SEKLET

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEKLET magazine, number 4 of volume 16 from 1969, is dedicated to the topic of "ODÖDLIGHET" (Immortality). It features a prominent article on the research of Dr. Konstantin Raudive and Friedrich Jürgenson into spirit communication through electronic voice phenomena (EVP), alongside sections on astrology, alternative health, spiritualism, and historical reflections.

Dr. Konstantin Raudive's Research on Spirit Communication

The central piece details the groundbreaking work of Friedrich Jürgenson, who in 1959 began recording unexplained voices on his tape recorder, which he termed "voices from space." These voices, he believed, were from deceased individuals, suggesting the survival of the soul after death. Jürgenson's research fascinated Dr. Konstantin Raudive, a refugee from the Baltics living in Sweden. Raudive, a scientist with a background in physics and a keen interest in the paranormal, took Jürgenson's work further. He collaborated with approximately 30 specialists and, over several years, managed to record over 72,000 voices. Raudive published a significant work titled "Unhörbares wird hörbar" (The Inaudible Becomes Audible).

Raudive's experiments involved using tape recorders connected to radio receivers. He noted that the recorded voices often spoke in multiple languages simultaneously, sometimes up to 7-8 languages in a single phrase, and in unusual tonal ranges beyond human hearing capacity. He documented contacts with various personalities, including historical figures like Adolf Hitler, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Friedrich Nietzsche, William Shakespeare, and Winston Churchill, as well as personal acquaintances and deceased relatives. The article emphasizes the distinctiveness of these voices, making them difficult to confuse with earthly sounds.

Raudive's research aimed to provide empirical evidence for the survival of consciousness after death, challenging materialistic viewpoints. The article also touches upon the concept of an "anti-world" or "anti-matter" proposed by physicist Dr. Ledermann, which might explain the nature of these phenomena.

The Soul and Immortality

The magazine delves into the philosophical and scientific problem of the soul and its existence beyond the physical body. It references the influence of psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud and C. G. Jung in opening up the understanding of the human psyche and the 'other world.' The article posits that human beings possess inherent magical powers that can aid in healing and understanding the subconscious. The concept of the soul's immortality is presented as a fundamental question that has preoccupied humanity throughout history, from ancient Egypt to modern times.

Sir Oliver J. Lodge's Research

Sir Oliver J. Lodge, a Nobel laureate and physicist, is mentioned for his book "Raymond or Life and Death," which explored spiritualist contacts with his son who died in World War I. Lodge sought to understand how communication with the deceased was possible, theorizing about air vibrations and etheric waves. He concluded that while thoughts and emotions can influence the soul, the material world acts as an indirect medium between spirit and spirit.

Other Researchers in Parapsychology

Other researchers contributing to the field are briefly mentioned:

• Birger Qvarnström: Known for modern parapsychological research, he explored the forms of expression in mediumistic messages, particularly telepathy, emphasizing the difference between experimental and spontaneous telepathy.
• John Björkhem: A prominent Swedish researcher with three doctorates, he studied radio waves and their connection to human psychic forces. His work suggests that parapsychological phenomena could fundamentally alter our understanding of reality. He also conducted experiments on materialization, including having subjects hold water in their mouths to ensure authenticity.

Viktor Vallberg's Reflections

Viktor Vallberg contributes a series of reflections, including a piece titled "Sett, hört och tänkt från Utsiktstornet" (Seen, Heard, and Thought from the Observation Tower). He discusses the traditional burial rites and the concept of resurrection. Vallberg also shares his thoughts on the limitations of human intellect and the potential role of parapsychological factors in genius. He reflects on the significance of Jürgenson and Raudive's work in bridging the gap between two worlds through scientific methods.

Vallberg also includes a diary entry from Viktor Vallberg's father, detailing his journey and reflections on faith and companionship. Additionally, he touches upon topics like the potential for growing plants on the moon, the ethics of "animal factories," and the importance of environmental consciousness.

Homeopathy and Health

A section on "Vetenskap och läkekonst" (Science and Healing) discusses the use of instruments to photograph the 'future form' of plants from seeds and to capture the 'radiant energy' of living organisms and even thoughts. It highlights the potential of radio waves and cosmic energy in diagnostics and healing. The article also mentions the principles of homeopathy and its application, referencing a "Homeopathic Home Pharmacy" available for purchase.

