MUSINGS ON THE ASTRAL AND ETHERIC 'WORLDS'-from I.A.R.E.
E Christopher Carolan uploaded a file.
Yesterday at 1:28am
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ETHERIC
Thus began my quest -
What is this word etheric?
What is the etheric body?
What is etheric thinking?
What is the etheric heart?
What is Christ in the etheric?
How does the etheric play a role in evolution?
Where are the boundaries of the etheric?
What are the characteristics of the etheric?
As I researched the subject, I compiled a set of quotes from both the written works and spoken lectures of Rudolf Steiner. I tried to distill the essential idea and characteristic that was being conveyed about the 'Etheric'.
It is assumed the reader has a great deal of interest and exposure to Anthroposophy. The subject matter being conveyed is not basic, but rather complex - the most advanced characteristics and descriptions of the percepted phenomenon has been extracted in block quotation.
I apologize in advance if the point of entrance and departure from the extracted quotes leave the reader confused at any time. I have attempted to be both brief in extracting the essence, but also thorough, in presenting enough evidence to convey subject matter to help form a general understanding of the characteristic(s) being conveyed.
I have not altered any wording from the translations. Some spelling may have been re-translated to American English. I did some format and font changes to make this document uniform, but did not add or subtract any underlining or italics as published in the transcript being quoted.
All of the material is available online at www.rsarchive.org. I did not provide the links. When I started, I did not think of providing the hyperlink to the material being quoted– and I am too lazy to add them. Search for a lecture in question with the archives search feature, you should not have any trouble. Google it.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.
E. Christopher Carolan
ECCarolan@hotmail.com
July, 2014
1) Characteristics of the Etheric.pdf
Portable Document FormatDownloadPreviewUpload Revision
LikeLike ·
Pamela Shanks, Viktor Koncsek and 2 others like this.
Hazel Archer Ginsberg i look forward to exploring this
22 hours ago · Like
John Harris Okay Chris-I browsed my way through your well researched post seeking answer to my question -really a clarification of my understanding of man's 'higher' nature. Steiner tells us that man's being is 7 fold in nature, although only the first 4 are somewhat capable of descriptive comprehension. These 4 are the physical body, the etheric body, the astral body and the Ego (or I). Having been a student/practitioner of various metaphysical/spiritual studies (in addition to Anthro.), I understand the concept of interpenetrating 'sheathes' which the I (ego) is 'encased' in. These sheaths (physical, etheric and astral bodies) 'dissolve' at different rates after physical death. Only the ego and its higher bodies, which are of an immutable spiritual nature survive to reincarnate after their sojourn in the spiritual worlds. Of these 3 'sheaths', I have conceptualized two, the physical and astral bodies and the 'planes' or worlds in which they exist, in a comprehensive manner. Simply put-the physical body with its' sense based consciousness (the physical sense organs) exists in the world of earth and the universe; and the astral body (often refereed to as the 'radiant body) with it's sense based consciousness (the chakras) exist in the astral plane or world..The I (ego or 'spirit) exists on a yet higher 'causal' plane or world which is so ephemeral as to defy all but metaphoric description. Now these concepts are based on the interpenetration and enlivening of not only our various bodies, but also our consciousness (thought, feeling and will). However, unlike the physical and astral (and ego) bodies, which live in their own 'universes', the etheric body has always posed a difficulty in comprehension, because, despite being labeled a 'body', the etheric body (and 'world) I conceive of as being a complex 'energetic' engine which drives form and function (including some aspects of consciousness), although not posessing a mobile body with sense organs like the physical or astral. This mobility is made possible by the astral body which differentiates man and animal from plants (which have only etheric bodies). Thus the syntax of 'etheric body is perhaps misleading (or confusing) . The physical form and structure of plants and animals are certainly 'generated by an etheric body which "is only that of a mediator between the activity of the astral body and the physical body" (RS, see below)
...How does this correspond with your research Chris, and anyone else's conceptions. Many spiritual practices involve the conscious control or 'projection' of the astral body and its interaction with other beings and forces as part of their 'paths', as well as initiatory validation. Thank you.
