Sokaren - 2003 No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 5
Volume: 40
Date: September 2003
Publisher: Sökaren
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0038-0504
Price: 50:- incl. VAT

This issue of Sökaren, a Swedish journal for life questions, explores a diverse range of topics including faith healing, parapsychology, consciousness, and alternative perspectives on science and reality.

Pastor Lars Lindström Heals with Prayer and Laying on of Hands

The issue opens with an article about Pastor Lars Lindström, who practices faith healing through prayer and laying on of hands at Samariterhemmet in Uppsala. The article details his ministry, including a moving account from Ethel Carlsson, who experienced a miraculous recovery from severe back pain after receiving his prayer. Lindström emphasizes that the healing power comes from God, not from himself, and discusses the historical tradition of healing within Christianity, noting its decline during the Reformation but its resurgence in some free churches. He also shares an anecdote about a woman with MS in England who was healed after a colleague prayed for her.

Little About Healing Research

This section delves into scientific research related to healing. It highlights the work of Stanley Krippner, a parapsychologist who has studied healing extensively. Krippner discusses experiments by biologist Bernard Grad, who found that rats treated by healers healed faster than those treated by medical students, and that water exposed to healers showed enhanced plant growth. Dr. Justa Smith's experiments with enzymes and Dolores Krieger's research on hemoglobin levels are also mentioned. Douglas Dean's findings on how water's spectral properties change when exposed to healers are presented as a potential explanation for healing's effects. The article also touches upon the work of William Braud and Lawrence LeShan, and acknowledges the skepticism surrounding these phenomena, with some attributing healing to psychological effects.

Sickness, Health, and Healing

Gunnar Martin Aronsson examines the historical and philosophical perspectives on sickness and health. He traces the concept of disease as a breach of cosmic order in ancient cultures, where medicine men and shamans played a crucial role. The article discusses the Jewish-Christian tradition, where sin was often linked to illness, and Jesus' role as a healer. It also references Hildegard of Bingen's holistic approach to healing, which combined diet, faith, and natural remedies. The concept of 'viriditas' (greenness) as a healing force is explored. The article further touches upon the healing properties attributed to relics, amulets, natural springs, and the Ayurvedic system's emphasis on balancing bodily humors.

Skepticism and Pseud-skepticism

This editorial piece, likely by Sven Magnusson (SM), discusses the nature of skepticism. It differentiates between genuine skepticism, which involves critical inquiry, and pseud-skepticism, which is characterized by a predetermined rejection of certain ideas, particularly those that challenge mainstream scientific views. The author argues that true skepticism should be open-minded and willing to question even established scientific paradigms, cautioning against a rigid adherence to current scientific dogma.

Thomas Wettergren, A Healer

This short piece introduces Thomas Wettergren as a healer. It mentions that he has been practicing healing for 20 years and that his work is based on the belief that healing comes from God. Wettergren's approach involves laying on of hands and prayer, and he has witnessed numerous cases of people being healed from various ailments.

He Heals the Earth

Therése Lindberg writes about Marko Pogacnik, a Slovenian artist and geomancer who works on 'earth healing.' Pogacnik believes that nature has vital forces and spirits that are often disrupted by human activity. He travels internationally, working with communities and authorities to restore balance to landscapes, using methods like geomantic interventions and the placement of 'litopuncture stones.' The article highlights his work in Germany to revitalize a park affected by coal mining and his communication with nature spirits, which he describes as receiving information in 'blocks' that he then translates.

A Psi Conference in London

Göran Brusewitz reports on a conference in London themed 'Living the Field,' organized by Lynne McTaggart. The conference explored concepts like the 'zero-point field' and its potential to unify various phenomena. Brusewitz notes the large attendance and the inclusion of practical workshops on healing, remote viewing, and animal telepathy. He highlights presentations by Larry Dossey on prayer and healing, and Gary Schwartz on mediums. Dr. Roger Nelson's 'Global Consciousness' project, which studies the potential influence of collective human consciousness on random number generators, is discussed, with reference to its findings during the 9/11 events. Rupert Sheldrake's research on animal telepathy and the 'feeling of being stared at' is also featured as particularly inspiring.

Michael Behe, A Dissident in the Scientific World

This article introduces Michael Behe, a biochemist who critiques Darwinian evolution. Behe argues that many biological systems exhibit 'irreducible complexity,' meaning they could not have evolved through gradual steps but must have been designed by an intelligent creator. His book, 'Darwin's Black Box,' uses the human eye as an example of such complexity. Behe contends that science should not shy away from conclusions that suggest intelligent design, as its goal is to uncover objective truths about the physical world.

The True Picture of Reality?

