In experiencing the ether, however, one must not assume exact geometrical proportions. The ether never remains static but, in its polar complements, always dynamic. For this reason the geometrical symbols are only an aid for abstract use and for training the ability to think, so that the etheric forces can be grasped in their fundamental nature. By experiencing the hidden polarities with his thinking, the practitioner prepares the steps towards seeing the metaphysical, extrasensory movements.
The four ethers
The four ethers, according to the statements of Rudolf Steiner, cannot actually be accurately reproduced in a schematic drawing, since – as already mentioned – they are built up on a complementary oppositeness and agility.
The fire ether
With the fire ether, for example, there exists a cosmic expansion or infinity, while at the same time the seemingly so contradictory movement with a centring depth effect takes place. The colour blue best allows the depth effect and expansion to be recognisable for human feeling. Symbolically the fire ether would be represented with a circle as a sign of infinity and a point in the centre as an indication of depth and centring. The representations are only to be taken in a general sense because the circle is only a kind of symbol.
More accurately and appropriately, this polarity of peripheral and depth effect can be depicted in the image of a circle inside which there is a 3-dimensional tetrahedron. The centring depth is found in the centre, while the circle encompasses the 3-dimensional figure of the tetrahedron. With this image the fire ether can be meditatively grasped still somewhat better.
