Svsvaren - 1984 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: SVAVAREN
Issue: NR 4/84
Publisher: UFO-CENTER, KARLSKOGA
Date: October 1984 (inferred from content)

This issue of SVAVAREN, the organ of UFO-CENTER Karlskoga, presents a diverse range of articles, from personal accounts of UFO experiences and critiques of scientific theories to explanations of natural phenomena and discussions on the UFO community's internal dynamics.

Articles and Features

"Ledare: Älgen som blev ett UFO" (Leader: The Moose That Became a UFO)

This article recounts the case of dentist Jan-Anders Strålje, who was involved in a fatal car accident in Sweden. Initially convicted of negligent manslaughter, Strålje had no memory of the crash itself but later recalled a moose. Through hypnotic regression, conducted by Dr. Ture Arvidsson, Strålje experienced the event as if a UFO had appeared, causing him to swerve. The article highlights how hypnosis can bring buried memories to the surface, citing the famous case of Barney and Betty Hill as an example where both individuals, hypnotized separately, described a similar close encounter. The author argues that if a moose can be perceived as a UFO under hypnosis, then UFO witness testimonies describing craft unlike anything on Earth should be taken seriously. The case led to Strålje's acquittal by the court of appeal.

"Vetenskap: DARWINS MYT" (Science: Darwin's Myth)

This multi-part article critically examines Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly 'Darwinism' and 'Neo-Darwinism.' The author contends that Darwin's theory has become a 'myth' and a 'worldly religion' that dictates how people perceive the world. The article traces the historical acceptance of Darwinism, suggesting it gained traction not solely on scientific merit but because it aligned with prevailing ideas about race and class. It criticizes the concept of 'survival of the fittest' as a justification for aggression and the subjugation of certain groups. The text points to figures like Francis Galton and his ideas on eugenics, and Hitler's adoption of racial theories, as negative consequences stemming from Darwinian thought. The article also debunks the evidence for human evolution, citing the Piltdown Man hoax and questioning the validity of other fossil finds. It argues that micro-evolutionary changes within species do not support macro-evolutionary leaps. The author suggests that alternative creation myths, like the 'Fall of Man,' might offer a more fulfilling framework for understanding humanity's place in the universe, emphasizing symbiosis and mutual dependence over constant struggle.

"Debatt: KONTAKTPROBLEM" (Debate: Contact Problems)

This section addresses communication challenges within the Swedish UFO community, particularly the perceived divide between northern and southern Sweden. Jörgen Stenkvist reports on a meeting of UFO organizations in Härnösand, highlighting the need for better cooperation and direct contact between local groups. He notes that while the central UFO organization functions as a communication hub, direct interaction between local chapters is lacking. The article suggests that local UFO groups could improve this by sending out short newsletters to share information about interesting cases, speakers, and activities. The response from the magazine's readers is also solicited for suggestions on how to foster better communication.

"Kuriosa" (Curiosities)

This brief section features an anecdote about a churchwarden in Murter, Switzerland, who returned home to find one of his house chimneys twisted a full turn. The cause of this unusual event remained unexplained, with no reports of tornadoes or other meteorological phenomena.

"Vetenskap: LÖSNINGEN PÅ GÅTAN" (Science: The Solution to the Riddle)

This article presents a solution to the long-standing mystery of the 'wandering stones' at Racetrack Playa in California. Amateur researcher Harald Sonesson proposes that the heavy stones, weighing over 200 kg, move due to wind acting like airplane wings. The wind, channeled through the valley, creates an updraft that lifts the front of the stones, causing them to slide and leave tracks. The solution emphasizes the relationship between the stone's weight and its lifting surface, rather than just its mass. The article notes that sailplane constructor Hans G. Lundberg found Sonesson's calculations to be correct.

"PA JAKT EFTER DET GYLLENE SKINNET" (In Search of the Golden Fleece)

This short piece discusses explorer Tim Severin's expedition to retrace the legendary journey of Jason and the Argonauts. Severin and his crew set sail from Volos, Greece, in March, aiming to reach the Black Sea and then the Soviet republic of Georgia. The expedition hopes to gather archaeological evidence to support the historical reality of the myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions established scientific paradigms, particularly Darwinian evolution, presenting alternative viewpoints and highlighting perceived flaws or biases. There is a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena, with personal accounts and discussions about the nature of evidence and witness testimony. The publication also seems to advocate for a more integrated and communicative UFO community in Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, challenging conventional wisdom and exploring phenomena often relegated to the fringes of mainstream science and society. The use of 'myth' in relation to Darwinism suggests a perspective that views scientific theories as potentially constructed narratives rather than absolute truths.

Title: Blandat
Issue: 9
Volume: 10
Date: October 1984
Publisher: SVÄVAREN
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: NÄSTAN ETT PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT

This issue of 'Blandat' delves into various unexplained phenomena, including a near-repeat of the 'Philadelphia Experiment,' UFO sightings with physical evidence, a remarkable weight loss case, and explorations into out-of-body experiences.

