Seklet - 1943 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Seklet
Issue: No. 2
Date: 1943
Price: 50 öre

This issue of Seklet, a Swedish magazine, presents a diverse range of articles covering spiritual, psychological, biographical, and natural themes. The cover features a striking portrait of a man (implied to be Winston Churchill) with the headline "Vad säger detta ansikte?" (What does this face say?), inviting readers to analyze his character, with a promise of more on page 2.

Contents Overview

The magazine's table of contents highlights several key articles:

• Är framtiden förutbestämd? Kan pendeln giva svar? (Is the future predetermined? Can the pendulum give answers?): This section delves into the concept of predestination and the use of pendulums for divination, exploring whether such tools can reveal answers about the future.
• VILDMARKENS FAMNTAG. (En intressant följetong från landet ovan polcirkeln – landet, som Gud skapade för män.) (The Embrace of the Wilderness. (An interesting serial from the land above the Arctic Circle – the land God created for men.)) This is a serialized story set in the harsh, vast landscapes of the Nordic wilderness, likely focusing on survival, nature, and the human spirit in extreme conditions.
• Märkliga böcker: (Strange Books:)
• Omvändelsen till livet. Den okända människan. (The Conversion to Life. The Unknown Man.): This section reviews two books, likely focusing on themes of personal transformation and the deeper, perhaps spiritual or psychological, aspects of human existence.
• Märkliga människor. (Strange People:)
• Bernhard av Clairvaux. (Bernard of Clairvaux.): A biographical piece on the influential medieval abbot, highlighting his life, spiritual impact, and possibly his mystical experiences.
• Ungdomens och barnens sida. (The side of youth and children.): This suggests content aimed at younger readers or focusing on topics related to childhood and adolescence.

Article Summaries

Vad säger detta ansikte? (What does this face say?)

This article, accompanied by a portrait on the cover and page 2, invites readers to analyze the character and predispositions of a prominent individual using methods like phrenology. The magazine plans to feature portraits of well-known personalities or those in the public eye, encouraging readers to submit their analyses, with a prize for the best one. The text emphasizes the difficulty of objective judgment, warning against personal biases.

Självkännedom (Self-knowledge) by V. Vallberg

This extensive article discusses the importance of self-knowledge, framing it as a path to self-improvement. It touches upon psychological research, particularly Christian individual psychology, and contrasts it with modern, potentially superficial, psychological approaches. The author argues that true self-knowledge reveals one's imperfections and the need for spiritual growth, linking it to divine truth. The article also introduces phrenology as a tool to understand human nature and explain life's mysteries, advocating for its study and application in education and other fields. It critiques the scientific establishment's skepticism towards phrenology and mentions the author's book "Människokunskap" (Human Knowledge) which includes a section on the subject.

Kan pendeln giva svar? (Can the pendulum give answers?) by C. B. Gaunitz

This piece details experiments with a pendulum, specifically a sewing needle, used to determine gender. The author shares observations on the biological and chemical factors influencing the body and how they might interact with subtle energies. The article presents different types of pendulum movements (straight swings, circles) and their interpretations for male, female, and hermaphroditic outcomes, noting variations based on individual sensitivity and even age. It also touches upon the concept of 'earth rays' and their potential influence on pendulum readings. The author expresses gratitude for insights from other pendulum researchers and welcomes criticism, while maintaining a degree of skepticism about prophecies and predestination.

Varldens mest hatade man. (The world's most hated man.) by Dan Åberg

This article recounts the life and public perception of John D. Rockefeller. It begins with a vivid anecdote from 1913, depicting Rockefeller as an unpopular figure, hated by striking coal miners. However, the author's perspective shifts after reading Rockefeller's autobiography. The book reveals a more complex individual, less driven by greed and more by a passion for nature and landscape architecture. The article highlights Rockefeller's upbringing, emphasizing his father's strict discipline regarding money and his own efforts to instill humility in his children. It concludes by suggesting that Rockefeller, despite his wealth and public image, was perhaps a more ordinary man with human flaws, and that his philanthropic contributions were significant.

Märkliga böcker: (Strange Books:)

• Are Waerland: Omvändelsen till livet. (The Conversion to Life.) This review praises Waerland's book as a foundational text for understanding health and life. It urges doctors and priests to study it thoroughly, warning that it might be banned under a proposed 'quackery law'. The book reportedly critiques modern diet, pasteurized milk, artificial fertilizers, and unhealthy lifestyles, linking them to societal ills like war. It advocates for a return to natural living and spiritual renewal, emphasizing that true change comes from within.

• Alexis Carrel: Den okända människan. (The Unknown Man.) This section discusses Alexis Carrel's book, "Man the Unknown." The reviewer notes Carrel's Nobel Prize-winning work in surgery and his interest in insulin but expresses surprise at his involvement in vivisection. The book is described as a critique of modern science's focus on external factors, neglecting the inner spiritual and moral dimensions of humanity. The reviewer laments that the book, despite its importance, received little attention and its Swedish edition quickly sold out.

Vivos Voco: Är framtiden förutbestämd. (Vivos Voco: Is the future predetermined.) by V. Vallberg

This article, part IV of a series, examines the prophecies of Anton Johansson, a seer from the early 20th century. It draws parallels with an earlier seer, Johann Adam Müller, who made predictions about Napoleon. Johansson reportedly had visions about the impending World War and traveled to warn leaders. The article cites testimonies from individuals like Archbishop Söderblom and Professor Waldeyer, who vouched for Johansson's sincerity and the accuracy of his visions. It highlights the skepticism Johansson faced, contrasting it with the more receptive attitude towards Müller in his time. The article emphasizes that Johansson's visions were not mere hallucinations but accurate premonitions, supported by details that later came to pass, such as the drowning of his nephew.

