Seklet - 1960 No 6

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue No. 6, dated 1960, is a Swedish-language magazine published by Litteraturförlaget. This issue covers a diverse range of topics, including philosophy, sociology, art, natural science, astrology, and health.

Sören Kierkegaard: A Christian Prophet

Authored by V. Vallberg, this article examines Sören Kierkegaard as a significant figure who challenged the prevailing "mass Christianity." Kierkegaard is presented as a prophet advocating for Christian individualism, emphasizing the personal relationship of each individual with Christ rather than adherence to a prescribed religious form. The author notes that Kierkegaard's critique was directed against the church's tendency to obscure Christ with "the church," "the congregation," or "the doctrine." The article highlights Kierkegaard's emphasis on the Christian's path as a "way of the cross," involving suffering and a departure from the world, and his view of Christ as a "stumbling block" and the object of faith, whose glory will be fully revealed in eternity. The author quotes Kierkegaard from his diary, emphasizing that Christ must be presented as he was, not merely as a great man who became famous after his death, to avoid trivializing Christianity.

Youth Crime as a Deep Psychological Phenomenon

Written by E. Rönne-Petersen, this article critiques the prevailing approach to youth crime, suggesting that the focus on youth criminality is a distraction from the fundamental problems of adult society. The author argues that what is labeled "youth crime" is a reaction to the "legitimate crime" of adults and a symptom of a societal illness rooted in the adult world. The article criticizes the academic and political focus on symptoms rather than causes, likening it to treating a disease by ignoring its origin. It suggests that the problems of the coming generation are intrinsically linked to the conditions created by adults. The author proposes that the issue of youth crime is a projection of the adults' own unresolved societal problems, and that the causal chain flows from adult behavior to societal issues, not the other way around. The article hints at a future discussion on the actual causes of youth delinquency and the "legitimate collective criminality" of adults.

Art and the Human Being

This article, attributed to V. V., questions whether art reflects contemporary times or shapes contemporary psyche. It posits that art primarily belongs to humanity, with even lower life forms exhibiting only rudimentary forms of art. The author traces the history of art back to the Stone Age, noting that while art history is now systematically studied, the creation of art in the present day has taken on new forms. The article suggests that contemporary art seeks not just the beautiful but the realistic, and sometimes even invents realities or focuses on the "ugly." It raises the question of whether art's influence on the present is noble or a manifestation of decadence or psychological aberration. The author uses an anecdote from the National Museum to illustrate differing interpretations of art and expresses skepticism about fully discerning an artist's intent. The article promises to feature Picasso later.

Viktor Schauberger: On Nature's Laws

This section presents aphorisms from the natural scientist Viktor Schauberger. Schauberger criticizes modern science's reliance on pressure and heat technology, calling it a "greatest self-deception" that leads to "dissolution energies" and global hunger. He argues that energy creation through the destruction of energy sources is madness and that distillation processes destroy valuable trace elements, leading to sterile byproducts. He contrasts this with nature's balanced economy, where waste products are constantly renewed. Schauberger also criticizes atomic physics, calling atomic ash a product of degeneration and unnaturalness, and a sign of a "great error" that threatens humanity's downfall. Regarding nature's laws, he states that while nature follows unchangeable laws, it is also subject to eternal changes, which hold the secret to development. He criticizes humanity's adherence to rigid formulas and dogmas. Schauberger also discusses the importance of forests, linking the decline of forests to the decline of nations. He notes the qualitative deterioration of European forests and the issues of sterile seeds, soil drying, and diminishing water sources, comparing the situation to that in the USA. He refutes the idea that roots immediately supply trees with water, stating that trees generate water-like substances, and that the absence of forests leads to the absence of water. He emphasizes that nature punishes interference with its fundamental laws.

Astrology's Development into Cosmobiology

This article by O. Alexandersson discusses the evolution of astrology into cosmobiology. It explains the concept of astrological houses and the historical debate surrounding different house systems. The author, referencing Erich Wiesel and Dr. Walter Koch, argues that existing house systems are flawed and impractical, especially for people born in certain regions. Cosmobiology, according to the article, bases its calculations solely on astronomical points like the Ascendant, Medium Coeli, Sun, Moon, planets, and the lunar nodes, using the ecliptic as a measurement circle. It also considers angles between these factors and distances to Earth for geocentric cosmograms. The article mentions the use of heliocentric cosmograms as a complement. It uses the horoscope of Sven Hedin as an example, explaining how to interpret aspects and "half-sums" (midpoints) in a cosmogram, emphasizing that cosmobiology views all aspects and planets as potentially positive or negative, depending on their cosmic state.

Diet for Children's Health

This section offers dietary advice for children, starting from two years old. It recommends a lacto-vegetarian diet, emphasizing sufficient egg white consumption, and suggests varying milk products like fresh milk, yogurt, and buttermilk. It highlights the benefits of yogurt for the digestive system and blood production, noting its antibiotic properties. The article advises caution with certain foods like tomatoes and apples due to potential radiation from atomic bomb fallout. It recommends natural honey and apple juice. For older children, it suggests increasing VIVITA powder and milk sugar intake, and later adding glutamic acid. The importance of a substantial breakfast for school-aged children is stressed, with a recommendation for at least 20 minutes for the meal. The article also touches upon the negative impact of the "school system" on children's physical and psychological well-being, suggesting alternatives like the Kristofferskolan in Stockholm.

Other Articles and Features

• "Konsten att stämma blödningar och värk samt att upptäcka vattenådrornas inflytande på människor och djur": This piece discusses healing methods involving "blood stopping" and "pain stopping," attributed to "Edholm," who claims these abilities can be activated through mental focus and the repetition of names. It touches upon the concept of "thought power" and the significance of names in natural healing practices.
• "Samtal om 'Djävulsdansen'": A dialogue between Agaton and Viktor discussing the book "Djävulsdansen" by Günther Schwab. They debate the book's alarming portrayal of societal decay and the potential for future generations to suffer from severe abnormalities due to current conditions. The conversation touches upon the need for radical renewal and the book's role as a wake-up call.
• "Våra barnavårdsnämnder och frågan om deras existensberättigande": This short note indicates that an article on child welfare committees, originally planned for this issue, has been postponed to the following year due to an ongoing sociological investigation.
• "Nostradamus redivivus": A review of Ake Ohlmarks' translation and commentary on Nostradamus' prophecies. The author praises Ohlmarks' work for its historical accuracy and poetic quality, suggesting that some of Nostradamus' predictions may be genuine visions.
• "Seklet blir månadstidning!": An announcement that SEKLET will become a monthly magazine in 1961 due to reader demand and the hope of increased subscriptions.
• Product Advertisements: The magazine includes advertisements for various health products, including herbal remedies, dietary supplements (like yogurt products, wheat germ oil, and pollen tablets), and natural healing aids.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a holistic approach to health, emphasizing natural remedies, a balanced diet, and a critical perspective on conventional science and societal norms. There is a strong undercurrent of spiritual and philosophical inquiry, particularly concerning Christianity and the individual's place in the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning established paradigms and advocating for alternative perspectives, often with a spiritual or esoteric leaning. The magazine also shows a commitment to social commentary, particularly regarding the perceived moral and psychological decline of society and the need for individual and collective renewal.