Sokaren - 2000 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: Nr 2, 2000 (årgång 37)
Date: March 2000
Publisher: SÖKAREN
Country: Sweden
Price: 50:- inkl moms

This issue of Sökaren magazine delves into spiritual and esoteric themes, with a cover story focusing on encounters with angels and other otherworldly beings, based on the research of Kersti Wistrand.

Feature Articles

Semester med andliga förtecken (Spiritual Holiday)

This reportage by Eva Sanner takes readers to the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands, highlighting its meditation centers, alternative therapies, and the presence of dolphins. The article features the Argayall center in Valle Gran Rey, which welcomes teachers and groups for various spiritual practices. It describes Argayall as a place for meditation, spiritual development, and a different way of living. The center offers programs in tantra, meditation, and esoteric studies, as well as corporate wellness retreats. The vegetarian food at Argayall is noted, and the center provides accommodation options from rooms to large tents. The article also mentions Marianne Lidfors-Malmström, who leads group tours focused on dolphin encounters and spiritual experiences outside of La Gomera.

Psykiska biverkningar vid organtransplantation (Psychological Side Effects of Organ Transplantation)

Authored by Bo G. Johnson, this article examines the esoteric implications of organ transplantation. It discusses the philosophical question of identity after transplantation and explores the idea that transplanted organs might carry memories or personality traits from the donor. The author references beliefs about the soul being carried in blood and the potential for energetic transfer. The article touches upon the concept of 'life threads' and the spiritual implications of brain death criteria used for organ donation. It raises concerns about the potential for karmic entanglement between donor and recipient and the impact on spiritual development. The author also references the work of Rupert Sheldrake on morphic fields and the idea of memory transfer between organisms.

Utanför kroppen-upplevelser (Out-of-Body Experiences)

This reportage by Viveka Lindgren focuses on out-of-body experiences (OBEs), particularly those occurring during childbirth. It features the story of 'Maria' (a pseudonym), who experienced leaving her body during a difficult delivery. The article highlights the research of psychologist Kersti Wistrand, who has studied OBEs and near-death experiences for over 30 years. Wistrand's upcoming book explores the spiritual journeys of women during childbirth and their subsequent life changes. The article draws parallels between modern OBEs and ancient spiritual traditions, such as those of the Sami shamans and Indian yogis. It discusses how these experiences can lead to profound personal transformations, though in rare cases, they can also be frightening. The article also touches upon the concept of archetypes and the collective unconscious, as described by Carl Jung.

Är materialisationer möjliga? (Are Materializations Possible?)

Written by Jan Erik Sigdell, this article delves into the phenomenon of materialization, particularly in the context of discussions surrounding Sai Baba. Sigdell, who has studied Ayurveda and Indian philosophy, presents his theory that materializations can occur in four ways: true materialization, copying of existing objects, translocation (paranormal transfer), and trickery. He suggests that while true materialization is rare and energetically demanding, other methods are more common. Sigdell shares personal experiences with a swami in India, noting both convincing and questionable instances of materialization. He also discusses the concept of 'siddhis' (supernatural powers) in Indian traditions, warning against their use as they can hinder spiritual development.

Samtal om New Age (Conversation about New Age)

This section features a report by Åsa Freij on a seminar held at Liljevalchs konsthall in Stockholm titled "New Age - Religion of the 21st Century?". The panel included Inga Sanner (historian), Annika Waldenström (Akal Center), Lena Kristina Tuulse (psychologist), and Torbjörn Freij (columnist). The discussion explored whether New Age constitutes a unified religion, with participants offering diverse perspectives. Lena Kristina Tuulse emphasized the importance of spiritual development and the integration of new therapies. Torbjörn Freij, representing a Christian viewpoint, expressed concerns about subjectivism within New Age. The article notes that while many attendees were interested in spiritual questions, few identified as belonging to a New Age movement. The discussion also touched upon the historical evolution of spiritual consciousness through astrological ages, as proposed by Caroline Myss.

