Seklet - 1956 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: SEKLET
Issue: N:r 1
Volume: 1
Date: 1956
Price: 50 öre
Publisher: Litteraturförlaget

This issue of SEKLET, published in 1956, presents a diverse range of articles touching upon societal changes, scientific inquiry, spiritual exploration, and philosophical contemplation.

The Great Cigarette Revolution

The lead article, adapted from "Organic Gardening and Farming" and written by Robert Rodale, details the burgeoning "cigarette revolution" in America. It highlights the growing public awareness and scientific evidence linking cigarette smoking to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. The article notes the negative impact on the tobacco industry, with declining sales and falling stock prices. It suggests that official investigations and public health initiatives, such as those planned by the New York Health Department to warn young people about smoking, will likely intensify the anti-cigarette movement. The author draws a parallel between the concerns over nicotine and the increasing use of toxic pesticides in agriculture, questioning when a similar "chemical revolution" will occur to address the widespread use of agricultural chemicals.

A Chemical Revolution in Agriculture?

Expanding on the health concerns, the article questions the future of agricultural chemicals, particularly insecticides. It notes the dramatic increase in their use since the 1920s and 1930s, with modern agriculture relying heavily on potent chemical agents. The author expresses worry that much of the food consumed is treated with these chemicals, leading to a constant intake of them by the body. While the long-term consequences are not yet fully understood, the article speculates that within a few years, the effects might become apparent, leading to a widespread decline in health. It advocates for natural methods of pest control, proper crop rotation, and a limit on the use of insecticides to prevent constant chemical exposure.

Spiritual Wavelengths and Scientific Proof

Kyrkoherde emr. V. Vallberg contributes a series of articles exploring "Spiritual Wavelengths" and the nature of the soul. He discusses his previous writings on radiation phenomena and wavelengths, referencing tools like the dowsing rod and pendulum used to measure them. He cites historical knowledge and modern scientific attempts to measure brain wavelengths, mentioning an American scientist who developed an instrument to do so. Vallberg recounts an experiment involving a dying woman, where instruments measured her prayerful thoughts at an astonishing 500 degrees on a positive scale, far exceeding the power of a major US radio station. This experience led the scientist, initially an atheist, to believe in a higher power and the existence of something beyond mere matter. The article includes a direct quote from the scientist describing the experiment and its profound impact on his worldview.

The Future of Humanity

Another article, "Människosläktets framtid?" (The Future of Humanity?), poses critical questions about whether the current and upcoming generations can meet the extraordinary demands placed upon them. It argues that if world leaders prioritized this question, it could lead to significant positive changes in international relations and internal state affairs. The author laments that this topic is largely avoided in serious discussion, even though it was the subject of his 1947 publication, "Kan människosläktet fortleva? Diskussionsproblem" (Can Humanity Survive? A Discussion Problem).

The article touches upon population control, mentioning scientific proposals for serums to induce sterility and the concept of eugenics, or artificial selection, to promote the survival of the physically strong and eliminate degenerate individuals. It expresses a pessimistic outlook on this direction, seeing it as a desperate view of the future. The author stresses the importance of raising interest in these issues to encourage discussion, contrasting this with humanity's tendency to avoid uncomfortable truths in favor of utopian ideals and a "higher standard of living."

Over-sensitivity and the Etheric Radiation

An article on "Överkänslighet" (Over-sensitivity) discusses cases of individuals exhibiting extreme reactions to stimuli such as cats, leading to asthma. It explains this as a result of magnetic or etheric radiation affecting sensitive individuals, a phenomenon that can also be triggered by food, fabrics, or medicines. The article references the work of Count Reichenbach from a century prior, who extensively studied such phenomena using the dowsing rod, though his findings were largely dismissed by the scientific establishment of his time. The author notes that this sensitivity can manifest in various ways beyond asthma, including nausea and psychological distress.