Willis Harman and Howard Rheingold's book 'Inspiration Moments' is discussed. The article highlights Harman's background as a technologist and futurist who experienced a profound out-of-body experience, leading him to question the purely materialistic worldview of science. They propose that the subconscious plays a vital role in creativity and problem-solving, and that our perception of reality is heavily shaped by culture. The concept of channeling and mysticism as sources of knowledge are also explored, along with different models of God (personal, cosmic play, and organic organism).

Alan Watts and the Glad Tidings

Kerstin Stina Carlsson writes about the philosopher and theologian Alan Watts. Watts believed that true spiritual authority comes from direct mystical experience, not from religious dogma. He viewed Jesus as a great mystic who understood his unity with the divine, and that the 'glad tidings' of the gospel are that all humans are divine beings. Watts critiqued Western religions for their exclusivity and proposed that the universe is not a creation but a cosmic play or an organic, living system.

Mediums Help the Police

Viveka Lindgren reports on cases where mediums have assisted the police in solving crimes. The article details the case of Saida Andersson, a clairvoyant who helped locate a missing person in Stockholm. It also recounts how a medium provided crucial details that led to the arrest of two men involved in the murder of a taxi driver in Sundsvall, highlighting the accuracy of the medium's information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Sökaren revolve around the intersection of spirituality, science, and personal experience. There is a strong emphasis on alternative healing methods, the exploration of consciousness, and the questioning of established scientific paradigms. The magazine appears to advocate for an open-minded approach to phenomena that lie beyond conventional scientific explanation, presenting research and personal accounts that challenge materialistic worldviews. The editorial stance seems to favor a holistic understanding of reality, integrating spiritual, psychological, and scientific perspectives.

This issue of Sökaren magazine, dated 5/2003, features a prominent article on the author Colin Wilson and his concept of 'Faculty X'. The magazine explores various topics related to the paranormal, spirituality, philosophy, and alternative healing.

Colin Wilson and Faculty X

The main article, authored by Hans Ljungqvist, delves into the life and work of Colin Wilson, born in 1931. Wilson's debut book, 'The Outsider' (1956), was an existential analysis of figures like Kafka, Hemingway, and Sartre, and became an instant success. The article highlights Wilson's lifelong quest for 'Faculty X', which he defines as a sixth sense or mental organ that enables individuals to experience flow and perceive the deeper meaning of existence. Wilson posits that 'Faculty X' is linked to the occult and the human attempt to master latent potential. He suggests that our everyday consciousness is a small island in a vast ocean of meaning, and that by actively training our mental muscle through 'Faculty X', we can regain control of our lives. The article also references Björn Rosendal's concept of the 'kresensitiv personlighet' (sensitive personality) as a parallel to Wilson's outsider.

Was Hitler Vegetarian?

This section presents a debate on whether Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. Rolf Ejvegård argues that serious research indicates he was, citing Albert Speer's memoirs and Hitler's known love for animals and strict animal protection laws. However, Ejvegård also notes that Hitler's vegetarianism might have been a matter of convenience or a personal choice rather than strict adherence. The article then presents counterarguments, referencing Erich Fromm and Roberta Kalechofsky, who suggest that Hitler did eat meat, including sausage and caviar. The conclusion is that while Hitler may have been predominantly vegetarian for periods, the evidence is not entirely conclusive, and the definition of vegetarianism itself is a point of contention.

Parapsychology and Evidence

This section features several articles discussing parapsychology. One article by Nils Wiklund argues that there are no definitive 'proofs' for psi phenomena, despite over a century of research. He criticizes the tendency of some parapsychologists to make unsubstantiated claims and advocates for rigorous scientific methods. Wiklund also points out that critics of parapsychology are often misinformed and that the field itself is controversial. Another article, quoting Stanley Krippner and Gerd H. Hövelmann, presents eleven recommendations for future parapsychological research, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor, critical self-reflection, and collaboration with critics. A piece by Rolf Ejvegård, a professor emeritus, defends parapsychology, stating that while definitive scientific proof may be lacking, personal experiences and ongoing research suggest the reality of paranormal phenomena. He criticizes academics who dismiss parapsychology without proper understanding.

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)

A report on a 13-year study published in The Lancet discusses near-death experiences (NDEs). The study found that patients who had NDEs showed greater acceptance of life and death, and more empathy. The researchers suggest that consciousness might exist independently of the brain, likening the brain to a receiver for electromagnetic information waves.

W.B. Yeats and the Occult

This article explores the mystical and occult interests of Irish poet W.B. Yeats. It details his early fascination with creating an occult society at Castle Rock and his involvement with organizations like the Theosophical Society and the Golden Dawn. Yeats's work is described as being influenced by Celtic myths, Christianity, and esoteric traditions, with a focus on themes of hatred as a path to spiritual understanding and cyclical views of history. His writings, particularly his prose sketches, are noted for their blend of Christian and pagan elements and their exploration of complex, often ambiguous, spiritual themes.

Alternative Healing and Spirituality

Several articles cover alternative healing methods and spiritual practices.

