Seklet - 1970 Vol 17 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEKLET, dated 1970, features a stark warning about the state of the planet, with the cover headline asking, "Is humanity facing total biological bankruptcy? Air and water are on their way to disappearing from Earth." The issue delves into the environmental crisis, the importance of humanistic values, and profiles notable figures.

The Looming Biological Bankruptcy

The lead article by Olof Alexandersson paints a grim picture of humanity's impact on the environment. It criticizes the "ostrich mentality" of people who dismiss concerns about ecological damage, believing technology will solve all problems. The author argues that the current trajectory of development is unsustainable and that efforts to combat environmental degradation are insufficient.

The Degradation of Air

The article explains the crucial role of the Earth's atmosphere, primarily maintained by green plants through photosynthesis, which produces the oxygen essential for all life. This delicate biological balance, established over billions of years, is now threatened. The invention and widespread use of combustion engines (cars, airplanes, etc.) have drastically increased oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. A car, for instance, consumes significantly more oxygen than a human. This new oxygen-demanding system, driven by human technology, now rivals the oxygen needs of 33 billion people. By 1961, this system consumed 11 billion tons of oxygen. Projections for 1980 indicate a doubling of energy consumption, leading to the emission of 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the needs of 70 billion people. This imbalance is disrupting the biological equilibrium, leading to a potential oxygen deficit and an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The article warns that this carbon dioxide layer acts as a reflector for infrared radiation, potentially causing a greenhouse effect and raising global temperatures. This is already evidenced by the northward migration of fish species seeking cooler waters. Furthermore, human activities like urbanization, infrastructure development, and unsustainable agriculture are destroying vital green areas that produce oxygen. The marine flora, responsible for one-third of oxygen production, has been severely impacted by DDT pollution. The loss of green spaces not only reduces oxygen production but also contributes to water loss.

The Crisis of Water

The article highlights the dire state of water resources, noting that millions of Swedes still release untreated sewage into nature. It criticizes the inadequacy of water treatment facilities and points to even worse conditions in other parts of the world. Water is described as one of the most essential factors for life, with the human body being 70% water. However, the article argues that "water experts" have treated water as a dead chemical substance, failing to understand its true nature as a living organism that requires a natural environment to thrive. The degradation of natural forests and landscapes, through logging, "forest cultivation," and the use of pesticides and fertilizers, is leading to a disappearance of water. Viktor Schauberger's prediction that a liter of water would cost more than a liter of wine by the end of the century is cited as becoming a reality, with water shortages and devastating floods becoming increasingly common.

The article emphasizes that as natural forests are destroyed, water recedes, leading to increased water scarcity. Schauberger's warning that when water is deprived of its "home," the living forest, it becomes an enemy of all life is reiterated. The article also touches upon the qualitative degradation of water, suggesting that its natural movement patterns, crucial for bodily functions like blood circulation, are being disrupted. This compromised water quality is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and poor circulation.

Carl J. Burckhardt: The Humanist Historian

The issue features an extensive profile of Carl J. Burckhardt, portraying him as a profound humanist, historian, and ethicist. His melancholic demeanor from childhood is linked to a deep understanding of life's tragic elements. Descended from a distinguished patrician family in Basel, he was influenced by his father's advice to "stick to becoming" and to work towards the present day.

Early Life and Influences

A childhood anecdote illustrates Burckhardt's innate kindness: as a boy, he gave his mittens to a statue of the reformer Oekolampad. His studies at universities in Munich and Göttingen, under renowned teachers like Husserl and Wölfflin, were followed by a period as an attaché in Vienna, where he was influenced by the poet Hugo von Hofmannsthal.

Historical Prophecies and Ethical Stance

Burckhardt's historical writings are described as prophetic, with many of his predictions, such as the spread of communism and the rise of Asian powers, coming true. His biography of Cardinal Richelieu earned him international acclaim. The article highlights Burckhardt's ethical philosophy, emphasizing that one should never judge another person, as their future is unknown. He believed that power, while potentially destructive, could also be used for good, depending on the individual wielding it. He noted the rarity of truly "good" rulers throughout history, often finding that even those considered benevolent had a history of violence or oppression.