Märkliga människor. Bernhard av Clairvaux. (Strange People. Bernard of Clairvaux.)

This biographical sketch details the life of Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent figure in the 12th century. It recounts his early life, his decision to join a monastery, and his eventual founding of the Cistercian order. The article highlights Bernard's spiritual authority, his alleged healing powers, and his influence on political and religious affairs, including his role in the Second Crusade. It mentions his ability to command respect and obedience, even from powerful figures like Count Henry of Salm.

Det frusna spåret. (The Frozen Trail.) by Oscar Rönnbäck

This narrative piece describes the experience of Axel Ek and his dog Tjappo in the frozen wilderness. The story focuses on their tracking of wolves, emphasizing the harsh conditions, the skills required for survival in the Arctic, and the keen senses of both man and dog. The narrative contrasts the 'frozen trail' of routine and predictable paths with the 'fresh trail' of exploration and discovery in nature. It highlights the importance of observing the natural world and living in harmony with its rhythms. The story culminates in Axel Ek discovering a moose being cornered by wolves, showcasing the raw struggle for survival in the wild.

Vintersovare. (Winter Sleepers.)

This article describes various animals that hibernate during winter. It mentions bears, hedgehogs, bats, squirrels, badgers, and beavers, detailing their hibernation habits and how they prepare for the cold season. It also touches upon the survival strategies of smaller creatures like insects and amphibians, noting how some can endure freezing temperatures. The piece encourages readers to appreciate the quietude of nature during winter and to tread lightly, respecting the sleeping inhabitants of the wild.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Seklet appears to promote a worldview that integrates spirituality, natural living, and a critical perspective on modern scientific and societal trends. The magazine champions self-knowledge, divine truth, and a connection with nature, often contrasting these with what it perceives as the superficiality and materialism of contemporary life. There's a recurring interest in prophecy, premonition, and the potential for hidden knowledge or forces to influence human affairs, as seen in the articles on pendulums and seers. Biographies of influential spiritual and historical figures are featured, suggesting an admiration for individuals who have demonstrated strong conviction and moral leadership. The magazine also seems to advocate for a holistic approach to health and well-being, critiquing conventional medicine and diet in favor of more natural and spiritual methods. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning established norms and encouraging readers to seek deeper truths beyond the surface of everyday life.

This issue of SEKLET, published in 1943, is a Swedish magazine that covers a diverse range of topics, including nature, hunting, literature, psychology, health, and education. The issue is characterized by its blend of narrative storytelling, authorial reflections, and book reviews, aiming to provide readers with both engaging content and informative material.

Main Narrative: Axel Ek's Hunt

The issue opens with a vivid account of Axel Ek's hunting expedition. While tracking a moose, he is confronted by a pack of wolves. The narrative details the intense struggle between the moose, the wolves, and Axel Ek, who uses his rifle to defend the moose and himself. Axel Ek manages to shoot three wolves, and the moose, in its defense, kills one wolf by goring it. The story emphasizes the harshness of nature and the hunter's role within it. Later, Axel Ek encounters a lone, injured wolf and, in a moment of empathy and adherence to principles of fair play, decides to let it go rather than shoot it. The narrative highlights Axel Ek's internal conflict and his decision to act with a sense of honor, even in the wild.

Author Reflections: "Författare om sina egna verk"

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to authors discussing their own works. C. B. Gaunitz, in particular, reflects on his motivations for writing, emphasizing the importance of truth in children's literature and the psychological impact of early impressions. He critiques the use of fairy tales that create unfounded fears and advocates for literature that builds upon a foundation of truth, even when presented imaginatively. Gaunitz also touches upon the challenges of sex education and his book "Hur de små bli till" as a resource for parents and educators. Other authors, like V. Vallberg, discuss their approaches to writing, focusing on themes of nature, human psychology, and the importance of understanding oneself and others.

Book Reviews and Listings

The magazine features an extensive section of book reviews and listings, providing readers with a catalog of available literature. These include:

• Mysticism and Psychology: Books on mysticism, intelligence measurements, eye diagnosis, and the nature of vaccination are listed, along with works by authors like Waerland and Gaunitz.
• Nature and Health: Several books focus on natural living, diet, and health, such as "Näringslära" by Bircher-Benner, "Kräftans grundorsaker" by Are Waerland, and "Naturlig barnreglering" by K. A. Fejerstam.
• Literature and Fiction: Reviews cover fictional works, including "Lappmarkens själ" by V. Vallberg, which is described as a cultural monument depicting life in Lapland, and "Kalle Svensk vid gränspolisen" by Oscar Rönnbäck, an adventure story.
• Occultism and Spirituality: Books on occultism, spiritualism, and theosophy are also featured, such as those by Blavatsky and Hodson.
• Biographies and History: Works like "Antikrist och hans tjänare" by Thomasson and "Den stora franska revolutionen" by Landelius are presented.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine appears to champion a holistic approach to life, emphasizing the importance of truth, nature, and genuine understanding. There is a strong focus on education, particularly for children, advocating for methods that foster critical thinking and a connection to reality rather than fantasy. The magazine also seems to promote a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, with numerous book listings dedicated to diet and well-being. The editorial stance leans towards a rational yet empathetic view of the world, encouraging readers to seek knowledge and self-improvement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes in this issue include the power of nature, the importance of truthful education, and the exploration of human psychology and spirituality. The magazine promotes a worldview that values both scientific inquiry and a deeper understanding of life's mysteries. The editorial stance is one of encouragement and guidance, offering readers resources and perspectives to navigate personal and societal challenges. There is a clear emphasis on the value of literature as a tool for learning, reflection, and personal growth, with a particular interest in Swedish authors and their contributions to various fields.