Seklet - 1955 No 5-6

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, issue number 5-6 from 1955, is a Swedish magazine focusing on a blend of spiritual, scientific, and social commentary, with a strong emphasis on parapsychology and alternative viewpoints. The issue features contributions from Kyrkoherde emer. Viktor Vallberg, a prolific writer and researcher, who is highlighted for his extensive work on topics ranging from agriculture to the human psyche.

Key Articles and Themes

The Future of Swedish Agriculture

The lead article, "Hur skall det gå med Sveriges jordbruk?" (What Will Become of Sweden's Agriculture?), by V. Vallberg, addresses concerns about the future of farming in Sweden, particularly in Norrland. It critiques the demands of forestry companies seeking to acquire more land and criticizes the reliance on artificial fertilizers. Vallberg advocates for a return to biodynamic farming practices and warns of potential agricultural decline if current trends continue. He also touches upon the historical context of land ownership and the importance of smallholdings.

Viktor Vallberg: A Profile

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Viktor Vallberg, described as a "Norrland apostle" and a "culture-historical personality and authority." The text praises his extensive research, bold writing, and unwavering stance against materialism. His works, including "Människokunskap" (Human Knowledge) and "Kristendomens forntid, nutid, framtid" (Christianity's Past, Present, Future), are highlighted. Vallberg's advocacy for agricultural reform and his critical examination of scientific and theological ideas are emphasized.

Frenology and the Human Psyche

"Vad är frenologi?" (What is Frenology?) by V. Vallberg, explores the historical practice of frenology, explaining its principles of interpreting character from head shape. While acknowledging its disrepute in modern science, Vallberg notes its historical significance and mentions researchers like Alfred Russel Wallace who saw merit in it. He also discusses the concept of "Människokunskap" (Human Knowledge) and its relation to frenological psychology.

Parapsychology and Telepathy

"Parapsykologi" (Parapsychology) by V. Vallberg, delves into phenomena such as telepathy and thought transference. It recounts anecdotes of individuals who could read minds or sense others' thoughts, including the story of Olov Olsson from Ankarvattnet. The article posits that these abilities are not unique to humans but also exist between animals and humans, suggesting a universal connection.

DDT: A Dangerous Poison

An article titled "DDT – ett farligt gift" (DDT – a dangerous poison) warns about the harmful effects of DDT. It highlights that the chemical accumulates in body fat and can cause degenerative changes in organs, particularly the nervous system. The author cites a New York doctor's findings and expresses concern about the long-term health implications for the population.

The Optophone and Blindness

"Optofonen" (The Optophone) describes an instrument that allows blind individuals to read printed text by converting it into sound. The article explains the scientific principle behind the Optophone, which relies on the properties of selenium, a material that conducts electricity when exposed to light.

Automatic Writing and Spiritualism

Under the heading "Automatisk skrift" (Automatic Writing), the magazine presents three "automatic poems" purportedly written by famous figures like Bellman, Rolf, and Dante. The author discusses the possibility of these being genuine communications from spirits or manifestations of the subconscious, questioning the authenticity and exploring different hypotheses.

The Mysterious Ring

"Den hemlighetsfulla ringen" (The Mysterious Ring) by V. Vallberg, continues a series on dowsing rods and pendulums. This article focuses on the symbolic and mystical significance of rings in Nordic folklore, associating them with divination, invisibility, and spiritual power, referencing figures like Odin and the ring Draupner.

Health and Healing

Several sections touch upon health and alternative healing methods. The "Hälsoörter" (Health Herbs) section lists various herbal remedies and their purported benefits. The article "Vetenskap och kvacksalveri" (Science and Quackery) critiques modern medicine's dismissal of phenomena like psychic blood-stopping and discusses the potential suppression of alternative healing methods like homeopathy.

The Underbarn (Prodigy)

"Underbarnet" (The Prodigy) recounts the story of Christian Heinecker, a child prodigy born in 1721 who displayed extraordinary intellectual abilities from a very young age. The article suggests that such cases might be explained by the concept of reincarnation.

Locations and Countries

The magazine mentions various locations, primarily within Sweden (Norrland, Jämtland, Stockholm, Göteborg, Ankarvattnet, Frostviken, Uppsala, By), but also internationally (Rome, Messina, India, Africa, America, Hekla, Lübeck, Copenhagen).

Key Persons

Besides Viktor Vallberg, other notable figures mentioned include Biskop Torsten Bohlin and J. A. Eklund, Professor Hedenius, Borgmästare Lindhagen, Professor Bondorff, Skald Tegnér, Kings Karl XII, Fredrik, Gustaf III, and Karl XIII, as well as historical figures like Olov Olsson, Sten Frödin, Don Mariano Cubi, Alfred Russel Wallace, J. I. Rodale, and various doctors and professors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that challenges strict materialism and embraces the existence of an immaterial reality. Themes of spirituality, psychic phenomena, alternative healing, and historical/cultural mysteries are recurrent. The editorial stance is critical of established scientific and medical institutions, often portraying them as dogmatic or resistant to new ideas. There is a strong advocacy for individual thought, spiritual exploration, and a holistic approach to health and life. The magazine appears to be a platform for disseminating unconventional ideas and fostering discussion on topics often marginalized by mainstream discourse.