Woodrew Update - Vol 2 No 5-6

Magazine Overview

Title: The WOODREW Update
Issue: VOL. 2, NO. 5/6
Date: July/August, 1983
Publisher: A S.T.A.R. FOUNDATION publication
Country: U.S.A.

This issue of The WOODREW Update delves into a variety of topics, including unconventional healing methods, profound personal philosophies, scientific and geological observations, and community projects.

"The Leaves of Life"

The lead article, "The Leaves of Life," discusses the practice of "leaf healing" using rhododendron leaves, particularly at a place called Reisha Way. The process involves selecting a specific leaf and placing it on an injured area, with participants placing their hands over it. This method is reported to provide instant relief from injuries and maladies, with the leaf appearing as a "skeleton" after the healing. The authors conjecture that the leaf emits a frequency and vibration that entrains the body's discordant parts to a healthy frequency, drawing a parallel to how herbal remedies explain their effectiveness. The article also touches on the idea of restoring harmony to the body and the hope that replanting rhododendrons at Reisha Way prepares for the future.

A Special Person: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

This section highlights a visit from Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a renowned authority on death and dying. Described as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, and thanatologist, her books have significantly impacted discussions on life and death. The article emphasizes her philosophy for living, which aims to maximize current existence, and introduces her non-profit organization, "Shanti Nilaya," which translates to "Home for Peace." The organization's mission is defined by beauty, grace, courage, compassion, and love, focusing on people loving and caring for each other.

The Near-Death Experience

Dr. Kenneth Ring, a psychologist, has documented stages of the near-death experience (NDE), noting its universal and liberating nature. NDE survivors often report a dream-like sensation of moving through a tunnel into light, accompanied by feelings of warmth and physical security. Dr. Ring suggests that effectively conveying this information could have a considerable impact on mental health and potentially contribute to world peace, as NDE survivors frequently speak of unconditional love, acceptance, human brotherhood, and compassion, transcending racial, national, and cultural distinctions.

Healing... An On-Going Universal Phenomenon

This section explores healing practices around the world. It mentions the case of Archbishop of Lusaka in Zambia, recalled to Rome for dealing with "mashawe" or spirit-possession in a manner not prescribed by the church. In Thailand, traditional healers, known as "krus," work alongside Western doctors to treat refugees, following a spectacular healing of a French doctor's hernia.

Closer to home, the Update notes its own observations of healings involving the laying on of hands and leaves, suggesting that Western medicine may not have all the answers and encouraging an open mind to such phenomena. A specific report from Updater Hans Keller of Switzerland details a sleighing accident and a subsequent healing experience attributed to Greta and Dick, which prevented surgery recommended by conventional doctors.

"Man's Inhumanity to Man and Nature's Plan"

This article discusses the increasing geological and climatological activity worldwide, noting that while most energy releases occur in sparsely populated areas, major events like the 1976 Tangshen earthquake have caused immense destruction. It also highlights inconsistent weather patterns, including droughts in Australia and Africa, and severe storms in South America and the U.S. The article points to the impact on Brazil with widespread flooding and drought, affecting millions. The "Middle East" magazine is cited regarding earthquake risks in the Arab World and the lack of seismological stations, with efforts underway to design a network.

An Acid Rain Update

The world is beginning to address the dangers of acid rain. The European Economic Community (EEC) is proposing rules to cap sulfur dioxide emissions, with Scandinavian countries aiming for a 30 percent reduction. West Germany is implementing legislation to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and is concerned about its forests. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the average acidity has increased significantly, with air masses carrying pollution from industrial areas in the U.S.

IT'S ALL HAPPENED BEFORE

This section examines geological evidence of a global upheaval between 12,000-10,000 B.C., coinciding with the end of the Pleistocene Age and the Ice Age, which caused widespread flooding. It notes that ancient calendars from various civilizations preserve records of global destruction and new beginnings. The article lists several ancient calendars (Egyptian, Assyrian, Hindu, Mayan) and their cycles, highlighting that their end dates fall within a 110-year span, suggesting a significant event around 12,500 years ago.

A Living Ball of Matter

Scientists are increasingly confirming the Earth as a "living ball of matter." New information from the U.S. Geological Survey indicates that gravitational pull changes with ground level shifts, suggesting the Earth breathes.

PSI & PSIence

This part introduces "The Society for Scientific Exploration" (SSE), a forum for scientists to publish research on anomalous phenomena outside the current scientific structure. Founded by Peter Sturrock, SSE requires members to hold a PhD, have a university appointment, and a proven research record, with approximately 150 members. Dr. Fritjof Capra is mentioned for his work on particle physics, suggesting that physics and mysticism share a common goal of understanding reality and that future scientific theories may incorporate mystical thinking.

SUBSCRIBER Scribings

OFFSPRING Scribings

This section includes a message from Greta's daughter, Jill, who works in the news business. She describes the challenge of explaining her parents' "cosmic" research to colleagues at Newsweek, often resorting to vague descriptions.

Hearing Deprivation and Music Therapy

Following an editorial on hearing deprivation, numerous Updaters sent in articles. The section highlights the benefits of music in healing, citing a music therapist in Switzerland and research from France suggesting that hearing deficits can occur when individuals tune out during traumatic events. Sonic therapy is mentioned as a way to recapitulate the ear's developmental stages. A report from London's Charing Cross hospital notes that patients undergoing surgery can use headphones tuned to classical music, which helps them cope with the noise and recover more quickly. Mozart's music is specifically noted for its vitalizing and calming effects in therapy.

The S.T.A.R. House

This section details the development of the S.T.A.R. House facility, which aims to support the work of the S.T.A.R. Foundation. The facility is envisioned as a structure that allows projects to flow smoothly and effortlessly, with a focus on creating a congenial and harmonious work environment. Key goals include water independence, utilizing five spring heads, and energy independence through active and passive solar systems. The interior design emphasizes flexibility to accommodate groups of up to forty for various activities, including lectures, seminars, and healing sessions. The Update solicits suggestions from readers for the facility's design and use.

S.T.A.R. ACTIVITIES

Greta is scheduled to speak at the Family University of the Young President's Organization in Durango, Colorado, with the honorarium applied to the S.T.A.R. House project. The magazine also announces the reacquisition of rights to "ON A SLIDE OF LIGHT" and offers copies for sale, with the objective of reaching a wider audience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include unconventional healing practices, the intersection of science and spirituality, personal growth, and community-based projects. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, exploring phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific paradigms and advocating for a holistic approach to well-being, healing, and understanding the world. There is a clear emphasis on personal empowerment, spiritual development, and the potential for human consciousness to transcend limitations.