Seklet - 1963 Vol 10 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SEKLET
Issue: 3
Volume: 10
Date: 1963
Publisher: Litteraturförlaget
Country: Sweden
Price: kr. 1:50

This issue of SEKLET magazine, dated 1963, presents a forward-looking perspective, exploring themes of future societal development, spiritualism, and alternative practices. The cover headline, "Portarna till en ny tid \"Dubblad standard om 20 år\"" (The Gates to a New Era \"Doubled Standard in 20 Years\"), sets the tone for articles that challenge conventional views and embrace the unknown.

Future Predictions and Societal Change

The lead article, "Portarna till en ny tid \"Dubblad standard om 20 år\"", discusses the ideas of French scientist Jacques Bergier and journalist Louis Pauwels. They argue that our current understanding of the world and human capabilities is outdated. The article touches upon evidence for telepathy and thought transference, with significant research efforts underway in the USA and Soviet Union. It speculates about past advanced civilizations like Atlantis, their knowledge of atomic energy, and the potential for alchemy as a remnant of ancient technology. The authors question the number of dimensions a human spirit might possess and the nature of time, suggesting the future may already exist. The article also highlights the immense interest in these topics, citing statistics on astrologers and occult advisors in the USA and France, whose budgets reportedly exceed that of scientific research.

Professor Ingvar Svennilsson is quoted predicting a doubled standard of living in twenty years if society manages itself well. Professor Arne Tiselius is mentioned as stating that scientific research has become a more significant factor than a country's natural resources. However, the article also raises concerns about the sustainability of current practices, questioning the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which may lead to soil sterility and harm to the human race. The potential for a "doubled standard" is linked to responsible societal management, with a warning that current paths might lead to "hopelessness."

Spiritualism and the Unknown

The concept of Spiritualism is explored, defined as a philosophical doctrine based on spiritual thinking, emphasizing the survival of the human spirit after bodily death. The article criticizes the Christian church for its perceived neglect or dismissal of this topic, suggesting that Spiritualism arises to fill this void. It argues that a clear understanding and acceptance of life after death and accountability to a higher power are crucial for guiding human actions and creating a better world.

Dowsing and Pendulums

An extensive section is dedicated to the use of dowsing rods and pendulums. The author addresses skepticism from the scientific community, noting that many books on the subject are written by doctors and priests. The article lists various applications, including finding water veins, identifying suitable food, detecting poisons, analyzing handwriting (even determining the gender of the writer), identifying artwork authorship, and even locating mineral deposits. Examples are given of a doctor using a pendulum for diagnosis, a dowser finding coal in Switzerland, and a pendulist identifying a Murillo painting. The author acknowledges the difficulty in achieving 100% accuracy but argues for the instruments' utility.

Automatic Writing and Prophecy

Automatic writing is presented as a particularly difficult parapsychological phenomenon to explain. The article describes it as writing without conscious thought, sometimes channeling messages from deceased individuals or conveying religious themes. Examples include writings attributed to Edgar Allan Poe and others that discuss New Testament history. The author suggests that while these writings may not offer new knowledge, they represent a psychological phenomenon worth studying. The issue also features a section on prophecies, mentioning Malachias' prophecies about popes, Nostradamus' predictions for the year 1999, and visions from a seer from Prague depicting modern technology like airplanes and atomic bombs.

Health and Natural Remedies

Several articles focus on natural health remedies. "Nature's Own Health Aids" promotes products like wheat germ oil (rich in Vitamin E), radish, bean shell, nettle, and hawthorn dragées. Vitamin E capsules are recommended for heart and circulation issues. Pollen products, including Cernelle and Dr. Gross dragées, are advertised for their health benefits. Vitamin F capsules are suggested for hair loss and skin problems. Vitamin C tablets (CEFORTE) are promoted for boosting immunity. The magazine also features "T-C KOMBI," a product combining mistletoe, garlic, and hawthorn, claimed to benefit blood circulation, blood pressure, and heart function. "Bioglutex" is presented as a nutritional supplement for nerves and organ function. "F-K, FRISK KUR KAPSEL" is recommended for maintaining energy and well-being. "Mellisatin" is offered as a natural stimulant for fatigue. "Linella" is described as a gentle remedy for stomach issues.

Critiques of Modern Life

An article titled "The Perfect Patient" critiques modern medical practices, portraying patients as passive recipients of technological interventions rather than active participants in their health. It contrasts this with older, more holistic healing methods. Another piece, "The Russian POWs' Secret," recounts an experience during WWI where Russian prisoners of war demonstrated exceptional agricultural skills, particularly in growing vegetables, suggesting a deeper understanding of nature than initially assumed.

Personal Reflections and Anecdotes

The issue includes personal reflections, such as V. V.'s poem "SOM BARN" (As a Child), contrasting childhood sensitivity with adult stoicism. It also features a personal account of a "ghost castle" experience and a story about animal premonitions of the Skopje earthquake.

Book Reviews and Editorials

New books are reviewed, including Viktor Vallberg's works on psychic phenomena, automatic writing, and prophecies. "Den okända människan" (The Unknown Human) by Viktor Vallberg is highlighted. Gunnar Dalnäs' "EPOK" and Anna Frid's memoirs are also presented. A review of "Djävulsdansen" (The Devil's Dance) by Günther Schwab discusses its exploration of modern life's existential questions through dialogues with the devil.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET revolve around the exploration of the unknown, challenging established scientific and societal norms, and advocating for alternative or natural approaches to health and understanding the world. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards purely materialistic or technological explanations, with a significant emphasis on spiritual, psychic, and natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects often considered fringe or pseudoscientific, presenting them as valid areas of investigation and potential solutions to modern problems. The magazine encourages readers to consider these alternative perspectives and to seek a deeper understanding of human potential and the mysteries of existence.