Vimana - 1976 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of VIMANA, NR. 6, is published by the Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (VTF) and serves as their contact organ. The magazine covers a variety of topics relevant to the organization's interests, including internal affairs, lectures, UFO research activities, and membership information.

Board Changes and New Leadership

The issue begins by informing members about changes in the VTF board. Following the resignation of chairperson Sirkka Kokko due to other commitments, Jan Eriksen was elected as the new chairperson. Jan Eriksen was previously a board member and the editorial coordinator for VIMANA. Two new members, Erland Mille and Lars Glans, were also elected to fill the vacancies left by Jan Eriksen and Roland Nilsson, who also cited time constraints.

The board composition until the annual meeting is listed as: Chairperson Jan Eriksen, Vice Chairperson Lars-Åke Eriksson, Secretary Seija Ala-Rahnasto, Vice Secretary Tove Eriksen, Treasurer Karl-Erik Karlsson, and board members Sten-Erik Gustafsson, Bror Hallbrink, Erland Mille, and Lars Glans. The magazine expresses gratitude to the former chairperson, Sirkka Kokko, for her valuable contributions during the organization's formative stages.

The editorial emphasizes that while the organization's guidelines and goals are largely set, there is still much to be done. VTF aims to be an alternative for individuals interested in new findings and exploring unsolved mysteries. Members are encouraged to contribute financially or with new ideas and to participate in activities to foster a dynamic organization, wishing everyone a "GOTT NYTT VTF-ÅR!!!" (Happy New VTF Year!!!).

Lecture on Hypnosis by Dr. Ture Arvidsson

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a lecture given by Dr. Ture Arvidsson, an expert in medical and psychological hypnosis from Danderyd Hospital in Stockholm. Dr. Arvidsson explained that hypnosis is a common state, similar to the moments before falling asleep, characterized by increased suggestibility and creativity. He highlighted that individuals in a hypnotic state are more open to suggestion and can experience a release of inhibitions, leading to enhanced creative abilities.

Dr. Arvidsson demonstrated how hypnosis can induce regression, bringing a person's consciousness back to specific moments in their past, even to prenatal stages. This ability is crucial for treating neuroses rooted in past experiences. He recounted a case where a woman with a severe phobia of police was hypnotized and regressed to a childhood memory of witnessing a traffic accident involving police. By reliving the event, she was cured of her phobia.

During the lecture, Dr. Arvidsson also demonstrated various hypnotic induction techniques. Several VTF members volunteered as subjects. In one instance, he induced a state of hypnosis in most of the audience, leading to involuntary arm movements, demonstrating the pervasive effect of suggestion. He also discussed the potential surgical applications of hypnosis, such as constricting blood flow to specific body parts. An example given was the complete disappearance of a large, inoperable wart after a series of hypnotic sessions. Hypnosis can also be used to transfer pain from one part of the body to another.

Dr. Arvidsson cautioned that while hypnosis can achieve remarkable results, it is a gradual process requiring multiple sessions. He stressed that hypnosis is not entirely harmless if practiced by inexperienced or ignorant individuals, emphasizing the significant responsibility involved. He likened it to using a scalpel: anyone can cut, but true skill lies in knowing how and where to cut.

VTF plans to initiate studies in hypnosis in the near future, recognizing its potential for understanding human consciousness and its relevance to UFO research.

UFO Planning Conferences and Activities

The magazine reports on a UFO planning conference organized by UFO Sverige in Stockholm on October 16th. The conference aimed to gather local groups and field researchers to collaborate on national-level work and exchange ideas. Key discussions included strategies for contacting the media and guidelines for such interactions. An idea for a traveling exhibition about UFOs was also considered.

Following the conference, a screening of the UFO film 'UFO' was held, which proved to be a popular attraction, with approximately 700 people attending, though many more were turned away.

Another planning conference for UFO Sverige is scheduled for May 7, 1977, in Sundsvall.

Köping UFO Association's Successful Event in Stockholm

A separate report details a highly successful information meeting organized by the Köping UFO Association (which leads the national UFO-Sverige organization) in Stockholm's Medborgarhuset. The event attracted an overwhelming crowd, with around 700 people filling the venue and an estimated 300-400 more unable to get in. The event was delayed by half an hour due to the unexpected turnout. Thorwald Berthelsen, the chairperson of UFO-Sverige, apologized to those who couldn't attend and promised a return to Stockholm with a larger venue in the spring.

During the meeting, Thorwald Berthelsen explained the work of UFO associations and introduced a detector constructed in Köping that monitors the entire airspace in its vicinity 24/7. Chris Vos from Västerås presented a detailed model of a flying craft described in the Old Testament by Hesekiel, which he based on research by a NASA expert. The meeting also included a slideshow produced by the Köping association, which has been seen by thousands across the country.

The Köping UFO Association has about 70 members, and UFO-Sverige has approximately 1,600 members nationwide. The Köping municipality has increased its support, doubling the cultural grant to 400 SEK, which the association greatly appreciates.

Study Circles and UFO Research

Study associations are increasingly recognizing the public's interest in UFOs. Thorwald Berthelsen is scheduled to give lectures supported by study associations in Heby, Enköping, Kumla, and Örebro. Köping is gaining national recognition for its work in the field of flying saucers.

Night Observation Evenings

The magazine reports on a night observation event held on November 13th in Ludvika, attended by members from Västerås, Ludvika, Bärke, Falun, Köping, and Sandviken. These events are described as pleasant gatherings for people with shared interests, involving astronomical observations, radio communication practice, grilling, and discussions.

A well-attended night observation at Svanås observation tower on November 27th included groups from Köping, Eskilstuna, and Västerås. The weekly magazine 'SE' was present to cover the event.

UFO Detector Project

VTF has completed a project involving the construction of UFO detectors. Five detectors were successfully built during enjoyable sessions. The project is described as accessible to anyone, not requiring specialized technical knowledge, as experienced individuals are always present to guide the process.

VTF also plans to continue with lie detector projects. Interested individuals are encouraged to call 021-35 51 19 to contribute to material costs.

Questionnaire

An important questionnaire is included on the last page, crucial for VTF's future work. Members are urged to fill it out and return it promptly. The VTF local office is open most Thursdays from 18:30 to 21:00.

Membership Fees for 1977

Information is provided regarding membership fees for 1977. The ordinary membership fee is 50 SEK, with a reduced fee of 15 SEK for pensioners or students/minors. The subscription for the 'UFO-Information' magazine, published by UFO-Sverige, is available through VTF membership for 45 SEK (a 10 SEK discount). The total cost for a full-paying member subscribing to the magazine is 55 SEK. Members are encouraged to pay their fees as soon as possible, preferably by the end of the first quarter of 1977. Voluntary contributions are also welcomed.

Contact Information and VTF's Scope

The magazine 'VIMANA' is the contact organ for the Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening, which deals with topics including Space Research, Ancient History Research, Parapsychology, UFO Phenomena, Astronomy, Meteorology, and Chemistry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of VIMANA reflects a strong focus on UFO research and related phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed reports on UFO-Sverige's activities, conferences, and detector projects. The magazine also highlights the organization's commitment to exploring unconventional topics, as seen in the lecture on hypnosis and the inclusion of parapsychology and space research in its scope. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific inquiry, encouraging member participation, and fostering a dynamic environment for exploring unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on the practical aspects of UFO research, such as detector building and media engagement, alongside a willingness to delve into more esoteric subjects like hypnosis and ancient mysteries.