Läsarforum (Reader's Forum)

This section includes several reader contributions:

• Kärleksfull mat – några funderingar (Loving Food – Some Thoughts) by Carin Karlsson, who questions whether consuming food that nature offers freely, such as fruits, berries, and seeds, is a more ethical choice. She discusses the ethical considerations of vegetarianism and the idea of minimizing harm to living beings.
• Om vegetarianer och moral (On Vegetarians and Morality) by Bo Carlstedt, who responds to Bertil Falk's article. Carlstedt argues that while humans share genetic material with plants, the capacity for suffering differs, making the ethical choice to be vegetarian a personal one, not necessarily indicative of higher morality.
• Om ockultismens farlighet (On the Danger of Occultism) by Rutger Bergström, who warns against the dangers of occult practices like meditation, especially when combined with alcohol. He recounts a case where meditation led to severe anxiety and psychological distress.
• Replik till Bertil Falk (Reply to Bertil Falk) by Anders Sjöberg, who critiques Bertil Falk's review of a book on meditation, arguing that Falk misunderstood the text's emphasis on the importance of spiritual community.
• Apropå Sai Baba (Regarding Sai Baba), a reader contribution that includes an excerpt from Alice Bailey's "Esoteric Psychology II," discussing how supernatural powers are not necessarily indicative of divinity and can be used by both positive and negative forces.

Bokfloden (Book Reviews)

• Helandets kraft (Healing Power) by Caroline Myss, reviewed by Kerstin Stina Carlsson. The review highlights Myss's exploration of the connection between physical and spiritual health, and her theory of the evolution of consciousness through astrological ages, leading to the concept of 'symbol power' in the Aquarian Age.
• Magi (Magic) by Cassandra Eason, reviewed by Kerstin Stina Carlsson. The review discusses the book's focus on modern witchcraft and ritual practices, particularly for women, and raises concerns about the potential psychological impact of engaging with such practices.
• Kristallnyckeln (Crystal Key) by Jette Holm, reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson. The review describes the book as an alphabetical guide to crystals and their purported healing properties, but the reviewer expresses skepticism about the claims made regarding the specific effects of various minerals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, alternative healing, esoteric knowledge, and personal transformation. There is a clear interest in phenomena such as out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, reincarnation, and the New Age movement. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these topics from various perspectives, including scientific, philosophical, and anecdotal accounts, while also presenting critical viewpoints and debates. The magazine encourages readers to question, explore, and seek deeper understanding of life's mysteries.

This issue of Sökaren, dated 2/2000, is a Swedish magazine focusing on spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and personal development. The cover headline, "Mystik behöver inte vara mystisk" (Mysticism doesn't have to be mystical), sets the tone for several articles exploring inner experiences and consciousness.

Book Reviews

Sinnesfrid: Finn lugnet i ditt liv by Lena Katarina Swanberg Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book is described as a "thought book" offering "thoughts, reflections, wise advice, and concrete exercises that can help you achieve greater inner peace." Jacobson praises the book for its relatable content and practical advice, highlighting quotes that emphasize self-acceptance and the importance of inner conviction.

Steget ut by Jan Karlsson This practical handbook for starting and running a business as a therapist is reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson. Karlsson, a body therapist, focuses on the practical aspects of self-employment, including motivation, public speaking, handling finances, and overcoming mental blocks, drawing from his experience as a Rosen therapist.

Hur man ser bra utan glasögon by Robert-Michael Kaplan Nils-Olof Jacobson reviews this book by optometrist Robert-Michael Kaplan, which offers exercises and advice for improving vision naturally. The book emphasizes the connection between the body and mind, and a healthy lifestyle. Jacobson notes Kaplan's claim of being able to stop wearing glasses and expresses interest in hearing from Swedish readers who achieve similar results.

Transcendens eller psykos? by Kerstin Stina Carlsson This book, written by Kerstin Stina Carlsson, is a personal account of a spiritual awakening that led to experiences of "divine madness" and hospitalizations in psychiatric clinics. Carlsson critiques the psychiatric system for its lack of empathy and understanding of spiritual crises. The review, written from a psychiatric perspective, acknowledges that Carlsson exhibited symptoms of psychosis but also highlights the potential for spiritual experiences to be misinterpreted by the system.

Öst eller väst: Munken och filosofen by Jean-François Revel and Matthieu Ricard Reviewed by Nils-Olof Jacobson, this book presents a dialogue between father and son, exploring Eastern (Buddhism) and Western philosophy. Jean-François Revel, a former proponent of the 'new philosophers,' critiques communism, while his son Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk, offers insights into Buddhist teachings. The review notes the book's discussion of topics like morality, consciousness, and reincarnation, finding the son's perspective on reincarnation difficult to grasp.

