Seklet - 1957 No 4

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue 4, 1957, a Swedish magazine priced at 50 öre, features a cover story questioning the validity of astrology and exploring its historical and potential scientific underpinnings. The issue also delves into the history of drama, graphology, natural forces, parapsychology, and health-related topics.

Can One Believe in Astrology?

The lead article, "Kan man tro på astrologien?" (Can One Believe in Astrology?), argues against the outright dismissal of astrology. It posits that if cosmic rays are accepted as influential, then radiation from celestial bodies should also be considered. The author suggests that the influence of planets like Jupiter and Mars, and even solar flares, might have effects on Earth and its inhabitants. Historically, many religions were founded on astrological principles, and a complete disregard for these influences is seen as illogical. The article acknowledges that astrology may have been misused but argues this is not a reason to reject it entirely, drawing a parallel to the misuse of dynamite. It suggests that scientific inquiry should not shy away from the speculative and that a more holistic understanding of the universe could integrate astrology as a tool for understanding human character and psychology.

Rasputin: A Man of Fate

A section on "Rasputin" describes him as the most mysterious man of the century, whose name is reviled and casts a dark shadow over the memory of the Tsar's family. It references a testimony from the woman who claimed to be Princess Anastasia, detailing Rasputin's influence over the imperial family, his perceived ability to heal the Tsarevich, and his warning against entering the war, which ultimately led to Russia's downfall. The text notes Rasputin's hypnotic abilities and his alleged sexual abuses, but also his role as a trusted advisor to the Tsar.

The Development of Drama Through the Ages

This article explores the essence of drama as a way to represent historical ideas and human psychology. It traces the evolution of drama from ancient Greece, where tragedies were followed by comedies to balance emotional impact, to the Roman Empire, where spectacle and gladiatorial contests replaced more profound dramatic forms. The text notes the inherent human need for dramatic expression, seen even in natural peoples' rituals and children's games. The Middle Ages are characterized by religious drama and the use of visual art in churches as a form of preaching and storytelling for a largely illiterate population. The article suggests that the foundations of modern drama were laid during this period.

Graphological Orientation: Reality and Dream

Part IV of "Grafologisk orientering" (Graphological Orientation) discusses the finer points of graphology, emphasizing that even the smallest signs in handwriting can be significant. It highlights how handwriting analysis has been used in legal cases, sometimes leading to miscarriages of justice, citing the famous Dreyfus affair as a prime example where initial expert opinions wrongly convicted Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The article notes that even qualified experts can err and that a crucial aspect of handwriting analysis involves understanding how a forger might attempt to imitate another's style. It also mentions a Swedish case where graphological opinions were divided, with the court favoring the minority opinion.

The Holy Struggle

"Den heliga striden" (The Holy Struggle) discusses the nature of conflict, asserting that struggles for unholy causes employ unholy weapons, while those for holy causes require holy means. It quotes Jesus saying, "those who take the sword will perish by the sword," implying that even weapons blessed by religious rites do not become holy. The article suggests that if leaders heeded Jesus' words, wars would not occur, but acknowledges the complexity of self-defense. It frames life as a constant struggle against evil, both within individuals and in the world, referencing Jesus' statement that he came not to bring peace but a sword, interpreted as a call to spiritual warfare against falsehood and hypocrisy.

Natural Forces

"Naturkrafter" (Natural Forces) discusses how early humans personified natural phenomena like lightning, attributing it to gods like Thor. It notes that approximately 100 lightning bolts strike Earth every second, with most discharging between clouds. The immense power of lightning, estimated at 1.5 billion kilowatts, is highlighted, with a fraction of this power being sufficient to supply humanity's current electrical needs. The article also touches upon humanity's exploration of atomic power, cautioning about the dangers of radiation and suggesting that stationary power plants might be a safer initial approach than atomic-powered locomotives.

The Finger Lift

"Fingerlyftet" (The Finger Lift) describes a parapsychological phenomenon akin to levitation. It details an experiment where a person sits on a chair, and four others surround them, forming a psychic circle. By concentrating and placing their hands on the seated person or their head in a specific alternating pattern, the group can create a sensation of weightlessness, making the seated person feel as if they are being lifted without effort. The article states that this experiment can also be performed with inanimate objects and is generally successful unless participants are overly tired.

A Dream Come True

"En sanndröm" (A Dream Come True) recounts a personal experience where the author's friend lost her rings. The friend's mother-in-law had a dream about rings in a specific location, which later proved to be true when the rings were found in the place indicated by the dream. The story emphasizes the predictive power of dreams in this instance.

International Society of Naturopathic Physicians

This section introduces the "International Society of Naturopathic Physicians," an organization composed of professors and doctors from various countries, with its headquarters in the USA. Its organ in Germany is called "Heilkunde-Heilwege." The society's primary goal is to establish preventive healthcare as the foundation of medical science, focusing on human health and well-being. It advocates for natural, non-toxic remedies, including homeopathic medicine, and opposes the use of poisonous drugs, tobacco, and other harmful substances. The article promises further information from the society's work.

Literature and Products

The magazine includes advertisements for various health products from "LITTERATURFORLAGETS ORTTJÄNST" (Literature Publishers' Herb Service). These include lozenges for liver and gallbladder function (Löwenzahndrageer), heart health (Haqvimistdragéer), nerve support (Valerianadragéer), weight management (Slankhetsdragéer), and cardiovascular issues (Misteldragéer). Also offered are Be-Vital capsules for nervousness and insomnia, Linella for digestive health, and Vitlökskapslar (garlic capsules) for various ailments. Books advertised include "FRISK-SLANK-STARK" (Healthy-Slim-Strong) on fasting and modern methods for health and beauty, and "ÖRTAGUBBEN" (The Herb Man) on the healing properties of 25 herbs. "Gelée Royale" is promoted as a health-preserving agent, with claims of its benefits for longevity and human health, based on the diet of queen bees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around questioning established scientific norms (astrology), exploring historical and alternative perspectives (drama, graphology, parapsychology), and promoting natural health and well-being. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring phenomena not typically covered by mainstream science, advocating for a holistic approach to health and human understanding, and critiquing conventional medical practices in favor of natural remedies. There's a consistent emphasis on the power of nature, both in terms of natural forces and natural healing methods.