The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Ethereal Substance

Ethereal Substance is a form of matter that is described as "The Ether" in scientific terms, known for its extreme tenuity and elasticity. Permeating universal space, it serves as a medium for the transmission of energy waves. This substance is also recognized for its ethereal and tenuous nature, capable of acting as a medium through which energy can propagate. It represents the final state into which an object dissolves as vibrations intensify, reaching a point beyond physical manifestation.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Ether→Substance

Ether and Ethereal Substance are used interchangeably to describe matter in a tenuous and elastic form, permeating universal space

Hermetic Principle Of VibrationConcept

The Hermetic Principle of Vibration applies to the transformation of matter into the Ethereal Substance

Physical PlaneConcept

The Physical Plane includes all forms of matter and energy, which can include ethereal substance, as it is a form of substance that partakes of the nature of matter and energy.

Ethereal Substance acts as a medium for the transmission of waves of energy, which implies that it vibrates, hence it is part of the concept of vibration.

Man→Person

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesSun →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & Sun

The Sun is described alongside Man, representing a central figure in celestial and human significance, suggesting a direct link in the narrative Both Man and Sun are described, connecting in the narrative and traditional symbolism

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesParacelsus →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & Paracelsus

Both Man and Paracelsus are described, connecting in traditional and symbolic significance

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesMysteries →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & Mysteries

The Mysteries were based on the belief that man was created in the image of God, but over time, this understanding was lost.

Ethereal SubstancethroughEtherilluminatesSpirit →
I. Ethereal Substance & Ether

Ether and Ethereal Substance are used interchangeably to describe matter in a tenuous and elastic form, permeating universal space

II. Ether & Spirit

The spirit incorporates ether through the archetype into the physical body

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesAll →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & All

Man ceases manifesting on the material plane and withdraws into the indwelling spirit, representing a return to THE ALL.

Ethereal SubstancethroughEtherilluminatesMatter →
I. Ethereal Substance & Ether

Ether and Ethereal Substance are used interchangeably to describe matter in a tenuous and elastic form, permeating universal space

II. Ether & Matter

Matter at a higher degree of vibration is called Ethereal Substance and serves as a medium for transmission of waves of vibratory energy Ether is a higher manifestation of matter at a higher degree of vibration, connecting matter and energy

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesDevil →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & Devil

The man and woman, once in love, are now chained to the cube, representing their subjection to evil

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesMasonry →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & Masonry

Both Man and Freemasonry are described, connecting in symbolism and philosophical significance

Ethereal SubstancethroughEtherilluminatesTalisman →
I. Ethereal Substance & Ether

Ether and Ethereal Substance are used interchangeably to describe matter in a tenuous and elastic form, permeating universal space

II. Ether & Talisman

The Talisman serves as a channel for the Ether, the vital life force, in Paracelsus's philosophy of magic and medicine.

Ethereal SubstancethroughManilluminatesWorld →
I. Ethereal Substance & Man

The text states that the differences between a plane are a matter of degree and rate of vibration, and that a plane possesses qualities common to both a state and a place, much like humans and ethereal substances both vibrate at different rates and degrees.

II. Man & World

The man, as an apocalyptic beast, accompanies the World card and adds the element of intellect to the full circle symbolism.