Seklet - 1960 No 4-5

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue No. 4-5, 1960, is a Swedish magazine focusing on social commentary, personal reflections, and alternative sciences. This issue features a critical examination of Swedish family law, a personal account of the poet Gustaf Fröding, an exploration of parapsychological phenomena, and advice on child health and the emerging field of cosmobiology.

Vårt familjerättsliga barbari 2 (Our Family Law Barbarism 2)

This extensive article by E. Rönne-Petersen critiques the Swedish legal system, particularly in divorce cases, arguing that it has regressed into a form of 'psychological matriarchy' and 'legal pseudopatriarchy.' The author contrasts the primitive, collective nature of matriarchy with the individualistic, creative nature of patriarchy, suggesting that Sweden has failed to fully realize patriarchy. He posits that cultural decline, marked by excessive legislation ('legislative elephantiasis') and women entering the workforce, leads to a suppression of individual responsibility in favor of collective conformity, police states, and a 'tyranny of standardization.' The article traces this regression back to the dismantling of the old legal system under Carl IX, claiming Swedish legal tradition became the most reactionary in the world, cynically disregarding subjective ethics and justice. The author criticizes the modern legal system's focus on material standards and collective control, contrasting it with more primitive legal traditions that, paradoxically, may have upheld more nuanced justice. The piece also touches upon the societal impact of this regression, including the normalization of 'amazon worship' and the suppression of the 'feminine' in women. The author uses the example of divorce cases to illustrate how economic factors and a matriarchal mindset override the well-being of children, leading to rushed proceedings and a disregard for genuine human connection.

Gustaf Fröding: Minnen och reflexioner (Memories and Reflections)

This section offers personal recollections of the Swedish poet Gustaf Fröding by an unnamed author. The author recounts an encounter with a young woman who declared Fröding as Sweden's foremost poet, leading to a discussion about other poets like J. O. Wallin. The author shares memories of seeing Fröding in Uppsala in 1897, noting his distinct gait and rhythmic movements, which he later interpreted as indicative of his poetic nature. The piece describes Fröding's confiscated work 'Stänk och flikar' and his visits to a specific konditori (cafe) in Uppsala, which the author believes served as the inspiration for the poem 'Flickan i ögat' (The Girl in the Eye), detailing the cafe's layout and atmosphere. The author also touches upon Fröding's personal struggles and self-descriptions, referencing his poem 'Aladdins lampa.' The narrative highlights Fröding's realistic portrayal of life in his poetry, citing examples like 'Jägare Malm' and 'Ett gammalt förmak.' The author also discusses Ida Bäckman's book about her relationship with Fröding, noting its controversial reception and Bäckman's deep, perhaps idealized, affection for the poet. The piece concludes by reflecting on Fröding's potential religious background and his internal struggles, as evidenced by his final words.

Torsdagsgruppen kallar! (The Thursday Group Calls!)

This is an announcement for a group called the 'Torsdagsgruppen' (Thursday Group) which aims to facilitate discussions based on the book 'Djävulsdansen' (The Devil's Dance). The group is inviting new members and mentions that previous announcements for duplicated lectures have not yet reached the required number of participants. They are planning regular meetings at Medborgarhuset every other Thursday and announce a lecture by Herr Anders Nilsson on 'My Experiences with the World of the Unseen' for December 7th. The announcement also states that SEKLET will become a monthly magazine in 1961, with an increased subscription price.

Spökerier och jordstrålning (Hauntings and Earth Rays)

This article continues a discussion on the connection between hauntings and earth rays, referencing the work of German dowser Hermann Grettler. Grettler investigated a house in Kufstein, Tyrol, where poltergeist phenomena, including flying stones, were reported. Using his dowsing and pendulum techniques, he identified radiation belts beneath the house, particularly a strong crossing point near a bed where stone materializations were said to occur. The article details the family's experiences, including stones flying through closed windows and doors. Grettler's investigations suggested that these phenomena were linked to the presence of the children and their sensitivity to earth rays. Hypnotic regression of one of the children suggested the stones originated from 'far away' and were not thrown by human hands. The article also mentions another case in Dornbirn involving a tall, dark figure materializing in an engineer's room, which Grettler linked to a crossing of radiation zones. Grettler claims his shielding devices can prevent such phenomena and alleviate associated health issues.

