Seklet - 1971 Vol 18 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEKLET, dated November 1971, marks the 70th anniversary of Litteraturförlaget. The magazine delves into historical and philosophical themes, with a strong focus on spiritualism, health, and literature.

On a Wobbly Path Through Seven Decades

The issue opens with a vivid depiction of Stockholm in November 1901, painting a picture of the city's atmosphere, street life, and the daily routines of its inhabitants. The narrative follows a man on his way to the Överståthållar-Embetet, encountering a street accident and then visiting the Westerdahl & Karstens bakery. The scene highlights the era's transportation, commerce, and social dynamics, including the lives of farmers and city dwellers.

The article details the establishment of Litteraturförlaget by C. W. Wallenkampf, who obtained his publishing license in 1901. Wallenkampf's early ventures included publishing 'Religionens värld i Ord och Bild.' The text traces his move from Örebro to Stockholm and his engagement with spiritualism, a movement gaining traction at the time. It also touches upon the influence of figures like Dr. A. A. Alexanderson, who explored spiritualism and sought truth through various means, including theology and philosophy.

Viktor Vallberg's Critique of Materialistic Medicine

This section, a continuation, focuses on Viktor Vallberg's views. Vallberg, described as a skilled lay healer, became a proponent of eye diagnosis and homeopathy, leading to accusations of quackery from conventional doctors. He was also interested in phrenology. Vallberg was particularly critical of smallpox vaccination, linking it to polio and arguing against mandatory vaccination due to its perceived risks and limited benefits. He believed that the body's blood was corrupted by vaccination, a claim supported by eye diagnosis. His attempts to influence parliamentarians against mandatory vaccination were unsuccessful.

Vallberg increasingly favored natural healing methods over conventional medicine, believing that 'gross material means' used by doctors did not align with nature's demands. He found homeopathy and herbal medicine to be more fitting, aligning with the idea that healing comes from forces, not mere quantities, a concept he attributed to Paracelsus. He argued that the denial of homeopathy stemmed from a chemical, materialistic mindset that failed to recognize the non-physical aspects of healing and human existence. He cited phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition as evidence against a purely materialistic view of life.

Vallberg's critique extended to the degeneration he observed in contemporary society, attributing it to factors like wars, inbreeding, and particularly the contamination of the physical and spiritual environment through vaccination and poor nutrition. He highlighted the falsification and poisoning of food products as significant health hazards.

To Be a Spiritualist

This article, authored by Henrik Nilsson, explores the essence of spiritualism. It emphasizes that true spiritualism requires living one's beliefs, not just professing them. The author contrasts the superficial acknowledgment of spiritualism with the deeper, transformative inner mission it entails. It suggests that spiritualism offers new paths and opens eyes to infinite possibilities, but the individual must actively engage with this knowledge to bring about positive change.

The text criticizes those who passively accept spiritualist facts without seeking personal growth or applying their beliefs to practical life. It stresses the importance of breaking free from old habits, overcoming self-satisfaction, and actively working towards a more constructive life. The author contrasts those who embrace spiritualism with genuine commitment against those who merely dabble in it, serving both worldly and spiritual pursuits without true dedication.

The article further discusses the concept of spiritualism as a path that demands personal responsibility, self-examination, and struggle. It argues that true spiritual development requires effort, fulfilling obligations, and embracing the challenging conditions of growth. It also touches upon the idea that spiritualism can be a source of comfort and guidance, but it is the individual's earnest desire and persistent effort that truly count.

Setting Out

This piece, likely a continuation of a series, discusses the concept of 'setting out' on a spiritual journey. It highlights that while knowledge and skills are important, they do not guarantee a good life. True progress comes from personal effort and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. Spiritualism is presented as a means to penetrate materialistic views and ignite a sense of immortality, offering new perspectives and opportunities for personal growth.

Max Tau: The New Fatherland

This section details Max Tau's experiences as he fled Nazi Germany. He sought refuge in Norway, where he had friends, but was forced to flee again when Norway was occupied in 1940. His journey to Sweden, aided by Norwegian friends, is described as a difficult but ultimately successful escape. Tau's writings reflect his deep appreciation for Norway as a land of freedom and culture, contrasting it with the oppressive atmosphere of Germany.