,
Steiner:
"The position of the etheric body today is only that of a mediator between the activity of the astral body and the physical body. In man's present earthly existence, it is the physical body that is of the greatest significance for him. The physical brain is the instrument for man's highest spiritual activity. The etheric body is the mediator, the connecting link between the activity of the higher bodies and the physical body. There was no dissolving of this connecting link in the first two Races nor in the early part of the third Race.
In the so-called Polarian Race (the first Root Race) the etheric body was the most important, Man's whole body at that time consisted of fine etheric substance. Only later did the etheric body densify by permeating itself with physical matter. At the end of the first Root Race, man was not fettered to the ground as he is today. He hovered through the etheric earth, and his organs too, were etheric. He was an etheric being. By the time of Lemuria, through gradual densification, he took on physical corporeality. But even in the middle of the Lemurian epoch, he was not as dense a being as he is today. At the beginning of the third Root Race (Lemurian), matter was just a little denser than that of cloud-formations over mountains today. It was into these “fire-clouds” that men incarnated at that time. Hence the Beings who came as the highest Intelligences from other realms to the earth to be teachers of men, are called “Sons of the Fire-Mist.”
When the geologist takes us back to a certain age in the earth's history when physical remains of human beings are no longer to be found, all physical traces are lost. This is because at a certain period man consisted of such fine, rarefied matter that no physical traces exist in the earth's earlier strata." RS (Sorry-quote derivation 'lost in the ether).
10 hrs · Edited · Like · 2
Clara Gutierrez I found this in Simone's blog, might be interesting here.
Simone DiMeglio 6 de julio de 2014 17:44
The etheric body, ether-body, æther body, a name given by neo-Theosophy to a vital body or subtle body propounded in esoteric philosophies as the first or lowest layer in the "human energy field" or aura.[1] It is said to be in immediate contact with the physical body, to sustain it and connect it with "higher" bodies.
The English term "etheric" in this context seems to derive from the Theosophical writings of Madame Blavatsky, but its use was formalised by C.W. Leadbeater[2] and Annie Besant[3] due to the elimination of Hindu terminology from the system of seven planes and bodies. (Adyar School of Theosophy).
The term gained some general popularity after the 1914-18 war, Dr.Walter John Kilner having adopted it for a layer of the "human atmosphere" which, as he claimed in a popular book, could be rendered visible to the naked eye by means of certain exercises.[4]
The classical element Aether of Platonic and Aristotlean physics continued in Victorian scientific proposals of a Luminiferous ether as well as the cognate chemical substance ether. According to Theosophists and Alice Bailey the etheric body inhabits an etheric plane which corresponds to the four higher subplanes of the physical plane. The intended reference is therefore to some extremely rarefied matter, analogous in usage to the word "spirit" (originally "breath"). In selecting it as the term for a clearly defined concept in an Indian-derived metaphysical system, the Theosophists aligned it with ideas such as the prana-maya-kosha (sheath made of prana, subtle breath or life-force) of Vedantic thought.
In popular use it is often confounded with the related concept of the astral body as for example in the term astral projection - the early Theosophists had called it the "astral double". Others prefer to speak of the "lower and higher astral".
Linga sarira is a Sanskrit term for the invisible double of the human body, the etheric body or etheric double (or astral body in some Theosophical concepts). It is one of the seven principles of the human being, according to Theosophical philosophy.
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, often referred to the etheric body (Ätherleib or "Life Body") in association with the etheric formative forces and the evolution of man and the cosmos.[5] According to him, it can be perceived by a person gifted with clairvoyance as being of "peach-blossom color".
Steiner considered the etheric reality or life principle as quite distinct from the physical material reality, being intermediate between the physical world and the astral or soul world. The etheric body can be characterised as the life force also present in the plant kingdom. It maintains the physical body's form until death. At that time, it separates from the physical body and the physical reverts to natural disintegration.
According to Max Heindel's Rosicrucian writings,[6] the etheric body, composed of four ethers, is called the "Vital Body" since the ether is the way of ingress for vital force from the Sun and the field of agencies in nature which promote such vital activities as assimilation, growth, and propagation. It is an exact counterpart of our physical body, molecule for molecule, and organ for organ, but it is of the opposite polarity. It is slightly larger, extending about one and one-half inches beyond the periphery of the physical body.