Articles

Almost a Philadelphia Experiment

The lead article, 'NÄSTAN ETT PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT,' recounts an incident from July 1904 involving the British steamship Mohican. While docked, the ship was enveloped in a strange, phosphorescent mist that caused its compass to spin erratically and prevented the crew from lifting steel objects. The phenomenon lasted for half an hour, leaving the crew terrified and the ship immobile. The report is sourced from 'The Maui News' of August 13, 1904, and originally from 'Fate' magazine in July 1963.

Paralysed by a Magnetic Cloud

This section details the Mohican incident further, quoting Captain Urquhart's description of the 'underlig dimma' (strange mist) that glowed like phosphorus and had a powerful magnetic effect. The crew experienced their hair standing on end and were unable to lift any steel objects. The mist eventually lifted and moved out over the sea.

Lost and Found Rings

A recurring theme in this issue is the miraculous recovery of lost rings. Brenda Rawson lost her engagement ring in St. Annes in 1961, only for her cousin John to find it 18 years later. Thekla Aanen lost her gold and diamond ring in Oslofjorden in 1976, and it was found a few years later inside a 4.5 kg cod. Fru G. Gudebrod lost her wedding ring during a picnic in California and it was later found on a crab's claw. Rosemary Clatworthy's wedding ring, lost while feeding a calf, was found in the cow's stomach after it was slaughtered. An Icelandic farmer had a similar experience with a ring found in a sheep's stomach. J.A. from Basingstoke lost his ring in a field, only to dream of its location in an old shoe months later. Linda Robson's gold signet ring, lost as a child, reappeared 25 years later in the ruins of her childhood home. Fashion designer Susan Eagles lost her gold ring, and her roommate later bought an identical one at an auction. In 1897, a bride lost her gold bracelet in the sea near Dawlish, only for it to be found on the same beach 28 years later. Fru Felicity Chiddicks found her engagement ring 8 cm deep in the sand at Penzanze after two days, using a metal detector. Lony Green lost his gold wedding ring while swimming in Barmouth and his daughter found it on the beach weeks later.

Lost 10 Kilos in One Day

This article, 'BLEV 10 KILO LÄTTARE PÅ ETT DYGN' (Became 10 Kilos Lighter in One Day), details a highly unusual experience of a man from Karlskoga, Sweden. The man, a painter, reported feeling unwell, tired, and having cravings for alcohol for a year. One evening, he experienced a trance-like state where he felt 'masses of people' leaving his body, speaking in tongues. Upon waking, he discovered he had lost 10 kilograms and felt mentally clear and revitalized. He attributes this to something being wrong for the past year and now being corrected. The interview, conducted by Jan Ahl on April 2, 1984, notes the significant and visible weight loss and the man's improved state.

UFOs That Leave Traces

'UFO SOM LÄMNAR SPÅR' (UFOs That Leave Traces) reports on the Ronnie Johnson sighting in Delphos, Kansas, on November 2, 1971. Johnson observed a strange craft with bright lights landing in his backyard. The incident left behind scorched trees, burnt earth, and a ring on the ground with a different soil composition. Johnson's parents also reportedly witnessed the event. The article discusses skepticism from Philip Klass, who suggested the photos of the glowing ring were a hoax, but Ronnie Johnson maintains the event was real and that scientists have visited the site. The article notes that vegetation in the ring has begun to grow again.

Astral Projection with Sound Waves

'ASTRALVANDRING MED HJÄLP AV LJUDVÅGOR' (Astral Projection with the Help of Sound Waves) explores the work of Robert Monroe and the Monroe Institute. Monroe, a former radio producer, developed Hemi-Sync technology, which uses sound frequencies to induce altered states of consciousness, including out-of-body experiences (OBEs). The article describes Monroe's own OBEs, which he categorized into three 'Locales.' The Monroe Institute uses a 'controlled environment chamber' to guide individuals through these experiences. The technology aims to explore the human mind, consciousness, and potentially communicate with other entities or dimensions. The article touches upon the scientific basis of brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta) and how Hemi-Sync manipulates these through auditory stimuli, often using binaural beats. An experiment is described where an 'explorer' is guided to investigate the life of Jesus Christ, suggesting that historical accounts may be inaccurate and that Jesus's ideals were about love and overcoming fear, presented through an esoteric mysticism.