The narrative recounts Tau's flight to Sweden, emphasizing the risks taken by his friend Johan Grundt Tanum. The journey through harsh weather conditions and the eventual crossing into Sweden are depicted with emotional intensity. Tau's reflections on his mission and his admiration for his rescuers are highlighted.

The Bridge

This part of the Max Tau narrative focuses on his post-war aspirations. Having experienced displacement and the horrors of war, Tau envisioned building 'bridges' between nations through literature. He planned to establish a small nations' library, 'Die Brücke,' to foster understanding and reconciliation. His efforts involved traveling across Europe, collaborating with publishers, and gaining support from prominent figures. The goal was to promote peace and change humanity through the power of words.

However, the political climate, particularly the division between Eastern and Western Europe, hindered the realization of his grand plan. Despite this setback, Tau's commitment to peace and humanism remained strong. He received the German Book Trade Peace Prize in 1950 for his contributions to literature and the promotion of European peace efforts. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the need for a new peace initiative through the creation of a European Peace Library, advocating for literature to revive trust and respect for life.

Max Tau's Peace Library

In 1955, Max Tau established his Peace Library in Oslo. The initiative aimed to promote peace and prevent future wars by fostering understanding and responsibility among people. The first book in the series, 'Die Zukunft in deinen Händen' (The Future in Your Hands), questioned why true peace had not been achieved since 1945 and stressed individual responsibility in shaping the future. The library featured works by influential figures like Nikos Kazantzakis and Albert Schweitzer, whose philosophy of 'reverence for life' deeply influenced Tau.

Tau saw Kazantzakis as a model of a person dedicated to helping others, and Schweitzer as an embodiment of courage, strength, and humanity. He worked to bring Schweitzer's ideas to Scandinavia and ensure he received recognition for his work. The article also mentions Martin Buber as another significant humanist who influenced Tau's thinking on the importance of the 'Thou' (the other) in human relationships.

The Reconciler

This section portrays Max Tau as a reconciler, extending a hand of forgiveness to the nation that persecuted him and his family. Despite the suffering inflicted upon him, Tau believed in the inherent potential for good in humanity and the possibility of overcoming hatred and division. He recognized the existence of negative human traits like inferiority complexes and envy, which can lead to chaos and war. He pointed to the devastating human cost of wars and revolutions throughout history.

Tau's life work was dedicated to fostering a better world and a better humanity, emphasizing the need to overcome primal instincts and offer comfort to the suffering. His first post-war book, 'Tro på människan' (Faith in Humanity), reflects this enduring belief. The article concludes by suggesting that Max Tau, for his life's work, deserved recognition, perhaps even the Nobel Peace Prize, for his efforts in promoting peace and human understanding.

Literary and Spiritual Offerings

The 'Ur den stora lyriken' section features a poem by Verner von Heidenstam titled 'Begynnd vandring' (Beginning a Journey), reflecting on the unknown and the search for truth.

The 'VAD SÄGER STJÄRNORNA 1972?' section provides a preview of the upcoming year's offerings from Litteraturförlaget, promising a broad overview of what to expect.

'Vägledande sanningar' (Guiding Truths) offers aphorisms on understanding people, the importance of love, freedom, and the consequences of oppression and war. It emphasizes that true growth comes from within and that a lack of understanding leads to suffering.

Astrid Gilmark's books, 'Jag hör' and 'Seanser,' are reviewed in 'Andlig underhållning.' These books reportedly contain spiritualist messages and insights from séances, offering a glimpse into the spiritual realm.

SEKLET 1972

The editorial section discusses the challenges faced by SEKLET in maintaining its publication schedule, citing workload and economic difficulties. Despite these hurdles, the magazine plans to continue publishing in 1972, with a slight increase in the subscription price. The editorial expresses hope for continued support from readers.

Literary and Spiritual Offerings (Continued)

'Vägledande sanningar' continues with reflections on the nature of human interaction, the power of love, and the destructive nature of hate. It suggests that understanding and trust are essential for overcoming conflict.

The review of Astrid Gilmark's books highlights their content, which includes spontaneous messages received during séances and conversations. The books are presented as providing a comprehensive view of spiritualism.