Samael Aun Weor teaches that the vital body is the tetra-dimensional part of the physical body and the foundation of organic life.[7][8] He states that in the second Initiation of Fire, which is reached through working with sexual magic with a spouse, the Kundalini rises in the vital body. Then the initiate learns how to separate the two superior ethers from the others in order for them to serve as a vehicle to travel out of the physical body.[9]
On the Tree of Life of the Kabbalah, the vital body is often related to the sephirah Yesod.[10]
Some clairvoyants and occultists have produced drawings and paintings that record their perceptions of the etheric body; see Leadbeater's Man Visible and Invisible for one example. The images produced by Kirlian photography bear obvious resemblances to these graphics, showing a spiky-looking energy field extending a few inches around the human body (as well as other biological specimens, like leaves, and objects like coins). The fact that Kirlian photography can capture the acupuncture points of the body links the technology with concepts of prana, qi, bioplasma, and related ideas and theories. For some believers in the etheric body, Kirlian photography provides important supporting evidence—though skeptics are generally not swayed.
Beings that possess only etheric bodies
In the teachings of Theosophy, Devas are regarded as living either in the atmospheres of the planets of the solar system (Planetary Angels) or inside the Sun (Solar Angels) (presumably other planetary systems and stars have their own angels) and they help to guide the operation of the processes of nature such as the process of evolution and the growth of plants; their appearance is reputedly like colored flames about the size of a human being. It is believed by Theosophists that devas can be observed when the third eye is activated. Some (but not most) devas originally incarnated as human beings.[11]
It is believed by Theosophists that nature spirits, elementals (gnomes, ondines, sylphs, and salamanders), and fairies can also be observed when the third eye is activated.[12] It is maintained by Theosophists that these less evolutionarily developed beings have never been previously incarnated as human beings; they are regarded as on a separate line of spiritual evolution called the “deva evolution”; eventually, as their souls advance as they reincarnate, it is believed they will incarnate as devas.[13]
It is asserted by Theosophists that all of the above mentioned beings possess etheric bodies (but no physical bodies) that are composed of etheric matter, a type of matter finer and more pure that is composed of smaller particles than ordinary physical plane matter.[14] (See the book Occult Chemistry by C.W. Leadbeater)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etheric_body
Etheric body - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org
The etheric body, ether-body, æther body, a name given by neo-Theosophy to a vit...See More
1 hr · Like · 1 · Remove Preview
Frank Thomas Smith Thanks, E-Chris, nicely done. Just one thing. You refer the "mind-body". This seems to be a amalgamation of what is usually translated as "intellectual or mind body". (Is it?) But imo the translation is incorrect. In German it's "Verständnis-oder Gemütseele". (literally "understanding or Gemüt soul"). The problem is the word Gemüt, which has no exact translation in English and is translated as "mind" because that's the first word for it found in the dictionary. But it can also refer to heart or soul or feeling. I translate it as "comprehension or sensibility soul".
Lievegoed gave an example of this: a kindergarten teacher without strong intellectual capacity (no phd) can pass to the consciousness soul via the Gemüt. So comprehension OR heart-feeling is the other path to the consciousness soul.
56 mins · Like · 1
Frank Thomas Smith John, you mention that the etheric and astral are called bodies, which is confusing. Indeed it is. But in German it's "Leib", which has soul-like qualities, as opposed to "Körper", the normal usage and is the English "body". English has only one word, German two. So in German etheric "Leib" is less confusing. Fe, "This is my Leib; this is my blood." Körper" is never used here.
52 mins · Unlike · 2
Pamela Shanks See Uploaded File "Gemut'.
46 mins · Like
E Christopher Carolan How do I justify my conception of my 'perception' of the Etheric world.
I start with a premise -- If there was not life, if I was not living, I would not be experiencing this moment. If there was not life, there would be no life and death, there would be nothing that was different from the spiritual world.
Life, and all that creates living plastic forms, is a given. It is a fundamental building block.
Therefore, there must be a network, a class of being, a type of existence that is the sustaining force behind life.
That which is in tune with the 'life network' I call etheric.
44 mins · Like · 1
E Christopher Carolan Now, I must say - I did this bit of research because of a perception I have. I perceive a tendency to "wax etheric" - to talk about the etheric world, and the etheric heart, etheric thinking, and Christ in the Etheric in a sort of quasi-religious sort of manner.
