Seklet - 1954 No 1

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, N:r 1, published in the second quarter of 1954, is a Swedish quarterly magazine focusing on parapsychology, spiritualism, and related topics. The issue features articles on mediumship, pendulum dowsing, the future of humanity, frenology, and precognitive dreams.

Mediumship: Indridi Indridason

This section details the experiences with the Icelandic medium Indridi Indridason, as described in Professor Haraldur Nielsson's book "The Church and Psychic Research." Indridason's spirit guides attempted to convince observers that they were distinct personalities from the medium's subconscious, having lived previous lives. They demonstrated control over physical objects, moving tables and chairs without touch. The medium himself was levitated multiple times, even placed in a basket chair that creaked audibly as it floated. In one instance, his left arm reportedly dematerialized completely, a phenomenon later confirmed by seven witnesses and supported by similar cases documented in France.

Pendulum Dowsing

Authored by V. Vallberg, this article, titled "Do You Have a Talent for Pendulum Dowsing?", discusses the proper use and interpretation of pendulums. Vallberg emphasizes that pendulum use should be planned, not experimental, and suggests materials like gold or brass for the pendulum and silk, linen, or hair for the cord. He outlines a system based on pendulum movements, correlating them with different vibrations and characteristics:

• East-West: Indicates lower vibrations, often found in natural peoples, and can signify illness or psychic weakness. In criminals, it may move below the horizontal line. Jazz music is associated with this.
• Circle (Right to Left): Linked to red color and copper, representing the sun and solar plexus. This is associated with folk songs and ancient practices.
• Circle (Left to Right): Signifies gold, the heart, and intelligence, representing higher culture and classical music.
• North-South: Associated with silver, spiritual music, and prayer, representing the New Testament and individuals with a strong spiritual connection.

Specific points on the diagram (A, B, C, D) are linked to the moon, phosphorus, chest, iron, mathematics, lead, and tin, respectively, relating to voice, drama, and intellect.

The magazine invites readers to share their experiences with pendulum research.

The Future Human

This article speculates on the future evolution of humanity, referencing Ellen Key's prediction of a highly sensitive, "rapidly vibrating" individual. The author suggests that modern society's hurried and nervous pace already embodies this type. The development of humanity is attributed to three factors: heredity, environment, and self-determination. The article stresses the importance of upbringing in shaping future generations, questioning whether the goal should be to cultivate the "rapidly vibrating" type or a calm, self-controlled one. It warns against a lack of moral norms, which could lead to degeneration and societal collapse.

Frenology

Franz Josef Gall (1757-1828) is presented as the pioneer of brain research and frenology. Gall's anatomical studies led him to believe that the brain has distinct organs for different mental functions. The article argues that frenology, despite its detractors, is a necessary prerequisite for understanding the human psyche. It mentions Gall's work with different animal brains and his collaboration with Spurzheim to develop frenology. The practice was known and used in Sweden in the early 19th century, with an anecdote about a school rector examining Peter Wisselgren's head.

The article also recounts how composer Hugo Alfvén was predicted to become a musician by Professor Branting, who used frenological analysis, despite Alfvén's initial lack of interest in music.

Precognitive Dreams (Sanndrömmar)

This section shares anecdotes of precognitive dreams. The German poet Ernst Moritz Arndt dreamed he would live to be ninety-one, a dream that came true. Another story tells of a 17-year-old girl, Alice Salt, who dreamed of a factory fire and her death in it, a dream that tragically materialized the following day.

Ether

Written by Emil Aurelius-Baeuerle, this article discusses the concept of ether as a fundamental substance in the universe. It posits that ether is not merely a theoretical construct but possesses physical properties, including continuity and the ability to transmit forces. Ether is described as the medium for all phenomena, including attraction, repulsion, magnetism, and electricity. Matter is seen as a crystallization of ether. The article touches upon the role of the human will in directing ether currents through nerves, suggesting that the soul knows how to direct these processes, even if science cannot fully explain it.

"Ghosts"

This section references a lecture by Dr. Hj. Selldén on the topic of "Belshazzar's Feast," discussing the fear of ghosts. It quotes President von Gerlach, who notes that the ignorant and enlightened often disbelieve in ghosts but fear them, while the pious believe in them but do not fear them. The article also includes quotes from Professor Perty and Bozzano, suggesting that studying paranormal phenomena can broaden human understanding.

Book Reviews and Announcements

The magazine includes several book reviews and announcements:

• "Ord om lycka" (Words on Happiness) by Nils Simonsson, described as a collection of "kernel words" from world literature, recommended by Dr. Poul Bjerre.
• "Den eteriska strålningen" (The Etheric Radiation) by V. Vallberg, a book on pendulum research.
• "Mystik och realism" (Mysticism and Realism) by the same author.
• "Intelligensmätningar och tidsspejlingar" (Intelligence Measurements and Time Reflections) and "Människans okända krafter" (Man's Unknown Powers) by Poul Thorsen.
• "Kristendommens forntid - nutid - framtid" (Christianity's Past - Present - Future) by V. Vallberg.

It also announces upcoming translations of books on hand diagnosis, including one on "Talking Child Hands."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science and spirituality, presenting phenomena like mediumship, dowsing, and psychic abilities as subjects worthy of investigation. There is a clear interest in understanding the human mind, consciousness, and potential future developments. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these less conventional areas, encouraging reader participation and presenting information from various sources, including academic and spiritual perspectives. The publication aims to inform and provoke thought on topics beyond mainstream scientific understanding.