Great Author Protest Against Environmental Destruction

This section details a significant protest by 178 Swedish authors against the ongoing destruction of nature. The authors submitted a petition to the Swedish government, parliament, and the public, condemning the irresponsible poisoning of forests and land. They called for an immediate ban on chemical herbicides and fertilizers, an investigation into the effects of these substances on fauna and flora, and an end to environmental damage caused by factory farming.

The protest statement emphasizes that by failing to take adequate measures, those responsible are morally complicit in the 'chemical warfare against nature.' The list of signatories includes several regular contributors to SEKLET, such as Olof Alexandersson, Frithjof Hallman, Henrik Nilsson, and Halvdan Renling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SEKLET include spiritualism, natural healing, the search for truth, and the importance of peace and human understanding. The magazine also addresses contemporary issues such as environmental destruction and the challenges of maintaining a publication dedicated to these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocacy for spiritual and holistic approaches to life, a critique of materialistic and conventional systems, and a commitment to promoting positive social and environmental change through literature and philosophical discourse.

SEKLET, a Swedish magazine, presents a diverse range of topics in this issue, including critical discussions on water quality, a review of a new poetry collection, and an extensive guide to medicinal herbs. The magazine also revisits a previous article on water's atmospheric purifying properties.

Water Quality Concerns: Our New Foodstuff

The lead article, "Vattnet - vårt nya livsmedel" (Water - our new foodstuff) by Erik Wehkaoja, addresses the impending classification of drinking water as a foodstuff from January 1, 1972. Wehkaoja expresses concern that the proposed new foodstuff legislation offers no significant tightening of quality requirements for drinking water. The article highlights two major contaminants: fluoride and nitrates.

Regarding fluoride, Wehkaoja points out that the repeal of the 'fluoride law' does not solve the problem of excessive fluoride overdosing in many municipalities. He notes that the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) has stated there are no guidelines for maximum acceptable fluoride levels in drinking water. This lack of regulation allows for continued overdosing, which can lead to fluorosis, a condition affecting tooth enamel development, with moderate overdosing potentially causing it within three months.

The article also discusses the issue of nitrates, which are increasing in surface and groundwater due to accelerated agricultural and forestry fertilization. Wehkaoja contrasts Sweden's higher tolerance for contaminants with the USA, noting that while the US maximum limit for nitrates is 0.5 mg/l, Sweden's is 1.0 mg/l. Similarly, for nitrates, the US maximum is 10 mg/l, whereas Sweden's guideline is 30 mg/l. The National Board of Health and Welfare recommends that water with nitrate levels exceeding 50 mg/l should not be given to infants under one year old, but outright prohibition is avoided. This leads to health boards accepting up to 70 mg of nitrate in drinking water.

The danger of nitrates lies in their potential conversion to nitrites in infants, which can bind to hemoglobin, impairing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and potentially leading to death (afyxi). The article cites the intense debate in the USA, led by figures like Barry Commoner, which has resulted in thousands of water sources being banned for drinking water. As an example, 25% of Illinois's groundwater under 7.6 meters deep exceeded the nitrate limit in the preceding 3-4 years.

Wehkaoja concludes that while many chemical and food adulterations can be avoided, water consumption is unavoidable. He warns that many areas already have questionable drinking water due to high fluoride levels, and this will soon be compounded by unacceptable nitrate levels.

SEKLET Recommends...

This section features recommendations for several books related to health and self-improvement:

• "Friska växter" by O. Bagge Olsen: A guide to healthy plants and organic, non-toxic farming, recommended for all garden owners.
• "Makrobiotisk vägvisare till medveten utveckling..." by Ilse Clausnitzer: A guide to conscious development of physical and mental health, including cleansing and fasting cures, and recipes for a balanced diet.
• "Den stora vägen": An introduction to Zen macrobiotics, with guidance on meal composition and preparation.
• "Fasteboken" by Olof Thorborg: A guide on how to fast for health and weight loss.
• "Vettig föda" by Nils Kalén: A book intended to help raise general nutritional standards.
• "Hälsokost till vardag och fest" by Ebba Waerland: Offers hundreds of recipes for raw juices, herbal teas, vegetable broths, and porridge dishes.
• "Hur bör jag äta? Sju vägar till hälsa" by Ebba and Are Waerland: Covers healthy eating for adults, children, and infants, and diets for various illnesses.
• "Nyckeln till hälsa": A guide to modern biological living, emphasizing natural products, clean air and water, and a positive attitude.