I think this 'waxing etheric' is what old T-boy has labeled 'Spiritual By-passing" and this psychological phenomena that Anthros are subject to should be identified.
40 mins · Like
Pamela Shanks Yes - (this) discussion is really important so we can meet and learn more.
38 mins · Like
John Harris Frank Thomas Smith thanks for confirming the 'confusion'.It's nice to know that my question had some validity-the clarification/confirmation is helpful...the use of the term 'astral' is commonplace in metaphysical jargon, but refers to a quite specific body and plane (or world), The notion of 'astral projection' is indeed based on a real experience, which is one of the most common and accessible of psychic experiences. However, practices and 'exercises' aimed at evoking astral projection should be viewed with extreme caution. Development of astral perception should be based more on a moral requisite, than 'curiosity, or the quest for knowledge or experience. A real danger underlies this pursuit as the 'teaching' of astral projection techniques is commonplace and one is dealing with the very subtle and sensitive development of the chakras (here).. Also the confusion with the terms astral and etheric needs to be understood in order to discuss and comprehend the concepts.
18 mins · Like · 1
Clara Gutierrez Would the astral be to emotions what the etheric is to the physical body?
16 mins · Like
John Harris Many Hindu yogic practices are based (in part) on developing, through a lengthy and rigorous preparation, the ability to leave the physical body and travel (in one's astral body) into the astral world (plane). On the astral plane the initiate will be 'greeted' by the guru/master who then helps 'guide' the pupil through the astral, and then the higher 'causal' planes in the shortest number of lifetimes (reincarnations) possible. Thus the guru pledges to aid in the initiate's spiritual evolution throughout many future lifetimes-a most serious claim and commitment, which only a truly enlightened 'master' (such as Steiner is) can provide.After several years of 'preparation, the pupil is 'initiated' and experiences the meeting with his guru, in his 'radiant' or astral body, in full (enhanced) consciousness. This experience is 'proof' to the student-initiate of the validity of his guru's claim. This is an eastern Initiation, but bespeaks the same depth of knowledge, albeit in a different form, as does Anthroposophy.
E Christopher Carolan uploaded a file.
Yesterday at 1:28am
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ETHERIC
Thus began my quest -
What is this word etheric?
What is the etheric body?
What is etheric thinking?
What is the etheric heart?
What is Christ in the etheric?
How does the etheric play a role in evolution?
Where are the boundaries of the etheric?
What are the characteristics of the etheric?
As I researched the subject, I compiled a set of quotes from both the written works and spoken lectures of Rudolf Steiner. I tried to distill the essential idea and characteristic that was being conveyed about the 'Etheric'.
It is assumed the reader has a great deal of interest and exposure to Anthroposophy. The subject matter being conveyed is not basic, but rather complex - the most advanced characteristics and descriptions of the percepted phenomenon has been extracted in block quotation.
I apologize in advance if the point of entrance and departure from the extracted quotes leave the reader confused at any time. I have attempted to be both brief in extracting the essence, but also thorough, in presenting enough evidence to convey subject matter to help form a general understanding of the characteristic(s) being conveyed.
I have not altered any wording from the translations. Some spelling may have been re-translated to American English. I did some format and font changes to make this document uniform, but did not add or subtract any underlining or italics as published in the transcript being quoted.
All of the material is available online at www.rsarchive.org. I did not provide the links. When I started, I did not think of providing the hyperlink to the material being quoted– and I am too lazy to add them. Search for a lecture in question with the archives search feature, you should not have any trouble. Google it.
Thank you, I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.
E. Christopher Carolan
ECCarolan@hotmail.com
July, 2014
1) Characteristics of the Etheric.pdf
Portable Document FormatDownloadPreviewUpload Revision
LikeLike ·
Pamela Shanks, Viktor Koncsek and 2 others like this.
