Seklet - 1970 Vol 17 No 1

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue 1, Volume 17, dated 1970, is a Swedish magazine exploring themes of parapsychology, spiritualism, and the unexplained. The cover prominently features the headline "Röstfenomenet" (Voice Phenomena), posing the question: "Where does humanity come from, where is it going?"

The Voice Phenomena

The lead article by Fil. dr Konstantin Raudive delves into the phenomenon of voices recorded on tape, believed to be from discarnate entities. Raudive recounts his personal journey into this field, starting with the work of Friedrich Jürgenson, who in 1959 recorded what he believed to be his deceased mother's voice while recording bird songs. Raudive's own research began in 1964, leading to significant breakthroughs, including a recorded conversation where a deceased person identified herself and addressed him by name.

Raudive highlights the initial skepticism faced by parapsychology, noting that even after 82 years since the founding of the "Society for Psychial Research" in 1888, the field still struggles with public disbelief. He cites G. N. M. Tyrrell's explanation that such phenomena challenge "another order of things," as parapsychology deals with an existence originating from beyond the physical world.

Sir Oliver Lodge, a British physicist, is mentioned for his prophecy in 1936 that new electronic devices would enable the recording of 'etheric vibrations,' making 'other voices' perceptible. Lodge believed life continues after death and that communication with the deceased would be possible.

Raudive details his extensive research, involving around 80,000 voice recordings and the development of six recording methods. He discusses the concept of an "anti-world" or "anti-matter," referencing a report by physicist Dr. Leon Ledermann, who suggested the existence of an anti-world where time runs backward. Raudive posits that the souls of the deceased inhabit this anti-world and that electronics have enabled contact.

He describes the unique language of these 'voice beings,' which often mixes multiple languages within a single sentence, using abbreviated and telegram-like speech. Examples are given of these multi-lingual, condensed phrases.

Raudive also touches upon the difficulty of understanding the state of existence after death, noting that the entities are sparse with details. He suggests that even simple statements from our world might be incomprehensible to them, as exemplified by a voice stating, "Two times two - nothing."

Other Articles and Sections

"Sett, hört och tänkt från Utsiktstornet" (Seen, Heard, and Thought from the Observation Tower): This section features a discussion on the Anastasia case, referencing a court ruling in Karlsruhe that acknowledged the possibility of Grand Duchess Anastasia's survival. It also touches upon the ongoing debate about Anna Andersson's identity.

"Tag åkerfräken mot cancer" (Take Field Scabious for Cancer): This article discusses the use of medicinal herbs for health, referencing an interview with lay researcher Karl G. Dovermalm and the potential for side effects if herbs are used incorrectly. It critiques the sensationalism often associated with alternative health advice.

"I SEKLET för 15 år sedan: Om kvicksilverförgiftning" (In SEKLET 15 Years Ago: On Mercury Poisoning): This reprinted article from 1955 highlights the dangers of mercury poisoning, particularly from mercury-treated seeds used for grain. It criticizes the lack of awareness and preventative measures regarding mercury contamination in food.

"Olösta gåtor ur mänsklighetens förflutna" (Unsolved Riddles from Humanity's Past): This is a review of Eric von Däniken's book, which explores unexplained archaeological finds and ancient texts, suggesting the possibility of interstellar space travel and visits from extraterrestrial astronauts in ancient times.

"Mellan himmel och jord" (Between Heaven and Earth): This section features an excerpt from a book by Dr. Tage Lindbom, critiquing the prevailing materialistic worldview and advocating for a return to spiritual values. Lindbom argues that the promises of liberation from norms and authorities have led to increased antagonism and disharmony.

"Ur Idas och Viktors dagbok" (From Ida's and Viktor's Diary): This is the eighth installment of a personal diary detailing the courtship and early married life of Viktor Vallberg and Ida. It describes their meeting, wedding, and honeymoon, filled with romantic reflections and observations of nature.

"DET GRONA GULDET" (The Green Gold): A review of Hillevi Lindahl's book, which explores cosmic phenomena and the concept of a hidden brotherhood working for humanity's evolution toward higher consciousness. The book is noted for its engaging presentation of complex ideas.

Astrology Section: This section delves into the astrological sign of Leo, discussing its symbolism in ancient Egypt (the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid) and its representation in Babylonian and Greek mythology (Tammuz, Heracles, and the Nemean Lion).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in the paranormal, spiritualism, and alternative explanations for life's mysteries, often contrasting these with materialistic or scientific viewpoints. There is a strong emphasis on the possibility of communication with the deceased and the existence of dimensions beyond our physical perception. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring these phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding, while also presenting historical and philosophical perspectives that question established norms and beliefs. The magazine champions the idea that there are hidden truths and forces at play in the universe, accessible through various means, including parapsychology, astrology, and spiritual inquiry.

