of love and life.

Individuell Astro-terapi (Individual Astro-therapy) This is an advertisement for Inga-Britt Lundqvist, an anthroposophical and astro-therapist offering services related to understanding one's life purpose, personality, and inner patterns.

Regnum - Ljus- och ljudstimulering (Light and Sound Stimulation) This is an advertisement for Regnum, a company specializing in light and sound stimulation systems for personal and spiritual development. They offer products like the Orion system for relaxation, mental training, and ESP development, as well as the "Sacred Ground" program for meditation.

Trots Allt (Despite Everything) This section introduces "Trots Allt," a magazine that explores life questions, culture, and society from a Christian perspective. It aims to be a publication for those who are still searching and not yet settled in their beliefs. The magazine features interviews, reports, life stories, chronicles, and articles by a diverse range of writers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around spirituality, personal growth, and the search for meaning. The magazine showcases a variety of approaches to spirituality, from traditional mysticism and esoteric practices to more contemporary New Age beliefs and practices. There is a clear emphasis on the practical application of spiritual insights and the importance of integrating spiritual understanding into daily life. The magazine also highlights the growing interest in spirituality in Sweden, often outside of traditional religious frameworks, while also acknowledging the relevance of Christian spirituality as explored in the "Trots Allt" section. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and curious, encouraging readers to explore different paths and perspectives in their personal and spiritual journeys.

Title: Pilgrim
Subtitle: EN TIDSKRIFT FÖR ANDLIG VÄGLEDNING (A Magazine for Spiritual Guidance)
Issue: 4, 1999
Publisher: Bokförlaget Cordia
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Pilgrim, a Swedish magazine focused on spiritual guidance, opens with an editorial by Peter Halldorf, the editor, who posits that the human thirst for deeper meaning is what defines humanity and makes one a pilgrim. The magazine aims to take this spiritual thirst seriously, offering guidance for the inner life through four well-filled thematic issues annually. Its reference group is noted for making Pilgrim a unique ecumenical voice that speaks the language of experience and draws from the classic sources of the Christian faith.

Testimonials

The magazine features testimonials from several prominent figures:

• Anders Piltz, an ideahistorian and Catholic priest, states that in contrast to the noise of media marketing, one must seek the desert and the quiet teachers who have something to say, which is why he reads Pilgrim.
• KG Hammar, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, describes Pilgrim as a regular reader's participation in the accumulated experience of the Christian church regarding spiritual life and deepening. He also highlights it as a rare example of a functioning ecumenical movement in contemporary times, questioning who would dare to stand outside this "life stream."
• Per Mases, Director at S:t Davidsgården in Rättvik, reads Pilgrim because he encounters fresh and authentic spirituality there. He finds the articles always relevant and, importantly, always in harmony with classical theology.

Magazine Themes and Content

Three specific thematic issues are visually represented on the cover:

• Trofasthet (Faithfulness)
• Vänskap (Friendship)
• Urskillning (Discernment)

These themes suggest the core content areas the magazine explores, focusing on aspects of spiritual growth and Christian living.

Subscription Information

Page 2 and 3 provide detailed subscription offers:

• Trial Offer: Receive the first issue of "Trots Allt" (another magazine from the publisher) or "Pilgrim" without cost when ordering a continuous subscription. Subscribers receive an invoice for each issue and can cancel at any time. The introductory price for one issue of Pilgrim is 20 SEK (regular price 70 SEK).
• Yearly Subscription: A year-long subscription to "Trots Allt" is available for a campaign price of 249 SEK (regular price 349 SEK) and includes a free book. A year-long subscription to "Pilgrim" costs 260 SEK and also includes a free book.
• Book Premiums: Subscribers can choose from several books as a premium:
• "Solidaritet, en antologi" (Solidarity, an anthology) edited by Tomas Andersson.
• "Ande och bokstav" (Spirit and Letter) by Peter Halldorf.
• "Maskrosor, nobelpris & meningen med livet" (Dandelions, Nobel Prize & the Meaning of Life).
• "Stororden" (The Great Words) edited by Magnus Sundell.
• Information Request: Readers can request more information about the book publishing activities of Cordia by ticking a box.

The subscription offer is valid for new subscribers within the Nordic region until November 15, 1999. The mailing address for subscriptions is Svarspost, Kundnummer 410256904, SE-404 20 Göteborg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Pilgrim" positions itself as a guide for spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of inner life and spiritual thirst. Its editorial stance appears to be rooted in classical Christian theology while actively promoting ecumenism, bridging different Christian traditions. The content focuses on practical aspects of faith, such as faithfulness, friendship, and discernment, presented in a way that is accessible and enriching for the reader's spiritual development. The testimonials reinforce the magazine's commitment to authentic spirituality and theological depth.