Mediumship and Communication with the Deceased

A section titled "Ett meddelande genom medium" (A Message Through a Medium) recounts an experience of a Swedish woman in London who attended a spiritualist séance. At the séance, a medium delivered a message from a deceased young man named Walter to his grieving mother. Although the woman initially didn't recognize the name, she later confirmed that a friend named Walter had indeed passed away from pneumonia, and his mother was deeply saddened. The woman was able to relay the message, bringing comfort. The article concludes by suggesting that such phenomena might be explained as "thought transference" or, more profoundly, as communication from the deceased, questioning the possibility of such transference occurring through other means.

Psychology and the Soul

The "Parapsykologi" section delves into the concept of the soul. It contrasts the modern scientific definition of psychology, which often equates the soul with nervous reactions and bodily functions, with a more traditional understanding. Referencing Freud, it suggests that understanding present behavior requires looking back to childhood origins. However, the article emphasizes that the soul is not merely a product of the body or earthly experiences but an eternal entity with its origin in God. It argues that losing one's conscience and awareness of God leads to the loss of one's soul, not its annihilation, but a separation from the source of life. The author also touches upon the historical belief in pre-existence of the soul, citing Viktor Rydberg and Bishop Beckman.

Flying Objects and Spiritual Phenomena

An article titled "Fläcken sitter inuti" (The Stain is Inside) uses an anecdote about a man trying to clean a car windshield to illustrate that sometimes the problem is not external but internal. This is applied to human behavior and judgment of others. Another piece, "Fläcken sitter inuti" (The Stain is Inside), discusses the historical and anecdotal evidence for phenomena related to flight and levitation, referencing flying carpets, Andersen's tales, and accounts of mediums levitating or objects moving inexplicably. It notes that such abilities were often attributed to supernatural powers and could be viewed as divine gifts or demonic influences. The article mentions historical figures and accounts, including Conan Doyle's mention of a person who could levitate and Houdini's feats, suggesting that some phenomena defy conventional scientific explanation.

Work and Rest

An article on "Arbete och vila" (Work and Rest) discusses the philosophical work of Josef Pieper, particularly his book "Musse und Kult" (Leisure and Culture). Pieper's philosophy draws from medieval high culture and thinkers like Thomas ab Aquino, advocating for a spiritual realism as opposed to abstract theoretical thinking. The article focuses on Pieper's examination of the relationship between work and rest. It criticizes the modern overemphasis on "work" and the concept of "worker," contrasting it with the medieval understanding of "acedia" (sloth or spiritual idleness), which is more than mere idleness but a failure to fulfill one's destiny. The author argues for the importance of preserving elements of the past such as reverence, festivity, mysticism, and contact with the divine, suggesting that true human dignity and fulfillment are found in contemplation and a connection to the higher, unseen aspects of life, ultimately rooted in religious faith.

Health and Joy

The "Hälsa och livsglädje" (Health and Joy) section offers various products and advice related to well-being. It features "Ortaqubbens 25 underbara läkeörter" (Ortaqubben's 25 Wonderful Medicinal Herbs), a book on herbal remedies. It also promotes various dragées for heart health, blood pressure, nerves, and weight management, as well as a book on raw food recipes, "Gröna kokboken" (Green Cookbook) by Vera Lindgren, and "Råkosträtter" (Raw Food Dishes) by Charlotte Johnsson. Additionally, it advertises "Bliv din egen läkare" (Become Your Own Doctor) by V. Vallberg, which offers homeopathic remedies and health advice, and "Konsten att vara rakostare" (The Art of Being a Raw Foodist) by Dan Aberg, which focuses on lifestyle changes for health.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SEKLET exhibits a strong leaning towards spiritual, philosophical, and alternative health perspectives. There is a recurring theme of questioning modern materialistic and scientific paradigms in favor of spiritual or metaphysical explanations. The magazine appears critical of contemporary societal trends, such as the overemphasis on work and the uncritical adoption of technology and chemicals. It champions a return to older wisdom, be it philosophical, spiritual, or naturalistic, as a means to address the perceived ills of modern life. The editorial stance seems to advocate for a holistic approach to health and well-being, integrating spiritual and physical aspects, and encourages readers to explore these less conventional avenues of thought and practice.