These books are available from Litteraturförlaget.

A Lyrical Breakthrough?

This section reviews Ingeborg Jonsson's new poetry collection, "Sjungande hav" (Singing Sea). Due to the unavailability of the regular reviewer, Henrik Nilsson, the editor presents the book in a unique way by sharing a letter from Nilsson to Jonsson, dated July 14, 1971.

Nilsson expresses his initial skepticism, which quickly turned into a profound positive experience. He praises "Sjungande hav" as one of the finest poetry collections he has encountered in a long time, noting its rare power and beauty, its mildness, and its constant flow of original and impactful imagery. He highlights the collection's consistent quality, the absence of superfluous or forced words, and the striking balance between dark anguish and vibrant life affirmation in Jonsson's expressive poetry. He compares her work to Edith Södergran but emphasizes Jonsson's unique and deeply personal style. Nilsson likens reading the poems to following an angel's flight through vast, powerful realms, with the angel's tears of sorrow and longing transforming into clear, crystalline poems.

He concludes by stating he is deeply impressed and moved, calling Jonsson one of the few gifted individuals who can transform pain into beauty and personal suffering into a powerful experience for others. He strongly recommends the publication of the collection, acknowledging the economic challenges of publishing poetry but asserting that it would be an irreplaceable loss to modern Swedish literature if these poems were not published. He wishes Jonsson and her book great success.

The review also provides background on Ingeborg Jonsson's previous works: "Morgonen har långa vingar" (1964), which received a positive reception, and "Bort flyga fåglarna" (1966), which broadened her scope. The review quotes Rektor Robert Fur's enthusiastic assessment of her debut and Fader Gunnar Rosendal's praise for the poetic beauty and linguistic care in "Bort flyga fåglarna."

The book "Sjungande hav" is described as visually beautiful and high-quality, with illustrations by Karl Petermann. The price is 21 SEK plus VAT.

Poems by Ingeborg Jonsson

Three poems by Ingeborg Jonsson are included:

• "Sonett": A sonnet expressing weariness with the world's noise and envy, a longing for harmony, and a desire for a pure, unblemished earth.
• "O morgon": A morning poem invoking the awakening of the soul with birdsong and the acceptance of the day's gifts.
• "Det är natt": A poem describing a night filled with mysterious shadows, inner light, and a sense of profound beauty and transformation, culminating in a fleeting golden glimmer.

"Skuggorna fladdrar" (Shadows Flutter)

This poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the interplay of light and shadow, and the human tendency to stumble towards death without noticing. It contrasts the playful dance of life with the hidden snares of evil, while a thrush sings joyfully.

Quotes from Contemporaries

This section features brief quotes from notable figures:

• Johannes Gillby on the cost of needs vs. wants.
• Dan Andersson on the loss of meaningful language and the impoverishment of human connection.
• Nils Ferlin's perspective on progress, contrasting technological advancement with genuine human development.
• Vilhelm Moberg on Nils Ferlin.

Health Herbs (Hälsoörter)

This extensive section, written by H. Blom, details the traditional uses of various herbs for medicinal purposes. It begins by discussing the historical reliance on plants for healing and the shift towards chemical preparations, arguing for the enduring value of nature's pharmacy.

The article emphasizes that while modern medicines exist, they often have limited effects or only mask symptoms. It highlights the potential for herbs to offer effective remedies with fewer harmful side effects, provided they are used correctly and not in excessive amounts.

