Seklet - 1954 No 3

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue No. 3, 1954, published by Litteraturförlaget, is a Swedish magazine exploring paranormal phenomena, philosophy, and spiritualism. This issue features articles on out-of-body experiences, the nature of the soul, historical resistance to new ideas, and the relationship between the body and soul from a medical and philosophical standpoint.

Ärkebiskopinnans vigselring (The Archbishop's Wedding Ring)

This lead article explores the phenomenon of 'leaving the body' or out-of-body experiences (OBEs), suggesting it as evidence for the soul's independence from the physical body. The author notes that this phenomenon is often described in literature, where individuals in states of sleep, trance, or deep relaxation report leaving their bodies to move independently elsewhere. Some individuals train to achieve this, while others experience it spontaneously. The article recounts a case of a woman who, while ill, saw her own body lying in bed and felt free from pain, experiencing peace and hearing beautiful music before being compelled to return to her body. She recovered but died a few years later.

The article also mentions the concept of 'sensibility's exteriorisation,' where sensations like pain, warmth, or cold are perceived outside the body, even when the body itself is not stimulated. This has been observed under deep hypnosis, with the subject reacting to stimuli applied to an object, like a water glass, held at a distance.

A significant anecdote details an event from the mid-19th century involving a priest commission led by the Archbishop of Uppsala, who traveled to Lappland to investigate 'Lappish sorcery.' They stayed with a wealthy man named Lördal, known for his 'magical arts.' Lördal offered to prove his abilities by sending his soul to the Archbishop's wife in Uppsala to ascertain her activities and bring back proof. The Archbishop agreed. Lördal used a censer with dried herbs, inhaled the smoke, and entered a death-like state. The accompanying doctor believed he had been poisoned, but the Archbishop prevented intervention based on Lördal's prior request. After an hour, Lördal revived and accurately described the Archbishop's wife in the kitchen and the house in Uppsala. As proof, he stated he had hidden her wedding ring in the coal scuttle, which had slipped off her finger while she was cooking. The Archbishop later confirmed with his wife that she had indeed lost her wedding ring around that time, and it was later found in the coal scuttle.

The article notes that the concept of the soul or 'astral body' leaving the physical body has ancient roots, with consciousness residing in this 'spiritual body.'

Hur Sokrates mötte döden (How Sokrates Met Death)

This section, continuing from page 1, discusses humanity's tendency to resist new, beneficial ideas while embracing the superficial and deceptive. It posits that innovators, geniuses, and truth-tellers are often misunderstood, persecuted, and ridiculed throughout their lives and even after death. The author draws parallels between the trials of Sokrates and Jesus, noting similar accusations of corrupting the youth and spreading dangerous teachings. Sokrates' emphasis on inner conscience ('daimonion') and his belief in a single God are highlighted. His calm acceptance of his death sentence and his final words to his disciples are recounted.

Läkarna och förhållandet mellan kropp och själ (Doctors and the Relationship Between Body and Soul)

This article by Helge Åkerhielm reflects on the medical establishment's approach to the mind-body problem. Åkerhielm criticizes doctors for dogmatically adhering to an outdated, purely materialistic view of the relationship between the body and soul, possibly out of fear of promoting superstition. He cites the case of a young man treated with 38 electroshock sessions for depression, questioning the efficacy and ethics of such repeated interventions when the underlying cause might not be purely physical. The author argues that the recognition of psychosomatic illnesses, where psychological factors affect physical health, should lead to the conclusion that the soul is an independent entity capable of being affected by and affecting the body, without being identical to it. He notes the ostracism faced by doctors like John Björkhem and Gunnar Nordgren for their views and contrasts the Swedish medical approach with a more open attitude towards the spiritual and humanistic found abroad.

Slagruta och pendel (Dowsing Rod and Pendulum)

This article explores the role of dowsing rods and pendulums in ancient religions and their connection to 'astral radiation.' It suggests that natural religions are linked to cosmic radiation, and that individuals with intuitive or speculative gifts observed phenomena related to an underlying force. This force was often perceived as a divine power, leading to a form of monotheism behind polytheistic practices. The article mentions figures like Melchizedek, who served 'God Most High,' and discusses various ancient cultures' concepts of a supreme deity. It touches upon the influence of fetishism and the development of Buddhism, which, in its pure form, lacks a concept of God, aiming for the dissolution of personality into a mystical 'all.' The author also briefly discusses the practice of ecstatic rituals in Hinduism, such as immersing oneself in the Mahonima spring or spinning around a pole to achieve a trance state, viewing these as dangerous parapsychological or astral phenomena that do not offer true spiritual insight.

Dubbeldrömmar (Double Dreams)

This section describes 'double dreams' as dreams experienced simultaneously by two or more people. It recounts a peculiar double dream from the early 19th century experienced by Intendent Dr. Jussi. While his son Carl was gravely ill, Dr. Jussi dreamt he was leading his son in a blooming meadow when Carl ran towards a magnificent palace. Dr. Jussi tried to follow but was unable to move. He awoke in distress. Later, his wife revealed she had dreamt the same dream, with the addition that she and a maid were leading Carl, who then ran into the palace, and they searched for him in vain, lamenting his loss. Three days later, Carl died. The article suggests this dream might indicate a connection or communication from another realm.

Spiritualismen— den fjärde dimensionen (Spiritualism— The Fourth Dimension)

This section comments on the case of 'Teofilos,' involving a disciple at Fjellstedtska school who allegedly received a revelation from a deceased friend. The author cites philosopher Hans Driesch, who stated that a single, fully verified case of communication from the dead would be more significant than all of human culture and philosophy combined. The article discusses the possibility of such communications, noting that if spiritualism's claims were true, it would signify a vast expansion of our world, a 'fourth dimension.' It touches upon the rarity of such verified communications and the challenges in proving them, contrasting the scientific skepticism with the profound implications if such phenomena were proven.

Blyförgiftning (Lead Poisoning)

This article details the symptoms and effects of lead poisoning, historically observed in ancient Rome due to lead water pipes and still relevant for those working with solder. Symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, joint pain, neurological problems, and a characteristic graying of the inner iris. The article notes that lead accumulates in the body and can be difficult to eliminate, suggesting remedies like milk, magnesia, and egg white. It also mentions homeopathic treatments.

Nedsatta priser (Reduced Prices)

This section is an advertisement for books by various authors, including Dagny Sundgren, Agnes Svärd-Carlsson, Tore Blom, Georg Ljungström, Vera Arnö, C. B. Gaunitz, and V. Vallberg, offered at reduced prices until December 31, 1954. It highlights specific titles and provides brief descriptions and original prices versus sale prices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the paranormal, spiritualism, and the nature of consciousness, often questioning established scientific and medical paradigms. There's a recurring interest in phenomena that suggest the existence of a soul or spirit independent of the physical body. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these less conventional topics, encouraging reader contributions and presenting anecdotal evidence alongside philosophical and historical discussions. The magazine seems to advocate for a broader understanding of reality that includes spiritual and parapsychological dimensions, challenging materialistic worldviews.