En liten bok om kärlek by Jacob Needleman Reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, this book explores the concept of love. Needleman's exploration of love is described as a "theme soup" that is sometimes confusing due to his use of various historical meanings of the word. Aronsson offers his own definition of love as a science of life, distinct from infatuation.

Ondska eller fri vilja: Det onda eller Frihetens drama by Rüdiger Safranski This philosophical work by Rüdiger Safranski examines the nature of evil and the dilemma of free will. Safranski argues that humanity, through its free will, has created a godless and sinful existence. The review notes Safranski's pessimistic outlook on civilization's self-destruction but suggests that acting as if good will prevail can help one cope.

Charles Darwin by Thomas Hylland Eriksen Rolf Ejvegård reviews this accessible introduction to Charles Darwin's life and work. The book is praised for its clarity, though some repetition is noted. It covers Darwin's early life, his scientific contributions, and the development of his theory of evolution, while also touching on the lack of vocal creationists in Scandinavia.

Spräng Skolan! by Bengt-Erik Andersson This book, reviewed by Gunnar Martin Aronsson, challenges traditional educational systems. Andersson, a professor of developmental psychology, advocates for a mental "explosion" of schools, proposing a shift in pedagogy towards student-centered learning and a new understanding of human potential.

Articles and Columns

Mystik eller lyckopiller? by Kerstin Stina Carlsson This article, drawing heavily from Stanislav Grof's work, explores the nature of mysticism and its relationship to altered states of consciousness, termed "holotropic states." Carlsson argues that mystical experiences are a fundamental part of human existence and have been central to various cultures and religions. She critiques the Western tendency to pathologize such experiences and advocates for a deeper scientific understanding of consciousness.

Medvetandeforskning (Consciousness Research) This section discusses the importance of consciousness research and the potential of holotropic states. It highlights Stanislav Grof's theories on the brain as a TV set and consciousness as the program, emphasizing that consciousness is not located within the brain. The article also touches upon the historical use of "sacred technology" to induce altered states and the potential dangers of misinterpreting or suppressing these experiences.

Det goda, det sanna, det sköna (The Good, the True, the Beautiful) This piece discusses the philosophical ideals of the good, the true, and the beautiful, referencing Plato and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. It explores the concept of ascending from love of individual beauty to the love of beauty itself, and the idea that beauty can save the world.

Mystikens värld (The World of Mysticism) This section features an excerpt from William Johnston's book, defining mysticism as a profound human experience that transcends religion. It also includes a message from the "Cosmic Christ" as presented by Matthew Fox, advocating for unity, harmony, and a celebration of life beyond religious divisions.

Bengt Petersen om livet (Bengt Petersen on Life) This section contains short reflections by Bengt Petersen on life, including "Livbojar och giftpilar" (Lifebuoys and Poison Arrows), "Att vara människa" (To Be Human), "Nära intill allt" (Close to Everything), "Vi måste tro" (We Must Believe), and "Över gränsen" (Over the Border), offering poetic and philosophical insights.

Sökarnytt (Seeker News) This section includes brief news items: - "Stjärnor" (Stars): Tidskrift för Hälsa (Health Magazine) has added an astrology section. - "Olika" (Various): A brief mention of Olav Hammer and Lene Nielsen, and their views on alternative therapies and life. - "Inget stöd för kristen etik i Bibeln" (No Support for Christian Ethics in the Bible): A quote from Torbjörn Tännsjö in DN Debatt arguing that the Bible does not support the concept of Christian ethics. - "Djurskydd" (Animal Protection): A quote from Mats Odell expressing concern about the influence of animal rights movements. - "Soppa" (Soup): A discussion about a potential explanation for the Socorro UFO case by Anders Persson, involving a promotional balloon. - "Homeopati": A critique of Torbjörn Fagerström's views on homeopathy and its relation to New Age.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of spirituality, consciousness, and personal growth, often through book reviews and personal reflections. There's a clear interest in alternative perspectives on psychology, religion, and the nature of reality, contrasting them with conventional scientific and medical viewpoints. The editorial stance appears to be open to mystical and spiritual experiences, advocating for their understanding and integration rather than dismissal or pathologization. The magazine also engages with philosophical questions about ethics, love, and the human condition, encouraging readers to seek deeper meaning and self-understanding.