• 'Minghealing': This section introduces 'Minghealing', a method where practitioners channel healing energy from a non-earthly being named Chang Ming. Lars Engström, a practitioner, explains that this energy can be transmitted through hands and heart to promote healing and self-awareness. The article describes how individuals can learn to channel this energy and use it for personal well-being and to help others.
• 'Gud bor i hjärtat' (God Lives in the Heart): This book review discusses the concept of radical honesty as presented by Brad Blanton and Neale Donald Walsch. They advocate for speaking one's subjective truth in relationships and believe that this practice is a path to spiritual development.
• 'Visdom genom sex' (Wisdom Through Sex): A review of David Deida's book, which suggests that deep love and sexual connection can lead to spiritual enlightenment and a sense of universal unity.
• 'Godhetens paradoxer' (Paradoxes of Goodness): A review of Kent Keith's book, which offers ten paradoxical commandments for finding inner meaning in a chaotic world, emphasizing love, authenticity, and self-acceptance.
• 'Chopra om ayurveda' (Chopra on Ayurveda): This review discusses Deepak Chopra's book on Ayurveda, explaining the principles of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their role in health and well-being.
• 'Att tala med djur' (How to Talk to Animals): A review of Penelope Smith's book on telepathic communication with animals, suggesting that humans can develop this ability to understand and connect with animals.
• 'Healing: resan till läkedom' (Healing: The Journey to Healing): This review of Matthew Manning's book discusses his experiences with healing, including his work with cancer patients. The book offers a balanced perspective on conventional and alternative treatments and emphasizes the importance of psychological well-being and self-acceptance.
• 'Livet på andra sidan' (Life on the Other Side): A review of Sylvia Browne's book, which describes the afterlife based on her mediumistic experiences, portraying it as a peaceful and evolving realm.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of consciousness, spirituality, the paranormal, and alternative approaches to health and well-being. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and esoteric or mystical experiences. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and inquisitive, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to explore these topics further. The magazine seems to favor a holistic view of life, integrating mind, body, and spirit, and often highlights the importance of personal experience and inner exploration.

This document is a promotional piece for MusicAcupuncture, a company offering CDs designed for health, stress reduction, and spiritual well-being. The publication, likely a magazine issue or a large flyer, is primarily in Swedish and focuses on the therapeutic benefits of sound and energy balancing.

Product Lines

CD Series for Health and Stress Reduction

The core offering is a series of five CDs, each corresponding to one of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. These CDs are designed to reduce stress by targeting specific organs in the body. The publication claims that each CD is equivalent to 30 acupuncture hours and has been tested by a kinesiologist. Furthermore, it is stated that using these CDs can purify one's karma, as tested by a professional spiritual healer.

Chakra Series CDs

Another prominent product line is the Chakra Series, consisting of five CDs that cover the 10 chakras. This collection is presented as a groundbreaking product that provides a balancing and vitalizing treatment for the entire chakra system. The text emphasizes the close connection between the chakra system, organs, and endocrine glands, asserting that balance and harmony within the chakras are crucial for maintaining health, vitality, and the well-being of both body and soul.

Super Feng Shui Space Clearing CD

This CD is marketed for its ability to clear negative vibrations from personal spaces such as homes or workplaces. It is also described as being highly effective for clearing one's chakras, as well as purifying the energetic environment of rooms, houses, earth, water, and air. The CD utilizes the sound of the didgeridoo for relaxation and is said to work on etheric, psychic, and emotional bodies.

Spiritual Power CDs

Two CDs, 'Spiritual Power for the Woman' and 'Spiritual Power for the Man,' are presented as powerful and natural instruments for releasing and balancing energy. They aim to restore vitality to the endocrine system and harmonize the body's various energy systems through spiritual power, thereby improving overall health.

Testimonials and Benefits

The publication suggests that after 6-12 months of regular use, many individuals have experienced rapid and lasting improvements in their well-being. These benefits include a reduction in discomfort, inner stress, and even hospital-related pain requiring rehabilitation. The CDs are promoted as a form of personal health insurance and a simple, relaxing method for self-care, with the assertion that 'It works!' Regular use is also said to lead to a higher state of consciousness and the opening of the sixth sense.

Services and Contact Information

MusicAcupuncture also offers lectures, seminars, and workshops, which can be arranged upon request via email. For professional medial kinesiology-guided personal consultations and treatments, interested individuals are directed to contact the organization. The contact details provided include the Founder and President, Michael B Johnsson, and the distributor, Top Health, located in Stockholm, Sweden, with phone, fax, email, and website information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this promotional material are holistic health, stress reduction, energy balancing, and spiritual development through sound therapy. The editorial stance is highly promotional, emphasizing the efficacy and unique benefits of MusicAcupuncture's CD products, backed by claims of professional testing and transformative results for users. The language used is positive and encouraging, aiming to persuade readers to invest in their well-being through these audio tools.