Johanna Budwig's Cancer Therapy

Dr. Johanna Budwig, a specialist in physiological chemistry and electron biology, is featured for her research on the role of fats in human health. She emphasizes the importance of unsaturated fatty acids and warns against industrially hardened fats and preservatives, which she links to cancer. Her "oil-egg white therapy," also known as "quark-linseed oil therapy," involves a diet rich in unsaturated fats, quark, and fermented foods, which she claims has shown significant success in treating cancer patients.

Spiritualism

This section defines spiritualism as a movement aiming to convince humanity of the survival of the individual soul after death and to facilitate communication between the living and the deceased through mediums. It describes different types of séances, including trance speaking, clairvoyance, and automatic writing, and discusses the potential for both genuine and fraudulent mediumistic phenomena.

War, Plague, and Disease

This historical reflection examines the traditional view of war, plague, and pestilence as divine punishments. It contrasts this with modern scientific understanding, which increasingly attributes these phenomena to human factors like poor sanitation, overcrowding, and lifestyle choices. The article notes the progress in combating diseases like tuberculosis but highlights cancer as a persistent and largely unconquered challenge, despite extensive research efforts.

Astrology and Mythology

The magazine includes a detailed exploration of the zodiac sign Taurus, symbolizing growth, strength, and materialization. It connects Taurus to nature's awakening and the development of the individual, emphasizing the importance of nourishment and the earth element. The article also delves into the mythological significance of the bull across various ancient cultures, including Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, and Norse traditions, linking it to deities, creation myths, and celestial symbolism.

Philosophy and Psychology

A brief discussion contrasts the study of philosophy with psychology. The author notes a shift in academic focus, with psychology often being taught as a remnant of philosophy, sometimes described as a "soul-teaching that denies the soul." The article suggests that some modern psychological books may lack the depth found in older philosophical works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, the possibility of life after death, and the exploration of paranormal phenomena through scientific and empirical methods. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages open-mindedness towards these subjects, presenting research and theories that challenge conventional materialistic views. There is a strong emphasis on the potential for scientific inquiry to uncover deeper truths about existence, spirituality, and human potential. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a broader understanding of reality that encompasses both the material and the spiritual, and promoting alternative approaches to health and well-being.

This issue of SEKLET, published in 1969, is a Swedish-language magazine focusing on spiritual, philosophical, and parapsychological topics. The cover prominently features Vilhelm Ekelund, a significant Swedish writer and philosopher, suggesting he is a central figure in this edition.

Vilhelm Ekelund: A Spiritual Guide

The main article, written by Frithiof Hallman, delves into the life and work of Vilhelm Ekelund, positioning him as a spiritual guide and a seeker of rare caliber, despite his primary identity as a literary figure. Ekelund, born in 1880 in Stehag, Sweden, spent his formative years in close contact with nature. His early education in Lund's Katedralskola is paralleled with that of German poet Hermann Hesse, noting their shared eremitic nature and deep love for nature and truth.

Ekelund's early literary attempts focused on expressing his longing for nature, the quiet lake, and the beauty of flowers and trees. He published his first works at seventeen, capturing impressions of Stockholm. His first published book, 'Oroligt blod' (Restless Blood), at twenty, explored a sensitive youth's experiences transitioning from rural life to the city. His debut poetry collection, 'Vårbris' (Spring Breeze), already showcased a profound connection to nature, with imagery reminiscent of Ola Hansson and Bååth.

Ekelund's early work was characterized by introspection and a deep engagement with life's meaning, art, and morality. He meticulously recorded his observations and began formulating philosophical thoughts. His writings often reflected a struggle with inner turmoil and a desire to transcend personal misery through moral action and a deeper understanding of existence.

While his poetic works are celebrated for their beauty and longing for light and classical ideals, the article notes that his aphorisms, collected over thirty volumes, are equally significant. These aphorisms cover a wide range of topics including life's meaning, faith, art, morality, antiquity, and world literature. The article mentions several scholars who have studied Ekelund's aphorisms, including Algot Werin, Stellan Ahlström, Sven Lindqvist, K. A. Svensson, and Sune Bergman.

