aetheric
Of celestial substance
Aetheric relates to the aether—a hypothetical substance once believed to permeate all space and serve as the medium for light waves.
Physics abandoned the concept after Einstein, but aetheric persists in fantasy, occult, and steampunk contexts to describe mystical energy or otherworldly forces: aetheric vibrations, aetheric plane.
The spelling signals deliberate archaism; etheric is the modern variant.
Filmy, delicate material
- diaphanousDelicately translucent
- wispyThin and insubstantial
- vaporousLike a gas, diffuse
- airyLight and well-ventilated
celestial · astral · otherworldly · unearthly · spectral · phantasmal · ghostly · incorporeal
Purest embodiment of something
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- elixirMythical healing draught
- magnum opusCreator's supreme achievement
vitriol · quicksilver · vital force · pneuma · prana · chi · animal magnetism · life force
Innermost animating essence
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- astral bodySoul separate from flesh
- auraPerceived emanation surrounding someone
- chakraSpiritual node in body
higher plane · transcendence · ascension · enlightenment · nirvana · cosmic consciousness · divine light · heavenly
Understood by few
- esotericAccessible to few
- occultConcealed from view
- mysticalOf hidden spiritual significance
- hermeticImpenetrably closed off
alchemical · thaumaturgic · theosophical · gnostic · cabalistic · metaphysical · supernatural · paranormal
gossamer
Filmy, delicate material
- diaphanousDelicately translucent
- wispyThin and insubstantial
- vaporousLike a gas, diffuse
airy · celestial · astral · otherworldly · unearthly · spectral · phantasmal · ghostly · incorporeal · luminous
quintessence
Purest embodiment of something
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- transmutationComplete change of form
- elixirMythical healing draught
magnum opus · vitriol · quicksilver · vital force · pneuma · prana · chi · animal magnetism · life force
soul
Innermost animating essence
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- astral bodySoul separate from flesh
- auraPerceived emanation surrounding someone
chakra · higher plane · transcendence · ascension · enlightenment · nirvana · cosmic consciousness · divine light · heavenly · celestial sphere
arcane
Understood by few
hermetic · alchemical · thaumaturgic · theosophical · gnostic · cabalistic · metaphysical · supernatural · paranormal · psychic
aethericmaterial
Physical matter; pertinent
corporeal · physical · substantial · dense · solid
aethericterrestrial
Relating to land
earthly · earthbound · chthonic · subterranean · mundane