Article by James Borges, originally printed in Journal of Borderland Research (Vol. LVI, No. 1, 1st Quarter 2000)
In the mid 1800s Baron Karl von Reichenbach opened a whole vista of new knowledge when he discovered the existence and properties of what he called Od force, a force that flows from minerals and light, in plants and animals, and even radiates from the stars. The Od, the Odic force, named for the Norse god Odin, the “all transcending one,” and the Norse word “voda”, which means “I go quickly…! stream forth”. A mysterious force that permeates all things, that is everywhere present, and surely must be easily revealed, but is actually perceptible to very few.
How then is it that such a subtle force came to be discovered?
The Baron, a scientist foremost, developed his ideas through rigorous experiment: special darkrooms were created that were connected to wires that would conduct Od from plates that collected the force from the Sun or Moon; minerals, magnets and crystals were brought into the darkrooms via special rotating tables that permitted no light to enter. Various displays of Odic force manifested themselves during these experiments, elaborate descriptions of which may be found in his own writings.
Reichenbach, perhaps curiously, also utilized sensitives for his research. It was during his early work with Somnambulism that he was introduced to the idea of sensitives, and from this he posulated that sleepwalkers are sensitive or allergic to something being carried in on the moonlight, an Odic agitation. The theory opened his mind to the possibility of humans sensing his Odic force directly.
In his wide travels, Reichenbach met many people who claimed to be “sensitives”, and he used a wide range of these sensitives in his research, from medically-trained professionals to the inmates of some few asylums. Over time, the Baron would eventually begin to see these Odic displays himself in small measure, his persistent endeavor into Odic research changing his perceptions, but the sensitives remained his primary sources in his experiments.
Od is best detected through certain materials that focus it more than others— for example, it was seen to dance and glide in spectacular beauty when it flowed along magnets and crystals. Reichenbach used the term “concentrator” when discussing these Od sources, as Od is not generated by these objects at all; he declared that the Odic streams “flowed on eternally”, as it flows through the Earth, and travels along the light that streams from the Sun, Moon, and stars.
One of Baron von Reichenbach’s most moving early accounts of his Odic force come from his first introduction of bar magnets into his darkroom experiments. In one such account, he wrote that bright blue flames issued from the north pole, cold and soothing, and from the south poles, red flames, hot and irritating; glittering rainbows, or dark rainbows, could be seen radiating around the largest magnets. Magnets, it seemed, were the strongest Od concentrator . . .
Until crystal formations were introduced to the sensitives. When Reichenbach later introduced a large crystal into the darkroom, it appeared to be “streaming with fine white Odic light of great power”. “Lost Science” by Gerry Vassilatos summarizes Reichenbach’s descriptions further:
“The sharp crystals point projected a deep blue Od jet, some eight inches long. This bright blue projection was in constant motion. Emitting numerous sparks, the flame-jet in the space beyond the sharp point was tulip shaped. Turning the crystal around, the broken crystal base revealed a dense red and yellow smoke.”
As one discovery led to another, Reichenbach further added that his Odic force would flow through wires, and that flames and hot and cold sensations traveled along their length. It must surely have been a magnificent sight to behold. If only it were not limited to observations of his sensitives.
At first glance, it might seem that we are suggesting only sensitives can access these experiences, or that these experiences are the vain imaginings of deranged minds, it may be possible for everyone to participate in this knowledge. We look to Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy and a pioneer in spiritual science, a man who advanced the ideas of an ether with very similar properties to Reichenbach’s Od, for a means to gain access to these perceptions.
Steiner believed that all human beings had senses that could perceive the ethers, and that, especially through Initiation and mental discipline, these senses could be awakened. This is key: the idea that the mind may be trained to see subtle forces, like the Odic force, through a gradual awakening of the senses. It may explain the Baron’s developed ability to observe the Odic displays after a vigorous and extended research— his consciousness was expanded to perceive the subtle qualities.
We believe that these powerful claims are worthy of further investigation, and that the experiments of the Baron can be reproduced. By combining several of the Baron’s discoveries into one small unit, we will attempt to focus the Odic force in a darkroom (and detail how you may attempt the same). We note that it may not be possible to observe the colorful displays described by Reichenbach’s sensitives in our first attempts— we must wait and watch with open minds. The Process itself must precede the experience. Experiments in this vein serve as excellent objects of meditation, a means for the senses to develop.
To start, we can easily obtain (and combine) magnets, wire, and crystals. As this experiment requires a darkroom, a windowless space may be ideal if available, but heavy curtains or wool blankets over windows and doors in the space you plan to conduct the experiments should suffice. You will need to set up a space for a jar to be eye level on a table, three of four feet from a comfortable chair, where you can remain relaxed and alert. The length of time the experimenter can remain in the dark with his mind focused on the object should be prolonged as long as possible. As the experiments continue, the length of time should steadily grow longer, your attention is being disciplined not to wander. This is often difficult, as the eyes tend to wander about looking for light, but the more the eyes become attuned to the Odic luminosity, the longer the gaze may be focused, the more time spent in deep observation.
As always, keep a written record of all experiences during these experiments, even a lack of phenomenon. Observe without judgment, perform without the “lust of result”. Our proposed experiment runs approximately the course of a week, and is meant to be repeated for up to a year or longer. The senses will gradually become more sensitive to the subtle formative forces at play within growing crystals and along the surface of the bar magnets.
EXPERIMENT ONE: Crystal Od
In large jar mix one cup of salt with two cups water. Mix well to create a saturate solution. Drop three or four lengths of wire about four inches long into the solution. Place jar uncovered under a bright desk lamp for several hours.
| Observation 1 | Before crystals form: close jar and bring into the darkroom, place on table. Observe any phenomenon and write it down in your record. Return the jar to the bright lamp for several more hours. Repeat this process for several days until crystal salt cubes form on the wires. |
| Observation 2 | Bring the jar with the crystals into the darkroom, observe any phenomenon and write it in your record. Note ant similarities or differences in the Odic light that you perceive. |
| Observation 3 | Remove the wire with salt crystal from jar, gently shake off excess water. Retire into darkroom. Hold one end of wire with right hand and the other with the left hand.. Observe any Odic effects from the crystal. Note any sense of Odic currents in the hands, arms, chest. Write these experience in your record. |
EXPERIMENT 2: Magnetic Od
The Odic forces focused by magnets are good for observation. The darkroom, chair and table along with two bar magnets are required for these observations.
| Observation 1 | Place single magnet on table in darkroom. Observe any phenomenon, write in your record. |
| Observation 2 | Place two magnets in proximity to each other: attracting one another but not touching. Note any differences from the single magnet observations. |
| Observation 3 | Place two magnets in proximity to each other; repelling each other. Note the differences from the single magnet and any differences from the attracting magnets. |
EXPERIMENT 3: Focused Od
Whereas the previous experiments dealt with focused Odic forces, this experiment is an attempt to show that Odic concentrators (magnets and crystals) may be combined to achieve a very high concentration of the Odic force.
| Observation 1 | Place two bar magnets upright three inches apart from each other. Suspend each end of the wire with a crystal from the top of the bar magnets. Observe and record as before. |
| Observation 2 | Suspend crystal and wire from either face, front or back, of the upright magnets. Observe any differences and record. |
| Observation 3 | Suspend crystal and wire from either face of the upright magnets. Then suspend a bare wire from the opposite side near the base of the magnets. |
Have you performed these experiments? Tell us about your results.
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