Svsvaren - 1981 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAVAREN
Issue: 2/81
Date: September 14, 1981
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of SVAVAREN, the organ of UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA, features a diverse range of topics, blending space exploration, scientific theories, historical phenomena, and science fiction.

"COLUMBIA" FLYGER...!

This article celebrates the first flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia, describing it as a revolutionary moment in space travel, marking the end of expendable rockets. It recounts the initial excitement of the launch, the unexpected computer problem that caused a delay, and the eventual successful liftoff. The article details the technical issues, including a problem with the backup computer, and the efforts of 100 data experts to resolve it. It highlights the immense power of the launch and the subsequent stages of the flight, including the jettisoning of booster rockets and the shuttle's journey through the atmosphere. The article also mentions the discovery of missing protective plates on Columbia's hull after landing and notes that the shuttle will undergo further test flights.

Marsansiktet

This section discusses the famous 'Face on Mars' discovered from photographs taken by the Viking satellite. Scientists Vincent DiPietro and Greg Molenaar enhanced these images, revealing a rock formation approximately 2,000 meters high and 2,150 meters wide that strongly resembles a human face. They suggest that this formation might be an artificial structure rather than a natural one, as there are no other signs of natural erosion in the vicinity. The article references a 12-page booklet titled 'Unusual Martian Surface Features' and recommends the book 'Life on Mars' for further information.

Kometerna, livets ursprung...?

This article explores the theory that comets may be the origin of life. It discusses how astrophysicist Fred Hoyle and expert Chandra Wickramasinghe propose that life can arise in interstellar dust clouds, potentially on particles like those found in comets. They suggest that complex organic molecules, including hydrocarbons and amino acids, can be synthesized under conditions found in comets. The article draws parallels to Svante Arrhenius's panspermia hypothesis and suggests that life might be common in the galaxy. It also touches upon the idea that viruses and bacteria could be transmitted to Earth via cometary tails, potentially explaining phenomena like widespread influenza outbreaks. The theory is further linked to the explanation of ice ages, suggesting that a large influx of cometary dust could cool the Earth's atmosphere.

Slagrutan i historien – del 1

This is the first part of a series on dowsing, a phenomenon that the author finds to be a genuine mystery despite its earthly nature. The article defines dowsing as the art of finding water, metals, or other objects using a forked stick or similar tool. The author shares a personal experience of discovering his own dowsing ability and notes that many people likely possess this sensitivity. The article distinguishes between those who can dowse and 'true dowsers' who are so sensitive they can detect underground water sources without a tool, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. It explains that the dowsing rod itself is not the key, but rather the person holding it, and that various materials can be used for the rod.

Influensa från rymden...?

This article, building on the theories of Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, explores the possibility of life, specifically influenza viruses, originating from space. It suggests that these organisms could be transmitted through interstellar dust clouds and cometary tails. The article notes that the widespread and simultaneous nature of influenza epidemics aligns with this extraterrestrial transmission theory. It also revisits the idea that comets might be responsible for ice ages, proposing that a large amount of cometary dust entering Earth's atmosphere could lead to rapid cooling.

Kapten Frank och Rymdkejsaren

This section introduces a science fiction story titled 'Kapten Frank och Rymdkejsaren' (Captain Frank and the Space Emperor). It describes a plot involving a mysterious Space Emperor on Jupiter spreading a plague, and the hero Captain Frank, a space ranger from the Moon, who must travel to Jupiter to combat this threat. He is aided by a living Brain and other companions like the android Otho and the robot Grag. The story promises fantastic adventures and space battles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, mystery, and the unknown. There's a clear interest in space phenomena, from the practicalities of space shuttle missions to speculative theories about extraterrestrial life and the origins of life itself. The inclusion of dowsing suggests an openness to phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation, while the science fiction story indicates an appreciation for imaginative narratives within the broader theme of space and the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to present a wide array of topics, from established scientific endeavors to more fringe theories and fictional explorations.

This issue of SVAVAREN, dated February 1981 (2/81), published by UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA, is primarily focused on the controversial topic of dowsing and the ancient astronaut theory, particularly as presented by Zecharia Sitchin.