Ekelund's profound connection to classical antiquity is evident in his book titles, such as 'In Candium,' 'Antikt ideal,' and 'Grekisk bukett.' His work is described as embodying a longing for light and the beauty of ancient Greece, a sentiment rooted in a tragic sense of life. This connection between the Nordic and classical worlds is a recurring theme.

Despite his literary achievements, Ekelund faced significant personal hardship, including poverty and illness. His life was marked by periods of intense suffering, which he endured with remarkable resilience. The article draws parallels between Ekelund's struggles and those of other great thinkers and artists like Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Hölderlin, and Schiller, who also faced significant physical and mental challenges.

Ekelund's intellectual journey was deeply influenced by his study of German thinkers, particularly Nietzsche in his youth, and later by Goethe. He admired Nietzsche's philosophical style and his exploration of the will to power. However, he found a greater sense of peace and wisdom in Goethe's universalism, seeing him as a model of highest life wisdom. Ekelund's admiration for Goethe is described as profound, with Goethe serving as a guiding figure throughout his life.

The article includes several aphorisms from Ekelund, such as "Man utvidgar sig genom sympati" (One expands through sympathy) and "Göra dagen djup är hela livets konst" (Making the day deep is the art of all life). These quotes highlight his focus on inner development, sympathy, and the art of living meaningfully.

SEKLET's Mission and History

A separate section, 'Äldre årg. SEKLET' (Older issues of SEKLET), highlights the magazine's long-standing commitment to environmental issues, stating that since its inception in 1954, SEKLET has consistently published articles on environmental destruction and pollution, predating mainstream media attention on these topics. It also mentions the availability of back issues, including Viktor Vallberg's prophetic articles, and other content on parapsychology and societal issues.

Book Reviews and Offers

The magazine features several book advertisements and reviews. 'Född med siargava' (Born with the gift of prophecy) by Ruth Montgomery, about Jeane Dixon, is offered at a special price for SEKLET readers. Other books include 'HUR MÄNNISKOODEN TVINNAS' (How Human Souls Are Twisted) by Oscar Busch, 'Eviga Sanningar' (Eternal Truths) by William Naylor, and 'MANNA FRÅN HIMLEN' (Manna from Heaven) by Charlotte Leopold von Arenstorff. 'ANTECKNINGAR FRÅN EN MÖTESPLATS' (Notes from a Meeting Place) by Puck Beer, and 'MYSTIKER I VÄLLINGBY' (Mystic in Vällingby) by Carl-Martin Edsman are also featured.

Birger Qvarnström's 'PARAPSYKOLOGI' (Parapsychology) is presented as a comprehensive overview of parapsychological phenomena. Astrid Gillmark's books, 'Jag vet' (I Know) and 'Jag ser' (I See), which deal with spiritualistic experiences and communication with the deceased, are also advertised.

Health and Wellness Products

The issue also includes advertisements for various health products. ORTAGUBBEN (The Herb Man) offers a range of herbal extracts, including Arnica-Tinktur, Hamamelis-Salva, Vitlökskapslar (Garlic Capsules), and Vetegroddolja (Wheat Germ Oil). They also promote SOJABIT, a new soy-based food product. SANHELIOS BALDRIAN valeriana-pärlor, a natural remedy for relaxation and sleep, is also featured.

Other Articles

'NATTERMANNS TÉER' (Nattermann's Teas) offers a selection of herbal teas for various ailments, such as colds, liver issues, and digestive problems. H. Kjellson's 'FORNTIDENS TEKNIK' (Ancient Technology) explores the idea that ancient cultures possessed advanced technology, citing the Bible as a source.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET are the exploration of the human psyche, spirituality, the search for truth and meaning, and the connection between humanity and nature. The magazine appears to have a strong interest in parapsychology, mysticism, and alternative health practices. The editorial stance, as suggested by the historical mention of SEKLET's environmental advocacy, is one of raising awareness on important, often overlooked, issues. The focus on Vilhelm Ekelund underscores a deep appreciation for intellectual and spiritual depth, even in the face of personal adversity.