Dietens väg till barnens hälsa (The Path of Diet to Children's Health)

This article provides comprehensive dietary advice for children, focusing on protecting them from the harmful effects of radiation from nuclear sources. It emphasizes a lacto-vegetarian diet, recommending ample consumption of yogurt, vegetables, and fruits. Specific recommendations include avoiding processed foods and ensuring adequate intake of milk (1.3-1.5 liters daily for children over 1.5 years old), divided into filmjölk, yogurt, and sweet milk. The article also suggests incorporating natural supplements like VIVITA (a mineral-rich product) and Protovit, and highlights the benefits of specific foods like raw cabbage, apples, and whole grain bread (mentioning Paals Kärnmjölks-Limpa and Kneipbröd). The author warns against the overuse of 'sweets' as rewards for children, deeming it a form of 'bribery' that harms their health. The article also touches upon the importance of individual dietary needs based on a child's constitution (ectomorphic, endomorphic, mesomorphic).

Astrologiens utveckling till kosmobiologi (The Development of Astrology into Cosmobiology)

This article traces the evolution of astrology into cosmobiology, highlighting the work of Reinhold Ebertin. It describes cosmobiology as a more scientific and comprehensive approach that considers all factors influencing human life, both celestial and earthly, in contrast to popular astrology. The author praises Ebertin's technical innovations, interpretive methods, and his efforts to bridge astrology with other scientific fields like medicine and psychology. The article mentions Ebertin's collaborations, his publications like 'Kombination der Gestirninflüsse' (Combination of Stellar Influences), and the annual cosmobiological congresses in Aalen. It quotes Ebertin emphasizing the need for cosmobiology to be scientific, evidence-based, and free from fatalistic predictions, aiming instead to empower individuals to understand and shape their own destinies. The article concludes by stating that cosmobiology seeks to understand humanity as a microcosm within a macrocosm, fostering a holistic view of life.

Nya böcker (New Books)

This section reviews several new books:

• 'Livet och människan' (Life and Man) by Dr. John Björkhem: Described as essential reading for self-care and personal guidance, offering insights into life's challenges.
• 'Mystik och realism' (Mysticism and Realism) by Viktor Vallberg: This book reportedly explores character research and identifies radiation types for known individuals.
• 'Bushido' by an unnamed author: Presented as a guide for personal success, relationships, health, and leadership, described as Japanese yoga adapted for Westerners.
• 'Nya vidder' (New Vistas) by Dr. Gustaf Strömberg: This book aims to draw attention to a reality beyond time and space, offering a contribution to understanding life after death.
• 'SKILSMÄSSOPROBLEMET' (The Divorce Problem) by E. Rönne-Petersen: A review of the article's main topic, this book is described as a timely and impactful exposé on the issues surrounding divorce and family law in Sweden.
• 'DJÄVULSDANSEN' (The Devil's Dance) by Günther Schwab: A contemporary novel exploring life's critical questions through dialogues with the devil, featuring characters from different nationalities.
• 'DET EVIGA NUET' (The Eternal Now) by fil. lic. Alfred Svanqvist: This work is presented as a 'parapsychological drama of great power,' offering evidence for a plane of existence beyond time and space and exploring phenomena like precognition and out-of-body experiences.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes advertisements for various health products, such as 'Ortaqubbens underbara läkeörter' (Herbal remedies), 'Ginseng Asiat,' 'Akta Vitlöksdroppar,' 'Gloria' massage products, 'Bulgurt' and other yogurt products, and various vitamin and mineral supplements like 'Revigör,' 'Pollentabletter,' and 'Cernident.' There are also articles on 'Biologiska medel' (Biological agents) and 'Hagtornsdragéer' (Hawthorn dragées), 'Linella' for digestion, 'Vetegroddolja' (Wheat germ oil), and 'Vitlökapslar' (Garlic capsules).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET revolve around a critique of modern societal structures, particularly the legal and family systems, which are portrayed as regressive and detrimental to individual well-being. There's a strong emphasis on alternative sciences, including parapsychology, cosmobiology, and natural health remedies, presented as solutions or alternative perspectives to mainstream approaches. The magazine appears to hold a critical stance towards established institutions and conventional scientific paradigms, advocating for a more holistic and individualistic approach to life and health. The editorial stance seems to favor a blend of social critique, personal introspection, and an exploration of the esoteric and natural world.