Hazel Archer Ginsberg i look forward to exploring this
22 hours ago · Like
John Harris Okay Chris-I browsed my way through your well researched post seeking answer to my question -really a clarification of my understanding of man's 'higher' nature. Steiner tells us that man's being is 7 fold in nature, although only the first 4 are somewhat capable of descriptive comprehension. These 4 are the physical body, the etheric body, the astral body and the Ego (or I). Having been a student/practitioner of various metaphysical/spiritual studies (in addition to Anthro.), I understand the concept of interpenetrating 'sheathes' which the I (ego) is 'encased' in. These sheaths (physical, etheric and astral bodies) 'dissolve' at different rates after physical death. Only the ego and its higher bodies, which are of an immutable spiritual nature survive to reincarnate after their sojourn in the spiritual worlds. Of these 3 'sheaths', I have conceptualized two, the physical and astral bodies and the 'planes' or worlds in which they exist, in a comprehensive manner. Simply put-the physical body with its' sense based consciousness (the physical sense organs) exists in the world of earth and the universe; and the astral body (often refereed to as the 'radiant body) with it's sense based consciousness (the chakras) exist in the astral plane or world..The I (ego or 'spirit) exists on a yet higher 'causal' plane or world which is so ephemeral as to defy all but metaphoric description. Now these concepts are based on the interpenetration and enlivening of not only our various bodies, but also our consciousness (thought, feeling and will). However, unlike the physical and astral (and ego) bodies, which live in their own 'universes', the etheric body has always posed a difficulty in comprehension, because, despite being labeled a 'body', the etheric body (and 'world) I conceive of as being a complex 'energetic' engine which drives form and function (including some aspects of consciousness), although not posessing a mobile body with sense organs like the physical or astral. This mobility is made possible by the astral body which differentiates man and animal from plants (which have only etheric bodies). Thus the syntax of 'etheric body is perhaps misleading (or confusing) . The physical form and structure of plants and animals are certainly 'generated by an etheric body which "is only that of a mediator between the activity of the astral body and the physical body" (RS, see below)
...How does this correspond with your research Chris, and anyone else's conceptions. Many spiritual practices involve the conscious control or 'projection' of the astral body and its interaction with other beings and forces as part of their 'paths', as well as initiatory validation. Thank you.
,
Steiner:
"The position of the etheric body today is only that of a mediator between the activity of the astral body and the physical body. In man's present earthly existence, it is the physical body that is of the greatest significance for him. The physical brain is the instrument for man's highest spiritual activity. The etheric body is the mediator, the connecting link between the activity of the higher bodies and the physical body. There was no dissolving of this connecting link in the first two Races nor in the early part of the third Race.
In the so-called Polarian Race (the first Root Race) the etheric body was the most important, Man's whole body at that time consisted of fine etheric substance. Only later did the etheric body densify by permeating itself with physical matter. At the end of the first Root Race, man was not fettered to the ground as he is today. He hovered through the etheric earth, and his organs too, were etheric. He was an etheric being. By the time of Lemuria, through gradual densification, he took on physical corporeality. But even in the middle of the Lemurian epoch, he was not as dense a being as he is today. At the beginning of the third Root Race (Lemurian), matter was just a little denser than that of cloud-formations over mountains today. It was into these “fire-clouds” that men incarnated at that time. Hence the Beings who came as the highest Intelligences from other realms to the earth to be teachers of men, are called “Sons of the Fire-Mist.”
When the geologist takes us back to a certain age in the earth's history when physical remains of human beings are no longer to be found, all physical traces are lost. This is because at a certain period man consisted of such fine, rarefied matter that no physical traces exist in the earth's earlier strata." RS (Sorry-quote derivation 'lost in the ether).
10 hrs · Edited · Like · 2
Clara Gutierrez I found this in Simone's blog, might be interesting here.
Simone DiMeglio 6 de julio de 2014 17:44
The etheric body, ether-body, æther body, a name given by neo-Theosophy to a vital body or subtle body propounded in esoteric philosophies as the first or lowest layer in the "human energy field" or aura.[1] It is said to be in immediate contact with the physical body, to sustain it and connect it with "higher" bodies.
The English term "etheric" in this context seems to derive from the Theosophical writings of Madame Blavatsky, but its use was formalised by C.W. Leadbeater[2] and Annie Besant[3] due to the elimination of Hindu terminology from the system of seven planes and bodies. (Adyar School of Theosophy).
