Seklet - 1957 No 1

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue No. 1, 1957, is a Swedish magazine published by Harry Blom. This issue delves into a variety of topics, ranging from the scientific validation of dowsing to psychological explorations of war and the mysteries of the Moon, alongside practical advice on graphology and biographical insights.

Geigermätaren ger upprättelse åt slagrutan

This article addresses the long-standing skepticism towards dowsing and pendulums in scientific circles, often dismissed as products of unconscious muscle movements or self-suggestion. Kyrkoherde V. Vallberg is cited for arguing against this dismissive attitude, pointing out that dowsing has been used for centuries to locate water veins and mineral deposits, and even to identify potentially harmful 'earth radiation.' The article recounts a case from Germany where a dowser was put on trial for allegedly selling shielding devices against such radiation. However, a pediatrician testified, providing evidence of the existence of harmful earth radiation, leading to the dowser's acquittal. The pediatrician had observed that his patients' joint and nerve pain often occurred in his right leg, suspecting earth radiation. Investigations at his clinic, using dowsing men and later a nucliometer (an instrument with 24 Geiger counters), confirmed the presence of radiation in specific 'retningszoner' or 'lines.' While the radioactivity levels were found to be weak and generally harmless, the confirmation of their existence was significant. The article further details a case of a 7-year-old girl with heart problems whose condition improved when placed over a radiation zone and worsened when the shielding device was moved, highlighting the sensitivity of some individuals to such phenomena. Dr. Graupner, the source of this account, notes that not everyone is equally sensitive to earth radiation, and other factors, such as the electrical conductivity of the earth, might be linked to diseases like cancer, potentially exacerbating existing conditions.

The article concludes by emphasizing the varying sensitivity of individuals and the potential for even subtle influences from earth radiation to contribute to illness over time, possibly through psychological changes that lead to physical ailments. It references Kritzinger's book 'Wünschelrute und Todesstrahlen' for further insights into the impact of cosmic and other radiation on the human body and soul.

Krigets Psykologi (The Psychology of War)

This section presents a dialogue between 'Fredsvän' (Peace Advocate) and 'Krigsfiende' (War Enemy) exploring the fundamental nature of war and humanity. Fredsvän vehemently argues that war is the ultimate evil. Krigsfiende counters that the causes of war are worse than war itself, pointing to human characteristics rather than just war industries or armaments. The discussion delves into the concept of antinomies – the inherent contradictions of good and evil within human nature and the world. Krigsfiende suggests that true philosophy and religion must confront this duality. While acknowledging human progress in harnessing nature's forces, he questions whether humanity itself has evolved significantly in its moral or spiritual capacity. The dialogue touches upon free will versus determinism, with Krigsfiende questioning the purpose of striving for ideals or peace if humans lack self-determination. The conversation concludes by noting that even in the context of war, antinomies exist, such as the dilemma of self-defense versus the act of killing, suggesting a perpetual state of conflict or difficult choices.

Månen (The Moon)

This section discusses the Moon as a subject of fascination for both popular imagination and scientific inquiry. It notes the Moon's feminine personification in ancient cultures (Luna, Selenä). The article speculates on theories about the Moon's origin, including the idea that Earth once had another, smaller moon that was absorbed, and that our current Moon might have originally been a planet captured by Earth's gravity. It mentions that the Lick Observatory's telescope has not fully revealed the Moon's structure as hoped. The text also touches upon the Moon's potential influence on humans and speculates about its future, referencing a German magazine's article that suggests a planetary alignment between 1961-1963 could destabilize the Moon's orbit, potentially leading to cataclysmic events on Earth, such as a new flood, before a more favorable period begins.

Grafologisk orientering (Graphological Orientation)

This is the first in a series of articles on graphology, the art of interpreting character from handwriting. It emphasizes the importance of clear handwriting in education and discusses how handwriting reflects individuality. The author notes that while past educational methods aimed to suppress individuality, current approaches might be too permissive. Handwriting is presented as a personal expression influenced by both innate qualities and external factors like upbringing. The article details how different handwriting characteristics, such as slant (left, upright, or right), can indicate personality traits like independence, openness, or introversion. It stresses that graphological analysis requires considering multiple signs rather than relying on a single feature. The author also briefly touches upon the influence of age and life periods on handwriting, suggesting that it reflects the writer's inner life.

Nya Böcker (New Books)

• This section provides brief reviews or descriptions of several books, including:
• 'Sökande i det fördolda' by Morey Bernstein, about Ruth Simmons' hypnotic regression.
• 'Hypnosen i mänsklighetens tjänst' by Poul Thorsen, on the use of hypnosis.
• 'Människans okända krafter' by Poul Thorsen, on occult phenomena.
• 'Det ockulta problemet' by John Björkhem, on parapsychology.
• 'DET STORA PROBLEMET' by George Lindsay Johnson, on evidence for life after death.
• 'Kyrkan och den psykiska forskningen' by Haraldur Nielsson, on psychic research.
• 'Europas framtid enligt Nostradamus' by G. Gustafsson.
• 'DEN ETERISKA STRÅLNINGEN' and 'Mystik och realism' by Viktor Vallberg, on ethereal radiation and character analysis.
• 'Intelligensmätningar och Tidspejlingar' by Viktor Vallberg, on measuring intelligence and time perception with a pendulum.

Om slagruta och pendel (On Dowsing Rod and Pendulum)

This article by Viktor Vallberg discusses the principles and applications of dowsing rods and pendulums. It touches upon the concept of 'ethereal radiation' and its research in France and Germany. Vallberg claims to have insights into these mysteries and offers explanations and guidance in his book. He also discusses how pendulums can be used to determine intelligence and intuition, providing specific numbers for individuals and instructions on how to perform such measurements. The article suggests that pendulums can reveal a person's inspiration, mobility, and intelligence, noting that intuition is often higher than intelligence in inventors and engineers.

Otto Weininger

This biographical piece focuses on Otto Weininger, a philosopher who engaged in an intense internal struggle. It compares his quest for self-understanding and grappling with antinomies (like man and woman, sin and redemption) to figures like Kierkegaard and Luther. Weininger's seminal work, 'Geschlecht und Charakter' (Sex and Character), published in 1903 when he was only twenty-three, is highlighted. The article notes his conversion from Judaism to Christianity and his struggle with sin and guilt, contrasting his path with Luther's eventual attainment of clarity through faith and Christ's atonement. Weininger, tragically, did not live to find such resolution, taking his own life at the age of twenty-three. The author speculates that his intense intellectual and religious work may have led to exhaustion and a state of despair, preventing him from reaching spiritual freedom. The article also mentions Strindberg's correspondence with a friend of Weininger's, reflecting on Weininger's fate and his own near-similar struggles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine SEKLET appears to champion unconventional or less mainstream scientific and philosophical ideas, giving voice to phenomena often dismissed by established science, such as dowsing and earth radiation. There is a strong interest in psychology, the human mind, and the occult or parapsychological. The publication also engages with philosophical and existential questions, as seen in the discussions on war psychology and the life of Otto Weininger. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative perspectives and to explore the deeper mysteries of life, the universe, and human nature. The inclusion of book reviews and practical advice (like graphology) suggests an aim to educate and inform the readership on a broad spectrum of topics.