Seklet - 1962 Vol 09 No 4

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Volume 9, Issue 4, published in 1962, is a Swedish magazine that explores a diverse range of topics including parapsychology, natural science, philosophy, health, and societal issues. The issue features articles by prominent thinkers and researchers, aiming to provide enlightenment and provoke thought on subjects often on the fringes of conventional understanding.

Parapsychology: Science and Enlightenment

The lead article, "Parapsykologi, vetenskap och upplysning" (Parapsychology, Science and Enlightenment), features an interview with the renowned psychic researcher Professor Hans Bender. Bender argues that the resistance to parapsychology primarily comes from proponents of the classical mechanistic worldview of natural science, who dismiss anything supersensory as unproven. However, he highlights that many leading figures in theoretical physics, such as Pauli, Heisenberg, and Pascal Jordan, have shown a more open-minded approach, acknowledging that physics cannot outright dismiss phenomena like telepathy or clairvoyance, given substantial empirical evidence. Physiologist Hans Schäfer is also cited, stating that supersensory phenomena do not contradict the axioms of physics, even if they belong to non-causal events. The article criticizes the dogmatic stance of dialectical materialism, which insists that only matter in time and space is real, thus declaring parapsychological phenomena impossible.

Humus – The Foundation of Life

"Humus – livets fundament" (Humus – The Foundation of Life) presents a stark warning about humanity's destructive relationship with nature. It traces a historical panorama of ecological devastation, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the exploitation of North America. The author laments that human "predatory practices" have led to the destruction of fertile lands, citing examples like the Karstgebirge and the American prairies. The article criticizes the modern human's role as a destroyer rather than a builder of nature. It poses a critical question: will humanity, increasingly becoming a "robot," ever realize the need to live in harmony with nature? The author suggests that humanity faces a choice between a new path of ecological stewardship or eventual demise, as nature will not tolerate its destructive course indefinitely. The piece emphasizes the critical role of humus (soil) for life and warns of impending crises such as water scarcity, contaminated water supplies, and a decline in oxygen levels due to deforestation and pollution.

"Färg-Doktorn" (The Color Doctor)

This section presents a study on color therapy, drawing from a book titled "Art Magic" published in New York in 1876. It recounts the experiences of a man known as the "Color Doctor" in St. Louis, who investigated the effects of colors on people. Through experiments where individuals reacted to unseen colored fabrics, the "Doctor" demonstrated how colors could evoke specific emotions and states of mind. Yellow, for instance, induced cheerfulness, while violet led to contemplation, and blue brought calmness and satisfaction. The study notes that while normal individuals have a positive response to all colors, abnormal individuals might react negatively to higher frequencies. It also briefly touches upon the color responses of apes and children affected by polio.

Discussion on "Djävulsdansen" (The Devil's Dance)

A dialogue among Agaton, Viktor, Bengtsson, and Falkén discusses Günther Schwab's book "Djävulsdansen." The conversation highlights concerns about the "poisoning" of food through chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Bengtsson, representing a more conventional agricultural viewpoint, defends the use of chemical fertilizers as necessary for modern farming. Viktor, however, expresses skepticism, arguing that these methods lead to an unnatural and unbalanced composition of soil and food, and that direct poisons are used in crop spraying. Falkén voices distrust towards experts, citing his brother's successful potato cultivation without chemical fertilizers. The discussion touches upon the potential long-term consequences of chemical farming and the responsibility towards future generations.

Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy

An article reviews a new Swedish book about Rudolf Steiner, published by Diakonistyrelsen. The reviewer, V. Vallberg, acknowledges Steiner's profound influence but notes the difficulty in understanding his complex philosophical language. The book is presented as a guide to Steiner's ideas, tracing their roots in Gnosticism and mysticism. The reviewer contrasts Steiner's emphasis on pre-existence and karma with Christian teachings, particularly the law of love. He also discusses the concept of reincarnation, suggesting it could be a logical explanation for children and others who haven't had a chance to make choices in life. The article also briefly mentions Martinus as a similar spiritual thinker.

Paracelsus: A Persecuted Genius

This section profiles Paracelsus, a 16th-century physician and alchemist. It describes him as a revolutionary figure who challenged the medical establishment of his time, advocating for natural remedies and a holistic approach to health. Paracelsus believed that illness stemmed from five spheres: celestial influences, nutrition, inherited nature, psychic forces, and one's relationship with God. His methods, including the use of potentized substances (similar to homeopathy), were controversial and led to his persecution. The article highlights his belief in the principle of "like cures like" and his development of the spagyric method for extracting active compounds from plants and minerals.

Does Humanity Survive Bodily Death?

This article explores the question of life after death, citing a 19th-century survey by the English Psychological Society that collected 20,000 cases of alleged deathbed visions or apparitions. The author presents an anecdote about a woman named Doris Lindberg who appeared to her friend shortly after dying, confirming her death. The article suggests that such phenomena, whether occurring at the moment of death or afterward, warrant serious consideration.

Gibbons: The Art of Healing

This piece recounts an observation by Joseph Delmont, a big-game hunter, about a gibbon that had a large lump on its side. Delmont surgically removed the lump, revealing a hard, fibrous mass. Further analysis showed it to be composed of chewed leaves from the Indian frankincense tree (Boswellia serrata). The author speculates that the gibbon instinctively used the plant's healing properties to treat its wound, highlighting the potential for healing knowledge among animals.

Freedom, Equality?

This section reflects on the current era, describing it as a time of "slavery" where individuals are increasingly dependent on employers and urbanized life, losing their connection to the land and their independence. The author criticizes modern society for promoting superficial comforts like television and cars, which distract people from their "dire situation" and their lack of true freedom. The piece contrasts this with the idea of personal freedom derived from self-sufficiency and connection to nature.

Other Articles and Reviews

The magazine also includes a section on "Skaldekonst. Poesi." (Poetry and Poetics), reviewing Decirée's poetry collection "Enkel Vers" (Simple Verse) and praising its adherence to traditional poetic forms and Christian themes. There is also a review of "Kyrikan och den psykiska forskningen" (The Church and Psychic Research) by Haraldur Nielsson. Several "Nya Böcker" (New Books) are reviewed, including Viktor Vallberg's "Den okända människan" (The Unknown Human), Bushido, Gunnar Dalnäs' "Epok," and Anna Frids' memoirs "Sierskan från Axmarbruk" (The Seeress from Axmarbruk). A significant review is given to Günther Schwab's novel "Djävulsdansen," described as a "strong contemporary novel" that engages with existential questions through dialogues with the devil. The issue also features a poem titled "Arvet förpliktar" (The Legacy Obligates) and advertisements for various health products and books from "Litteraturförlaget."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET are the exploration of the unknown and the supersensory (parapsychology, mysticism, afterlife), the importance of nature and ecological balance, and a critical examination of modern society's materialistic and mechanistic worldview. The editorial stance appears to favor a holistic, spiritual, and nature-oriented perspective, often contrasting it with conventional scientific and materialistic viewpoints. There is a strong emphasis on seeking deeper truths beyond the surface of everyday life and a concern for humanity's spiritual and physical well-being in the face of modern challenges.