Dowsing: A Controversial Tool

The magazine begins by exploring the etymology and history of the dowsing rod ('slagruta'). The term 'slagruta' is derived from the German 'Rute' (twig/rod) and 'schlagen' (to strike), meaning 'striking twig.' The German word 'Wünschelrute' (wish twig) is also mentioned as a synonym, along with the English 'Divining Rod' and 'wizard's staff.'

The article traces the history of dowsing, noting that similar objects with magical powers were mentioned by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the East, dowsing was used to track thieves. The 'Niebelungenlied' from the 1200s mentions 'Rütelein' (small twig) for finding gold. Georg Agricola's 1556 work 'De re metallica,' a foundational text in mining science, is cited for its description of dowsing rods.

The controversy surrounding dowsing is highlighted, with Martin Luther condemning it as a tool of the devil. A Jesuit priest, Gaspard Schott, also viewed it as a devilish tool, though used by pious monks. A 1658 dissertation from Wittenberg claimed that handling a dowsing rod involved a pact with the devil. The article notes that dowsing is still a subject of academic study, with a researcher at Lund University presenting a thesis on it in 1980.

Notable figures associated with dowsing include Baron Beusolei and his wife, who were tasked with investigating mineral treasures in France. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a rich flora of literature and treatises on dowsing. The 19th century, an era of spiritualism and mysticism, also saw attempts to scientifically study the phenomena. In 1857, the French Academy of Sciences concluded that dowsing movements were due to psychic influences from the dowser. W. Barret of Dublin suggested 'cryptesthesia' (a form of hypersensitivity) as an explanation.

During World War I, dowsing rods were used by the German army to locate mines, weapon caches, and water. The article concludes this section by stating that dowsing is still primarily used to find water, with strong evidence of its effectiveness.

Ancient Astronauts and 'The Twelfth Planet'

The magazine then shifts focus to Zecharia Sitchin's controversial theory presented in his book 'The Twelfth Planet.' Sitchin interprets ancient Sumerian cuneiform texts and biblical accounts to suggest that human civilization was influenced, and possibly created, by extraterrestrial beings.

According to Sitchin's interpretation, gods arrived on Earth about 445,000 years ago to mine metals. These beings, numbering 900 and called Nefilim ('those cast down to Earth'), included 300 called IGIGI who remained in orbit and 600 Nefilim who worked on Earth. The Annunaki, led by the god Enki, were the 'common gods' who toiled in mines in Africa. To relieve them of their burden, the highest god Anu and the divine assembly decided to create 'LULU,' a primitive worker – Homo sapiens.

Sitchin argues that the biblical God is a conflation of multiple Sumerian deities, leading to contradictions in the biblical narrative. He posits that the creation of man was to serve the gods' needs.

The article discusses Sitchin's interpretation of ancient texts describing flying craft, or 'MUs,' used by the Nefilim. These craft are described as capable of flight in the atmosphere and in space, and are sometimes depicted with wings, which Sitchin suggests symbolized their ability to fly rather than being literal appendages. He draws parallels between these 'divine birds' and biblical angels.

Sitchin's theory about the 'twelfth planet,' Nibiru, suggests it is the home planet of the Nefilim, located beyond Pluto. He explains that Nibiru's orbit is highly elliptical, with a period of 3600 years, a number considered sacred in Sumerian culture. The planet's passage through the solar system is described as a cataclysmic event that led to the formation of Earth and the Moon through a collision with the planet Tiamat, and also created the asteroid belt.

The article includes a diagram illustrating the proposed orbits of planets in the solar system, including Nibiru. It also presents a Sumerian 'creation epic' that describes the formation of the solar system, identifying celestial bodies with deities. The text suggests that Nibiru, a 'red-glowing planet with internal heat,' could support life despite its distance from the Sun.