Humanitarian Efforts

The article details Burckhardt's significant humanitarian work:

• Visit to a Concentration Camp (1935): On behalf of the International Red Cross, Burckhardt visited a German concentration camp, which led to the release of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Karl von Ossietzky.
• Danzig Commissionership (circa 1937): As High Commissioner for the League of Nations in Danzig, he worked to de-escalate tensions between Poland and Germany. He is credited with saving approximately 3,500 Jewish lives from the Gestapo by facilitating their escape.
• Lübeck's Rescue (1942): During World War II, Burckhardt was instrumental in establishing Lübeck as a vital transfer point for Red Cross aid packages from the USA to Allied prisoners of war. This designation saved the city from further Allied bombing.

Views on Technology and Nationalism

Burckhardt foresaw the destructive potential of nationalism and technology. He warned that nationalism was far from reaching its peak and could lead to dire situations. He also expressed concern about the rapid advancement of technology, fearing it could lead to the destruction of the human spirit and the world itself, with the means of destruction falling into the hands of a few powerful individuals.

Meditations and Quotes

The article includes several quotes attributed to Burckhardt, reflecting his philosophical and ethical views:

• "The resistance of the world is a necessary prerequisite for every great achievement, for strengthening oneself through its overcoming."
• "Sorrow is not good; one must try to withdraw from it with all one's will."
• "The depth dimension comes from the heart."
• "Every significant person who departs leaves behind a riddle to solve."
• "Power can be everything, good and evil."

Other Sections

Homeopathy

A section on homeopathy lists various remedies for hemorrhoids, detailing their indications and dosages. It emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause of the ailment and suggests natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

Diary Entries

Excerpts from "Ida and Viktor's Diary" describe daily life in 1905, including celebrations, personal reflections, and poetic verses. These entries offer a glimpse into a more pastoral and introspective life.

"Ortaqubbens" Herbal Remedies

This section promotes a book on herbal remedies, highlighting the long history of using plants for medicinal purposes and the book's collection of such knowledge.

"The Night Sky" Poem

A poem titled "Natthimlen" (The Night Sky) by Erik Gustaf Geijer is included, reflecting on the journey of life, the acceptance of night and stars, and finding solace in love.

"Sett, hört och tänkt från Utsiktstornet" (Seen, Heard, and Thought from the Watchtower)

This column discusses current events and societal issues, including:

• Elections: Critiques the political landscape, suggesting that politicians often prioritize self-interest over public good and advocating for a more direct form of democracy like village councils.
• Human Nature: Ponders whether humans are inherently flawed or if societal structures and technology contribute to negative behaviors.
• The Church and Righteousness: Questions the involvement of the church in political matters and criticizes the Social Democratic party's stance on religion and societal values.

DDT Article

An excerpt from a 1955 article by Viktor Vallberg warns about the dangers of DDT, a pesticide that was widely used despite its harmful effects on humans and the environment. The article highlights how DDT accumulates in the body and can cause degenerative changes. It criticizes the lack of public awareness and the suppression of information by media outlets due to economic interests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are environmental crisis, the destructive potential of unchecked technology and nationalism, and the importance of humanism, ethics, and humanitarian action. The editorial stance is critical of modern society's trajectory, warning of dire consequences if current practices continue, while also promoting the value of individual responsibility, ethical conduct, and humanitarian efforts as exemplified by Carl J. Burckhardt. The magazine also touches upon alternative health practices like homeopathy and the historical use of herbal remedies, suggesting a broader interest in holistic well-being and traditional knowledge.

This issue of "Seklet" (1970) focuses on two main themes: the impact of mineral deficiency in food on health and the astrological significance of the Virgo zodiac sign. The magazine presents a critical view of modern agriculture and the food industry, advocating for a return to more natural and nutritionally sound practices.

Mineral Deficiency and Health

The lead article, "Mineralbrist i födan - orsak till sjukdom" (Mineral Deficiency in Food - Cause of Illness), argues that modern humans often overlook the crucial role of diet composition in health, focusing instead on bacteria, viruses, or environmental toxins. The author criticizes the food industry's propaganda for processed foods and highlights the slow progress of health education. A key point is that the biological quality of food, not just its superficial healthiness (e.g., more vegetables), is paramount. This quality is dependent on the minerals and vitamins present and their bioavailability to the body. The article criticizes dairy products from animals raised under unnatural conditions, emphasizing that even seemingly healthy foods can be detrimental if their nutritional components are not properly utilized by the body.

Viktor Vallberg is presented as a pioneer who emphasized the connection between soil health and human health, warning against the risks of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. The article cites veterinarian Dr. Harald Bergengren, who has written about the dangers of phosphorus deficiency in animals, suggesting similar risks for humans. Andre Voisin, a French colleague, is also mentioned for his work on mineral deficiencies and their impact on health and development.