The term gained some general popularity after the 1914-18 war, Dr.Walter John Kilner having adopted it for a layer of the "human atmosphere" which, as he claimed in a popular book, could be rendered visible to the naked eye by means of certain exercises.[4]
The classical element Aether of Platonic and Aristotlean physics continued in Victorian scientific proposals of a Luminiferous ether as well as the cognate chemical substance ether. According to Theosophists and Alice Bailey the etheric body inhabits an etheric plane which corresponds to the four higher subplanes of the physical plane. The intended reference is therefore to some extremely rarefied matter, analogous in usage to the word "spirit" (originally "breath"). In selecting it as the term for a clearly defined concept in an Indian-derived metaphysical system, the Theosophists aligned it with ideas such as the prana-maya-kosha (sheath made of prana, subtle breath or life-force) of Vedantic thought.
In popular use it is often confounded with the related concept of the astral body as for example in the term astral projection - the early Theosophists had called it the "astral double". Others prefer to speak of the "lower and higher astral".
Linga sarira is a Sanskrit term for the invisible double of the human body, the etheric body or etheric double (or astral body in some Theosophical concepts). It is one of the seven principles of the human being, according to Theosophical philosophy.
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, often referred to the etheric body (Ätherleib or "Life Body") in association with the etheric formative forces and the evolution of man and the cosmos.[5] According to him, it can be perceived by a person gifted with clairvoyance as being of "peach-blossom color".
Steiner considered the etheric reality or life principle as quite distinct from the physical material reality, being intermediate between the physical world and the astral or soul world. The etheric body can be characterised as the life force also present in the plant kingdom. It maintains the physical body's form until death. At that time, it separates from the physical body and the physical reverts to natural disintegration.
According to Max Heindel's Rosicrucian writings,[6] the etheric body, composed of four ethers, is called the "Vital Body" since the ether is the way of ingress for vital force from the Sun and the field of agencies in nature which promote such vital activities as assimilation, growth, and propagation. It is an exact counterpart of our physical body, molecule for molecule, and organ for organ, but it is of the opposite polarity. It is slightly larger, extending about one and one-half inches beyond the periphery of the physical body.
Samael Aun Weor teaches that the vital body is the tetra-dimensional part of the physical body and the foundation of organic life.[7][8] He states that in the second Initiation of Fire, which is reached through working with sexual magic with a spouse, the Kundalini rises in the vital body. Then the initiate learns how to separate the two superior ethers from the others in order for them to serve as a vehicle to travel out of the physical body.[9]
On the Tree of Life of the Kabbalah, the vital body is often related to the sephirah Yesod.[10]
Some clairvoyants and occultists have produced drawings and paintings that record their perceptions of the etheric body; see Leadbeater's Man Visible and Invisible for one example. The images produced by Kirlian photography bear obvious resemblances to these graphics, showing a spiky-looking energy field extending a few inches around the human body (as well as other biological specimens, like leaves, and objects like coins). The fact that Kirlian photography can capture the acupuncture points of the body links the technology with concepts of prana, qi, bioplasma, and related ideas and theories. For some believers in the etheric body, Kirlian photography provides important supporting evidence—though skeptics are generally not swayed.
Beings that possess only etheric bodies
In the teachings of Theosophy, Devas are regarded as living either in the atmospheres of the planets of the solar system (Planetary Angels) or inside the Sun (Solar Angels) (presumably other planetary systems and stars have their own angels) and they help to guide the operation of the processes of nature such as the process of evolution and the growth of plants; their appearance is reputedly like colored flames about the size of a human being. It is believed by Theosophists that devas can be observed when the third eye is activated. Some (but not most) devas originally incarnated as human beings.[11]
It is believed by Theosophists that nature spirits, elementals (gnomes, ondines, sylphs, and salamanders), and fairies can also be observed when the third eye is activated.[12] It is maintained by Theosophists that these less evolutionarily developed beings have never been previously incarnated as human beings; they are regarded as on a separate line of spiritual evolution called the “deva evolution”; eventually, as their souls advance as they reincarnate, it is believed they will incarnate as devas.[13]
It is asserted by Theosophists that all of the above mentioned beings possess etheric bodies (but no physical bodies) that are composed of etheric matter, a type of matter finer and more pure that is composed of smaller particles than ordinary physical plane matter.[14] (See the book Occult Chemistry by C.W. Leadbeater)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etheric_body
Etheric body - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org
The etheric body, ether-body, æther body, a name given by neo-Theosophy to a vit...See More
1 hr · Like · 1 · Remove Preview
Frank Thomas Smith Thanks, E-Chris, nicely done. Just one thing. You refer the "mind-body". This seems to be a amalgamation of what is usually translated as "intellectual or mind body". (Is it?) But imo the translation is incorrect. In German it's "Verständnis-oder Gemütseele". (literally "understanding or Gemüt soul"). The problem is the word Gemüt, which has no exact translation in English and is translated as "mind" because that's the first word for it found in the dictionary. But it can also refer to heart or soul or feeling. I translate it as "comprehension or sensibility soul".