This issue of "Seklet" magazine, dated 1970, Volume 14, focuses on a variety of topics including astrology, homeopathy, and philosophy, with a particular emphasis on the zodiac sign Leo and the life and teachings of Pythagoras.

Astrology and the Zodiac

The magazine explores the astrological significance of the Leo zodiac sign, positing that ancient cultures, unlike modern ones, began their zodiac with Leo, associating it with the sun as the highest celestial body. It delves into mythological connections, such as the Zevsskölden from Idagrotten and the Nestorring, linking Leo to the sun's highest position and nature's cycle. The article discusses the symbolic representation of Leo in various cultures, including the twelve tribes of Israel and the legend of King Arthur's knights seeking the Holy Grail. The concept of magical numbers 7 and 12 is also highlighted, relating them to zodiac signs, human life cycles, and natural phenomena like the renewal of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The "Skeendet i naturen under Lejonets tecken" (The Event in Nature under the Leo Sign) section describes the fifth life stage of a plant, where it matures under the sun's influence, drawing strength from the mother plant. This is paralleled with human development, where the period between 28-35 years old (the Leo phase) is considered the peak of physical and spiritual strength, a time for asserting one's will and seeking harmony with the divine.

"Lejonets Zodiak - nyckeln till anden" (Leo's Zodiac - the Key to the Spirit) posits that individuals born under Leo, at the peak of their physical strength, can achieve true "lionhood" by overcoming egocentrism and materialism, and attaining cosmic insight into life and death. It suggests that many remain bound by the material world, symbolized by the Oxen sign.

Homeopathy and Asthma

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to homeopathy, with a detailed article on "Astma" (Asthma). It describes asthma as a severe form of shortness of breath, often occurring at night, and categorizes it into Bronchial, Nervous, and Cardial asthma. The article lists numerous homeopathic remedies for asthma, including Aconitum, Alumina, Ambra gris., Aralia rac., Argent. nitr., Arsenicum., Arsen. jod., Belladonna, Bryonia, Carpo veg., Cuprum met., Grindelia, Ipecacuanha, Kali bichrom., Lycopodium., Silicea., and Sulfur. Each remedy is described with its specific indications, dosage, and potency. The article emphasizes that while homeopathy can be effective, especially for children, long-term cases may require years of treatment. It also mentions "MINALKA," a mineral supplement, and Dr. Vogel's "Amasano" as potential aids.

The Life and Philosophy of Pythagoras

The magazine features an extensive article on the life and philosophy of Pythagoras. It begins by discussing his historical context, mentioning his contemporaries like Homer, Solon, Thales, and Zarathustra. The article traces Pythagoras' life from his birth on the island of Samos, his education under various teachers, and his extensive travels to Egypt and Babylon. In Egypt, he was initiated into the mysteries of Osiris and Hermes Trismegistus, where he learned sacred mathematics and cosmic laws. His time in Babylon exposed him to Babylonian astrology and Chaldean wisdom, which significantly influenced his teachings.

Upon returning to Greece, Pythagoras founded a school in Kroton, Southern Italy, which was divided into an inner (esoteric) and outer (exoteric) circles. His teachings emphasized the transmigration of souls, the purity of life (he was a vegetarian), and the importance of mathematics as the key to understanding the universe. The article highlights the parallels between Pythagorean philosophy and Orphism, particularly their shared beliefs in the soul's immortality and the concept of purification.

Pythagoras' teachings on music, geometry, and ethics are discussed, with a focus on the mystical significance of numbers. The article notes that his ethical principles, such as self-control, moderation, and justice, influenced later philosophies, including Christianity.

The article concludes with a section on the "Sammanbrottet" (The Collapse), describing the destruction of the Pythagorean school in Kroton by the neighboring city of Sybaris, and the subsequent dispersal of his followers. Despite the physical destruction, the magazine asserts that Pythagoras' teachings and wisdom continue to live on, forming a fundamental basis for Western culture.

Other Content

The issue also includes a poem titled "Midsommarnatten" (Midsummer Night) by Erik Johan Stagnelius, and a section on "IRISDIAGNOSTIK" (Iris Diagnostics) by A. Grönwall, which discusses a book on the subject and its importance for Swedish readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of astrology, mythology, and spirituality, the healing power of nature and alternative medicine (homeopathy), and the enduring influence of ancient wisdom and philosophy on modern life. The editorial stance appears to be one of reverence for ancient knowledge and a belief in the spiritual and holistic aspects of human existence, advocating for a balanced approach to life that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.