Other Topics

The issue also briefly touches upon 'near-death experiences,' citing research by Dr. Kenneth Ring, which suggests that such experiences often involve a sense of peace, life review, or encounters with spirits, and are not necessarily preceded by religious belief. Another short piece discusses the scientific concept of 'black holes,' referencing the work of Frank J. Tipler and Stephen Hawking, and questioning their existence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics that challenge conventional scientific and historical narratives, particularly those related to unexplained phenomena, ancient civilizations, and extraterrestrial influences. The editorial stance appears to be open to unconventional theories, especially those that draw upon ancient texts and interpretations that suggest a non-human influence on human history and development. The publication of Sitchin's work and the detailed exploration of dowsing indicate a focus on subjects that are on the fringes of mainstream science and history, appealing to readers interested in mysteries and alternative explanations.

Title: SVÄVAREN
Issue: 2/81
Date: February 1981
Publisher: UFO-CENTER KARLSKOGA

This issue of Svåvaren magazine delves into a variety of topics, ranging from parapsychology and ufology to astronomy, naval technology, and science fiction.

Espionage and ESP

The lead article, "ESPIONER," discusses the CIA's past interest in using psychic spies and clairvoyant individuals for intelligence gathering. It highlights a memorandum from 1952 outlining plans to utilize individuals with high ESP capabilities for espionage missions. The article notes that this information came to light through the Freedom of Information Act, revealing experiments involving hypnosis, behavior control, psychoactive drugs, electric shocks, and ESP. The CIA has declined to comment on these revelations.

Scientific Discoveries and Observations

Meteorite Magnetism: Soviet scientists have discovered traces of magnetism in meteorite fragments, challenging previous assumptions that meteorites from destroyed planets lacked this property. Laboratory tests confirmed magnetism in lunar meteorites as well.

The Twelfth Planet: The magazine promotes Zecharia Sitchin's book "The Twelfth Planet," available for purchase.

Animal and Nature Facts: A section titled "DJUR O NATUR" presents various interesting facts about animals and nature. It debunks common myths, such as owls being wise or toads giving warts, and provides details on animal behavior and biology. It also includes a story about a dog named Blanco who saved a baby from a collapsing building.

UFO Sightings: The issue reports on a UFO sighting in China, described as a crescent moon-shaped object seen for half an hour. Another report details a luminous, oval object observed moving at high speed over Karmøy, Norway.

Astronomy and Space Exploration:

• Tenth Planet Hunt: Astronomers at the US Naval Observatory are using advanced computer calculations to search for a potential tenth planet in our solar system, analyzing irregularities in Neptune's orbit.
• Pluto's Discovery: The article mentions Pluto's discovery 50 years prior, explaining it was found while searching for an object to account for disturbances in Uranus and Neptune's orbits.
• The Sun's 'Breathing': Finnish radio laboratories have confirmed earlier observations that the sun 'breathes,' expanding and contracting with a period of 160 minutes, causing its diameter to vary by several tens of kilometers.
• Protostar Discovery: Australian astronomers have identified a protostar (a star in the process of formation) in the Large Magellanic Cloud, providing the first such identification outside our own galaxy.

Naval Technology and Science Fiction

USS Enterprise: A detailed description of the USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) aircraft carrier is provided, including its dimensions, crew size, operational capacity, and advanced systems like the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) and Integrated Operational Intelligence System (IOIS).

Science Fiction Recommendations: The magazine offers a curated list of recommended science fiction authors and their works, including Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, and others, suggesting them as essential reading for survival in a crisis.

UFO Club Cassette Tapes: An announcement from the UFO Club in Karlskoga offers cassette recordings of their interesting lectures and events for members who cannot attend in person, with a small copying fee.

Film and Media

'Timmen Noll' (The Final Countdown): A review of the science fiction film "The Final Countdown" is included, which depicts the USS Nimitz being transported back in time to witness the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Swedish Television Sci-Fi Film: The magazine notes that Swedish television will be airing a science fiction film every Sunday evening during the summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Svåvaren reflects a strong interest in the unexplained, fringe science, and speculative topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and information dissemination regarding UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and cutting-edge scientific and technological developments. There is a clear emphasis on sharing information from various sources, including scientific journals, news agencies, and personal accounts, with a particular focus on ufology and related subjects. The inclusion of science fiction recommendations and discussions about space exploration suggests a broader interest in the future and humanity's place in the cosmos.