Seklet - 1955 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SEKLET
Issue: N:r 1.
Volume/Year: 1955
Cover Headline: Behärskar människan naturen? Parapsykologien Eller är det naturen som behärskar människan? (Does Man Master Nature? Parapsychology Or Does Nature Master Man?)

This issue of SEKLET from 1955 delves into profound questions about humanity's relationship with nature and the burgeoning field of parapsychology. It critiques the modern scientific establishment for its perceived ignorance of past research and highlights the ongoing struggle for significant truths to gain acceptance.

Humanity vs. Nature: The Illusion of Control

The lead article, "Behärskar människan naturen? Parapsykologien Eller är det naturen som behärskar människan?" (Does Man Master Nature? Parapsychology Or Does Nature Master Man?), posits that while modern humans believe they have mastered nature, this is an illusion. The author contrasts the intimate, symbiotic relationship of early "nature humans" with the current, exploitative approach. The article uses Goethe's poem "Der Zauberlehrling" (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) as a metaphor for humanity's current predicament: having learned to conjure nature's powers (like the apprentice conjuring a water-carrying robot) but forgetting the command to control them. This has led to unintended and potentially disastrous consequences, such as world wars and atomic bombs, which the author suggests might lead people to believe in the devil rather than God.

The article warns of impending global famine, citing Professor Borgström's research and arguing that artificial fertilizers, while providing short-term gains, ultimately degrade the soil and worsen the situation. The author expresses concern over population growth outpacing food production and criticizes methods like sterilization and artificial insemination as desperate measures. The piece also touches upon the dangers of using chemical pesticides, suggesting that the problem, like the sorcerer's apprentice's robots, may multiply and become uncontrollable.

Parapsychology: Acknowledging the Past

Another article, "Har det funnits vetenskapsmän före 1940?" (Have there been scientists before 1940?), criticizes contemporary parapsychological literature for acting as if research in the field is entirely new. The author laments that important truths struggle to gain recognition, often taking decades or centuries. The article cites a Danish professor who dismisses clairvoyance as unproven and Alfred Lehmann's skepticism about telepathy, attributing such views to a lack of understanding of parapsychology. The author points to researchers like I. H. Fichte, Du Prel, Aksakow, Flammarion, Wallace, Durville, Richet, Ol. Lodge, and Ernesto Bozzano as significant figures whose work has been overlooked by modern science. The magazine "Seklet" aims to bring attention to these neglected areas and researchers, including the contemporary American psychologist Rhine.

The article emphasizes that the core finding of parapsychological research is the existence of a reality beyond the material. It recounts a story from Rhine about a four-year-old boy who drew papers that were later identified as stenographic messages from his deceased father, detailing a New York bank account. This is presented as an example of automatic writing and psychic phenomena.

The Legacy of Frans Mesmer

"Mannen som fick sin doktorsgrad på en avhandling om planeternas inverkan" (The Man Who Got His Doctorate on a Thesis About Planetary Influence) by Vivos Voco, profiles Dr. Frans Mesmer. Mesmer, born in 1734, is credited with laying the groundwork for suggestion, mass-suggestion, and hypnosis. His doctoral thesis explored the influence of celestial bodies on earthly matters. Initially, he used magnets but discovered he could induce therapeutic effects, including sleep, through his own touch, leading him to theorize about "animal magnetism." His successful treatments gained attention, but he faced fierce opposition from the medical establishment, who accused him of charlatanism and even political subversion. He was forced to flee and faced imprisonment. Despite the persecution, Mesmer continued his work, eventually settling in Switzerland where he lived quietly, writing and treating patients without charge, and even supported the young Mozart.

Health and Nutrition: The Role of Minerals

"En läkares ord om födan" (A Doctor's Words on Food) features insights from a Swiss doctor, Dr. Rud. Müller. He argues that many modern deficiency diseases stem from food grown in depleted soil, lacking essential minerals. Müller stresses that a balanced diet requires not just calories, vitamins, and macronutrients, but also a "proper troop of minerals." He explains that plants and animals derive minerals solely from the soil, and when the soil is deficient, so is the food. He notes that even seemingly healthy foods can vary drastically in their mineral content. Müller emphasizes that vitamins are ineffective without adequate minerals. He dedicated years to researching this problem, even pausing his medical practice to find solutions.

Automatic Writing and Character Analysis

Another section, "Automatisk skrift" (Automatic Writing), continues a series on the phenomenon. It describes automatic writing as a common occurrence, with extensive literature available, much of it unpublished. The article notes that automatic writing can produce entire novels, messages from the deceased, poetry, and biographies, suggesting it points to something beyond materialism. It recounts the case of Martin Liljeblad, who produced psalms under the pseudonym "Kingo," some with melodies, despite not being a musician. The author questions whether these were divine or demonic messages, noting their Christian content. The article also mentions "Patience Worth, a psychic Mystery," by Caspar S. Yost, as another example of a book of poetry produced through a medium.

"Det finns olika system för bedömande av människans anlag, karaktär och möjligheter." (There are different systems for assessing human potential, character, and abilities.) discusses various methods of character analysis, including physiognomy, astrology, palmistry, and graphology. The author asserts that despite different approaches, these systems generally yield consistent results when applied by knowledgeable individuals. Astrology is highlighted as a fundamental basis, though it has been historically neglected. The article mentions that while Swedish literature on these topics is scarce, translations and some original works exist. It also briefly touches on hand diagnostics, referencing authors like "Cheiro" and Desbarolles, and notes that the magazine's second volume will delve deeper into these subjects.

Book Reviews and Advertisements

The issue includes a section titled "Antikvarisk Litteratur" (Antiquarian Literature), which lists various books for sale, covering topics such as theosophy, spiritualism, occultism, mysticism, and health. Titles include works by Annie Besant, Helena Blavatsky, Camille Flammarion, and others. There are also advertisements for books like "Den nya tidsålderns EVANGELIUM" (The New Age Gospel) by Levi, and "Bortom töcknen" (Beyond the Veils) by R. J. Lees, which promises insights into life after death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET are the limitations of conventional science, the exploration of the paranormal and spiritual realms, and a critical view of modern society's relationship with nature and health. The magazine appears to advocate for a broader, more inclusive understanding of reality that incorporates spiritual and psychic phenomena, challenging materialistic viewpoints. The editorial stance is one of seeking and disseminating knowledge that has been overlooked or suppressed by mainstream thought, with a particular interest in historical figures and phenomena that defy easy explanation.