Lievegoed gave an example of this: a kindergarten teacher without strong intellectual capacity (no phd) can pass to the consciousness soul via the Gemüt. So comprehension OR heart-feeling is the other path to the consciousness soul.
56 mins · Like · 1
Frank Thomas Smith John, you mention that the etheric and astral are called bodies, which is confusing. Indeed it is. But in German it's "Leib", which has soul-like qualities, as opposed to "Körper", the normal usage and is the English "body". English has only one word, German two. So in German etheric "Leib" is less confusing. Fe, "This is my Leib; this is my blood." Körper" is never used here.
52 mins · Unlike · 2
Pamela Shanks See Uploaded File "Gemut'.
46 mins · Like
E Christopher Carolan How do I justify my conception of my 'perception' of the Etheric world.
I start with a premise -- If there was not life, if I was not living, I would not be experiencing this moment. If there was not life, there would be no life and death, there would be nothing that was different from the spiritual world.
Life, and all that creates living plastic forms, is a given. It is a fundamental building block.
Therefore, there must be a network, a class of being, a type of existence that is the sustaining force behind life.
That which is in tune with the 'life network' I call etheric.
44 mins · Like · 1
E Christopher Carolan Now, I must say - I did this bit of research because of a perception I have. I perceive a tendency to "wax etheric" - to talk about the etheric world, and the etheric heart, etheric thinking, and Christ in the Etheric in a sort of quasi-religious sort of manner.
I think this 'waxing etheric' is what old T-boy has labeled 'Spiritual By-passing" and this psychological phenomena that Anthros are subject to should be identified.
40 mins · Like
Pamela Shanks Yes - (this) discussion is really important so we can meet and learn more.
38 mins · Like
John Harris Frank Thomas Smith thanks for confirming the 'confusion'.It's nice to know that my question had some validity-the clarification/confirmation is helpful...the use of the term 'astral' is commonplace in metaphysical jargon, but refers to a quite specific body and plane (or world), The notion of 'astral projection' is indeed based on a real experience, which is one of the most common and accessible of psychic experiences. However, practices and 'exercises' aimed at evoking astral projection should be viewed with extreme caution. Development of astral perception should be based more on a moral requisite, than 'curiosity, or the quest for knowledge or experience. A real danger underlies this pursuit as the 'teaching' of astral projection techniques is commonplace and one is dealing with the very subtle and sensitive development of the chakras (here).. Also the confusion with the terms astral and etheric needs to be understood in order to discuss and comprehend the concepts.
18 mins · Like · 1
Clara Gutierrez Would the astral be to emotions what the etheric is to the physical body?
16 mins · Like
John Harris Many Hindu yogic practices are based (in part) on developing, through a lengthy and rigorous preparation, the ability to leave the physical body and travel (in one's astral body) into the astral world (plane). On the astral plane the initiate will be 'greeted' by the guru/master who then helps 'guide' the pupil through the astral, and then the higher 'causal' planes in the shortest number of lifetimes (reincarnations) possible. Thus the guru pledges to aid in the initiate's spiritual evolution throughout many future lifetimes-a most serious claim and commitment, which only a truly enlightened 'master' (such as Steiner is) can provide.After several years of 'preparation, the pupil is 'initiated' and experiences the meeting with his guru, in his 'radiant' or astral body, in full (enhanced) consciousness. This experience is 'proof' to the student-initiate of the validity of his guru's claim. This is an eastern Initiation, but bespeaks the same depth of knowledge, albeit in a different form, as does Anthroposophy.
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