Hemi-Sync Applications

This section details the practical applications of Hemi-Sync. Monroe's Gateway Program trains individuals, many of whom are professionals in psychology and psychiatry, in these techniques. The cassettes are used for stress reduction, improving concentration, and even for combating jet lag. Students use them to reduce exam anxiety, and they are incorporated into psychology and philosophy courses. The US Army has reported increased effectiveness in soldiers using Hemi-Sync to reduce anxiety. The technology is also being explored for pain management during surgical procedures. Monroe believes Hemi-Sync could be used to induce sleep without chemicals, offering a solution for millions with sleep disorders, and potentially as alternatives to Methadone and Antabus for addiction treatment. Concerns are raised about the potential for misuse, such as political indoctrination or the development of new weapons, though the institute claims no participants have been lost.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, including alleged government experiments, UFOs, paranormal experiences, and altered states of consciousness. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting anecdotal evidence and scientific exploration of these topics without definitive judgment, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary. The recurring theme of 'lost and found' items, particularly rings, suggests a fascination with seemingly impossible coincidences and perhaps a subtle nod to synchronicity or fate.

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated July 1984, is a Swedish edition featuring a diverse range of articles spanning consciousness exploration, astronomy, and science fiction. The cover story, "ISMANNEN" (The Snowman), discusses an eminent Australian film. The magazine also includes sections on "HUMANOIDEN I VILVORDE" (The Humanoid in Vilvorde), "NYUPPTÄCKT PLANETSYSTEM" (Newly Discovered Planet System), and reviews of popular science fiction films.

Consciousness and the Monroe Institute

The article "SANNING ELLER FANTASIER?" (Truth or Fantasies?) delves into the work of Bob Monroe and his institute, which utilizes hemi-sync technology. The author recounts a personal experience with the hemi-sync process, describing a sensation of floating and seeing "blue clouds against a black background." The article explores whether these experiences are genuine encounters with higher energy systems or psychological phenomena. It highlights the potential of hemi-sync for relaxation, concentration, and learning, citing positive feedback from therapists and psychologists.

However, the article also presents skepticism from experts like Dr. Gerald Oster, who finds no therapeutic value in the technique. The discussion extends to out-of-body experiences (OBEs), with psychologist Ronald K. Siegel explaining them as a form of personality split or hallucination, rather than actual astral projection. Despite the differing views, the potential for profound personal transformation through these altered states of consciousness is acknowledged.

Astronomical Discoveries

"NYUPPTÄCKT PLANETSYSTEM" (Newly Discovered Planet System) reports on the groundbreaking discovery of a disk-shaped formation of material around the star Beta Pictoris, located fifty light-years away. This observation, made by Richard Terrile and Bradford Smith, is considered the strongest evidence to date for planets existing outside our own solar system. The disk is thought to be leftover material from planet formation and is about ten times the diameter of our solar system. The article also touches upon the challenges of observing such faint objects, which are often obscured by the light of their central star.

Another astronomical piece, "URANUS RINGAR FRAM I LJUSET" (Uranus's Rings Emerge into Light), details the first-time visualization of Uranus's rings using a light-sensitive detector. These rings are described as extremely faint, reflecting only 2% of incident sunlight, making them darker than coal. The article speculates on their composition, possibly organic matter or frozen methane, and notes that further details are expected when Voyager 2 passes Uranus in 1986.

A proposal for a new type of telescope, a six-telescope array designed to observe at wavelengths between 0.3 and 1.3 mm, is presented in "NYTT TELESKOP FÖR DE FINARE DETALJERNA" (New Telescope for Finer Details). This advanced instrument aims to solve astronomical problems and shed light on planetary system formation, though challenges remain in developing suitable receivers for these short wavelengths.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The "HUMANOIDEN I VILVORDE" (The Humanoid in Vilvorde) section recounts a detailed UFO sighting. A witness observed a humanoid figure pass over a wall, followed by a round, orange, phosphorescent object with a transparent dome and colored lights. The object emitted a faint humming sound and ascended vertically. The witness reported no fear and no telepathic communication.

Another account describes an incident where a witness and his family saw a rectangular object with glowing 'window vents' flying low over the sea. The object's movement was described as unusual, including lifting over a breakwater. A separate incident involved a car stalling and lights going out when a bright object, referred to as an 'other moon,' appeared in the sky, a phenomenon sometimes associated with UFO encounters.

Science Fiction Film Reviews

The magazine includes several brief reviews of science fiction films. "ISMANNEN" (The Snowman) is highlighted as an eminent Australian film with impressive visual effects and a theme of a 40,000-year-old man awakening. "THE GHOSTBUSTERS" is praised for its thrilling and fun nature, with a catchy theme song. Other films mentioned in "SF-KORTISAR" (Sci-Fi Shorts) include "DUNE," "CONAN THE DESTROYER," "MAD MAX III: THE ROAD WARRIOR," and "THE LAST STARFIGHTER."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of science, consciousness, and the unknown. There's a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from altered states of consciousness to extraterrestrial encounters and astronomical mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific findings and more speculative theories, while also acknowledging skepticism. The magazine encourages readers to explore these topics personally, offering tools like hemi-sync and information on astronomical advancements. The inclusion of film reviews suggests an appreciation for how science fiction explores these themes.