The article points out that while the medical field has shown little interest in mineral deficiencies in animals, it has also neglected to investigate these issues in humans. The common belief that sufficient protein intake guarantees adequate phosphorus is challenged. The issue of phytin-bound phosphorus in grains, which humans cannot easily absorb but animals can, is raised as an example of bioavailability challenges.

Dr. Bergengren highlights the confusing nature of scientific discourse on food and urges a focus on whether our civilized diet is biologically complete. He contrasts this with primitive peoples who instinctively chose healthy foods.

The article discusses how the shift to modern agriculture and processed foods has led to health problems, including skeletal issues and rheumatism, in both animals and humans. The impact of phosphorus deficiency on cows, leading to lameness and joint diseases, is detailed. Similar symptoms are observed in humans suffering from rheumatism. The article notes that while research on vitamins, hormones, and enzymes is prevalent, the importance of phosphorus has been overlooked, despite some US studies showing low phosphate levels in patients with rheumatic fever and multiple sclerosis.

The issue of phosphorus's role in the body is further explored, noting its importance for bone structure and its presence in vital compounds like lecithin, essential for brain function. The article questions whether modern fertilizers, while providing phosphorus, create plants that absorb it in a form that is not bioavailable to humans. The text also touches upon the role of phosphorus in managing diabetic comas and acidotic conditions in diabetes.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is discussed in relation to phosphorus metabolism. The article suggests that phosphorus deficiency might be a significant factor in MS, contributing to impaired detoxification mechanisms, liver changes, and metabolic disturbances. While a cure for advanced MS through phosphorus supplements is deemed unlikely, a phosphorus-rich diet is suggested as a preventative measure.

Astrology and Mythology

The second major theme revolves around astrology, with a detailed exploration of the Virgo zodiac sign (August 21 - September 21). The article connects zodiac signs to seven-year life periods, with Virgo falling within the 'summer' of life, a period of peak physical and mental strength.

Drawing on the work of astrologer Prof. Hans Sterneder, the article likens human life cycles to plant development. The Virgo period is characterized as a time of 'motherhood,' where the developing organism (plant or child) draws heavily from the 'mother plant' or mother. This stage is marked by a gradual decrease in energy and a transition towards the 'autumn' of life.

The symbolism of the Virgo sign is explored through mythology. The virgin Kore (Persephone) is linked to the moon's waxing and waning, and the Virgin Mary is presented as a Christian parallel. The article discusses various goddesses and figures associated with fertility, motherhood, and virginity across different cultures, including Demeter, Ceres, Ishtar, Athena, Artemis, Freya, Nerthus, and Isis. These figures often embody the duality of being both a virgin and a mother, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and renewal.

The article also examines the ideogram for Virgo, interpreting its lines as representing the spirit, soul, and body, connected by the soul, symbolizing the union of the mental, astral, and physical worlds. The extended line and arc are seen as symbols of earthly connection and birth.

Religious and Historical Perspectives

Another section, "Ur Viktor Vahlbergs efterlämnade manuskript" (From Viktor Vahlberg's Posthumous Manuscripts), discusses the concept of a 'new Christian reformation.' It references Nostradamus's prophecies about a future reformation of Christianity, possibly linked to the discovery of ancient texts that could shed new light on its origins. The author expresses skepticism about the authenticity of automatically written texts, such as the 'Gospel of the Perfect Life,' and questions the validity of certain biblical passages.

The article touches upon the historical debate surrounding the Old Testament's divine inspiration, contrasting it with the New Testament. It suggests that a renewed understanding of Christianity might involve a re-evaluation of the Old Testament's laws and narratives.

Other Articles

"Vattenådror som sjukdomsorsak" (Water Veins as a Cause of Illness) by Forstmästare Wellman discusses the phenomenon of dowsing and the potential health effects of underground water veins, suggesting they can cause sleeplessness and nervous symptoms. The article notes that scientific interest in this area is growing, particularly in Germany.

"DET GRONA GULDET" (The Green Gold) by Hillevi Lindahl is a review of a book that explores extrasensory phenomena and a hidden brotherhood working for humanity's spiritual development. The review highlights the book's engaging style and the author's independent research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Seklet" appears to advocate for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing natural living, organic agriculture, and the importance of nutrition. It also shows a strong interest in esoteric subjects like astrology and mythology, integrating them into discussions about human development and spirituality. The editorial stance is critical of modern industrial practices and promotes a return to more traditional or natural methods. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative explanations for health issues and human existence, drawing from historical, mythological, and spiritual perspectives.