From studies in plant physiology it is known that green parts of a plant transform inorganic substances into organic substances, which are fundamental for life and growth. These compounds are generated in the course of photosynthesis, in which it is assumed that light supplies the energy. Photosynthesis, according to research, is a complex biochemical process. First, with the aid of pigments, the electromagnetic energy of light is absorbed and converted into chemical energy, then, out of low-energy inorganic substances from the environment, out of water and carbon dioxide, new distinct, more energy-rich organic compounds are formed. With these descriptions it becomes clear that etheric forces work from the light as well as from the chemical organisation of the plant and make use of the available material substances.
In anthroposophical circles there are many drawings which are based on rhythmical principles. They are mainly used therapeutically to train the thinking and also to revitalise the etheric body. For this text, in which the intention is to develop an initial experience of the ether, this aspect applied therapeutically in anthroposophy can be rediscovered and further brought to life. The drawings represent as accurately as possible how the polar experience of contraction and resurrection exists in the etheric action of the world-forces.
Chemical ether
The chemical ether, so named according to anthroposophy, which represents the actual core-substance of ether, works through the ability to contract. It contracts into a more powerful, more compact and connecting form whilst also having an attracting effect outwards.
The opposition, which is now created in the sense of a kind of counter movement, is that precisely through this contraction a next growth occurs. Like a next wrapping or sheathing, there arises a new physical layer, a leaf or a flower form. Not in a linear growth, but in a reciprocal play of contraction and new manifestation, growth comes about in the chemical ether.
Those waves, which thicken downwards towards their end, initiate an almost desirable, subtle counter movement. The growth of the subtle begins in direct opposition to the condensed.
Another drawing, which can represent this chemical ether almost geometrically, can be developed as follows: Start with a circle and reflect it inwards into a hexagonal form. The sides of the regular hexagon should pouch inwards. With elegant loops this hexagon can now be connected up. While on the inside a connection develops, on the outside an ingenious growth-process is revealed. Now this figure can even be contracted into three equal loops, while on the outside in the rising counter-movement, arcs form on the circle to a growing extent.