Key herbs and their purported benefits include:

• Apelsin (Orange): Source of Vitamin D, aids calcium absorption.
• Arnica: For bruises, sprains, and rheumatic pain.
• Bellis (Daisy): Aids metabolism, loosens phlegm, and is a mild laxative.
• Björk (Birch): Diuretic, useful for edema and skin issues, and may help with gout.
• Blodrot (Tormentil): For nosebleeds, diarrhea, and hemorrhoids.
• Brännässla (Nettle): Rich in iron and silicon, strengthens lungs, aids digestion, and is beneficial for anemia and rickets.
• Daggkåpa (Lady's Mantle): A women's remedy for varicose veins and menstrual issues.
• En (Juniper): For kidney stones, liver ailments, and gout.
• Ginseng: Stimulates performance and improves general well-being.
• Gurkört (Borage): Soothes coughs and acts as a diuretic.
• Hagtorn (Hawthorn): Used with Mistel for high blood pressure and heart conditions.
• Hamamelis (Witch Hazel): For wounds, inflammation, and bleeding.
• Citronmeliss (Lemon Balm): Calming, aids sleep, and is good for nerve inflammation.
• Mistel (Mistletoe): Relieves spasms, reduces tension, and is used for high blood pressure.
• Ormbunke (Fern): For insect bites.
• Pepparmynta (Peppermint): Soothes stomach nerves, aids digestion, and reduces gas.
• Persilja (Parsley): Diuretic and useful for insect bites.
• Rosmarin (Rosemary): Aids digestion and menstruation.
• Rölleka (Yarrow): Wound healing, stops diarrhea, and can help with dizziness and hemorrhoids.
• Rönn (Rowan): High in Vitamin C, good for constipation and rheumatism.
• Salvia (Sage): Blood-purifying, helps with night sweats and digestive issues.
• Taklök (Houseleek): For heavy menstruation and childhood fears.
• Valeriana (Valerian): For nervous ailments, migraines, and insomnia.
• Vallört (Comfrey): Aids bone healing, metabolism, and nerve pain.
• Vattenklöver (Bogbean): Appetizer, aids digestion, and blood-purifying.
• Åkerfräken (Horsetail): For wound healing, urinary difficulties, impotence, and hemorrhoids.
• Humle (Hops): Known as a sleep aid and stomach tonic.

The section concludes with advice on managing influenza symptoms, emphasizing the importance of a healthy digestive system, fresh air, and moderate activity.

Purifying and Improving the Atmosphere with a Free-Falling Water Stream

This article, originally published in 1965 and revisited here, discusses an ancient Celtic device found in a Roman city near Klagenfurt, Austria. The device, consisting of a marble basin and a stone water channel, was apparently used during council meetings.

Kurt Lorek, referencing the ideas of Viktor Schauberger, suggests that this water apparatus served a purpose beyond simple cooling or humidification. Schauberger believed water acts as an organic magnet that absorbs and radiates energy. Lorek posits that the falling water transformed low-tension energy present in the room into high-tension energy, which was then radiated back into the space, purifying the atmosphere and enhancing its energetic content. The marble basin is noted for not breaking down these energies. Lorek draws a parallel to the mythical Holy Grail and baptismal fonts.

He suggests that such an arrangement could be beneficial for seances or meditation sessions, as it purifies the atmosphere from low-tension energies and entities that thrive in such environments. He mentions that these low-tension energies are often found in valleys, crevices, and in the vicinity of people who cannot think higher thoughts.

Lorek provides practical advice on constructing a similar device using a marble bowl and a copper pipe, recommending silver-plating the pipe for aesthetic appeal. He stresses that only pure marble should be used, as other materials like plastic, glass, or metal would alter the energy transformation.

The article includes a note from the translator, O. Alexandersson, who was a close friend of Viktor Schauberger. Alexandersson elaborates on Schauberger's views, emphasizing water as the universal raw material for all life and culture, possessing an unknown ability to build up and transform energy. He suggests that only through intuitive study can the true nature of water be understood.

Alexandersson invites readers to experiment with Lorek's described device, questioning whether the quality of the water itself (e.g., chlorinated tap water) might affect the results.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes natural health practices, emphasizing the benefits of herbal remedies and holistic approaches to well-being. There is a critical stance towards modern industrial practices, particularly concerning environmental pollution and the potential health risks associated with chemical contaminants in food and water. The publication also values literary and artistic expression, as evidenced by the detailed review of Ingeborg Jonsson's poetry. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed skepticism towards conventional solutions and a strong advocacy for natural, time-tested methods and a deeper understanding of natural phenomena.